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

Cramahe Township Candidate Responses

Mayoral Candidates

Kevin McGourty

Answer: Undecided

Additional comments:

I would like to see a Proposal. The cost estimate confirming 230 billion. I would like to see the timeframe that it would take to build the facility. I would like to see how many megawatts it will produce.
I would like to investigate alternative methods of supplying energy to homes and businesses in the area affected.
I all these matters I would safe guard the interests of the Cramahe Residents.

Deputy Mayor Candidates

Sherry Hamilton

Answer: Undecided

Additional comments:

The impacts on our future of a nuclear facility being built in Wesleyville remain to be seen. There are opportunities here as well as threats. I understand that this project has reached the “Projects of National Significance” status with our Federal government. There are opportunities for global investment in surrounding municipalities if this project moves forward. I feel it’s prudent to focus on managing what we can control now that this decision has moved to the next level. We are being told that it could be expedited for approval within a year if it makes the final list. If we continue to fight against it rather than focus on managing it, I believe we will have missed that opportunity.

Councillor Candidates

Ben Walker

Answer: Undecided

Additional comments:

It is of my opinion that when a serious issue is presented any decision that is made should be well informed and balanced. As councillor, I will ensure that any decision I will make will be evidence-based and include the perspectives of all stakeholders.