“It could represent as the world’s largest nuclear generator being built in this community. Up to 10,000 megawatts of power, what we really mean is power for up to 10-million homes, 10,000 permanent jobs.”
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini, who is also the MPP for Northumberland South says this project will make Ontario an energy superpower.
“1,700 local jobs, a 15-20 per cent boost to our local employment, and incredible jobs, trades, an incredible opportunity for university grads, college graduates, and the next generation in our community.”
A longer conversation with MPP David Piccini
MORE BELOW
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (Northumberland County MPP) David Piccini on February 12, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce has 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 is said to support 10,500 jobs across Ontario, including 1,700 new 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.
Quotes
“This important milestone, in a potential new nuclear development that is so critical to Ontario, is a testament to the strength of our relationship with this community. Working collaboratively with Port Hope, we can be sure the Municipality is able to engage fully on behalf of its residents in the multi-year process to assess and develop the site.”
– Nicolle Butcher
President and CEO, OPG
“OCNI welcomes Ontario’s decision to advance early planning at the Wesleyville site as part of building a secure, reliable, and self-reliant electricity system for the province. Early collaboration with the Municipality of Port Hope and Ontario Power Generation helps ensure this work is grounded in community partnership, while giving Canada’s nuclear supply chain the clarity needed to plan, invest, and create long-term opportunities for local workers, businesses, and Ontario’s clean energy economy.”
– Ivette Vera-Perez
President and CEO, OCNI
“Meeting Ontario’s rapidly growing electricity demand requires decisive action, and this MOU reflects the shared understanding that collaboration today is essential to delivering clean and reliable power for future generations. Not only will the Welseyville project deliver the dependable, baseload power our system needs, but it will generate long-term, good-paying jobs both at the site and within our talented Canadian supply chain. The time to act is now.”
– George Christidis
President and CEO, Canadian Nuclear Association
“The Ontario Energy Association welcomes this step to advance new nuclear generation at the Wesleyville site. As electricity demand continues to rise, long-term planning and timely investment in reliable, emissions-free power are essential to keeping Ontario competitive and secure. This agreement demonstrates the importance of collaboration between government, communities, and industry to support jobs, economic growth, and a resilient energy system for the future.”
– Vince Brescia
President and CEO, The Ontario Energy Association
“The Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors welcomes today’s announcement by Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between Ontario Power Generation and the Municipality of Port Hope, supporting community preparations to advance new nuclear generation at the Wesleyville site. Ontario’s leadership, building on a strong refurbishment track record and now extending into SMRs and new large-scale nuclear, shows how nuclear plans are being translated into real projects. New nuclear investment builds the infrastructure needed to deliver clean, reliable baseload power while anchoring industrial growth and creating long-term, high-value jobs as electricity demand rises. Ontario is leading the way in turning nuclear ambition into reality and in building a world-class nuclear supply chain and expertise that will benefit Canada for decades to come.”
– Erveina Gosalci
Founder and CEO, Canadian Association of Small Modular Reactors
“The Port Hope & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes this step forward for the Wesleyville site and the region’s long-term economic future. This agreement signals meaningful momentum, creating opportunities for investment, skilled jobs, and supply chain growth that could benefit local businesses for generations. Our business community looks forward to working collaboratively with Ontario Power Generation and all stakeholders to ensure this project supports responsible growth and lasting prosperity for Port Hope.”
– Andrew Hall
CEO, Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce
“I want to congratulate OPG and the Municipality of Port Hope on achieving this important milestone toward advancing potential new nuclear generation at the Wesleyville site. With electricity demand rising, projects like this are critical to delivering reliable power while supporting highly skilled jobs and long-term economic growth for Ontario communities.”
– Julie O’Driscoll
Executive Director, Ontario’s Nuclear Advantage
