Bruce C project 'would boost GDP by CAD238 billion'

The figures come in the summary of findings of the Bruce C Economic Impact Assessment study by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for Bruce Power and the Nuclear Innovation Institute.

It says that during the proposed plant's 80-year lifespan, it would contribute more than CAD217 billion to the province of Ontario's gross domestic product. During site preparation and construction it would create or support 18,900 jobs nationally, of which 15,900 would be in Ontario. During operations those figures are put at 6,700 jobs nationally and 5,900 in Ontario.

Stephen Lecce, Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines, said: "Ontario's nuclear advantage is powering our future and showcasing the very best of Canadian technology, resources, and workers … it is clear that Bruce Power C is essential to Ontario’s energy and economic future, as we build on-time and on-budget."

James Scongack, Bruce Power's Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President, said: "The Ontario Chamber of Commerce independent economic impact analysis confirms what our communities already know - Bruce C has the potential to be a once‑in‑a‑generation economic engine."

Luke Charbonneau, Bruce County Warden and Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores, said: "The economic benefits, training opportunities, and long-term jobs will make life better for families and businesses throughout our region for decades."

Background

The Bruce site, 18 kilometres north of the town of Kincardine in Bruce County, is home to eight operating Candu units: units 1-4 are known together as Bruce A and units 5-8 as Bruce B. The new project would be sited within the existing 932-hectare site, with new intake and discharge structures in Lake Huron. Alternative cooling strategies will be evaluated as part of the impact assessment process.

Bruce Power formally notified Canadian regulators of its intention to launch an Impact Assessment process for up to 4,800 MWe of new capacity at the Bruce site in October 2023. The federal government announced CAD50 million of funding in February 2024 to support pre-development feasibility work. In August 2025 the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, issued the formal Notice of Commencement of Impact Assessment under the country’s Impact Assessment Act.

With nuclear currently responsible for 50% of Ontario's total generation and hydro contributing 24%, Ontario already has one of the cleanest grids in the world and the Energy for Generations plan published in June 2025 sees nuclear power - including required new capacity - "continuing to serve as the backbone of the province's electricity system providing the 24/7 baseload power the province's economy requires" as demand continues to rise.