Plan. Revision Summary. R0 December 9, 2011 Initial Issue of the Communication Plan. Revision Number Date Description of Changes/Improvements

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2 Title: Communication - OPG s Deep Geologic Document No.: Revision: R0 Date: Dec 9/11 Page: 2 of 10 Revision Summary Revision Number Date Description of Changes/Improvements R0 December 9, 2011 Initial Issue of the Communication

3 Title: Communication - OPG s Deep Geologic Document No.: Revision: R0 Date: Dec 9/11 Page: 3 of 10 Table of Contents 1 OVERVIEW OBJECTIVES RESPONSIBILITIES VICE PRESIDENT - EA & CS, NWMO TARGET AUDIENCE PUBLIC AND MEDIA OPINION PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAM ANNUAL COMMUNICATION CALENDARS PROGRAM EVALUATION PROCESS RECORDS... 10

4 Title: Communication - OPG s Deep Geologic Document No.: Revision: R0 Date: Dec 9/11 Page: 4 of 10 1 Overview Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) communication programs and activities were initiated in 2002, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Kincardine and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), which set out the terms under which OPG, in consultation with the Municipality of Kincardine, would investigate the feasibility of various long-term management options for Low and Intermediate Level Waste (L&ILW) at the Bruce nuclear site. Based on the results of an Independent Assessment Study, the Municipality of Kincardine passed a resolution in 2004, which selected the DGR as its preferred course of study moving forward. A hosting agreement was signed by Kincardine Council and OPG in 2004, which was followed by a polling of Kincardine citizens, both permanent and seasonal, early in 2005, which indicated community support for the DGR. The letter of intent and the project description submitted to the CNSC in December 2005 triggered the EA process. This document provides the going-forward communication plan for OPG s DGR for L&ILW, including objectives, responsibilities, target audience, public and media opinion, program description, and evaluation process. The current program has been designed in accordance with CNSC Regulatory Guide G-217 to meet the requirements for a public information program in the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations. The delivery of the DGR Communication encompasses a broad approach, which is related to key milestones in the development of the DGR and the progression of the regulatory process. 2 Objectives The objectives of the DGR Communication, in keeping with all relevant regulations, are to: Inform persons living in the vicinity of the site of the general nature and characteristics of the anticipated effects on the environment and health and safety of persons during site preparation and construction and subsequent phases of the project (including, but not limited to: site preparation and construction progress; results from follow-up monitoring; DGR milestones, decisions, and modifications); Provide a broad range of engagement opportunities for members of the general public and key stakeholders to become updated, ask questions, provide meaningful comment and raise concerns about the DGR; Provide a broad range of engagement opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples to become updated, ask questions, provide meaningful comment and raise concerns about the DGR; Continue to respond in a timely manner to issues raised by the community, key stakeholders, Aboriginal Peoples and general public; and Monitor, document and evaluate the DGR Communication.

5 Title: Communication - OPG s Deep Geologic Document No.: Revision: R0 Date: Dec 9/11 Page: 5 of 10 3 Responsibilities The NWMO will support OPG in the development and delivery of the DGR Communication. NWMO will take the lead on programs and activities carried out within Bruce County, and OPG will take the lead outside of the county, in adherence with the following principles: Both companies will work cooperatively and support each other to ensure the overall success of the project and build the project brand. OPG is the owner and operator of the DGR. OPG will authorize all key communication objectives and strategies. NWMO provides support and services to carry out communication tasks and activities. OPG is responsible for all engagement with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), with NWMO in a technical support role. NWMO is responsible for all engagement with Métis communities during the regulatory approvals phase of the DGR project. NWMO provides technical support and communication updates to OPG and Aboriginal communities during the construction phase of the DGR Project. 3.1 Vice President - Environmental Assessment & Corporate Support, NWMO The Vice President - Environmental Assessment & Corporate Support is responsible and accountable for the following: Providing leadership, oversight and strategic advice for the community and regional communications and engagements regarding the DGR Project. Preparing this Communication including obtaining acceptance of the plan from OPG. Preparing the Annual Communications Calendar of activities, briefings, tasks and communication tools. Ensuring there are adequate resources allocated to carry out the requirements of the Communication and the Annual Communication Calendar. 4 Target Audience The target audience for the DGR Communication is regional in nature. It encompasses key stakeholders and the general population inhabiting the Municipalities of Arran-Elderslie, Brockton, Kincardine, Northern Bruce Peninsula, South Bruce; Towns of Saugeen Shores and South Bruce Peninsula; the Township of Huron-Kinloss; and the Aboriginal communities

6 Title: Communication - OPG s Deep Geologic Document No.: Revision: R0 Date: Dec 9/11 Page: 6 of 10 located within or asserting rights within Bruce County. Given the scope of the target audience, a broad and inclusive interpretation of persons living in the vicinity has been applied to ensure the information reaches all interested parties, consistent with CNSC Guide G-217. It is anticipated that there may be instances where information is unique to a specific geographic or study area and, as such, would only be communicated to affected stakeholders and members of the public. Key Stakeholders The DGR Communication includes (but is not limited to) a number of key stakeholders: Aboriginal Peoples including Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), Historic Saugeen Métis (HSM); and Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) representing the local interests of the Great Lakes Métis Council, Georgian Bay Métis Council, and Moon River Métis Council; Elected federal, provincial and municipal representatives; Appointed government officials; General public; Officials with a regulator role; OPG/NWMO employees; Media; Local business groups; Chamber of Commerce groups; Service clubs; Women s groups; Agricultural organizations; Anglers and hunters; OPG/Bruce Power retiree associations; Beach associations; Tourism groups; Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs); Educational sector; Source Water Protection Committee; Grey Bruce Health Unit; Scientific groups; Michigan key stakeholders and members of the public including political representatives from the various levels of government, government agencies and NGO s; and Representatives from the nuclear industry such as Bruce Power, Power Workers Union and Society of Energy Professionals.

7 Title: Communication - OPG s Deep Geologic Document No.: Revision: R0 Date: Dec 9/11 Page: 7 of 10 5 Public and Media Opinion Public Opinion Public attitude research will continue throughout the regulatory approvals process of the DGR to evaluate public opinion. Consideration will be given to formal research at three-year intervals. Media Opinion Media coverage of the DGR has remained of interest primarily to local print media located within Kincardine and Saugeen Shores as well as local broadcast media who provide regional coverage across Bruce and Grey counties. The approach is to build and maintain working relationships with media by providing them with up-to-date project and regulatory process information. Engagement activities for the local media include media days, open houses, and attendance at public events and through the hosting of special initiatives. Local print, online, and radio media includes: Kincardine News Kincardine Independent Kincardine Times Saugeen Times Shoreline Beacon Wiarton Echo Walkerton Herald Owen Sound Sun Times CKNX Radio CFOS Radio The Coast Radio. Media outside of Bruce County that have shown interest in the DGR Project include Kitchener-Waterloo Record, Toronto Star, National Post, Ottawa Citizen and CBC Radio. International media that have shown interest in the DGR Project include Detroit News, Macomb Daily, Port Huron Times Herald, and Port Huron News, Detroit Today as well as several online publications. 6 Public Information Program The Communication in support of the DGR Project will continue to be developed in a manner that ensures citizens are apprised of the general nature and characteristics of the anticipated effects on the environment and health and safety of persons during site preparation and construction and subsequent phases of the project. Program content will

8 Title: Communication - OPG s Deep Geologic Document No.: Revision: R0 Date: Dec 9/11 Page: 8 of 10 also include information about site preparation and construction progress; results from follow-up monitoring; DGR milestones, decisions, and modifications. Communication Tools and Activities A broad range of communication tools and activities will be employed to provide the general public, key stakeholders and Aboriginal Peoples with information and opportunities for engagement. These are scheduled and tracked using an Annual Communication Calendar. Communication tools and activities are described below: Means of Notification Public notifications will be prepared and distributed through a number of venues such as press releases, advertisements, web communications ( letters and face-to-face briefings. Stakeholder Briefings and Presentations Regular briefings, on a frequency commensurate with key project activities, milestones and decisions, will continue to be conducted to provide key stakeholders with updated information and opportunities to provide comments, ask questions and identify and discuss any concerns throughout. Established stakeholder groups which will continue to receive briefings are: - Aboriginal Peoples; - Huron-Bruce Member of Parliament; - Huron-Bruce Member of Provincial Parliament; - Kincardine DGR Community Consultation Committee (OPG and NWMO representatives, Mayor, Deputy-Mayor and two councilors); - DGR Community Advisory Consultation Group (OPG and NWMO representatives, eight Bruce County Mayors and municipal administrators as required); - Provincial and Federal Ministries; - Local MOE Office; - Grey-Bruce Medical Officer of Health; - Inverhuron District Ratepayers Association; - Bruce Power; and - Power Workers Union and Society of Energy Professionals. DGR Project Newsletters The established DGR project newsletters will continue to be issued on a frequency commensurate with key DGR activities, milestones and decisions. Currently three to four newsletters are distributed annually to about 30,000 Bruce County residences, businesses and interested parties on a designated mailing list, several of whom reside outside Canada, including Michigan. Fact Sheet/Brochure Fact sheets or brochures will be utilized as a means of providing new information to the public about key DGR activities, milestones and decisions in the process. DGR Website The DGR website can be accessed via the OPG website at The website will continue to be updated, in a timely manner, with new information and copies of public notification products such as letters and press releases. Contact information is posted on the website to encourage two-way dialogue

9 Title: Communication - OPG s Deep Geologic Document No.: Revision: R0 Date: Dec 9/11 Page: 9 of 10 so members of the public have an opportunity to become informed and updated, ask questions, provide meaningful comment and identify and raise any concerns. The DGR information link is checked daily on weekdays, and a timely response is given to all enquiries. DGR Mobile Exhibit The DGR mobile exhibit, used primarily at community and public events, will continue to be utilized as an engagement tool up to the Joint Review Panel public hearing for the DGR, and possibly afterwards on an as needed basis. Bruce County Marketplace Advertorial - The Connecting with the DGR column will be maintained to provide the public with information about key DGR activities, milestones and decisions. Open Houses/Community Information Sessions/Community Consultation Centre Open houses, community information sessions and/or a community consultation centre will be planned as vehicles to provide the public with opportunities to become informed and updated, make comment, ask questions and indentify and discuss any potential concerns. Other communication tools such as newsletters, advertising, press releases, etc., would be used in a support fashion to inform the public of these engagement opportunities. Media Briefings Ongoing briefings with local media (print, broadcast and web-based) will continue to ensure media has accurate and current information regarding DGR activities, key milestones and decisions. Special events (press conferences, media days and radio talk shows) may also be employed. Telephone Communication Contact information of public affairs staff will continue to be available to the public on written and electronic materials to facilitate any information requests and/or responses from the public. Employee Communication Communications about the project will be provided to NWMO and OPG employees through employee publications, newsletters, intranet sites and Lunch and Learn events. Issue Management and Tracking - A DGR comment database will continue to be maintained to record and monitor all comments, correspondence and communications with the public and key stakeholders. 7 Annual Communication Calendars Annual communication calendars are developed and monitored jointly by NWMO and OPG. The use of annual communication calendars supports the delivery of the DGR Communication. Prior to the development of each new calendar, the objectives of the previous year s communication plan are discussed and evaluated. Subsequent calendars are developed to include revisions as the result of any lessons learned.

10 Title: Communication - OPG s Deep Geologic Document No.: Revision: R0 Date: Dec 9/11 Page: 10 of 10 8 Program Evaluation Process The DGR Communication programs and activities will continue to be evaluated throughout to ensure that the objectives are being met. The evaluation will consider the measures of assessment as described in NWMO s Engagement and Dialogue Procedure (NWMO- PROC-RG-0003). Feedback from the public is encouraged by posting contact information on the DGR website, newsletters and all written publications. Comments about the DGR and the Communication will continue to be documented in a database using a tracking form, which identifies the source of the comment, date and type of communication ( , phone, letter or in person). It also provides a summary of the comment and response given with key information such as date of response, the provider of the response and the manner in which the response was communicated. Regular briefings and meetings with community leaders and established committees will continue to provide firsthand information about the effectiveness of the DGR Communication, and OPG and NWMO will continue to seek such feedback. Public attitude research and community leadership surveys were undertaken as part of the socio-economic impact assessment for the DGR. Specific questions related to the effectiveness of DGR communications provided a scientific means of evaluating the program. Such methodology will be employed in the future as part of follow-up monitoring, to evaluate and, if appropriate, adjust or revise the program. 9 Records Associated briefing notes, reports and supporting documentation, used for the purposes of demonstrating engagement and dialogue with stakeholders, and to evaluate the overall communication plan, shall be filed with a retention period of ten years. Records shall be filed and maintained in accordance with NWMO s Records Management procedure (NWMO- PROC-AD-0002).