About

About CANHC

Overview

The Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities (CANHC) represents a broad cross-section of municipalities that host — or are considering hosting — nuclear technology in Canada.

Host communities benefit from leveraging shared experience and best practices to provide the essential infrastructure needed for nuclear activities while nurturing their own community missions and visions. CANHC strengthens each host community at the local, provincial, and national levels.

As Canada’s nuclear sector expands — including emerging technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs) — and as nuclear energy plays an increasing role in climate and energy policy, the role of CANHC continues to grow. Smaller and emerging host communities, in particular, benefit from the experience and support of larger, established nuclear municipalities.

CANHC Goals

To share best practices so that municipalities experience the greatest possible benefits from hosting nuclear facilities.
To demonstrate the benefits of nuclear energy across all stages of the fuel cycle through safe, secure, and positive community partnerships.
To elevate CANHC’s status as a central municipal voice in matters of nuclear safety, security, and public confidence.
To support advancement of Canada’s nuclear technologies, including SMRs and long-term waste management initiatives.
To articulate community-driven standards and expectations that support long-term positive outcomes for people, the environment, and local economies.

CANHC Role

CANHC supports nuclear host communities by:

Coordinating municipal collaboration across Canada
• Sharing best practices in emergency management, planning, socio-economic research, and public communication
• Building municipal capacity to engage effectively in regulatory processes
• Providing system-level advocacy on nuclear policy and governance issues
• Strengthening relationships between municipalities, regulators, and industry

CANHC does not regulate nuclear activities or advocate for specific projects. Its role is to support informed municipal leadership and advocate for governance processes that reflect the realities of nuclear host communities.