University of Regina Receives $6.9 Million for Western Canada's First Nuclear Technology Centre
The University of Regina has secured a significant investment of $6.9 million in combined federal and provincial funding to establish Western Canada's first nuclear technology centre. This groundbreaking initiative aims to position Saskatchewan as a leader in nuclear research and workforce development.
Funding Details and Strategic Partnerships
The funding breakdown includes $4 million from SaskPower, $1.9 million from Prairies Economic Development Canada, and $1 million from Innovation Saskatchewan. Additionally, Innovation Saskatchewan is providing an in-kind contribution for a three-year lease at the Innovation Saskatchewan Research and Technology Park facilities on the main U of R campus.
The total project cost is estimated at $8 million, making it a substantial investment in the province's technological infrastructure. The centre will be officially named the Small Modular Reactor Safety, Licensing, and Testing Centre (SMR-SLT Centre).
Building a Nuclear-Ready Workforce
University of Regina president Jeff Keshen emphasized the critical importance of this facility during Monday's announcement. "A successful SMR strategy requires highly skilled, highly trained people," Keshen stated. "Through this facility, our students, researchers, and collaborators will gain hands-on experience with the same systems that are used in industry. This will help Saskatchewan train a nuclear-ready workforce."
The centre will serve as a collaborative hub, owned and led by the University of Regina but used jointly with the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Polytechnic through a new post-secondary partnership called the Global Institute for Energy, Minerals and Society (GIEMS).
Safety and Regulatory Focus
Liberal MP Buckley Belanger, representing Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, highlighted the importance of safety in nuclear development. "We can bring nuclear power west, but none of it happens unless we get the first step right," Belanger explained. "That means making sure that nuclear development only moves forward if it happens safely, responsibly and under strong regulation."
Researchers at the facility will focus on designing, developing, and licensing small modular reactor technology while training workers in a controlled environment that prioritizes safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
Strategic Positioning in Canada's Nuclear Landscape
While Ontario has traditionally been the centre of Canada's nuclear expertise, Saskatchewan aims to change that dynamic with this new facility. Jeremy Harrison, the minister responsible for SaskPower, noted that the centre will lay the groundwork for the province to build upon nuclear energy opportunities and help achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
This announcement comes as Canada continues to advance nuclear projects nationally, including the Darlington-based SMR in Ontario, which began construction in May 2025 and is slated to be operational by 2030. Saskatchewan's own SMR project in the Estevan area is in planning stages, with SaskPower expecting to break ground in 2029 and achieve operational status by 2034.
Long-Term Implications for Saskatchewan
The establishment of Western Canada's first nuclear technology centre represents a strategic move to diversify Saskatchewan's economy and energy portfolio. By developing local expertise in nuclear technology, the province positions itself to participate meaningfully in Canada's growing nuclear sector while addressing climate goals through clean energy solutions.
The facility will not only train the next generation of nuclear professionals but also conduct critical research that could influence national and international standards for small modular reactor safety and implementation.
