OTTAWA, The Ontario government has awarded two contracts worth approximately $66 million to companies in Carp and Pembroke to support construction of the G7’s first small modular reactor (SMR) at the Darlington New Nuclear Project, strengthening the province’s nuclear supply chain and supporting hundreds of skilled jobs.
The contracts form part of Ontario’s strategy to expand domestic manufacturing, strengthen energy security and create economic opportunities through major clean energy infrastructure investments.
Eastern Ontario Companies Secure Major Nuclear Construction Contracts
Gillam Construction Group, based in Carp, will receive nearly $35 million to construct the Darlington New Nuclear Project’s administration building. The contract is expected to create 100 jobs.
Pembroke-based Mansteel Rebar has secured a $31-million contract to fabricate, supply and install reinforcing steel for five core buildings at the nuclear facility.
The Mansteel contract will support 100 existing jobs and create another 20 positions during construction.
Together, the contracts are expected to contribute more than $66 million to Ontario’s gross domestic product, according to the provincial government.
“Ontario is taking decisive action to be a first mover in the Western World on small modular reactors to unlock generational prosperity and safeguard our energy sovereignty,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “As we advance construction on this nation-building project, we are creating more than 18,000 good-paying jobs and securing a world-class nuclear supply chain that builds the components for SMRs at home and around the world. Eastern Ontario has always played a critical role as a clean energy powerhouse and nuclear innovator, which is why it’s fitting that we announce contracts across the region that will keep the economy strong.”
Nuclear Investment Strengthens Ontario’s Manufacturing Sector
The latest awards follow 14 contracts announced for manufacturers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
More than 100 Canadian companies have now signed agreements with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to participate in the Darlington project.
The province is positioning nuclear construction as an opportunity for domestic steel producers and manufacturers facing uncertainty from international trade pressures and U.S. tariffs.
Local Businesses Highlight Employment and Supply Chain Benefits
“Gillam Construction Group is incredibly proud to provide construction services to the Darlington New Nuclear Project through the delivery of its new Administration Building,” said Marcus Gillam, CEO, Gillam Construction Group. “We are honoured to play a part in this generational project that will provide clean, safe and reliable energy to Ontarians for generations to come.”
Mansteel Rebar also emphasized the importance of Canadian sourcing and employment.
“Mansteel Rebar Ltd. is proud to be part of the Darlington New Nuclear Project, contributing to one of Canada’s most significant energy infrastructure investments. As a Canadian-owned and operated business, sourcing all of our reinforcing steel from local Canadian based steel mills, we are proud to support Canadian jobs and manufacturing,” said Allen Piddington, General Manager, Mansteel Rebar Ltd. “With our skilled workforce currently on site and the recent award of additional work, this project represents an important opportunity to support local employment, strengthen Ontario’s construction and steel industries, and contribute to the province’s long-term energy needs. We look forward to continuing our role in building Ontario’s nuclear future.”
Darlington SMRs Expected to Supply 1.2 Million Homes
Once completed, Darlington’s four planned SMR units will generate a combined 1,200 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 1.2 million homes.
The province estimates that construction, operations and maintenance will contribute $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over 65 years while sustaining approximately 3,800 highly skilled jobs.
Ontario has also established a target directing 80 per cent of project spending toward provincial companies.
Growing Electricity Demand Drives Nuclear Expansion
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator forecasts that electricity demand could increase by as much as 90 per cent by 2050, driven by population growth, electrification and industrial expansion.
The provincial government approved OPG’s plan to begin constructing the first Darlington SMR in 2025.
The project is supported by a $1-billion provincial investment through the Building Ontario Fund and $2 billion in federal funding through the Canada Growth Fund.
Ontario is also pursuing international nuclear manufacturing opportunities, including agreements involving BWXT Canada and Poland, alongside Velan’s planned safety-valve manufacturing facility in Durham Region.
The latest contracts demonstrate how Ontario’s nuclear expansion is extending beyond electricity generation, creating manufacturing opportunities across the province while supporting its long-term energy and economic development objectives.
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