On September 21, 2026 the Ontario government announced that the nuclear reactors at the Pickering site will be taken offline for a large‑scale refurbishment project. The decision, communicated by Premier Doug Ford, marks the start of a major overhaul aimed at expanding the province’s nuclear capacity.
Premier Ford emphasized that the refurbishment is a key step toward meeting Ontario’s electricity needs. By modernising the Pickering reactors, the government intends to ensure a reliable supply of power while supporting the broader goals of the province’s energy strategy.
The project will involve extensive work on the reactors, requiring them to be removed from service for an extended period. Officials describe the undertaking as one of the most significant upgrades in the plant’s history, designed to extend the operational life of the facilities and improve overall performance.
Ontario’s energy plan relies heavily on nuclear generation to satisfy the majority of the province’s electricity demand. The Pickering refurbishment therefore fits into a larger framework that seeks to maintain a stable, low‑carbon power supply as the province balances growth, affordability and environmental objectives.
While the reactors are offline, the government expects the refurbishment to ultimately increase the amount of nuclear power available to the grid. The initiative is presented as a proactive measure to safeguard the province’s energy future and to keep electricity costs predictable for consumers.
The announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Ford administration to reinforce Ontario’s energy infrastructure. By investing in the modernization of existing nuclear assets, the province aims to sustain its reliance on nuclear power as a cornerstone of its electricity system for years to come.