Best practices in local and indigenous engagement and participation for SMR siting and project development in Canada

As Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Alberta seek to develop the small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear industry, SMR proponents are navigating how to effectively and meaningfully engage with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities of interest to introduce, site, and develop SMR projects. Hatch has recent experience in all four provinces supporting SMR proponents and potentially affected communities alike on engagement and participation strategies, including a regional assessment for SMR project siting, advising on capacity building needs to communities interested in equity investments in SMR projects, and an engagement strategy for an SMR developer. Hatch will draw on this experience to highlight best practices as well as challenges with participatory SMR siting strategies, building capacity for equity investment pursuits, and meaningful two-way engagement regarding a new technology that by association to the conventional nuclear industry can raise concerns to communities and nearby populations about safety and waste management. (author)