Statement from Mayor Foster on SMRs as fast-track nation-building projects

Clarington, Ontario – Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster has issued the following statement.

“It’s exciting that Prime Minister Mark Carney has chosen the Darlington New Nuclear Project as one of the first nation-building initiatives, and the only in Ontario, to be fast-tracked by the Major Projects Office.

The Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) being built in Clarington are the first of their kind, a bold step toward advancing nuclear technology and creating a more sustainable future. This project will create and sustain 2,600 jobs, boost Ontario’s GDP by $13.7 billion, and deliver reliable power to 1.2 million people. The Conference Board of Canada predicts this pioneering initiative, combined with the successful refurbishment of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington CANDU reactors, will deliver a $100 billion boost to the Canadian economy.

Canada is at the forefront of developing a robust domestic nuclear fleet, ready to share our expertise and technology internationally. CANHC (the Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Communities) is helping new nuclear host communities around the world benefit from our shared experience and advice. The world is watching closely. Delegations from across the globe are visiting Darlington, witnessing work underway for the first grid-scale SMR in the G7. I want to thank Prime Minister Carney for his trust in our nuclear community and warmly invite him to Clarington, home to the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station and our newest SMR development.

Canada is a global energy superpower, thanks to major investments from both the federal government and the Province of Ontario, and the dedicated efforts of the nuclear industry. Through our cutting-edge nuclear technology, Canada has an amazing opportunity to impact climate change, deliver reliable and affordable energy, produce life-saving isotopes, and unlock immense economic growth. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime.”