January 13, 2023
4 min read

Neighbours - Winter 2022

Pickering and Darlington Nuclear Generating Stations

OPG’s Community Open House returns

Members of the public test our VR googles at OPG's community information sessionMore than 2,400 people from across the Durham Region and the Province, attended Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) 2022 Community Open House to learn about how our operations, projects and other initiatives are helping to power a brighter, cleaner tomorrow.

Our neighbours were able to see how nuclear power in Canada helps avoid 80 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, participated in hands on demonstrations and were able to view innovative technology like virtual reality tours and the Boston Dynamics robotic dog.

A robotic dog at OPG's community information session.Members of OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) and project partner GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy were on hand to discuss project milestones and Canada’s clean energy future. Ontario Tech, Durham College, the Clarington Board of Trade, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Durham Region Staff and the Durham Region Hospice were also on hand to speak to the importance of power through partnerships and the strong relationship OPG has in the local community.

The event also benefitted Durham Region Hospice and helped raise funds to support the construction of two new hospice residences in Durham Region and bring this much needed resource to the community. To learn more, visit durhamregionhospice.ca.

To stay up to date on OPG’s upcoming community programming, visit opg.com/durham.

Helping Feed the Need in Durham

For years, employees from across Durham Region have supported Feed the Need Durham through a fundraising initiative internally coined “Build what you CAN”. Essentially, it’s a food drive where OPG teams build structures out of non-perishable food items to support those in need in our local communities.

This year, OPG showcased our building skills with structures including a replica of the DNNP SMR. The OPG team collected 3,213 pounds of food which equals 2,693 meals for those in need across Durham.

Visit feedtheneedindurham.ca, for information and for donation opportunities.

OPG employees cut a ribbon at a Feed the Need Durham event
During the pandemic in 2021, OPG donated $100,000 to Feed the Need Durham to support with additional food donations.

Pickering Nuclear powering Ontario

The Ontario Government recently requested OPG to operate Pickering Units 5-8 through to 2026, subject to regulatory approval from Canada’s independent nuclear safety authority, the CNSC.

Workers in hard hats look out from the top of an open stairway before a huge Canadian flag in a nuclear plant.

Pickering Nuclear provides reliable, low-cost energy representing 14 per cent of the energy in the Province of Ontario.

In addition, the Province has also asked OPG to update our refurbishment feasibility study on Pickering Units 5-8. The Pickering Nuclear Refurbishment Project was initiated a little over a decade ago, and a great deal of work was already completed including an approved Screening Environmental Assessment.

Through the dedication of our skilled employees and the successful progress on the Darlington Refurbishment Project, Pickering Nuclear has the opportunity to continue powering the lives of millions of Ontarians.

Enhancing our natural habitat

Community members attend a tree planting eventOPG is happy to join the community at numerous biodiversity outreach initiatives such as the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Monarch Butterfly Tagging event, Scouts Canada Development Day, Take Pride in Pickering Tree Planting and the installation of a new pollinator garden at Pickering, to name a few.

Programs like these are a fundamental part of our operations, and our longstanding commitment to Ontario’s natural habitats.

Darlington refurbishment showcases project excellence

Workers train on Darlington's full-scale reactor mock-up.
Workers train on Darlington's full-scale reactor mock-up.

OPG has successfully completed the first of four units scheduled for refurbishment and now have two units in the midst of their refurbishment program.

Darlington’s Unit 1 began its refurbishment mid-February 2022 and is working through the removal phase. Progress continues on Unit 3 with the successful installation of new fuel channels earlier this year.

Once complete, this project will enable 30 more years of safe, reliable, low-cost electricity for Ontario. Project planning will ensure that this strong performance is applied to future projects across OPG, including the Darlington New Nuclear Project and feasibility study of Pickering Nuclear.

More than just clean, reliable power

MRI - Magnetic resonance tomography imaging scan device in blue color.
MRI - Magnetic resonance tomography imaging scan device in blue color.

Ontario’s nuclear reactors provide our province with clean, affordable and reliable energy, 24/7. They also produce life-saving medical isotopes, helping to support health and wellness of people across our communities and the Province.

Isotopes are key components in medicine, sterilization, food preservation, luminescent lighting, and medical imaging.

OPG in the community

Being a part of the community is about so much more than simply generating electricity. It is about being engaged community members that encourage and support local organizations and initiatives that help keep our communities strong and healthy – after all our employees don’t just work here, they live here too.

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Download PDF (2MB) - English
Report Highlights:
  • What is a Small Modular Reactor?
  • Leaders highlight milestone on project
  • OPG applies for Licence to Construct

Upcoming events

01
Jan
Sessions available throughout 2024
Online (virtual)
A child at a desk in a classroom raises his hand to ask a question.
01
Jan
Sessions available throughout 2024
Online (virtual)
A group of people sit at a table interacting with person displayed on a computer screen.
20
Apr
April 20 and April 27, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
See schedule
Hands planting a tree in the earth.
11
May
Saturday, May 11
Delpark Homes Centre
Kinds swimming underwater in a pool.
14
May
May 14 to May 16
Darlington Energy Complex Public Information Centre (in-person) and Online (virtual)
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