They thought they’d found an affordable place to live. They were never told about the radioactive mining waste

As workers poured into the area, the companies worked with the province to establish Elliot Lake as a proper town. Radioactive waste from the nearby Milliken Mine was used to level the ground for homes and driveways, the report alleges. To attract new residents, Elliot Lake began marketing itself as an ideal place to retire, touting its inexpensive houses and proximity to nature. She said after learning that there could be radioactive waste on her property she no longer lets them play with the dirt in the yard. “It’s never been contemplated by policy and law that radioactive waste ever becomes a homeowner’s responsibility.”Federal Minister of Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson declined an interview request.