The Ontario government has announced a massive nuclear refurbishment project that will extend the life of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station while creating nearly 37,000 jobs across the province.
Major Economic Boost Through Nuclear Investment
Energy Minister Stephen Lecce revealed Wednesday that the province will refurbish four CANDU reactors at the Pickering facility between 2027 and 2030. The $26.8 billion project represents one of Ontario's largest infrastructure investments and will secure affordable, reliable clean power for the province for up to 38 additional years.
"For more than 50 years, nuclear power has been the backbone of Ontario's energy grid," Lecce stated. "The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station stands as one of the best-performing and continuously operating nuclear stations in the world."
Job Creation and Economic Benefits
The refurbishment is expected to generate approximately 30,500 jobs during the construction phase while sustaining another 6,700 positions throughout the station's ongoing operations. The provincial government emphasizes that over 90% of the project budget will be spent within Canada, supporting local businesses and strengthening Ontario's supply chain.
Lecce contrasted this initiative with the previous government's approach, noting "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."
Enhanced Power Capacity and Medical Benefits
Once completed, the refurbished Pickering station will generate an increased capacity of up to 2,200 megawatts (MW) of electricity - enough to power approximately 2.2 million homes. The project will also secure long-term production of Cobalt-60, a critical medical isotope used in cancer treatments and sterilization of medical equipment.
The government has set an ambitious goal to double medical isotope production in Ontario over the next four years, enhancing Canada's role in global healthcare. Pending final approvals from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will begin the Project Execution Phase to refurbish Pickering "B" units in early 2027, with completion expected by the mid-2030s.
