As part of its plan to protect Ontario and position the province as a global energy superpower, the government is announcing that contracts have been awarded to two Eastern Ontario companies to advance construction of the G7's first small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). Gillam Construction Group in Carp will receive nearly $35 million to construct the DNNP Administration Building, creating 100 new good-paying jobs, while Mansteel Rebar in Pembroke will receive $31 million to fabricate, supply and install reinforcing steel for five of the plant's core buildings, supporting 100 good-paying jobs and adding 20 more over the course of construction.

These contracts will add more than $66 million to Ontario's GDP, and represent another milestone in Ontario's nuclear build-out, connecting local businesses to one of the province's largest clean energy infrastructure projects and creating opportunities for Ontario workers, skilled trades and suppliers to participate in the next generation of nuclear technology.

"Ontario is taking decisive action to be a first mover in the Western World on small modular reactors to unlock generational prosperity and safeguard our energy sovereignty," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. "As we advance construction on this nation-building project, we are creating more than 18,000 good-paying jobs and securing a world-class nuclear supply chain that builds the components for SMRs at home and around the world. Eastern Ontario has always played a critical role as a clean energy powerhouse and nuclear innovator, which is why it's fitting that we announce contracts across the region that will keep the economy strong."

Ontario's nuclear industry is tariff-proof and recession-proof. As global uncertainty and U.S. tariffs put pressure on the province's key industries, the DNNP is opening new markets for tariff-impacted sectors, including steel. Today's announcement builds on the 14 contracts awarded last week to companies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Gillam Construction Group and Mansteel Rebar now join the over 100 Canadian companies that have already signed agreements with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to deliver this first-of-a-kind project, establishing themselves as leaders in the growing domestic and global markets for new nuclear technologies.

"Gillam Construction Group is incredibly proud to provide construction services to the Darlington New Nuclear Project through the delivery of its new Administration Building," said Marcus Gillam, CEO, Gillam Construction Group. "We are honoured to play a part in this generational project that will provide clean, safe and reliable energy to Ontarians for generations to come."

As countries around the world undergo a major nuclear resurgence in search of reliable, affordable and secure electricity, Ontario's first-mover advantage is making it the partner of choice to build the components these projects need. This advantage has secured new domestic manufacturing investment in Ontario, including Velan's planned facility in Durham Region to build critical safety valves for SMRs in Europe, and BWXT Canada's agreement to manufacture key SMR components in Ontario for Poland.

"Mansteel Rebar Ltd. is proud to be part of the Darlington New Nuclear Project, contributing to one of Canada's most significant energy infrastructure investments. As a Canadian-owned and operated business, sourcing all of our reinforcing steel from local Canadian based steel mills, we are proud to support Canadian jobs and manufacturing," said Allen Piddington, General Manager, Mansteel Rebar Ltd. "With our skilled workforce currently on site and the recent award of additional work, this project represents an important opportunity to support local employment, strengthen Ontario's construction and steel industries, and contribute to the province's long-term energy needs. We look forward to continuing our role in building Ontario's nuclear future."

Once complete, the four SMR units at the DNNP will deliver 1,200 megawatts (MW) of reliable, clean electricity, enough to power approximately 1.2 million homes. The construction, operation and maintenance of the four SMR units will add $38.5 billion to Canada's GDP over the next 65 years. The government has worked with OPG to ensure that 80 per cent of project spending goes to Ontario companies, helping anchor the economic benefits of this generational investment in the province. The construction and operations will protect Ontario workers and jobs by sustaining an estimated 3,800 highly-skilled, good-paying jobs for the next 65 years.

"Companies like Gillam Construction Group and Mansteel Rebar are essential partners in delivering the G7's first small modular reactor, showcasing the strength of Ontario's world-class nuclear supply chain and skilled workforce," said Nicolle Butcher, President and CEO, OPG. "This complex, first-of-a-kind project will meet Ontario's growing electricity demand while strengthening the made-in-Ontario workforce, expertise, and supply chain capacity that will be essential as we advance the next generation of large-scale nuclear projects."

SMRs play a central role in Energy for Generations, the government's first-ever integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power it needs to power new homes and drive economic growth. 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 it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.

Quotes