(Image credit: Save and Refurbish Pickering Nuclear Station Facebook)
Ontario has greenlit a major refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, extending the life of four CANDU reactors for up to 38 years.
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) says the project will create nearly 37,000 jobs, 30,500 during refurbishment and 6,700 ongoing, while boosting the local economy and supporting Indigenous communities. The refurbishment is expected to increase electricity output to 2,200 megawatts, powering roughly 2.2 million homes.
The $26.8-billion project will keep more than 90 percent of spending in Canada, strengthening local supply chains, skilled trades, and workforce training programs. Officials highlight the project’s role in producing Cobalt-60, a medical isotope used for cancer treatments and sterilization, supporting both healthcare and industrial needs.
Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce says the refurbishment secures long-term, clean, and reliable power while protecting jobs and local industries. OPG will begin the Project Execution Phase in early 2027, with completion expected by the mid-2030s.
Government and industry leaders emphasize that extending Pickering’s operations reinforces Ontario’s energy independence, strengthens the domestic economy, and ensures the province can meet growing electricity demand. Partnerships with educational institutions will prepare the next generation of skilled workers, while investments with Indigenous-owned companies ensure local benefits are shared.
The refurbishment complements the province’s broader nuclear strategy under Energy for Generations, providing affordable, low-carbon power while creating economic opportunities across Ontario. Officials say the project positions the province as a global leader in energy production and innovation, securing a reliable electricity supply for decades to come.
For more information, visit Ontario Power Generation at www.opg.com.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
