CANADIAN NUCLEAR LABORATORIES - WHITESHELL LABORATORIES RESTORATION PROJECT CANADIAN NUCLEAR LABORATORIES—WHITESHELL LABORATORIES RESTORATION PROJECT
RESEARCH TO RENEWAL From Nuclear Innovation to Environmental Renewal
Since the 1960s, Manitoba’s Whiteshell Laboratories has been a cornerstone of nuclear innovation. Established near Pinawa by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), the site was home to pioneering research that shaped the future of nuclear energy. From reactor safety and fuel storage to groundbreaking waste management solutions, Whiteshell Laboratories’ contributions have le� an enduring mark on Canada’s clean energy story. The WR-1 reactor, built in the 1960s, was a prototype that helped inform the design of Canada’s first generation of CANDU® power reactors. These designs continue to Over 99% of the site will be restored, opening doors to future opportunities
can open the door to new opportunities for economic development and growth in the province’s eastern region. The restoration project is more than science; it is about community. With over 500 jobs and an annual contribution of $160 million to the local economy, CNL is committed to ensuring this work benefits the region today while creating possibilities for tomorrow. Steered by engagement with Indigenous Nations, local municipalities, and residents, we are building trust and shaping a future that reflects shared priorities: safety, partnership, sustainability, and opportunity. From research to renewal, Whiteshell Laboratories continues to inspire progress. Together, we are closing a historic chapter and opening new doors for future generations. Learn more at cnl.ca/whiteshell
power millions of homes today. Whiteshell Laboratories also led the world in waste management, introducing the first above- ground dry storage system for used nuclear fuel and hosting the Underground Research Laboratory near Lac du Bonnet, which influenced every deep geological disposal project worldwide. This legacy of care and creativity has supported not only energy innovation but also the development of life- saving medical isotopes, which have helped diagnose and treat cancer in over a billion people globally. Today, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is writing the next chapter in this story. Whiteshell Laboratories is now Canada’s first major nuclear decommissioning and environmental restoration project. It is a highly regulated, carefully planned effort to remediate the land safely for what’s next. When the work is complete, over 99 per cent of the site will be restored for unrestricted, industrial, or recreational use, with only a small portion remaining under long-term monitoring. This transformation
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