Join us for March Break Fun
Looking for something fun to do this March Break? Mark your calendars for fun, free and educational activities at OPG’s annual March Break programs! We have an action-packed lineup of programs running from March 16 – 20 throughout the Durham Region. Whether you’re interested in science and technology, music or safety, OPG’s March Break programs have something for everyone. This program is one of the many opportunities to meet with OPG staff and learn about our operations and projects. See the full lineup.
National interest in the Darlington New Nuclear Project
Last September, the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) was referred to Canada’s Major Project Office (MPO) for further review. The MPO identifies projects of national interest and accelerates their development while helping structure financing in partnership with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, and private investors.
In October, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford visited the Darlington Energy Complex (DEC) to announce an equity commitment agreement to finance the DNNP through Prime Minister Mark Carney (center) along with Premier Doug Ford (right) and OPG CEO Nicolle Butcher (left) announcing funding for the Darlington New Nuclear Project the Canada Growth Fund Inc. (CGF) and the Building Ontario Fund (BOF).
Through this agreement, CGF and BOF committed to investing up to $2 billion and $1 billion respectively, each taking minority ownership positions in the project, with OPG remaining the majority owner and operator. The CGF and BOF investments are expected to spur private-sector and Indigenous investment over time.
These measures of provincial and federal support strengthen Canada’s nuclear supply chain, inject hundreds of millions of dollars into Ontario’s industrial base, support a low-carbon electricity grid and help build a new generation of Canadian nuclear expertise.
Darlington licence renewal
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has renewed OPG’s operating licence for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (NGS) for a 20-year term following a two-part public hearing held in 2025. This decision authorizes OPG Darlington licence renewal to operate the Darlington NGS from Dec. 1, 2025 to Nov. 30, 2045, making it the longest nuclear operating licence granted in Canada.
The Darlington NGS continues to be a safe, reliable, and vital source of energy for Ontario, meeting the province’s growing electricity needs. The Darlington NGS is nearing completion of a multi-year refurbishment; work that will ensure safe and reliable operation of the station throughout the licence term and beyond.
We are proud to be part of this community, not only as employees but also as residents. Beyond electricity generation, OPG supports local organizations and initiatives that help keep our communities strong and healthy.
Public consultation continues as Wesleyville impact assessment begins
To help meet the growing demand for electricity in the province, the Ontario government has asked OPG to explore opportunities for new nuclear generation at its Wesleyville site in Port Hope. As a first step in this process, OPG is actively engaging with the Michi Saagiig First Nations, local communities including the Municipality of Port Hope, other key stakeholders and the public. The site has been maintained by OPG for more than 50 years and is municipally zoned for electricity generation. Since spring 2025, our team has engaged with more than 6,000 individuals through a variety of outreach methods, including public information sessions, council meetings, and community events. To support ongoing engagement, OPG celebrated the grand opening of the Port Hope Nuclear Discovery Centre last fall. The Centre features interactive exhibits and project information. A multi-year impact assessment led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, will evaluate the potential impacts on the environment, health, social and economic conditions, Rights-holding First Nations and interested Indigenous communities, and will explore how adverse effects could be mitigated.
Throughout the impact assessment process there will be ongoing opportunities for public involvement to ensure transparency and community engagement. To learn more visit opg.com/wesleyville.
Pickering Nuclear Refurbishment moves forward
In November, Ontario Minister of Energy, Stephen Lecce announced the Province of Ontario’s approval of OPG’s plan to refurbish the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station (NGS) Units 5 to 8. The project will secure 2,100 megawatts of low-carbon, reliable electricity for another 30-plus years to help meet Ontario’s forecasted increase in energy demand and support its economic growth.
The announcement, held at the Pickering NGS, also welcomed MPP Pickering-Uxbridge Peter Bethelenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, and Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe who reaffirmed their support of the project, noting its positive impact in Pickering, the Durham Region and across Ontario.
This is a truly remarkable moment for Pickering Nuclear, our employees, and the community. We are ready to leverage all of our ongoing lessons and experience from our Darlington Refurbishment and the construction of the G7’s first Small Modular Reactor to deliver another successful nuclear refurbishment for Ontario.Nicolle ButcherOPG’s President and CEO
OPG has applied to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for a 10-year licence that includes refurbishment activities. Pickering NGS Units 5 to 8 will be taken offline in September 2026, and the current licence expires in 2028.
The CNSC will hold a two-part public hearing in 2026 to consider the application from OPG.
If approved, the new licence would be in effect throughout the refurbishment period and into operations at the newly refurbished station.
For more information about the announcement, the Pickering licence renewal process and engagement opportunities, as well as the timeline for the Pickering Refurbishment, please visit opg.com/pickering.
Community Power Expo
On Saturday, Sept. 20, we welcomed more than 4,000 visitors to OPG’s 2025 Community Power Expo. The excitement doubled this year as the event was hosted at both the Darlington Energy Complex and the Pickering Nuclear site.
Visitors enjoyed hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and opportunities to explore power generation and clean energy. At the Darlington Energy Complex, guests saw the world’s first life-sized CANDU reactor mock-up and got a glimpse of the G7’s first Small Modular Reactor site. Meanwhile, highlights at the Pickering Nuclear site included a mock nuclear control room, immersive exhibits, photo opportunities, and a visit from Earth Rangers’ furry friends.
Our communities also came together to donate a remarkable 150 pounds of food and hundreds of dollars in monetary donations to Feed the Need Durham, providing upwards of 505 meals for those in need throughout the Durham Region.
OPG employees honour veterans through annual Poppy Campaign
To commemorate Remembrance Day, veterans from the Royal Canadian Legion, along with volunteers from OPG, distributed poppies at various locations on site at both Darlington and Pickering Nuclear stations in support of the annual Poppy Campaign. Employees wore poppies to recognize those who have served Canada in war and peacekeeping missions. Poppy proceeds were donated to local Royal Canadian Legion Branches to help support veterans, ex-service members and their dependents.
DRPS food and toy drive
OPG employees once again showed their generosity by supporting the annual Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) Food and Toy Drive. This initiative aims to bring holiday cheer by providing food for families in need and toys for children of all ages.
Across both the Pickering and Darlington sites, the 2025 campaign raised over $31,000 in non-perishable food, toys and monetary contributions.
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OPG’s new energy education platform, WattNextWattNext.ca was designed to bridge Ontario’s energy literacy gap at a time of rapid change and growing demand for clean electricity. Developed in partnership with the Ontario Science Centre and Ontario Tech University, WattNext.ca offers easy-tounderstand resources, interactive tools, and curriculum-aligned activities for students, teachers, families, and anyone curious about how Ontario is powered. | Prepare to be safePotassium iodide (KI) pills are a key component in keeping you and your family safe in the highly unlikely event of a nuclear emergency. All homes and businesses within 10 km of nuclear facilities are encouraged to have KI pills on hand. Anyone within 50 km of nuclear facilities is welcome to order KI for delivery. Visit preparetobesafe.ca for more information. | OPG opens Nuclear Discovery Centre in Port HopeOntario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, officially opened OPG’s Nuclear Discovery Centre in Port Hope last October. This community space features interactive and educational displays about the potential project and is the latest step in OPG’s efforts to keep the community, Rights Holders and stakeholders informed on the potential for new nuclear generation at its Wesleyville site. The centre is located at 115 Toronto Rd., Port Hope. |
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