Ontario Starts Construction on Pickering Nuclear Refurbishment

As President Trump continues to target Ontario’s economy, the government is acting to secure Ontario’s energy future with the start of construction on the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station refurbishment, Canada’s largest clean energy infrastructure project. As part of its plan to protect Ontario and build a stronger, more self-reliant economy, the project will extend the life of Pickering’s four CANDU reactors by up to 38 years, creating approximately 30,500 jobs annually during construction and 7,500 jobs across Canada over its lifespan. By greenlighting this job-creating project, Ontario is securing decades of reliable, affordable and clean power that Ontario needs to build new homes, attract investment and grow a stronger, more self-reliant economy.

“When the previous government planned to shut down Pickering, our government chose to protect 4,500 jobs and create 30,500 new jobs by doubling down on Canadian workers, technology and energy sovereignty,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Today, we are marking a national achievement as we begin work on Canada’s largest clean energy infrastructure project and strengthen our made-in-Ontario nuclear supply chain. The best way Ontario can fight back against President Trump is to build big, which is why we are saying yes to 30,500 jobs, 38 more years of clean power and a stronger Ontario economy. I’m proud that we are not only moving this historic project forward, but awarding contracts that will keep more than 90 per cent of project costs right here in Ontario.”

Following the Ontario government’s approval of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) refurbishment plan, the Pickering B units (Units 5 to 8) will be removed from service by the end of September 2026. Once complete, the refurbished station will supply up to 2,200 megawatts (MW) of reliable, affordable power – enough to power 2.2 million homes. Refurbishment will include replacing 1,520 fuel channels, 48 boilers and construction of a 1.5-kilometre deep-water intake. With site construction beginning today, reactor refurbishment work will begin pending final approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in January 2027.

Built with Canadian technology and a made-in-Ontario supply chain, the refurbishment is expected to contribute $41.6 billion to Canada’s GDP, with more than 90 per cent of project spending staying in Ontario and Canada. Major contracts awarded to Ontario-based suppliers as part of this work include:

• Aecon Group Inc. and Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company, for the execution phase of Pickering’s Unit 5 Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement (RFBR) project, valued at approximately $1.7 billion.
• Aecon Group Inc. and Siemens Energy Canada, for Turbine Generator Replacement, including the installation of 14 steam turbine rotors, full stator rewinds, the overhaul of four generators, the delivery of new auxiliary systems and a control and monitoring system valued at $1.3 billion.

“Ontario’s investments in critical infrastructure and our key industries are creating new opportunities for workers across the province,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “At a time of global economic uncertainty, we are creating good-paying jobs here at home and ensuring our workers have access to the training they need to seize them. By expanding access to apprenticeships and skills training, we are building the workforce Ontario needs to deliver major projects like the Pickering refurbishment and support our continued growth.”

Beyond providing reliable electricity, the Pickering refurbishment will deliver lasting benefits for workers, families and communities across Durham Region and Ontario. The refurbishment will protect highly skilled local jobs and generate more than $17 billion in economic activity across Durham Region and Ontario, creating opportunities for local businesses and communities. Building on Ontario’s world-class nuclear expertise and the lessons learned from the ahead-of-schedule, under-budget Darlington Refurbishment Project, a new 200,000-square-foot Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement Training and Mock-up facility will train more than 2,800 skilled trades workers ahead of refurbishment activities, strengthening Ontario’s workforce and made-in-Ontario nuclear supply chain.

“The Pickering Nuclear Refurbishment is a historic investment in Ontario’s clean energy future,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By creating more than 30,000 jobs, generating billions in economic activity and strengthening our made-in-Ontario nuclear supply chain, this project will deliver generational benefits for workers and families in Pickering and communities across the province.”

As global economic uncertainty and U.S. tariffs place increasing pressure on workers and businesses, our government is moving with speed to strengthen Ontario’s economic sovereignty and energy security while maintaining rigorous regulatory oversight and the highest standards of nuclear safety. The Pickering refurbishment is part of Ontario’s broader plan to expand nuclear generation and strengthen a tariff-proof, recession-proof and almost entirely made-in-Canada industry. Together, Ontario’s nuclear expansion plan will create up to 150,000 jobs and contribute more than $800 billion in GDP to the provincial economy, while providing the reliable, affordable and clean electricity needed to power homes, businesses and future growth.

Refurbishing Ontario’s nuclear fleet is a key pillar of Energy for Generations, our government’s first-ever integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power needed to support new homes, attract investment and drive economic growth. By extending the life of proven nuclear assets, Ontario is securing decades of electricity at a lower cost than replacing that generation with new sources of power. The government’s integrated approach and record investments in energy infrastructure are providing the certainty needed for municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future. By planning and building today, Ontario is protecting jobs, supporting workers and securing the affordable, reliable energy needed to power economic growth for generations to come.

Quick Facts