Ontario has started construction on the refurbishment of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, launching a major infrastructure project designed to extend the operating life of four CANDU reactors while supporting tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity.
The provincial government said the refurbishment could extend the life of Pickering’s Units 5 through 8 by up to 38 years. The project is expected to create approximately 30,500 jobs annually during construction and support 7,500 jobs across Canada over the station’s extended lifespan.
Pickering Refurbishment to Extend Nuclear Generation
Once completed, the refurbished Pickering station is expected to provide up to 2,200 megawatts of electricity, which the province estimates is enough to power about 2.2 million homes.
Pickering B units are scheduled to be removed from service by the end of September 2026. Site construction is now underway, while reactor refurbishment work remains subject to final approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, expected in January 2027.
The project will involve replacing 1,520 fuel channels and 48 boilers, along with construction of a 1.5-kilometre deep-water intake.
“When the previous government planned to shut down Pickering, our government chose to protect 4,500 jobs and create 30,500 new jobs by doubling down on Canadian workers, technology and energy sovereignty,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Today, we are marking a national achievement as we begin work on Canada’s largest clean energy infrastructure project and strengthen our made-in-Ontario nuclear supply chain. The best way Ontario can fight back against President Trump is to build big, which is why we are saying yes to 30,500 jobs, 38 more years of clean power and a stronger Ontario economy. I’m proud that we are not only moving this historic project forward, but awarding contracts that will keep more than 90 per cent of project costs right here in Ontario.”
Major Contracts Awarded to Ontario Suppliers
The province expects the refurbishment to contribute $41.6 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product, with more than 90 per cent of project spending remaining in Ontario and Canada.
Aecon Group Inc. and Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company, have received a contract worth approximately $1.7 billion for the execution phase of the Unit 5 Retube, Feeder and Boiler Replacement project.
Aecon and Siemens Energy Canada have also been awarded a $1.3-billion turbine-generator replacement contract. That work includes installing 14 steam turbine rotors, rewinding stators, overhauling four generators and delivering new auxiliary, control and monitoring systems.
Project Expected to Boost Durham Region Economy
The refurbishment is expected to generate more than $17 billion in economic activity across Durham Region and Ontario while protecting skilled jobs and creating opportunities for suppliers and other businesses.
A new 200,000-square-foot training and mock-up facility will prepare more than 2,800 skilled trades workers for refurbishment activities. The province said the training initiative is intended to strengthen the domestic nuclear workforce and supply chain.
“Ontario’s investments in critical infrastructure and our key industries are creating new opportunities for workers across the province,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “At a time of global economic uncertainty, we are creating good-paying jobs here at home and ensuring our workers have access to the training they need to seize them. By expanding access to apprenticeships and skills training, we are building the workforce Ontario needs to deliver major projects like the Pickering refurbishment and support our continued growth.”
Nuclear Supply Chain Sees New Investment
The refurbishment is also driving investment among nuclear suppliers. BWXT Commercial Operations President John MacQuarrie said work associated with manufacturing 48 steam generators for Pickering has led to an $80-million investment in the company’s Cambridge facility and opportunities for more than 200 new skilled workers and professional employees.
“The decision by Ontario and OPG to advance Pickering’s life extension is enabling hundreds of people in the province to build rewarding careers in the nuclear industry. Producing 48 steam generators for Pickering is important work for us. In fact, it has spurred an $80 million investment in BWXT’s Cambridge plant, the largest manufacturing facility of its kind in North America for commercial reactor components, and created opportunities for more than 200 new skilled workers and professional staff.”
Ontario Prepares for Rising Electricity Demand
The refurbishment comes as Ontario prepares for significant long-term growth in electricity consumption. The Independent Electricity System Operator forecasts that provincial electricity demand could increase by as much as 90 per cent by 2050, driven by population growth, housing construction, electrification, advanced manufacturing and critical-minerals development.
Nuclear generation currently supplies about half of Ontario’s electricity, while the province says the nuclear industry supports roughly 80,000 jobs.
“The Pickering Nuclear Refurbishment is a historic investment in Ontario’s clean energy future,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By creating more than 30,000 jobs, generating billions in economic activity and strengthening our made-in-Ontario nuclear supply chain, this project will deliver generational benefits for workers and families in Pickering and communities across the province.”
The project builds on refurbishment work elsewhere in Ontario’s nuclear fleet, including Darlington and Bruce Power. For Pickering, the construction milestone begins a multi-year effort aimed at preserving a major source of electricity while expanding skilled employment and domestic nuclear manufacturing capacity.