As part of the government's plan to protect Ontario and advance the development of affordable, reliable and clean nuclear power, Minister Stephen Lecce announced that Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has signed a partnership agreement with the Municipality of Port Hope for new energy generation at the Wesleyville site. The Wesleyville project will support 10,500 jobs across Ontario, including 1,700 new good-paying jobs in Port Hope, representing an average 15 to 20 per cent boost to overall employment levels in the local area, while contributing $235 billion to Ontario's GDP over its lifespan.
"With more chaos coming from the White House, now is exactly the time to double down on Canada - putting our workers, technology, and supply chain first," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. "This agreement is an important step forward as we build the world's largest nuclear station, creating over 10,000 good-paying jobs and reliable power for up to 10 million homes. We express thanks to Port Hope for the partnership with OPG, as we work together to boost both the local and Canadian economy, with over 90 per cent of nuclear investment stamped with Made in Canada."
With electricity demand set to increase by up to 90 per cent on the high side, meeting this growing demand is crucial to avoiding potential future electricity disruptions such as brownouts or blackouts seen in other jurisdictions. Without timely investment in new, dependable power sources, Ontario risks future supply shortfalls, higher energy costs and missed economic opportunities. Early assessments show the Wesleyville site alone could support up to 10,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation enough to power the equivalent of 10 million homes highlighting both the scale of the opportunity and the risk of delay.
The Wesleyville site, which is maintained by OPG, located near existing transmission, road and railway infrastructure, and already zoned for new electricity generation, is well-suited to support a large new nuclear site. On January 12, 2026, OPG submitted their Initial Project Description to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada for approval. To advance this critical project OPG and Port Hope will work together throughout the Impact Assessment phase and any additional regulatory approvals and licensing processes. OPG will also continue to engage with Indigenous communities through separate agreements during the project planning and assessment process.
"This agreement is great news for Port Hope," said David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Peterborough South. "Advancing new nuclear generation at the Wesleyville site will bring good paying local jobs, drive economic growth, and help build a stronger future for our community. This project creates real opportunities for local workers and businesses, while ensuring we have reliable, made in Ontario power for generations to come."
To support this project advancement, under the agreement OPG and Port Hope will work to:
- Collaborate, share information and provide technical input required to inform the federal Impact Assessment and meet the prescribed timelines for the proposed project.
- Facilitate community engagement and outreach to educate, listen and include the community in matters related to energy production, nuclear generation and environmental stewardship.
- Promote the health of local ecosystems, air quality, and water resources related to proposed new nuclear generation in the surrounding areas.
- Advance and promote economic development, leveraging OPG's discipline, expertise and resources to support local business attraction and retention, and create local job opportunities.
OPG has also provided a further $4 million of growth readiness funding to Port Hope to support the community in preparing for the workload of the Impact Assessment process and beginning stages of a proposed Wesleyville nuclear facility. An additional $500,000 was provided to support specific staffing requirements related to project work.
"The MOU between the Municipality and OPG represents the kind of forward-looking collaboration our community needs to prepare for future growth as we continue to explore the development of clean energy generation in Port Hope," said Olena Hankivsky, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. "By strengthening partnerships, enhancing community engagement, and supporting sustainable development, we are laying the groundwork for long term economic growth and community well being. This agreement ensures we are ready to meet the opportunities ahead. We're proud to take this step together to build a resilient, prosperous future for our community."
Advancing new nuclear energy projects is a key pillar of Energy for Generations, the province's first-ever integrated energy plan to power a resilient, self-reliant and competitive economy. The government's integrated approach and record investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario's future. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but also protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.
Quick Facts
- This funding builds on the initial $1 million of readiness funding that OPG provided to Port Hope and represents a significant step toward a future Host Municipality Agreement.
- The Wesleyville project has previously been supported by:
- Society of United Professionals
- United Association
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
- OPG has installed a Discovery Centre in Port Hope where the public can learn about nuclear power and its benefits at 115 Toronto Road, Port Hope, ON.
- The 1,300-acre Wesleyville site, originally developed for electricity generation, is already zoned for such use and is strategically located near existing transmission infrastructure, rail lines, and major highways. It also has access to Lake Ontario for cooling water, making it well-suited for new nuclear development.
- The Council of the Municipality of Port Hope unanimously passed a motion on December 17, 2024, endorsing continued engagement for new energy generation at the Wesleyville site.
- In addition to Wesleyville, OPG is working with municipalities and Indigenous Nations and communities at its Nanticoke site in Haldimand County and Lambton site in St. Clair Township to determine community support for new energy generation, including nuclear.
- Nuclear power currently provides about 50 per cent of Ontario's electricity supply and has positioned Ontario as one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world. It ensures the clean, reliable and affordable power needed to support new housing, advanced manufacturing, and growing communities.
- Ontario's nuclear industry supports around 80,000 good-paying jobs in communities across the province.
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