Here’s some very unusual news:

An Ontario company with plans to build a $6.2 billion nuclear power plant near Peace River is considering a second northern Alberta location after hearing concerns from residents about the first.

Bruce Power, headquartered in Tiverton, Ont., wrote a letter to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission this week withdrawing its formal application for approval to prepare a site for future construction.

The news is good because, while it’s a small concession, it sets back Canada’s push for nuclear and is also a clear victory for local activism.

The news is unusual - even unbelievable - in the sense that it is extremely uncommon for the nuclear industry to pay attention to the concerns and welfare of local people. Look at the people of Caetite in Brazil and their contaminated water supply. Look at the sham public consultations where the public are ignored. Look at the childhood leukaemia statistics around nuclear power plants.

Let’s hope the rest of the industry are watching Bruce Power and take heed.