Saugeen Shores has been given the green light to move forward as a potential host community for a Deep Geological Repository for spent nuclear fuel.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization has okayed the results of the initial screening test.

The house was only half full at the Rotary Hall as NWMO officials explained to councillors that Saugeen Shores met all of necessary requirements to continue on if they so desire.

Councillors learned there is sufficient land to house the repository, without disturbing protected areas such as heritage sites and provincial parks.

The land also does not contain obvious known geological and hydro geological conditions that would make the area unsuitable.

Council voted to receive the report but has not made a decision as to what to do next but Mayor Mike Smith has his ideas.

He says he's not afraid to learn more about it.

He says the presentation probably raised more questions than answers and that's why he would like to continue to Step two.

The President of the Southampton Residents Association Ken Robertson has been vocal against a DGR and his tone hasn't changed and wants the town to end the process.

He suggests the community is being led down a path that will result in depressed property values and bring a negative impact to the economy.

Save Our Saugeen Shores spokesperson Ann Marie Johnston, speaking from a prepared release urges council to bring the process to an end.

NWMO has three information Open Houses planned for Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week at two locations at the same time -- from 11 AM to 7 PM on Thursday and Friday -- and from 10 AM to 1 PM on Saturday.

The Open Houses will be held at the Plex in Port Elgin and the Southampton Fire Hall