On May 26 ITER Canada confirmed it has taken the next step in its quest to bring the international ITER Fusion Energy Research and Development Centre to Canada by selecting Clarington, Ontario (previously commonly referred to as Darlington) as the site for its Bid. The Centre would be located in the Municipality of Clarington on the north shore of Lake Ontario at the well-developed site of the Darlington nuclear power station.

"As a potential host country, Canada has two excellent sites at Bruce and Clarington and both of these communities have been longtime supporters of bringing this important project to Canada," said Peter Barnard, President and CEO of ITER Canada. "After a long and thorough selection process, Clarington has been chosen by our Board as Canada's proposed site. We greatly appreciate the co-operation and commitment shown by both communities and we are very excited about (the prospects for) bringing this prestigious international scientific research centre to Canada."

In January of this year, ITER Canada submitted its EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO HOST to the International ITER Parties (see Jan/Feb 2000 newsletter). The document was well received, prompting ITER Canada to move forward with submitting a formal Bid, to be finalized November 30, 2000. ITER Canada proceeded with Canada's lead site selection to meet this aggressive timetable and maximize Canada's chances to host the project. The bid is scheduled to be submitted early next year to be followed by international negotiations in 2002. Construction is not expected to begin before 2003.

A formal process was developed to guide the selection. The overall criteria under consideration included technical issues, socio-economic issues, regulatory and environmental assessment issues, cost issues, community support and the views of the ITER Parties who will decide what country hosts the project.

ITER Canada is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1997 with members from universities, labour, industry and government. It is committed to locating the world's ITER Fusion Energy Research and Development Centre in Canada. For more information contact: Laura Ferguson, (416) 964-6444 Ext. 444 or visit the ITER Canada Web site at www.itercanada.com