Postive impact of nuclear industry felt in Northumberland region, says Hawthorne

The positive economic impact of Bruce Power and Ontario’s nuclear sector extends across the province, including the Northumberland region.

That's the word from Duncan Hawthorne, president and chief executive officer of Bruce Power, who spoke to the Northumberland Central and Port Hope and District Chamber of Commerce, Thursday.

 

“Bruce Power’s operations inject more than $4-billion into Ontario’s economy every year and a big portion of that investment reaches the Northumberland region where Cameco does the important work of fuel conversion and assembly,” said Hawthorne. “Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan is counting on Bruce Power’s eight units to supply electricity for decades to come, and this means affordable electricity for families and businesses, along with ongoing positive economic impacts.”

 

Cameco, a major employer in Port Hope and Cobourg, provides roughly 650 skilled jobs within the region. The company recently extended its agreement to provide fuel services to Bruce Power.

 

“We’re proud to be a long-term fuel supplier to Bruce Power, dating back to 2001 when the company assumed operational control of the Bruce site,” said Alice Wong, senior vice-president and chief corporate officer of Cameco. “Ontario’s nuclear generators provide a solid economic foundation for our fuel services operations and we look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.”

  

The total economic benefits related to Bruce Power’s fuel cost is roughly $245-million annually, according to a joint economic impact analysis released last year by the Ontario Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, Southwest Economic Alliance, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, the Society of Energy Professionals, the Power Workers’ Union, and Bruce Power.

 

Lou Rinaldi, MPP Northumberland Quinte West, recognized the positive economic impact nuclear has on the Northumberland region and across Ontario.

 

“Nuclear is an economic powerhouse for the province and, today, we have a better appreciation for the impact Bruce Power has on the Northumberland region, by creating jobs and investment in the area,” said Rinaldi. “Output from Bruce Power is an affordable source of electricity and provides a foundation for renewal as the company prepares to extend the lives of its units, as outlined in Ontario's Long-Term Energy Plan.”