Our region is witnessing a historic moment in energy development and Indigenous partnership. Seven First Nations communities have secured ownership in a new nuclear reactor through a commercial agreement with federal and provincial governments announced Tuesday morning, marking the first time Indigenous communities will hold equity in a nuclear facility in Canada.
The partnership centers on the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Bowmanville, Ontario, where Ontario Power Generation is constructing four small modular reactors. Ottawa and Ontario are providing loan guarantees totaling $700 million to the seven Williams Treaties First Nations, which will convert into equity for one of the four reactors currently under construction.
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce emphasized the significance of this arrangement, noting that the investment will result in a minority stake for the First Nations in the facility and advance economic reconciliation. The minister characterized the development as a historic step following the groundbreaking of the first small modular reactor in the G7, helping to bring First Nations in as full partners in what he called a once-in-a-generation project.
The Williams Treaties First Nations include seven Indigenous communities located near Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe: Alderville First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Scugog Island First Nation, Chippewas of Beausoleil First Nation, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
The Chiefs of the Williams Treaties First Nations issued a joint statement celebrating the agreement as a historic step forward. "Through this investment, we are not only creating opportunities for our own communities – we are helping advance a project that will play an important role in meeting Ontario and Canada's growing energy needs," the chiefs said. "This investment demonstrates what is possible when First Nations are able to participate meaningfully in projects taking place within their territories, not only as rights holders, but as investors, partners, and participants in the long-term success of the project."
The Darlington New Nuclear Project represents a massive investment in our region's energy infrastructure. The four small modular reactors carry an expected price tag of $21 billion, with the first reactor scheduled for completion by 2030. Once operational, these reactors will generate 1,200 megawatts of power—enough electricity to power 1.2 million homes across the province.
This partnership model could serve as a blueprint for future energy projects, demonstrating how Indigenous communities can participate not just as stakeholders in consultation processes, but as actual owners and investors in major infrastructure developments within their traditional territories. For our region, it represents both a commitment to reconciliation and a practical approach to meeting growing energy demands while ensuring Indigenous communities benefit directly from projects on their lands.
