Today, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Hon. Stephen Lecce, announced support to advance the next stage of pre-development work for the proposed Bruce C Project, marking an important step forward on the opportunity to add up to 4,800 megawatts of new nuclear generation at Bruce Power.
This pre-development work includes ongoing readiness activities such as technology selection, workforce and commercial planning, estimating the cost of site preparation activities, developing cooling water strategies, community readiness, and Indigenous engagement in addition to continuing the Impact Assessment (IA) process.
This work is proceeding in parallel with a federal integrated Impact Assessment and Licence to Prepare Site application led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The Project is currently in the Impact Statement phase of this process which includes engagement with the public, municipal governments, and Indigenous communities.
“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, 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. This is the economic spark that will help Ontario reindustrialize, attract job creating investment, and keep power reliable for families, farms and businesses.”
Bruce Power is committed to meaningful, respectful, and ongoing engagement with Bruce, Grey and Huron County region communities, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) on whose territory the Bruce Power Site is located and other Indigenous Communities. Bruce Power continues to engage with SON to earn the support of the community and to work with SON to shape the project to reduce environmental and other impacts while establishing long-lasting community benefits. The announcement today will support research and engagement on issues of importance to SON.
“Advancing early planning for Bruce C allows us to responsibly explore how additional nuclear generation on the Bruce site can play a crucial role in supporting Ontario’s long‑term energy needs and drive economic stability and growth,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President. “This work is about taking the right steps in gathering information, engaging meaningfully with Indigenous communities and municipalities, and ensuring that any future decisions have been well thought out and carefully scrutinized.”
As part of the municipal capacity supports and community readiness assessments, Bruce Power is entering into agreements with the Municipality of Kincardine, the Town of Saugeen Shores, and the County of Bruce to provide annual funding to support assessment work.
“We understand both the opportunity and the responsibility that come with projects of this scale,” said Bruce County Warden and Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “With the support we are receiving today, our communities can plan with confidence, continuing to meet the needs of our residents while our region helps power Ontario’s future.”
This work will help local governments identify potential impacts to municipal infrastructure and services such as housing, roads, emergency services, community amenities, water and wastewater infrastructure, land development, labour and social infrastructure, and develop proposed solutions to ensure communities are prepared should the project move forward.
“Kincardine has decades of experience hosting major nuclear projects, and early planning is essential to getting it right,” said Kenneth Craig, Mayor of Kincardine. “This support allows us to assess local infrastructure and services needs so our community is prepared and ensure our residents’ interests are at the forefront as planning continues.”
In addition, Bruce Power has established a regional municipal assessment support fund for other local municipalities across Bruce, Grey, and Huron counties. The fund will provide application‑based support for assessments related to community readiness and local infrastructure planning. The application process will be launched shortly, with further details to be shared directly with municipalities.
The Bruce C Project represents a long‑term planning initiative aimed at supporting Ontario’s growing electricity needs, economic competitiveness, and clean energy goals, while ensuring that decisions are informed by rigorous technical analysis and meaningful engagement with Indigenous peoples, municipalities, and local communities.
Recent independent analysis and community polling underscore both the scale of the opportunity and strong local support for the proposed Bruce C Project. An Ontario Chamber of Commerce‑led economic impact assessment estimates the project could contribute more than $238 billion to Canada’s GDP over the project’s lifespan, while creating and sustaining an estimated annual average of 18,900 jobs nationwide during site preparation and construction. At the same time, independent Ipsos polling conducted in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties found that more than eight in ten residents (86%) support exploring the Bruce C project, with nine in ten (91%) believing it would be good for the community, reflecting growing awareness of the project and its potential economic and community benefits.
About Bruce Power
Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Territory, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable nuclear power to families and businesses across the province and cancer-fighting medical isotopes around the world. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is a Canadian-owned partnership of TC Energy, OMERS, the Power Workers’ Union and The Society of United Professionals. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.