Even a quick look at the Strachan Street Ravine today will reveal that the site is looking differently than it has for the past few years. The area once fenced in is now more park-like and open. While the “snow flies”, the green of the area is covered, though expected to flourish over the next few years.
The Strachan Street Ravine held historic low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) that was placed there in the 1930s and 1940s by Eldorado Nuclear Limited. The waste was consolidated in 1988 and positioned against the roadbed under clean shielding until it was safely removed as part of Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) activities in 2022. Approximately 8160 tonnes of waste was removed and securely transported to long term storage at the Port Hope Long-Term Waste Management Facility. This allowed removal of the fencing and signage that marked the ravine as a licenced nuclear storage site under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
Restoration of the Strachan Street Ravine was completed in late 2023 and included re-grading of the ravine slope, adding clean topsoil, fresh sod and young trees. A railing was installed along the southern edge of Strachan Street, after the fencing was removed, for an added element of safety. The area has been returned to the municipality and private property owner.
Work is moving forward at the Lions Park site, across the street from the Strachan Street Ravine, and is expected to continue through 2024. Please continue to use caution when driving or walking in the area near Strachan and Thomas Streets.
