OPG and Port Hope sign MOU for nuclear development
Minister Stephen Lecce (left) and Minister David Piccini sign an MOU regarding nuclear development near Port Hope. Photo by Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, LJI
By Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.
The Municipality of Port Hope and Ontario Power Generation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support next phases of the development of the Wesleyville Nuclear site.
The four pillars of the MOU signed Thursday in Port Hope at the Nuclear Centre are to collaborate and share information for the technical study of the project through the independent assessment process, community engagement and outreach, promote environmental health, air quality and water cleanliness. And to promote economic development.
“This agreement is an important step forward as we build the world’s largest nuclear station,” said Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce.
OPG has provided a further $4 million of growth readiness funding to Port Hope to support the community in preparing for the workload of the Impact Assessment process and beginning stages of a proposed Wesleyville nuclear facility. While, an additional $500,000 was provided to support specific staffing requirements related to project work.
“The MOU between the Municipality and OPG represents the kind of forward-looking collaboration our community needs to prepare for future growth as we continue to explore the development of clean energy generation in Port Hope,” said Olena Hankivsky, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “By strengthening partnerships, enhancing community engagement, and supporting sustainable development, we are laying the groundwork for long term economic growth and community well being. This agreement ensures we are ready to meet the opportunities ahead. We’re proud to take this step together to build a resilient, prosperous future for our community."
Early assessments show the Wesleyville site alone could support up to 10,000 megawatts of new nuclear generation—enough to power the equivalent of 10 million homes, while supporting 10,500 jobs across Ontario, including 1,700 new good-paying jobs in Port Hope, representing an average 15 to 20 per cent boost to overall employment levels in the local area.
