Ontario Power Generation partners with Port Hope to advance major nuclear project

Key Takeaways:

• Ontario Power Generation has partnered with the Municipality of Port Hope to advance a potential new nuclear generating station at the Wesleyville site, a project that could support 10,500 jobs and contribute $235 billion to Ontario’s GDP over its lifespan.
• The 1,300-acre site could host up to 10,000 megawatts of nuclear capacity—enough to power about 10 million homes—as the province prepares for electricity demand projected to rise by up to 90 per cent.
• OPG and Port Hope will work together through federal impact assessments and regulatory approvals, with funding provided for community readiness and engagement, while the utility also explores nuclear development at sites in Nanticoke and Lambton.

The Whole Story:

Ontario Power Generation has signed a partnership agreement with the Municipality of Port Hope to advance a new nuclear generating station at the Wesleyville site, the province announced Thursday. The project is expected to support 10,500 jobs across Ontario, including 1,700 in Port Hope, and contribute $235 billion to the province’s gross domestic product over its lifespan.

The Wesleyville site could support up to 10,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation—enough to power approximately 10 million homes—according to early assessments. The 1,300-acre site, already zoned for electricity generation and located near existing transmission, rail and highway infrastructure, is maintained by OPG.

Ontario faces growing electricity demand, with projections showing demand could increase by up to 90 per cent, the province said. Without new power sources, Ontario risks future supply shortfalls and higher energy costs, according to the announcement.

“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,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, in a statement. “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.”

OPG submitted an Initial Project Description to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada on Jan. 12, 2026. The company and municipality will collaborate throughout the federal impact assessment and regulatory approval processes. OPG will also engage with Indigenous communities through separate agreements during project planning.

Under the partnership agreement, OPG and Port Hope will collaborate on community engagement, environmental stewardship, and economic development initiatives. OPG has provided $4 million in growth readiness funding to Port Hope to support the community during the impact assessment process, plus an additional $500,000 for staffing related to project work. This builds on $1 million in initial readiness funding OPG provided earlier.

“This agreement is great news for Port Hope,” said David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Peterborough South, in a statement. “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.”

The Port Hope municipal council unanimously endorsed continued engagement for new energy generation at the Wesleyville site on Dec. 17, 2024. OPG is also exploring nuclear development at two other sites: Nanticoke in Haldimand County and Lambton in St. Clair Township.