Thank you for contacting me and for providing your organization’s information regarding the proposed Wesleyville project.
I believe decisions about Ontario’s future electricity supply should be based on credible evidence and a transparent comparison of the available options, including their full costs, reliability, environmental impacts and long-term consequences.
At this stage, I would not characterize the proposed Wesleyville project as either a good or bad use of the site based on a projected cost or electricity-rate impact that has not yet been established through the regulatory and assessment process.
The proposal is for up to 10,000 MW of nuclear generation, but important details, including the reactor technology and final project configuration, have not yet been determined. The project is currently undergoing a federal impact assessment.
As a candidate for Hamilton Township Council, my immediate responsibility is also to consider what a project of this magnitude could mean for the residents I would represent.
Hamilton Township could experience impacts involving traffic, roads, housing, emergency preparedness, municipal services, the environment and our overall quality of life, while potentially benefiting from employment, investment and other economic opportunities.
I believe Hamilton Township needs to be actively involved throughout the process, identify potential impacts early, and ensure that costs directly attributable to the project are not simply downloaded onto Hamilton Township taxpayers.
I also support examining renewable generation, conservation, storage and other technologies as part of Ontario’s overall energy planning. Decisions involving investments of this magnitude deserve a rigorous and transparent comparison of the alternatives.
My position on Wesleyville is therefore to follow the evidence, recognize both potential benefits and potential impacts, protect Hamilton Township taxpayers, and ensure our residents have a meaningful voice as the proposal moves through the assessment process.
