Hamilton Township Candidate Responses
Mayoral Candidates
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No responses received yetCouncillor Candidates
Bruce Buttar
Answer: Undecided
Additional comments:
There are a lot of questions that need to be answered to make an informed decision. As a councillor I will stay engaged with the OPG to find as much information as is available also to make sure the concerns of the residents and especially the impacts specifically to the Township of Hamilton are heard.
Rob MacArthur
Answer: Undecided
Additional comments:
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.
Pat McCourt
Answer: Undecided
Additional comments:
I believe that Ontario needs a long term power generation plan. I cannot predict whether this project will drive up hydro rates or lower them, I have heard people arguing both sides of that statement.
Analysis has previously been completed on other energy alternatives. The federal government will decide whether the Wesleyville nuclear project will be approved but there will not be further discussion on energy alternatives. This was made clear on page 26 of the Integrated Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines published July 10, 2026, which reads,
“The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) further determined that additional analysis of non-nuclear energy alternatives to nuclear power would duplicate existing provincial technical assessments and policy processes and is not necessary for the conduct of the assessment of the potential effects of the designated project.”
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is currently working on completing a comprehensive impact assessment which must meet the requirements set out by the IAAC and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). There will continue to be opportunities for both the municipality and the community to offer input. I will be diligent in seeing that the municipality continues to participate in these opportunities. The public participation plan can be accessed at https://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/documents/p89802/167081E.pdf .
As a candidate for municipal council my focus must be on the impacts on the municipality if the project goes through. It is reasonable to assume that many of those employed by the plant will look to the east for accommodation as our real estate prices are lower than those heading toward the GTA. There will be considerable impact on our infrastructure and may create a push for greater development in our area. I will stand firm on my belief that we must protect viable agricultural land. An appropriate repair or replace plan for our infrastructure must also be considered. Most importantly, I believe that we will need to review the impacts on our emergency preparedness. I will advocate for funding to allow that to happen.