Town, NII Renew Lease Agreement

Town Council members have moved to support an important community partner by endorsing a new ten-year lease agreement for the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII). The deal means the internationally recognized research institute will continue to lead clean energy innovation, STEM education and policy research from its facility at 620 Tomlinson Drive in Saugeen Shores.

NII’s presence in Saugeen Shores brings with it national and international visitors to the area – and the Institute has become a vibrant hub, hosting two dozen community groups over the past year like the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, local immunization clinics and others.

In addition, NII will continue its strong partnership with the Town by:

• bringing engaging, innovative science and technology curriculum through the NII Explore program to the Town’s elementary and secondary schools,
• helping upgrade and expand local workforce skills and capabilities in the nuclear and clean energy sectors,
• helping the Town be a leader in the clean energy transition,
• running community outreach programs and other dynamic events, include its highly successful SWERVE technology festival, and
• help the Town expand its nuclear and clean energy footprint by attracting companies and encouraging business diversification.

NII will also provide the Town with space for Council and committee meetings while the existing municipal offices are modified during the Aquatic & Wellness Centre construction.

"This is an exciting agreement that ensures an important economic partner remains in our community,” said Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “NII is a key driver of collaboration between industry, academia and government in the clean energy sector and we are pleased to host them as they continue their significant work.”

“Saugeen Shores has been a generous host community for NII as we established our not-for-profit organization,” said Bruce Wallace, NII President and CEO. “The certainty provided by this agreement cements our ability to expand our work – from education to environmental projects and more – on behalf of Saugeen Shores and in the wider region.”

Under the agreement, NII will occupy 620 Tomlinson Drive in Port Elgin rent-free for the first five years (2024-2028), and then negotiate with the Town for a rental rate for the remainder of the lease (2029-2033). In return, NII will provide the Town with a seat on NII’s Board of Directors, giving Saugeen Shores the same membership opportunities as other Founding Members.

NII has occupied their current offices rent-free since 2019 under an existing lease agreement. Since then, NII and its Founding Members have invested in major capital improvements to the facility, renovating it into a bright, modern space.

Council will hold a final vote on the agreement on November 13, 2023. You can find the Council report, along with the lease agreement HERE.

This agreement is a Division Highlight for the Office of the CAO’s Strategic Initiatives Division, as outlined in the 2023 Business Plan approved by Council (p. 14).

About the Nuclear Innovation Institute

The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides a platform to accelerate innovation and the implementation of business-relevant solutions for the nuclear industry. NII’s social mandate involves stimulating local STEM education and the exposure to the advanced technologies required for a 21st-century skilled workforce, acting as a catalyst for regional economic growth, and offering a distinct rural voice on clean energy policies and pathways.