Ontario Power Generation

Pickering Community Advisory Council

The Council was formed at the beginning of 1999. Its membership was chosen by the Vice President, Administration at Pickering Nuclear and represents a large number of sectors in the community from community associations, municipal government, health, the environment, education, youth, business and members at large. All members live or work in an area from East Toronto to Ajax. They all serve on a volunteer basis without compensation.

The purpose of the Council is to provide direct advice to the Vice President, Pickering Nuclear on subjects of interest and concern to the community related to operations at the site that could have an effect on the community. The subjects fall within three areas where the plant might have impact: the environment, public health and safety and the economy. Broad definitions are used in all three areas.

The Council has met monthly since its formation, with breaks in December and in the summer months. Each meeting lasts for about three hours and sometimes more. Presentations are made by experts within the company or by consultants. Members question the presenters and then discuss what they have heard. The meetings are conducted by a third-party facilitator who acts equally for the members and OPG. Agendas are prepared in advance and cover topics of priority interest to the members. Detailed notes are taken of the meetings and are approved by the members. The meetings are open to the public and minutes are available in public libraries and now on the Internet.

Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference have been developed by the Council members and Pickering Nuclear.