The Ontario government has taken a major step toward in its plan to build the Bruce C Nuclear Project, the province’s first large-scale nuclear project in over 30 years.

It directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to enter into a cost-sharing and recovery agreement with Bruce Power to advance pre-construction work on the project.

The agreement, announced on May 7 by Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce, unlocks roughly $300 million for First Nations and community engagement, workforce planning, site preparation, and pre-construction activities, all of which are targeted for completion by 2030.

Under the terms of the agreement, IESO will share in the costs incurred by Bruce Power to continue advancing key predevelopment activities including engagement with First Nations, local communities, building trades and suppliers. These activities will occur alongside the work currently underway for completion of the federal Impact Assessment, which is expected to be completed in 2028 and receipt of a Licence to Prepare Site from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

If constructed as proposed, the 4,800 megawatt (MW) nuclear generating station will provide enough power for 4.8 million homes, inject $238 billion into Canada’s GDP and creating 18,900 jobs during construction and 6,700 once operational.

 “The Bruce C project will advance generational employment, and transform Bruce Power into the world’s largest nuclear generating facility,” Lecce said. “Our government is thinking big and long-term as we build on-time and on-budget, leading the largest nuclear expansion on the continent that will help put 150,000 Canadians to work. This is the economic spark that will help Ontario reindustrialize, attract job creating investment, and keep power reliable for families, farms and businesses.”

Bruce Power currently operates two generating stations – Bruce A and B – powering eight total reactors. Bruce C will build on this existing infrastructure, helping to reduce development timelines and costs while expanding Ontario’s nuclear fleet.

The agreement advances Ontario’s track record of delivering large-scale nuclear projects including the successful refurbishment of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, the ongoing Bruce Power Life Extension program, construction of the first of four small modular reactors in the G7 at the Darlington site, advancement of new nuclear generation at the Wesleyville site, and the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.

"Ontario’s steps to advance the Bruce C Nuclear Project mark an important investment in securing a greater capacity for reliable and affordable electricity while expanding opportunities for skilled trades workers who will build this infrastructure,” said Marc Arsenault, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. “Projects of this scale don’t just keep the lights on — they drive economic growth, strengthen our domestic supply chain, and ensure that skilled tradespeople are at the centre of building Ontario’s future. Our members have the expertise and experience to deliver complex projects like this safely and efficiently, and we’re ready to get to work."

Nuclear power currently provides about 50 percent of Ontario’s electricity supply and has positioned Ontario as one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world. Ontario’s nuclear industry supports around 80,000 jobs.

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