ELECTION 2026

Overview

Overview

OPG is proposing to build the world’s largest nuclear station at its Wesleyville site in Northumberland County. If this project proceeds it will cost about $230 billion and lead to skyrocketing electricity bills.

There are much better uses for OPG’s Wesleyville site. For example, it could be used for solar energy and battery energy storage, and to connect a Lake Ontario offshore wind farm to Hydro One’s transmission grid. In addition, the province should pay residents and small businesses to install solar on their rooftops.

By tripling Ontario’s renewable energy supply, we can quickly and efficiently meet growing demand for electricity, lower our electricity bills, and create good jobs in Northumberland County.

For more information, please see: It’s Time to Triple Ontario’s Renewable Energy; and Port Hope’s Electricity Future: Wind & Solar or New Nuclear?

We are asking all candidates one important question:

Do you think that building a massive nuclear station that will drive up electricity rates is a good use of the Wesleyville site?

Responses Overview

Alnwick / Haldimand Township Candidate Responses

Mayoral Candidates

Sherry Gibson

Answer: Undecided

Additional comments:

I do not have enough information at this time to make an informed decision. I think the benefits must be weighed against the risks and the cost. If elected, I look forward to robust, impartial and informed discussion and decision making at the council table, be it Alnwick/Haldimand or Northumberland County.

Deputy Mayor Candidates

Joan Stover

Answer: Undecided

Additional comments:

My priority is affordable, reliable electricity and making responsible decisions for our future.
Wesleyville has been an OPG site for many years. It was originally being built as an oil-fired station, but construction stopped following the 1979 oil crisis, and it never went into service. What is being proposed now is a new nuclear station.
OPG is doing the studies needed for the assessment. When that information comes forward, it will help answer questions about costs, safety, the environment, local jobs and what this could mean for our electricity bills.
I respect the concerns being raised. However, the $230-billion figure provided is an estimate, and I want to see it properly assessed. We also need to look carefully at renewable energy, storage and other options.
This is a major decision. Northumberland residents, including those in Alnwick/Haldimand, need clear information and an opportunity to be heard. My approach is to listen, do my homework and consider sound professional advice before taking a firm position.

Councillor Candidates

No responses received yet