Ottawa adds Darlington’s small modular reactors to its fast-track list, drawing praise from Ontario’s premier and concern from environmental advocates.
Darlington nuclear project fast-tracked by Ottawa
Federal push for ‘nation-building’ energy
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Thursday a shortlist of five “nation-building” projects that will move through a newly created Major Projects Office (MPO). Among them is the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Clarington, Ont., east of Toronto, where Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is building Canada’s first small modular reactors (SMRs).
Ontario premier welcomes inclusion
Ontario Premier Doug Ford applauded Ottawa’s decision, calling it critical to accelerating energy independence. “Shovels are already in the ground building the first SMRs in the G7 at Darlington,” Ford said, adding that streamlined approvals should also extend to Ontario’s planned large-scale nuclear facilities.
What the reactors will deliver
The first reactor, already under construction, is expected to generate 300 megawatts—enough electricity to power roughly 300,000 homes. Federal officials estimate the project will create 1,600 construction jobs and sustain 200 permanent positions. Ottawa says the initiative positions Canada as a global leader in SMR technology, with export potential as early as 2030.
Local leaders see opportunity
Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster described the announcement as transformative for the community. “For the nuclear industry, which is based in Ontario for Canada and globally, this is huge,” he said, noting growing international interest. Foster highlighted a Dutch delegation visiting this week as evidence of worldwide attention.
Environmental advocates raise concerns
Not everyone is convinced. Tim Gray, executive director of Environmental Defence, criticized the inclusion of SMRs on the priority list. He argued the technology is costly, slow to deliver, and comes with safety risks. “There are much cheaper alternatives for the people of Ontario,” Gray said, pointing to clean energy solutions already available.
Next steps under Ottawa’s plan
Carney said all projects on the fast-track list will undergo approvals within two years at most. For Darlington, that could mean Canada becomes the first G7 country to operate an SMR, a milestone federal officials say would redefine the country’s role in global nuclear innovation.
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