Pickering Mayor on board with nuclear plant refurbishment announcement

Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe called Tuesday’s provincial announcement that Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will refurbish Pickering Nuclear’s four ‘B’ station reactors a “monumental step forward” to a “cleaner, more vibrant, and sustainable future” for the city and for Ontario residents.

“The decision to endorse OPG’s plan aligns seamlessly with our shared vision for a sustainable future, emphasizing the government’s dedication to meeting the increasing demand for electrification, while also spurring economic development,” Ashe said in a statement.

The refurbishment, which will extend decades of life to the nearly 40-year-old station, is expected to begin in 2028, with the four ‘B’ reactors returning to service in the mid-2030s.

“The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, the largest employer in our community, has long been the backbone of our local economy (and) has also been our most valued corporate partner over the years, providing integral support for many of Pickering’s events, programs, and initiatives,” Ashe said.

Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe

The Pickering Mayor also expressed his “profound confidence” in the continued safe operation of the nuclear plant, noting OPG’s team has an “unwavering commitment” to safety and performance.

The plant powers 1.5 million homes each year and will power up a projected 500,000 more post-refurbishment.

“The success of the Darlington refurbishment, a similar complex project, stands as a testament to OPG’s capabilities, reinforcing our trust in the continued safe operation of the station for decades to come.”

The project is also anticipated to create thousands of new jobs in Pickering and across the province and generate at least 30 more years of “safe, reliable, and clean electricity,” he added.

“The refurbishment will not only power our homes and communities, but also drive the growth of industries and businesses as we move towards a cleaner, electrified, more dynamic, and sustainable future.”