Alderville First Nation invests in new nuclear project at Darlington
Screenshot of Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson at the investment ceremony for the Darlington Nuclear SMR project.
By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.
The Alderville First Nation and other William Treaties Nations are now investors as equity partners in the small modular reactor project at the Darlington New Nuclear Project.
The First Nations are collectively investing $700 million, helping to construct the first of four small modular reactors.
“For the first time in Canadian history, First Nations are supporting and investing in made-in-Canada nuclear, as Ontario leads the Western World building the first SMR, a project that will create over 18,000 good-paying jobs, with 80 per cent of investment staying in Ontario,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines.
Construction is already underway on the first SMR at Darlington, generating 1,200 megawatts of reliable, clean electricity, enough to power 1.2 million homes.
“Every decision we make must be measured not only by its benefits, but by its responsibilities,” said Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson. “We believe that stewardship means helping shape the future. It means asking difficult questions and undertaking careful review. It means ensuring Indigenous voices are part of the decision that shapes our future.”
The investment is supported by a provincial guarantee through the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program, administered by the Building Ontario Fund. With the Indigenous Investment, equity support in the DNNP project will avoid cost increases by reducing borrowing costs, saving ratepayers up to $15 billion over the operating life of the project.
