New Nuclear at Wesleyville

I live in Northumberland County and am surprised by the number of people I talk to who haven't heard about this megaproject, notwithstanding all the OPG and government publicity . One reason could be residents are not aware of the tiny hamlet of Wesleyville, nor the history 50 years ago of an abandoned gas plant that ultimately wasn't needed.  Instead of Wesleyville, what should the proponent or the IAAC call this project?  Port Hope? The biggest  nuclear power plant in the world  will impact at least the 50 km radius of its emergency preparation zone. Anyone who knows this area will know  the impacts of this project, should it be approved and actually proceed, will be profound throughout Northumberland County and beyond. The factors highlighted in OPG's promotional material mention most of them. Therefore the host community, which is more than merely a label, should be at least Northumberland County. That OPG has only interacted with Port Hope, calling it the host community, may have more to do with keeping their generous initial payments to a minimal to maintain their cooperation. New Nuclear in Northumberland County is most accurate. 

Unfortunately and unfairly OPG is not telling us the whole story about this project, not the technology in order to ascertain the various impacts of the  choices, such  as do we want to be dependent on American enriched uranium? How much is this going to cost to be able to compare it to alternative renewable electricity generation options. Before Darlington was built about 40 years ago, why was Wesleyville not chosen instead and would the factors rejecting it be relevent today? OPG tells us after construction  1620 jobs for Port Hope are projected. That could be 1620 jobs for people who will live in Port Hope, not necessarily be from Port Hope. Accuracy, fairness? Isn't it premature to have an impact assessment when so many of the most important facts like the technology and costs decisions haven't been made? How can the IAAC possibly expect impacts on every level to be ascertained and assessed without this information?  

In reviewing alternative renewable elecricity generation, especiallly off  and on shore wind power,  solar, and battery storage, new reports since the proponent presented this project , show they can produce electricity quicker, cheaper and more safely than new nuclear. Installing the Wesleyville site with solar panels or wind generators wouldn't meet the elecricity need, however,  spreading them  over a number of areas where electricity is need distributes  sites, jobs and power. Section 22 of the Impact Assessment Act obligates the IAAC to consider alternatives even if the proponent doesn't. Further, the need for this project is also a legal requirment the IAAC must assess. 

OPG knows the costs of this project are in the many billions of tax payers' dollars. Over run costs could double or triple whatever that number is. The role of the IAAC is  crucial. 

I submit the IAAC, who undertakes these requirements on our behalf and for our protection, must address the above deficencies with OPG and obtain their compliance before an assessment can be done.