Ontario Investing $1 Billion to Build Small Modular Reactors at Darlington

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) recently approved OPG’s operating licence at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station through 2045 — the longest operating license ever issued by the CNSC. This decision underscores the world-class safety and operational excellence of OPG, allowing the station to continue the safe production of reliable, clean power and support its 2,500 workers.
• Ontario has approved OPG’s plan to begin construction on the first of the four SMRs at the Darlington nuclear site.
• The Building Ontario Fund (BOF) plays a critical role in catalyzing investment in high-impact, revenue-generating infrastructure projects in Ontario across five priority areas: energy, affordable housing, long-term care, transportation and municipal and community infrastructure. Focused on projects in the public interest and that advance economic participation for Indigenous partners, BOF is helping meet the province’s growing infrastructure needs and driving long-term economic growth.
• Through the 2025 Budget, the Ontario government approved up to a further $5 billion in funding to BOF, ensuring it’s well positioned to continue delivering on its mandate and support high-impact projects that contribute to the province’s economic and social well-being.

Quotes

“I am proud to see the Clarington community playing a central role in Ontario’s landmark nuclear expansion. This project will deliver significant economic benefits locally and to the surrounding Durham Region, creating thousands of high-skilled, well-paying jobs and strengthening our local workforce. We are investing directly in our people, our industries and our future as a leader in clean energy innovation.”

– Todd McCarthy
MPP, Durham

“Clarington is proud to be a leading nuclear host community. This milestone — backed by strong, meaningful partnerships across all levels of government — advances Canada’s global leadership in peaceful nuclear innovation, while generating jobs, expanding opportunity and driving sustainable progress nationwide and beyond.”

– Adrian Foster
Mayor of Clarington