What is the CANHC?
The Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities (CANHC) represents a broad cross-section of communities with a common interest as a host (or potential host) of nuclear technology in Canada. In this manner, host communities benefit from leveraging learnings and experiences to provide the essential infrastructure needed for nuclear, while also nurturing their community missions and visions. Through such focus, CANHC can facilitate and strengthen each host community at the local, provincial, and national level to accomplish several goals.
As the nuclear industry prepares to broaden its scope beyond the currently limited number of communities with nuclear related industries in Canada, and as nuclear is seen to be an important contributor to reducing the effects of climate change, the role that CANHC plays will be significant. In addition, with the potential for nuclear presence in small communities with limited resources, having the support of a strong organization that includes larger, more experienced nuclear communities, provides host communities with valuable resources, support and input.
What are the goals of CANHC?
1. To share best practices among host communities, all municipalities experience the greatest benefits possible from hosting a nuclear facility within their community.
2. To demonstrate through safe, secure, and positive community partnerships and cooperation, the benefits of nuclear energy through all stages of the nuclear fuel cycle.
3. To elevate CANHC’s status with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) as a central public voice and the main community authority when it comes to nuclear safety, security, and
public opinion.
4. To play a key role in supporting the advancement of Canada’s nuclear technology, such as that outlined in the 2020 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) small modular reactor (SMR) roadmap and the national infrastructure project for the both low and medium level fuel in relation to the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) and specific to high level nuclear waste through the Adaptive Phased Management Process (APM).
5. To articulate the requirements that help Canada develop the community-driven standards, oversight, assessment, and evaluation that would provide existing and new nuclear communities the guidance, expectations, and assurances to achieve long term positive outcomes for people, the environment and local economies when hosting a nuclear facility.
