Referendum sees razor-thin support from South Bruce residents to hosting Canada’s nuclear waste [Video]

A slim majority of voters in the Municipality of South Bruce say they’re open to the idea of Canada’s spent nuclear fuel being permanently entombed hundreds of metres below their community.

Voting in a week-long by-election on the matter concluded Monday night, with unofficial results showing a razor-thin majority in support for a plan to have a $26 billion deep geological repository built near Teeswater, Ont., about 170 kilometres north of London.

Asked if they were in favour of the municipality declaring itself a willing host, 51.2 per cent of voters, or 1,604 people, said they were, compared to 48.8 per cent against. To be binding, a yes vote of 50 per cent plus one was required.

In all, 3,130 people cast a ballot, a turnout of about 69 per cent, according to South Bruce officials.

Mark Goetz, South Bruce’s mayor, wasn’t available for comment Monday night, and in a brief statement, …