For more than 75 years, the people of the Ottawa Valley have played an important role in the story of Chalk River Laboratories. Generations of local residents have worked at the site, local businesses have helped build and operate our facilities, and our municipalities and Indigenous Nations and communities have been valued partners throughout that journey.
Today, I am writing to let you know that Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) has submitted its application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to renew the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) site licence.
This application is about much more than regulatory approval. It is about ensuring that CRL can continue serving Canadians for decades to come through nuclear science and technology, environmental remediation, radioactive waste management, health sciences, clean energy innovation, and support for Canada’s growing nuclear industry.
As part of the application, CNL has requested a 24-year licence term. We believe this is the right duration because it reflects the long-term nature of the work entrusted to us. Many of the responsibilities carried out at Chalk River extend well beyond traditional licensing cycles. The safe decommissioning of legacy facilities, environmental restoration projects, stewardship and management of radioactive wastes, and the modernization of site infrastructure are multi-decade commitments.
The requested licence term also aligns with Canada’s growing interest in nuclear energy as part of a clean energy future. Chalk River Laboratories will play an important role in supporting research, innovation, fuel development, reactor technologies, health sciences, and the skilled workforce needed to help Canada achieve its long-term energy and climate objectives. A longer licence provides the stability needed to make investments and plan responsibly for these initiatives while maintaining strong regulatory oversight from the CNSC.
Importantly, a longer licence does not mean less oversight. The CNSC will continue its rigorous inspection, compliance, and reporting activities throughout the licence period. In addition, we have proposed a formal five-year review point within the licence framework.
That proposal reflects what we heard during our engagement activities over the past year. Whether speaking with municipalities, Indigenous Nations and organizations, community members, employees, or other stakeholders, a common message emerged: people want to remain informed, engaged, and involved in the future of Chalk River Laboratories. The proposed review point would provide a meaningful opportunity for communities and Indigenous Nations to engage directly with the CNSC regarding our performance and operations while preserving the long-term certainty needed to carry out our mission.
At CNL, safety remains our highest priority. We are equally committed to protecting the environment and being a responsible neighbour. In recent years, we have made significant investments to modernize the CRL campus, remove aging infrastructure, reduce environmental risks, strengthen safety systems, and create a more sustainable laboratory for future generations. This work is helping transform Chalk River into a safer, more modern, and environmentally responsible research campus.
As the licence renewal process moves forward, we remain committed to transparency and open communication. We will continue sharing information, listening to feedback, and creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue. We also intend to offer presentations to municipal councils and community groups throughout the region to help explain the application and answer questions.
Looking ahead to the CNSC public hearing process, currently anticipated in 2027, there will be opportunities for communities, organizations, and individuals to participate. We hope those who know our work and understand our contributions to the region will consider sharing their perspectives with the Commission through written submissions or oral interventions.
On behalf of everyone at CNL, thank you for your continued interest, partnership, and support. We look forward to continuing our work together and building on the strong relationships that have connected Chalk River Laboratories and the Ottawa Valley for generations.
Sincerely,
John Osborne
Chief Nuclear Officer
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
