‘We are doubling down on Canadian technology, Canadian workers and the Canadian supply chain’
The Ontario government has approved Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) plan to refurbish four CANDU nuclear reactors at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, which will support thousands of jobs.
The refurbishment is expected to create roughly 30,500 jobs during construction and sustain 6,700 jobs throughout the station's operation. With a final budget of $26.8 billion, more than 90 per cent of project costs will be spent in Canada.
Nuclear power has been the backbone of Ontario's energy grid for the past 50 years, and the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is "one of the best-performing and continuously operating nuclear stations in the world," says Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
"To deliver on our major jobs plan to get Canadians working, extending the life of the facility will create jobs for tens of thousands of skilled workers while we build up the Ontario supply chain and keep 90 per cent of our project spend in this country," he says. "After the previous government's attempt to shut down the facility, this refurbishment signals that we are doubling down on Canadian technology, Canadian workers and the Canadian supply chain to protect our economy from global instability."
The refurbishment and ongoing operation will increase Canada's gross domestic product by $41.6 billion, according to OPG projections.
Recently, Ontario suspended its fast-track immigration stream for skilled tradespeople, cancelling all current applications and leaving thousands of candidates uncertain about their future in the province.
‘This is a win for skilled trades’
The refurbishment at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station has received support from unions representing skilled trades workers, including the Ontario Iron Workers District Council, the Carpenters' Regional Council, and Labourers' International Union of North America (LiUNA).
"This project is a win for the Ironworkers and the skilled trades, securing good union jobs, supporting local communities, and ensuring a clean, reliable energy future," said James Hannah, President of the Ontario Iron Workers District Council.
The project will also contribute to Ontario's workforce development goals. Durham College and Ontario Tech University have committed to preparing graduates with skills required for careers in the nuclear sector and skilled trades.
"Ontario Tech is ensuring the province has the skilled talent pipeline it needs to deliver reliable, affordable and clean energy for decades to come," said Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor of Ontario Tech University.
In 2024, the Ontario government announced the completion of phase one of preparation for Ontario’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR) – the first in G7 – which is being constructed at Darlington, England.
It also said it completed successful trade missions to Romania and France, securing $360 million worth of deals that are meant to boost Ontario's economy and leverage the province's expertise in nuclear energy. The agreements will leverage the province's nuclear expertise to create jobs for Ontario workers and grow the province's nuclear supply chain, according to the government.
Long-term supply of cancer treatment ingredient
The OPG refurbishment project is also expected to secure a long-term supply of Cobalt-60, a medical isotope used in cancer treatments and sterilisation of medical equipment and food products.
"By making this responsible investment into Pickering now, we ensure this clean energy workhorse will continue to power Ontario for future generations," said Nicolle Butcher, President and Chief Executive Officer of OPG. "The expertise developed during Darlington's refurbishment, together with the skilled Pickering team, ensures we are ready to deliver another complex nuclear project—on time, on budget, safely, and with quality."
The refurbishment is part of the Ontario government's Energy for Generations plan, the province's integrated energy strategy designed to ensure Ontario has reliable, affordable power to support housing development and economic growth.
According to Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the province's demand for electricity is forecast to increase significantly by 2050.
The Ontario government approved OPG to proceed with the Project Definition Phase in January 2025, which is scheduled to continue through 2026. During this phase, OPG will refine project scope and cost, complete engineering deliverables, and negotiate commercial contracts.
OPG completed the Project Initiation Phase in December 2024, which included early engineering and design work and securing components requiring the longest lead times.
The company will deliver the project using the same planning, oversight, and partnership model that has managed the Darlington refurbishment on schedule and within budget.
In late 2024, Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal upheld pre-placement and random drug and alcohol testing requirements for certain employees in Canada’s nuclear industry. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's (CNSC) has the authority to implement these requirements as a condition of licensing for nuclear operators, according to the ruling.
