The primary goal of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) is to safely deliver the solution to a long-standing environmental issue while minimizing impacts on the local communities being served. To achieve this, it is critical for CNL to stay connected with the people living in the host communities where the projects are being completed. Informed residents in Port Hope and Port Granby, as well as the wider public and targeted stakeholders are essential to the successful cleanup of low-level radioactive waste in these communities.
Here are just a few of the highlights from CNL’s community outreach efforts in 2017:
- More than 2,000 people received information about the PHAI – by visiting, phoning or emailing the Project Information Exchange in Port Hope. Information requested included details on planning, design, implementation and environmental monitoring of the Port Hope and Port Granby projects.
- More than 90 presentations, tours, and stakeholder group meetings were held. These featured project updates for agencies at all levels of government, including councillors of the municipalities of Port Hope and Clarington, and staff of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Canada. Learning opportunities were also provided for students from elementary to university level.
- Close to 2,000 homeowners inquired about radiological testing and remediation of their properties. Using a one-on-one approach for detailed discussions about specific property work, almost 100 “kitchen table” meetings took place in 2017.
- In addition to face-to-face interactions, the PHAI website and social media platforms provide 24/7 access to up-to-date, accurate project information while reinforcing the commitment to health, safety and the environment. Last year, the website received 35,000 visits, while the Facebook page reached 300 likes.
While the transfer of information is important, the quality of the interactions are also key. Overall, the experience has been positive, with a resident sharing: “The people I dealt with were very considerate, knowledgeable and earned my respect during this process.”
