Bruce Power has been formally notified that it will face two charges under the federal Fisheries Act related to the Gizzard Shad event that took place early 2025. The company takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and is committed to protecting the environment and the biodiversity of Lake Huron. We will respond to the charges through the appropriate process.
The 2025 event occurred during a rare convergence of environmental conditions, including prolonged cold weather and an unusually large presence of Gizzard Shad following several warm years. The last time this convergence of factors occurred was in the late 1970s. As these factors unfolded, Bruce Power took proactive and conservative operational action, including removing Unit 2 from service while mitigation measures were implemented.
Throughout the event and in the months that followed, Bruce Power was transparent with regulators, Indigenous Nations and local municipalities and the public regarding the circumstances of the event and our response actions. This includes ongoing engagement with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Immediately following the event, Bruce Power invested millions of dollars in additional protective measures, including physical barriers (nets), acoustic and strobe light deterrents, enhanced monitoring using sonar and camera-based systems, and expanded lake monitoring and research to better understand fish movement and ecosystem responses. This was all implemented for the winter of 2026. The lessons learned and mitigation strategies developed through this work have been shared across the global nuclear industry.
Protecting the environment remains a core responsibility, and Bruce Power will continue to work with regulators, Indigenous Nations, local communities and scientific experts to better understand the factors that contributed to this rare event and help prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
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.