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 Blitz! Whether you enjoy science, wildlife, or swimming and skating, OPG has an action packed lineup of programs running from March 10 - 14 throughout the Durham Region.
The March Break program is one of the many opportunities you have to meet with OPG employees, discuss our operations and projects and to strengthen the valuable relationships and partnerships we have established in the communities we serve.
Visit opg.com/durham to see where staff from OPG’s nuclear stations will be next.
Darlington Nuclear Relicensing
As part of the routine licensing process for a nuclear power station, last year, OPG submitted an application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to renew the DNGS Power Reactor Operating Licence. The application requests a 30- year licence renewal from Dec. 1, 2025 to Nov. 30, 2055.
The CNSC will hold a two-part public hearing on March 26 and June 24–26, 2025 to consider OPG’s application. The application highlights Darlington’s strong safety and operational performance and significant achievements during the current licence term. The station is recognized amongst the top- performing nuclear stations in the world with a strong track record of reliability and exceptional safety records.
Interested in participating? Here are some of the ways you can engage with us about relicensing, operations, and projects:
- Visit our website (opg.com)
- Attend a Public Information Session: virtual and in-person sessions will take place in March and April.
- Visit our website for more details.
- Stop in at our Public Information Centre: open Monday - Friday (9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
- Give us a call: 905-623-7122/Toll Free: 1-800-461-0034
- Visit us at one of many upcoming community events across Durham Region (opg.com/durham)
Safe and steady progress – the Darlington New Nuclear Project
Late last year under the current site preparation licence, site preparation activities were completed safely and on schedule in support of construction of the first of four planned Small Modular Reactors at the Darlington new nuclear site. In January of 2025, OPG, Rightsholders, stakeholders, and members of the public participated in Part 2 of the CNSC public hearing to consider OPG’s application for a Licence to Construct (LTC).
Over the course of five days, our team. heard from a broad range of stakeholders on topics including reactor design, safety, Indigenous relations, and public engagement. The Commission’s decision on issuance of the licence is anticipated this spring. If granted, construction activities would begin promptly and are expected to continue to the end of 2028.
For more information on the project, including the detailed timeline, visit opg.com/newnuclear.
Powering Possibilities at Wesleyville
To help meet rapidly rising energy needs, forecasted to increase by 75 per cent over the next 25 years, the Ontario government has asked OPG to explore opportunities for new generation at its Wesleyville site.
The announcement by the Minister of Energy and Electrification Ontario, was made in January following a formal expression of interest from the Municipality of Port Hope and a willingness to enter discussions from the Williams Treaties First Nations (WTFNs).
The site has been zoned and maintained for future electrical generation for more than 50 years, and based on early assessments, has the potential to power the equivalent of 10 million homes with clean, non-emitting nuclear generation (based on up to 10,000 megawatts (MW)).
The potential benefits to local and surrounding communities are substantial; according to the Conference Board of Canada:
- New nuclear at Wesleyville is expected to support about 1,700 new jobs in Port Hope, representing on average a 15-20 per cent boost to local employment levels.
- Increased co-located industry, supply chain spending, and municipal property taxes from the station will drive economic growth. Over its lifespan the project will generate $10.5 million in municipal tax revenues annually for Port Hope.
- The Wesleyville project will boost Port Hope’s GDP by $65.7 billion and Ontario’s GDP by $235.5 billion over its lifespan.
As an important first step, OPG is engaged in conversations with the Municipality, local Rightsholders, stakeholders, site neighbours, and surrounding communities to share information about the project and provide ongoing opportunities to connect with the OPG team.
More: opg.com/wesleyville
Pickering Nuclear – Planning for the future
OPG closed a significant chapter when Pickering Nuclear’s Unit 4 was removed from service on Dec. 31, 2024.
The unit has safely and reliably generated energy for our communities for decades and will now be placed into safe storage. Throughout those years, thousands of workers have been dedicated to its strong performance and significant contributions to Durham Region.
This milestone means that Units 1 to 4 will now be prepared for decommissioning.
Units 5 to 8 will continue to operate to the end of 2026, and then be prepared for refurbishment, pending regulatory approval. These four units contribute 10 per cent of Ontario’s electricity and will continue to play a key role in providing the reliable, affordable, and low-carbon electricity the province needs for years to come.
Did you know?
You might recall in Spring 2024, OPG placed barges on the lake to perform geotechnical assessments for Pickering Nuclear refurbishment planning. Up to four barges will return to the lake in spring, located just south of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. There will also be up to three drill rigs on shore. This equipment will support continued geotechnical assessments for Pickering Refurbishment planning until approximately October 2025, weather dependent.
Meet the CEO
Nicolle Butcher was appointed OPG’s President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in January 2025. Nicolle is a champion for Indigenous communities, companies, and businesses to achieve OPG’s Reconciliation Action Plan commitments.
In 2021, Nicolle was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and Woman of the Year by WIRE (Women in Renewable Energy) and APPRO (Association of Power Producers of Ontario). Nicolle holds an MBA from McGill University, is a Chartered Business Valuator, and has earned an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
As she moves into her new role, Nicolle is committed to building on OPG’s history of safe, on-time, and on-budget completion of key projects, including the Darlington Refurbishment and the development of Small Modular Reactors, furthering OPG’s vision to electrify life in one generation.
Outside of work, Nicolle enjoys hiking and spending time with her family, including her two boys, and Jasper the Labradoodle.
Bring Back the Salmon
For nearly two decades, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) has worked to restore Atlantic Salmon to Lake Ontario through the Bring Back the Salmon program. This year, students from Dr. G.J. MacGillivray, in Courtice and Duffins Bay Elementary School in Ajax will join OPG, OFAH, Toronto Region Conservation Authority and Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority to participate in this hands-on initiative, which educates students about the Atlantic Salmon’s history in Ontario and restoration efforts.
Nuclear Isotopes
Click here to learn about how OPG produces medical-grade nuclear isotopes, supporting global healthcare by providing essential diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
OPG employees help students explore the trades
OPG employees recently introduced 1,300 students to skilled trades through interactive workshops, promoting hands on career exploration. Click here to learn more.
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