Ontario’s Nuclear Expansion Creating More than 350 Jobs in Cambridge

As part of its plan to refurbish and expand nuclear energy generation, the Ontario government is helping create more than 350 jobs in Cambridge. The province has authorized Ontario Power Generation to sign contracts, valued at over $1 billion, with BWXT Canada to manufacture steam generators for the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, and the reactor pressure vessel for the first small modular reactor (SMR) in the G7 at Darlington.

“Ontario needs steady leadership to build out a clean and affordable energy future, by leveraging our province’s nuclear advantage,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “As we expand and refurbish our nuclear fleet, we are announcing a major contract that creates 350 jobs with materials and components proudly stamped with ‘Made-in-Ontario.’ As Premier Ford continues to lead the fight against U.S. tariffs, our government will continue to build in Ontario and promote our technology and resources to the world.”

To support the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, BWXT will manufacture 48 new steam generators, which convert heat from the reactor into steam that drive turbines to generate electricity. This work, valued at $960 million over seven years, will create more than 250 highly skilled trades jobs, in addition to engineers and supporting staff.

BWXT will also procure all materials and manufacture the reactor pressure vessel for the Darlington New Nuclear Project, as part of the first on-grid SMR in the G7, supporting 100 additional jobs. BWXT is the first manufacturer in North America to begin this type of work for an SMR technology, furthering Ontario’s position as a global leader in nuclear innovation and production.

“The BWXT team stands ready to help our customers and Ontario create a future that provides abundant, emissions-free electricity, while increasing sustainable, good-paying jobs for Canada,” said John MacQuarrie, President, BWXT Commercial Operations. “We’ve been taking strategic steps to further meet the current and anticipated demand for nuclear power. These significant projects leverage BWXT’s extensive capabilities and specialized expertise in the delivery of large components for the domestic and global nuclear industry.”

This investment in Ontario nuclear manufacturing, with 80 per cent of spending happening in the province, will leverage BWXT’s recent investment of $80 million to expand their Cambridge facility that began in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2026. The facility is already one of the largest commercial manufacturing facilities in North America, currently employing 1,200 people.

“Premier Ford and Minister Lecce are leading the largest expansion of nuclear energy on the continent to help meet soaring energy demand, creating new jobs in Cambridge and across the province,” said Brian Riddell, MPP, for Cambridge. “I couldn’t be more pleased that 350 workers in Cambridge will help manufacture the key components we need to power our growing province and cement Ontario’s position as a global leader in nuclear innovation.”

Last November, the Minister of Energy and Electrification concluded a successful trade mission to Poland and Estonia to discuss SMRs and support European allies looking to build their energy independence in the face of Russian aggression and to help reduce their reliance on coal power. The mission resulted in signing agreements with major European energy companies, Orlen Synthos Green Energy and Fermi Energia, that could leverage Ontario based suppliers like BWXT, as they develop and deploy SMRs in their jurisdictions.

Expanding Ontario’s nuclear fleet is just one part of Ontario’s Affordable Energy Future, the government’s plan for rising energy demand, which includes:

• Energy Planning – Developing the province’s first integrated energy plan, including all energy resources, such as electricity, natural gas, and other fuels to ensure the province’s energy needs are met in a coordinated and long-term manner.
• Nuclear Energy – Advancing clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear power through pre-development work at Bruce Power on the province’s first large-scale nuclear build in 30 years, four small modular reactors at Darlington, supporting OPG’s plan for refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and exploring new nuclear energy generation in Port Hope.
• New Transmission Infrastructure – Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creation, including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
• Keeping Costs Down – Launching new energy efficiency programs worth $10.9 billion over the next 12 years, which will help families and businesses reduce electricity usage and save money on energy bills.
• Additional Competitive Procurements – Launching the largest competitive procurement of clean energy resources in the province’s history in addition to successfully re-contracting existing capacity resources at about a 30 per cent discount.

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