In 2022, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) implemented a revised contracting strategy based on lessons learned from earlier phases of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI). Under this updated model, a single prime contractor is responsible for all stages of the remediation process — including characterization, design, cleanup, and restoration. This approach strengthens accountability, reduces project uncertainty, and ensures that property owners participating in the voluntary program are fully informed about the scope of work required before remediation begins. This change was communicated to residents and property owners in 2022 and reinforced through subsequent engagements.
In addition, CNL announced the termination of the contract agreement for the Harbour and Centre Pier site in June 2020. At that time, it was explained that the pandemic-related work stoppage, combined with the change in contracting strategy, would likely extend the PHAI presence in the harbour area by approximately one year. CNL remains committed to identifying efficiencies wherever possible to shorten the overall project timeline. CNL also announced that the contract with Milestone Environmental Contracting Inc. to complete restoration work at several residential properties would remain in place to ensure that work could be completed during the summer of 2020. Meanwhile, all other PHAI activities at residential and larger sites, including those within the waterfront area, continued to advance while adhering to pandemic-related directives and guidance of government and public health directives.
To be clear, aside from pandemic-related disruptions, changes to contracting strategies have not resulted in work stoppages on privately owned properties.
