Agreement marks the first First Nations equity investment in a nuclear energy project in Canadian history
As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, the government is announcing a historic $700 million investment from the Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFN) in the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). In 2025, the province authorized Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to engage First Nations for equity participation in the small modular reactor (SMR) project. This agreement marks another major milestone in Ontario’s nuclear leadership and builds on the province’s track record of delivering refurbishments on time and on budget while creating a made-in-Canada nuclear supply chain. For the first time in Canadian history, through the creation of a first-of-its-kind commercial partnership initiated by the province, First Nations are full equity partners in a nuclear project.
“For the first time in Canadian history, First Nations are supporting and investing in made-in-Canada nuclear, as Ontario leads the Western World building the first SMR, a project that will create over 18,000 good-paying jobs, with 80 per cent of investment staying in Ontario,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Ontario is entering a new era of how we build large energy projects in true partnership, with a plan to add $800 billion in economic value to our country’s economy and create 150,000 jobs as we generate reliable power for generations to come. This announcement sustains momentum behind Ontario as we build on-time and on-budget, the envy of the world.”
The DNNP is a key pillar of Energy for Generations, the province’s first-ever integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power to have a secure supply of energy for the future and drive economic growth. With construction underway on the first SMR, the project will see four SMRs built at the existing Darlington site, generating 1,200 megawatts of reliable, clean electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes. The project will create up to 18,000 Canadian jobs during construction, with 80 per cent of project spending flowing to Ontario-based companies.
“This investment demonstrates the power of partnership to drive economic opportunity and long-term growth,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By bringing together First Nations communities, governments and industry, we are helping to build the infrastructure and investment climate that will support Ontario’s prosperity for generations to come.”
The Williams Treaties First Nations’ investment is supported by a provincial guarantee through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, administered by the Building Ontario Fund, in conjunction with a loan guarantee provided by the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC). Ontario is participating in the CILGC’s guarantee for the investment on a 50/50 basis. Equity support in the DNNP project will avoid cost increases by reducing borrowing costs, saving ratepayers up to $15 billion over the operating life of the project.
“This is a historic partnership that demonstrates a critical feature of Ontario’s nuclear advantage: First Nation communities as true equity partners,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire and Economic and Community Partnerships. “By working together in partnership, we are seizing the opportunity to strengthen economic reconciliation, support workforce development, and build a prosperous future for all.”
To date, more than 100 Canadian companies are already part of the growing SMR supply chain, positioning Ontario businesses to compete for opportunities in the emerging global nuclear market. This global leadership was recently demonstrated in France, where the province announced a new collaboration to export critical components for SMRs. Over the life of the DNNP, the construction, operation and maintenance of the four units are expected to contribute $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP and sustain approximately 3,800 highly skilled, good-paying jobs annually for the next 65 years.
Quick Facts
- Darlington New Nuclear Project LP (DNNP LP) is made up of Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFN), the governments of Ontario and Canada, and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to build the G7’s first grid-scale small modular reactors (SMRs).
- Under the agreement, the WTFN will provide a loan to DNNP LP for the construction of the first SMR unit of the DNNP, with the loan transitioning to equity once construction of all four SMR units is complete.
- The DNNP LP is an equity partnership formed to construct and operate the DNNP consisting of majority-owner OPG alongside the Canada Growth Fund and Building Ontario Fund.
- In May 2025, the Ontario government approved OPG’s plan to begin construction on the first of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site.
- In October 2025, the province and federal government made historic investments in this nation-building project, including up to a $1 billion provincial investment through the Building Ontario Fund and up to a $2 billion federal investment through the Canada Growth Fund
- In April 2026, Ontario reached a major construction milestone on the first SMR with the installation of the basement marking the first new nuclear reactor foundation in 30 years.
- Ontario announced that OPG would begin planning and licensing for three additional SMRs, for a total of four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site in July 2023.
- OPG obtained a Licence to Construct (LTC) for Unit 1 from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in April 2025. OPG filed its Licence to Operate (LTO) application for Unit 1 to the CNSC in March 2026
- Nuclear power currently provides about 50 per cent of Ontario’s electricity supply and has positioned Ontario as one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world.
- Ontario’s nuclear industry supports around 80,000 good-paying jobs in communities across the province.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
