Two federal regulatory agencies have launched a comprehensive review process for Ontario Power Generation's proposed nuclear facility near Port Hope, inviting residents and Indigenous communities to shape how the project gets evaluated.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission announced they will conduct a joint assessment of the New Nuclear at Wesleyville project, which would bring a new nuclear power plant to the Municipality of Port Hope within the traditional and treaty Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations. The massive facility would provide up to 10,000 megawatts of new nuclear generating capacity and operate for 78 years, with several nuclear reactor technologies under consideration for the project.
The agencies have streamlined their approach under a "one project, one review" framework to avoid duplicating regulatory processes. Officials released draft guidelines that outline specific factors reviewers will consider when assessing the project's environmental and safety impacts. The documents also detail what studies and information Ontario Power Generation must provide in both its environmental impact statement and licence application to prepare the site.
The project requires this integrated review because it must comply with both the federal Impact Assessment Act and the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. Rather than conducting separate assessments, the two agencies decided to coordinate their efforts to create a more efficient review process.
Citizens can access the draft documents and submit feedback through the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry website using reference number 89802. The agencies have also placed printed copies at 13 locations throughout the region, including town halls, libraries, and Ontario Power Generation's Nuclear Discovery Centre in Port Hope.
The public comment period closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 7, 2026. All submitted comments will become part of the public project record and appear online. People who prefer alternative formats for providing input can contact the Impact Assessment Agency directly at Wesleyville@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.
To help residents understand the assessment process, the agencies scheduled multiple information sessions across the region. Three in-person sessions will take place in early April, including a unique opportunity to speak with officials at Port Hope's annual "Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny" community event on April 11.
The in-person sessions begin April 9 at Courtice Library from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by an April 10 session at Jack Burger Sports Complex in Port Hope from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The community event booth will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For those unable to attend in person, virtual information sessions will run April 14 from noon to 1:00 p.m. and April 16 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The agencies will also arrange a French-language virtual session upon request. Participants can find connection details for all sessions on the project homepage.
The assessment represents a significant milestone for nuclear energy development in Ontario, as the province seeks to expand its clean electricity generation capacity. The review process will examine potential environmental, health, safety, and socioeconomic impacts while ensuring meaningful consultation with affected communities, particularly the Williams Treaties First Nations whose traditional territory encompasses the proposed site.
April 8, 2026
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