The federal and Ontario governments have announced a joint $3 billion investment in the Darlington New Nuclear Project, marking a major step toward deploying Canada’s first grid-scale small modular reactors (SMRs). The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, strengthen Ontario’s energy security, and position Canada as a G7 leader in nuclear innovation.
BOWMANVILLE, Ont., Oct. 23, 2025 — Prime Minister Paul Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford confirmed Thursday that Ottawa and Queen’s Park will invest a combined $3 billion in the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP), a development set to deliver Canada’s first commercial small modular reactors (SMRs).
Investment Structure
- Federal contribution: $2 billion via the Canada Growth Fund
- Ontario contribution: $1 billion through the Building Ontario Fund
- Ownership stakes: Ottawa will hold 15%, Ontario 7%, while Ontario Power Generation (OPG) remains the majority owner and project operator
The total construction cost is currently estimated at $20.9 billion.
Project Scope and Timeline
The DNNP will feature four grid-scale SMRs, with a combined capacity of 1,200 megawatts — enough to power 1.2 million homes. The first reactor is scheduled to come online by 2030, with the remaining units expected in the mid-2030s.
Economic and Social Impact
According to the Conference Board of Canada, the project will:
- Create up to 18,000 jobs annually during construction
- Contribute $38.5 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next 65 years
- Provide long-term, high-paying careers in Ontario’s energy sector
Prime Minister Carney described the initiative as a “generational investment”, while Premier Ford called it a “down payment on Ontario’s nuclear future.”
Indigenous Engagement
OPG has pledged to consult with the Williams Treaties First Nations, with discussions proceeding at a pace determined by Indigenous communities. Both governments emphasized that Indigenous participation and potential investment will be central to the project’s development.
Strategic Significance
The Darlington project is one of five major infrastructure initiatives identified by the Canadian Major Projects Office for fast-tracking under new federal legislation. Officials say the investment will de-risk early SMR deployment, paving the way for private sector and Indigenous capital to follow.
Summary: With $3 billion in joint federal-provincial funding, the Darlington New Nuclear Project will deliver Canada’s first grid-scale SMRs, creating tens of thousands of jobs, boosting GDP, and powering over a million homes with clean energy. The project underscores Canada’s ambition to lead the G7 in nuclear innovation while ensuring Indigenous engagement and long-term energy security.
Excerpts from connectcre article by By: Monte Stewart
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