Ontario Awards Contracts to GTHA Manufacturers to Build G7’s First Small Modular Reactor

As part of its plan to protect Ontario in the face of U.S. tariffs and position the province as a global energy superpower, the government is announcing that 14 contracts have been awarded to companies in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) to build the G7’s first small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP). These contracts will create good-paying jobs in the region, support hundreds more and add over $110 million to Ontario’s GDP. Leveraging Ontario’s world-class manufacturing supply chain, today’s announcement will secure critical components for this first-of-its-kind project, including transformers, pumps and specialized steel. These contracts represent another milestone in Ontario’s nuclear build-out, connecting local businesses to one of the province’s largest clean energy infrastructure projects and creating opportunities for workers, skilled trades and suppliers to participate in the next generation of nuclear technology.

“By being first in the G7 to build small modular reactors, Ontario is securing a first-mover advantage that translates into real contracts and good-paying jobs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Ontario industries are emerging at the centre of the global nuclear build-out, and this leadership is delivering wins for Canada’s economy and vital contracts for Canadian businesses. Nuclear energy is tariff-proof, which is why we are building at scale and for future generations. Our government’s efforts are turning best-in-class nuclear expertise into a competitive advantage, creating more than 18,000 jobs when we need them most.”

Ontario’s nuclear industry is tariff-proof and recession-proof. As global uncertainty and U.S. tariffs put pressure on the province’s key industries, the DNNP is opening new markets for tariff-impacted sectors, including steel and concrete. For example, as part of the 14 contracts announced today, Oakville-based Hooper Welding is supplying steel for structural modules used to build the DNNP, while Toronto-based St. Mary’s Cement is supplying concrete and operating a high-density concrete batch plant for the project.

More than 100 Canadian companies have already signed agreements with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to deliver this first-of-a-kind project, establishing themselves as leaders in the growing domestic and global markets for new nuclear technologies. These companies are helping build the expertise, capacity and skilled workforce needed to deliver major nuclear projects at home and compete for opportunities in growing markets around the world.

As countries around the world undergo a major nuclear resurgence in search of reliable, affordable and secure electricity, Ontario’s first-mover advantage is making it the partner of choice to build the components these projects need. This advantage has secured new domestic manufacturing investment in Ontario, including Velan’s planned facility in Durham Region to build critical safety valves for SMRs in Europe, and BWXT Canada’s agreement to manufacture key SMR components in Ontario for Poland.

“Ontario is choosing to build out a secure, prosperous and energy-efficient future with Ontario companies driving growth across the province,” said Robert Dietrich, Chief Financial Officer, Armstrong Fluid Technology. “Armstrong Fluid Technology has been delivering on these priorities since 1934. As a 100 per cent Canadian-owned supplier, Armstrong is proud to provide leading optimization technology to make buildings and critical infrastructure in Canada and around the world more energy efficient and sustainable for a net-zero future.”

Once complete, the four SMR units at the DNNP will deliver 1,200 megawatts (MW) of reliable, clean electricity, enough to power approximately 1.2 million homes. The construction, operation and maintenance of the four SMR units will add $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next 65 years. The government has worked with OPG to ensure that 80 per cent of project spending goes to Ontario companies, helping anchor the economic benefits of this generational investment in the province. The construction and operations will protect Ontario workers and jobs by sustaining an estimated 3,800 highly-skilled, good-paying jobs for the next 65 years.

SMRs play a central role in Energy for Generations, the government’s first-ever integrated energy plan to ensure Ontario has the reliable, affordable power it needs to power new homes and drive economic growth. The government’s integrated approach and record investments in energy infrastructure are also providing the certainty needed for Indigenous communities, municipalities, businesses and industry partners to invest confidently in Ontario’s future. With a clear path forward, the plan is not only meeting the demands of today, but it is protecting jobs, supporting workers and powering economic growth for generations to come.

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