The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has selected CIMA Canada Inc. to lead the engineering and architectural design of its planned Centre of Expertise in Ignace.

The organization announced the news last month. Under the project scope of work, CIMA+ will complete the detailed design, construction drawings, technical specifications and cost estimates for the facility.

The firm will work with Unity Design Studio, i4architecture, Warrior Engineering, Turner & Townsend, Woodland Heritage Northwest, and Scatliff + Miller + Murray.

The Centre of Expertise, which is expected to open in 2028, will be a multimillion-dollar investment, serving as a hub for research and development, community engagement and knowledge sharing.

“CIMA+ and its partners are honoured to contribute to the NWMO Centre of Expertise in Ignace,” said executive vice-president Yannick Maltais.

The Centre of Expertise will foster collaboration among world-class scientists and multidisciplinary experts and bring jobs to the community for generations to come. It will also be a place for both residents and visitors to learn more about Canada’s plan for used nuclear fuel.

The physical appearance of the centre will take the surrounding environment into consideration, ensuring integration into the existing community.

An Indigenous Knowledge and Reconciliation framework will inform planning and design for the centre. This framework is part of the NWMO’s Reconciliation Action Plan and reflects our commitment to advancing Reconciliation.

“The announcement to move forward with the design, development and construction of the Centre of Expertise in Ignace is another incredible advancement to illustrate that this facility is indeed one step closer to reality,” said Ignace Mayor Kim Baigrie. “We are thrilled as a mayor, council and community to witness the development of this exciting opportunity to create much needed jobs, construction and economic prosperity for this community."

The NWMO has been in discussions with the Township of Ignace since 2019 about the design and use of the centre. It will be home to technical and social research and demonstration programs, public viewing galleries and interactive displays.

The CIMA+ team will also support the NWMO’s procurement of a constructor for the next phase of the project and will act as the owner’s engineering representative during construction.