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Community Response

Port Hope Residents Have Their Say

In November 2009, a survey of Port Hope residents conducted for the Port Hope Area Initiative Management Office (PHAI MO) confirmed that over three-quarters of residents polled continue to express confidence that the waste can be safely managed at the proposed new facility, rising from 65 per cent in 2002 to 78 per cent in 2009. This is the eighth consecutive year that the survey was conducted among residents in Ward 1 and Ward 2 of Port Hope.

The following points provide a brief outline of findings. For complete information, see Public Attitude Research Regarding the Port Hope Area Initiative.

  • Over 90 per cent of respondents said they like living in the community.
  • 63 per cent say the cleanup of low-level radioactive waste is a "very important" issue.
  • Living in a community dealing with radioactive waste management facilities is not something people dwell upon; 75 per cent said they "never" or "not very often" think about this fact.
  • 87 per cent are aware of the Port Hope Area Initiative and 82 per cent are satisfied with accessibility of information from PHAI MO.

Results of previous surveys can be viewed on the Port Hope Area Initiative website at www.phai.ca under 'Information and Involvement.'"

 

The Community Voices Its Support

The following comments (used with permission) have been excerpted from presentations offered during the CNSC licensing hearing for the Port Hope Area Initiative, held August 26-27, 2009. Additional excerpts from supportive written and oral interventions are availble here 

Reality vs. perception
"Our members understand that there are no immediate health effects from the radioactive waste that is currently in the community. However, the public's perception has been different, particularly among people who are not from Port Hope…I speak for our members when I say that we look forward to the resolution of these issues and the completion of the cleanup process in order to remove the stigma that has been attached to the community, enabling us to promote Port Hope as an enjoyable and healthy destination for business and pleasure."
Kelly Morgan MacKenzie
 Chair, Heritage Business Improvement Area


LLRW an obstacle to progress
"We support the proposed [low-level radioactive] waste facility and would like to see it move forward as quickly as possible. The issue of nuclear waste and related issues has divided our community on many fronts, it has been an obstacle to progress within the town and a deterrent for any kind of development in Port Hope.
The proposed waste facility has been well studied and I believe it is a practical and safe solution. We need to 'get on with it,' so the town can move forward and thrive."
John and Donna Quantrill, residents, entrepreneurs.

 

Trust expertise at CNSC and AECL
"Since 1973, I've made Port Hope my home… The nuclear industry has, and always will have supporters and detractors, like many other industries. And, as in any community faced with complicated issues, Port Hope has a frustrated silent majority and a very active vocal minority on this broad subject…I trust personally the level of expertise at the CNSC and the AECL; …I trust professionals who are specialists in all aspects of my daily life…I don't understand residents who express mistrust of a proposed cleanup and the process. How can they not see this is a valued, honourable solution to deal with the management of historic low-level waste? … We have long anticipated a restoration of our environment, our reputation, of our self-respect and of our dignity as a community."
Anita Blackwood, resident


The world is watching
"Residing here for over 50 years, I also have raised my children here. … For too many years, Port Hope has had this "Contamination Cloud" hanging over its head. I have talked to both people and businesses that have chosen to locate in surrounding areas because of their uncertainty with our current situation (perceptions are very powerful)….We need to move forward in a positive and beneficial manner…and the world is watching."
Barb Pemberton, lifelong resident, community volunteer

 

The most beautiful and the cleanest
"Wouldn't it be nice in 10 years to be able to say that not only is Port Hope the most beautiful, but also the cleanest Municipality in Ontario? … Let's get started!"
Renee and Peter McLachlan, residents and business operators