CHALK RIVER, Ontario, Feb. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce that it welcomed a delegation of local public officials and representatives from Renfrew and Pontiac counties to the Chalk River Laboratories today for a series of presentations on its operations and activities. Among other topics addressed during the information session and site tour, CNL provided attendees with an update on its nuclear science and technology programs, the Chalk River Laboratories site revitalization program, CNL’s major environmental remediation projects, and procurement opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.
Overall, CNL welcomed more than 30 visitors to the session, with representatives from 12 municipalities within Renfrew County and the City of Pembroke in attendance, including Sue D’Eon, the new Mayor of Deep River, and representatives from municipalities within Pontiac County, including Warden Jane Toller of MRC Pontiac.
“I’d like to thank everyone for taking time out of their busy schedules to visit the site today, to learn more about the major research projects and commercial work that is underway here at CNL’s Chalk River Laboratories,” commented Mark Lesinski, CNL President and CEO. “This is the first time CNL has hosted local mayors and councillors from both Pontiac and Renfrew counties at the Chalk River site together, which is a great way for us all to get to know one another and better understand the challenges and opportunities we face as a community. Everyone at CNL is working hard to grow our commercial work and build a bright future for the company, which benefits local residents and businesses, and I believe that message resonated with our guests today.”
One of the many topics discussed during the visit was CNL’s 10-year plan to modernize the Chalk River Laboratories campus. Funded through a $1.2 billion investment from Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) on behalf of the Government of Canada, the capital program is designed to transform the site into a world-class and sustainable national nuclear laboratory. Once complete, the site will support the research needs of the Government of Canada and evolving science and technology needs of the Canadian and global nuclear industry, and is designed to spur commercial growth as the company transitions to alternate areas of work.
CNL also discussed its pursuit of a variety of new technologies and services as part of its transformation, including the deployment of small modular reactors in Canada and the use of hydrogen to decarbonize the country`s transportation sector. And, CNL shared its plans to pursue work around the commercial production of Actinium-225, a rare medical isotope that has the potential to serve as the basis of new, ground-breaking cancer treatments. This form of therapy combines alpha-emitting isotopes with a protein or antibody that specifically targets cancer cells, creating a new treatment that is extremely effective at killing cancer cells without doing damage to surrounding, healthy cells.
“As one of the largest employers in the region, CNL has an enormous economic impact on the Ottawa Valley, and their success benefits everyone living in Renfrew and Pontiac counties,” commented Sue D’Eon, Mayor of the Town of Deep River. “But it’s also important to recognize that their work goes beyond our local communities, improving the lives of Canadians in areas such as public health, nuclear security and clean energy. I was really pleased that CNL hosted local public officials today, so that we have a clear understanding of the many projects that are underway at the Chalk River Laboratories.”
Finally, participants also received an update on CNL’s environmental remediation activities. Among other responsibilities, CNL manages nuclear liabilities at the Chalk River Laboratories site on behalf of AECL. The work includes the planning and execution of a number of major environmental remediation projects, including the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) project and the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) Closure Project, both which are going through a public environmental review process.
For more information on CNL, including its environmental remediation projects, research programs and the revitalization of the Chalk River site, please visit www.cnl.ca.
About CNL
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is a world leader in nuclear science and technology offering unique capabilities and solutions across a wide range of industries. Actively involved with industry-driven research and development in nuclear, transportation, clean technology, energy, defence, security and life sciences, we provide solutions to keep these sectors competitive internationally.
With ongoing investments in new facilities and a focused mandate, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories is well positioned for the future. A new performance standard reinforced with a strong safety culture underscores every activity.
For more information on the complete range of services Canadian Nuclear Laboratories please visit www.cnl.ca or contact communications@cnl.ca.
Contact:
Patrick Quinn
Director, Corporate Communications
CNL, 1-866-886-2325
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce1780a3-eff6-4377-920a-a6d9edd1b634