Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) recently welcomed Port Hope residents and community representatives to an introductory meeting about the creation of a new Resident Roundtable, a forum designed to enhance transparency and strengthen communication throughout the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI). Communications Manager Shernette Muccuth Henry gave a presentation and shared feedback gathered at the June Town Hall. This feedback highlighted a strong desire from residents for clearer and more consistent communication, which the Roundtable concept aims to address.
The proposed Resident Roundtable will bring together Port Hope residents and individuals connected to the community to create an ongoing dialogue with CNL. Members will participate in an introductory PHAI tour and commit to at least one year of engagement, with meeting frequency anticipated to be 4 to 6 times a year. CNL has issued an open call for participation and hopes to include a diverse mix of voices around the table. The goal is to provide roundtable members with information they can share comfortably, while also enabling them to bring community concerns and questions directly back to CNL.
Meeting participants expressed strong interest in improving communication methods beyond social media. Suggestions included delivering notices to mailboxes, providing localized updates about work in specific neighbourhoods, and offering handout cards for residents undergoing remediation so they can direct others to the correct CNL contacts. Participants also underscored the importance of offering clear information to property owners, especially regarding their options within the voluntary PHAI process and how to decline participation if they choose.
Participants recommended including residents currently undergoing remediation as well as those who have already been through the process, so that both current and past experiences are provided. Meeting attendees also stressed the importance of commitment and continuity. They recommended mixing one-year and two-year terms to ensure returning members can mentor new participants, maintaining both fresh perspectives and consistent dialogue. Younger residents and newcomers were identified as valuable voices who should also be encouraged to join.
CNL is now putting out an open call to residents who might be interested in participating in the Port Hope Area Initiative Resident Roundtable, starting in 2026. Expression of Interest forms will be accepted until January 23, 2026 and applicants will be contacted by January 31, 2026. More information and the Expression of Interest form is available on the phai.ca website: https://www.phai.ca/phai-resident-roundtable/
CNL thanks all applicants for their interest in participating. Clear, frequent communication with residents and neighbours will continue to be CNL’s essential focus for supporting the Port Hope community as the PHAI is completed.
