June 10th, 2016

Nuclear Refurbishment Helping to Drive Peterborough’s Economy: Project Will Boost the Economy in Peterborough and Across Ontario

Peterborough, ON, June 10, 2016: Business and political leaders from across Greater Peterborough spoke about the economic and social benefits of Darlington Nuclear Refurbishment during a round table discussion at the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and Ontario Chamber of Commerce hosted the event that addressed the vital role of the Nuclear Refurbishment project.  

“The nuclear sector has been identified as a significant opportunity for the Peterborough area, with over 20 local companies making up a nuclear cluster.” said Stuart Harrison, President & CEO, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce. “The Darlington Nuclear refurbishment offers the opportunity for local businesses to be a part of the supply chain that will see the project through to completion.”

Overall, Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington Refurbishment project is boosting Ontario’s GDP by $15 billion. OPG and Peterborough based companies are working together on this project which will have significant impacts on the local economy for the next ten years, and beyond, as Darlington continues to operate to the mid 2050’s. 

The event was attended by Jeff Leal, MPP of Peterborough. It was also attended by local business leaders including Rolls-Royce and Canadian Instrumentation Services Group Ltd.

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce also spoke to the importance of the project from a province-wide perspective at the event.
“The economic benefits of this project will span far beyond the Peterborough region, and will create opportunities throughout Ontario's economy,” said Karl Baldauf, Vice-President of Policy and Government Relations at the OCC. “That means new jobs for Ontarians across the province. Meanwhile the refurbishment will contribute to a reliable energy supply over the long-term.”

Refurbishing Darlington is an investment in clean air, in lower energy prices, in jobs, and an important investment in Peterborough.” Said Boris Vulanovic, Director Operations & Maintenance at OPG.  “OPG and our suppliers and partners are working as one team to deliver the project safely, on time and on budget. I’m confident we will and that Peterborough will be better for it”.
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The Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization. Our main focus is to channel the collective strength of the business community to improve the economy. This includes providing representation on numerous committees, conducting surveys, issuing discussion papers and developing policy positions on issues of significance to our members.

​For further information contact:
Sandra Dueck, Policy Analyst/Communications Specialist
Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
E-mail: sandra@peterboroughchamber.ca
Phone: (705) 748-9771 ext.215