Thursday, May 7, 2026
The Government of Ontario is taking a major step to build the Bruce C Nuclear Project, the province’s first large-scale nuclear project in over 30 years.
Ontario has directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to enter into a cost-sharing and recovery agreement, enabling Bruce Power to move forward with critical activities including First Nations and community engagement, workforce planning, and pre-construction and site preparation planning. These activities are expected to cost $300 million and be completed by 2030. The proposed up to 4,800 megawatt (MW) nuclear generating station will provide enough power for 4.8 million homes.
“At a time when our economy faces threats from abroad, Ontario’s government is doubling down on made-in-Canada nuclear power,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “The Bruce C project will advance generational employment creating 18,900 net-new jobs per year, transforming Bruce Power into the world’s largest nuclear generating facility. Our government is thinking big and long-term as we build on-time and on-budget, leading the largest nuclear expansion on the continent that will help put 150,000 Canadians to work,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
Bruce Power currently operates two generating stations – Bruce A and B – powering eight total reactors. Bruce C builds on more than 60 years of nuclear expertise and innovation, supported by a highly skilled workforce and robust domestic supply chain – currently 95 per cent of Bruce Power’s spending stays in Canada.
“Today’s support for pre-development work on the Bruce C Project is a critical step in ensuring Ontario has the reliable, affordable and carbon‑free electricity it needs for generations to come,” said Eric Chassard, president and CEO of Bruce Power. “We are taking important next steps to advance early development work while continuing meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, local municipalities and our supply chain and labour partners. Building at an existing world‑class nuclear site positions Ontario to deliver new large‑scale nuclear capacity efficiently, support thousands of good‑paying jobs, and reinforce the province’s leadership in clean energy and nuclear innovation.”
Through this agreement, IESO will share in the costs incurred by Bruce Power to continue advancing key predevelopment activities including engagement with First Nations, local communities, building trades and suppliers, which will occur alongside the work currently underway for completion of the federal Impact Assessment (IA) and receipt of a Licence to Prepare Site from the federal Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).
The Bruce Power Refurbishment project is No. 5 on ReNew Canada’s 2026 Top100 Projects report.
Featured image: Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines speaks at Bruce Power’s facility in Tiverton, May 7, 2026. (Government of Ontario)
