Bruce C Nuclear Plan: A $238B Economic Jolt for Ontario's Energy Future

KINCARDINE, ON – January 19, 2026 – A proposed major expansion of the Bruce Power nuclear facility could inject nearly $238 billion into Canada's economy and create tens of thousands of jobs over its lifespan, according to an independent economic analysis released today. The report, commissioned by the Nuclear Innovation Institute, paints a transformative picture of the project's potential, positioning it as a cornerstone of Ontario's future energy and economic strategy.

The analysis, conducted by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and Prism Economics and Analysis, concludes that the Bruce C project would provide a massive economic stimulus, primarily concentrated in Ontario. The proposed addition of up to 4,800 megawatts (MW) of new, carbon-free electricity generation comes as the province grapples with forecasts of soaring energy demand driven by electrification and industrial growth.

“Ontario’s nuclear advantage is powering our future and showcasing the very best of Canadian technology, resources, and workers,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines, in a statement accompanying the release. “Bruce C represents one of greatest drivers of economic growth in Canada, creating 18,900 jobs and $238 billion lift to Canada’s GDP over its 80-year lifespan. It is clear that Bruce Power’s C is essential to Ontario’s energy and economic future.”

An Economic Engine for a Power-Hungry Province

The economic projections detailed in the report are staggering. Over its projected 80-year lifespan, the Bruce C project is forecast to contribute over $217 billion to Ontario’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The construction phase alone is expected to generate $61 billion for Canada's GDP, with the subsequent decades of operation adding another $176 billion.

For the local region—comprising Bruce, Grey, and Huron Counties, dubbed the Clean Energy Frontier—the project promises an average annual GDP boost of $2.3 billion. Local municipal governments could see an additional $55 million in annual tax revenues, funds earmarked for community growth and services.

Employment figures are equally robust. The report estimates that the site preparation and construction phase would create or support an annual average of 18,900 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across Canada, with nearly 15,900 of those in Ontario. Once operational, the plant would sustain over 6,700 FTE jobs nationally each year.

Local leaders celebrated the potential windfall. “As the host community, we’re proud to work with Bruce Power to advance the Bruce C Project and understand the significant economic impact it would bring,” said Kenneth Craig, Mayor of the Municipality of Kincardine. Echoing this sentiment, Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau called the project a “transformational opportunity” that would “make life better for families and businesses throughout our region for decades.”

The push for this new nuclear capacity is underpinned by projections from Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), which anticipates a dramatic rise in electricity demand. The electrification of transportation and industry, coupled with major new investments in sectors like electric vehicle battery manufacturing, requires a substantial increase in reliable, non-emitting power generation. Nuclear power, which already provides the majority of Ontario's baseload electricity, is being positioned by the provincial government as a key solution to meet this future need.

The Path to Global Leadership?

Successful completion of the Bruce C project would not only bolster Ontario's grid but also elevate the Bruce Power site to a new global status. With the addition of 4,800 MW, the facility’s total capacity would approach 12,000 MW, making it the largest single nuclear generating site in the world, surpassing the current leader, Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant.

“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,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President. “From job creation and economic growth to long-term energy security, the benefits will be felt in the Clean Energy Frontier region, as well as across Ontario and Canada.”

While the project would establish the Kincardine facility as the world's largest nuclear site, the claim of making Bruce Power the largest nuclear generator requires context. Global nuclear operators such as France's state-owned EDF and rapidly expanding Chinese corporations like CGN and CNNC manage significantly larger fleets with greater total capacity spread across multiple locations.

Navigating a Complex Approval Gauntlet

Despite the promising economic forecast, the Bruce C project is far from a certainty. It is currently in the early stages of a rigorous, multi-year federal integrated Impact Assessment (IA). This process, co-managed by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), is designed to thoroughly vet all potential positive and negative effects before any construction can begin.

In late 2025, the IAAC initiated the 'Impact Statement' phase, tasking Bruce Power with preparing a detailed report on the project's potential environmental, health, social, and economic effects. A key part of this assessment involves a technology-neutral approach, establishing a 'Plant Parameter Envelope' to evaluate impacts regardless of the final reactor design chosen.

The assessment places a strong emphasis on Indigenous rights and consultation. The Bruce Power site lies on the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), and meaningful engagement and partnership with the community are mandatory and critical components of the federal review. The process will also be scrutinized by an independent review panel, a standard step for nuclear projects.

Balancing Promise and Scrutiny

While the OCC report provides a powerful argument for the project's benefits, it is important to note that it was commissioned by an industry-affiliated body and released by the OCC, a chamber with a consistent history of advocating for nuclear power. Economic impact analyses of this nature typically measure spending flows and job creation but are distinct from a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis that weighs all societal costs, such as infrastructure strain and long-term liabilities.

Long-standing concerns from environmental organizations and other critics of nuclear power also form part of the broader public debate. These groups traditionally raise questions about the high upfront capital costs and lengthy construction timelines associated with large nuclear builds, arguing that funds could be more effectively spent on renewable energy and efficiency measures. The unresolved challenge of permanently storing high-level radioactive waste remains a central point of contention for any new nuclear project.

At the local level, the promise of thousands of jobs and sustained economic activity is tempered by practical concerns. A massive influx of construction and operational staff into the relatively rural Clean Energy Frontier region would place significant strain on housing, healthcare, and other public services, challenges that local communities would need to manage alongside the economic boom.