Ignace: From Fading Town to Future Hub
From The Backroads Bill Podcast by North Bay Echo
March 27, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 132
About this episode
The episode discusses Ignace's transition from a declining town to a potential hub for nuclear energy investment.
On this episode of Backroads Bill, we head to Northwestern Ontario to take a closer look at the township of Ignace, a small community facing a big decision about its future. Once supported by forestry, mining, and tourism, Ignace has seen its population decline and its economy slow in recent years. With mills closing and opportunities becoming harder to find, the town found itself at a crossroads. That changed when Ignace was selected as the host community for Canada’s proposed deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel, a project that could bring billions in investment, new jobs, and long-term stability. We’re joined by Jake Pastore to talk about how the community approached the decision, the years of education and public consultation involved, and what it took to earn support from residents and local First Nations partners. We also explore what comes next, from new housing and infrastructure to the construction of a major research and operations facility that could reshape Ignace for generations.
People in this episode
Host: Backroads Bill
Guest: Jake Pastore
Topics covered
- community development
- nuclear energy
- economic change
- public consultation
- local governance
Keywords
- Ignace
- nuclear repository
- community decision
- economic stability
- public consultation
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Canada’s proposed deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel
Places: Ignace, Northwestern Ontario
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