ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP, Ont. — Ontario is moving ahead with plans to explore new electricity generation at Ontario Power Generation’s historic Lambton site, committing $500,000 in growth-readiness funding as the province prepares for a sharp increase in electricity demand.
The funding will support St. Clair Township as it works with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to assess potential generation options, including natural gas and nuclear power. The 1,200-acre property is already zoned to accommodate up to 900 megawatts of electricity generation — enough to power as many as 900,000 additional homes.
Ontario Looks to Revive Historic Lambton Energy Site
The former Lambton Generating Station was once one of Ontario’s largest coal-fired power plants before closing in 2013. Provincial officials are now positioning the property for a possible return to large-scale electricity production.
The site has several infrastructure advantages, including connections to Ontario’s transmission system, railway and port access, as well as nearby industrial land.
“As Ontario faces unprecedented economic attacks from President Trump, we are doubling down on made-in-Canada energy, with a plan to create 150,000 tariff-proof jobs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “While the former government shuttered the coal-powered Lambton Generating Station with no plan to replace the jobs it created, our government is unveiling a plan to bring this site back to life. OPG’s Lambton site was once an important part of Ontario’s energy story, and with electricity demand growing, we are ensuring it can once again power our growth. While we face new U.S. tariffs, now is exactly the time to build with ambition, using Canadian energy built by Canadian workers, all while firing up the Canadian supply chain.”
Ontario forecasts electricity demand could increase by as much as 90 per cent by 2050, driven by population and housing growth, electrification, advanced manufacturing and expanding critical-minerals supply chains.
Local Economic Development Could Accompany Energy Investment
The province says redevelopment could generate new employment and business activity in St. Clair Township and the wider Sarnia-Lambton region. Potential benefits include infrastructure funding for the host community, opportunities for Indigenous equity participation and the ability to attract additional industrial investment.
“The potential for new energy generation at OPG’s Lambton site is exciting news for the Sarnia-Lambton region and a fitting use for a location that helped power the province for more than four decades,” said Bob Bailey, MPP for Sarnia-Lambton. “I look forward to the discussions with our local Indigenous partners, municipalities, and stakeholder groups as we develop the plan for this site and our energy and economic security in Ontario.”
St. Clair Township council has endorsed continued discussions with OPG and the Ministry of Energy and Mines about possible new generation, including nuclear power.
“Thank you to the Honourable Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce, and the Doug Ford government of Ontario for this investment of the $500,000 growth readiness funding,” said Jeff Agar, Mayor of St. Clair Township. “This investment will help ensure St. Clair Township’s infrastructure is ready to support OPG’s efforts to bring the Lambton Generating Station site in Courtright back to life.”
OPG Expands Planning Across Existing Ontario Sites
The Lambton initiative is part of a wider effort to evaluate existing OPG properties for new generation. OPG also owns sites at Wesleyville in Port Hope and Nanticoke in Haldimand County that are already zoned for electricity generation and have access to transmission infrastructure.
In February, OPG signed a partnership agreement with the Municipality of Port Hope to advance preparations for a major nuclear generating station at Wesleyville. The province says that project could support 10,500 jobs across Ontario and contribute $235 billion to provincial GDP over its lifespan. Haldimand County has also received $500,000 to explore new generation opportunities, including small modular reactors, at Nanticoke.
Next Step Could Include Formal Agreement
The Lambton funding allows St. Clair Township and OPG to move toward a formal memorandum of understanding and further planning work. OPG is also expected to continue engagement with the municipality and First Nations communities.
“Early community engagement is a critical first step to siting new electricity generation. This funding will provide the initial resources St. Clair Township needs to participate meaningfully on behalf of its residents as this important discussion progresses,” said Kim Lauritsen, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Strategy and Growth, OPG.
No final decision has been announced on the type, size or construction timeline of new generation at Lambton. For now, the investment moves the former coal-generation site into a new phase of planning as Ontario evaluates how existing energy properties could help meet the province’s long-term electricity requirements.