To the Editor:
I am adding my voice to the countless others who typically make up the “Silent Majority” in Saugeen Shores, to implore Bruce Power NOT to change its plan to bring its Nuclear Innovation Institute to this area. If the majority remains silent, we must be considered apathetic. This is not something we can afford to be apathetic about!
When I first read about the proposal to establish this world class centre of excellence in Southampton, my reaction was how honoured the town would be to have been selected, and how privileged we would be to be part of this amazing opportunity.
I was therefore disappointed and frankly, ashamed, that a very vocal and negative minority group behaved disrespectfully at the meeting and has been able to influence Bruce Power into considering alternative locations for this project. We all have the right to express our opinions and points of view. However, it is imperative that decisions are made based on what the majority wants (we are, after all, a democracy), and that it isn’t a case of “the squeaky wheel getting the grease”.
I find it interesting that many of the individuals opposed to having the proposed Nuclear Innovation Institute built in Southampton have not been permanent residents of this area for that many years. Yes, they may have spent their summers vacationing on the shores of Lake Huron when they were children, and yes, they may have had their own cottages as adults where they vacationed for years. Perhaps that is part of the problem. They want things to remain “idyllic” and unchanged for nostalgic reasons.
Those of us who have lived here for decades and who have had close ties with the nuclear industry either by being employed there ourselves or by having a spouse as part of the nuclear “family” recognize the importance that OUR Bruce Power holds in the world. How can we not want to support having a centre that will provide technical training, education, skilled work force development and innovation in our area? If we look at what the key focus areas of the Institute will be, how can we not support the development of cyber security; medical and industrial isotopes; health and environmental issues in the Lake Huron and Georgian Bay areas; Indigenous economic development; and operational excellence in the nuclear sector?
As residents of Southampton/Saugeen Shores, it is important for us to look beyond the “nitty gritty” details of building size, design, etc. and focus on the bigger picture. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were known not only for our beautiful shoreline and amazing sunsets but also for being home to a world class institute which can influence the future?
“You can please SOME of the people ALL of the time. You can please ALL of the people SOME of the time. But you can’t please ALL of the people ALL of the time”.
WE NEED BRUCE POWER TO LISTEN TO WHAT I BELIEVE THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN SAUGEEN SHORES WANT AND THAT IS TO PROCEED WITH ITS ORIGINAL PLAN FOR THE NUCLEAR INNOVATION INSTITUTE.
Respectfully,
Linda Phaneuf
