The Ontario government has taken the next step towards a potential nuclear power plant south of Sarnia, Ont., that could bring thousands of permanent and construction jobs. The announcement coincides with the ongoing war of words between Premier Doug Ford and U.S. President Donald Trump. “You know, we’re up against a very real threat in this country,” said Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, while standing on the shoreline of St. Clair River, directly across from the U.S. “We don’t need to be dependent on America, and energy security is important.” Lecce later announced the Ford government has committed to providing $500,000 to St. Clair Township. The money is earmarked to pay for consultations needed before any planning begins to put shovels in the ground. He said discussions will include First Nations leaders. Until 2013, St. Clair Township was home to the coal-fired Lambton Generation Station. When it closed and was later demolished, more than 400 jobs and $2 million in tax revenue disappeared. Now, there is far more on the table, although it remains ‘just talk’ for now, according to Mayor Jeff Agar. “I would have liked to have seen it go up four years ago, but it’s a process, right?” said Agar. While a nuclear option is the preference of the government, Lecce has conceded a natural gas plant is among options. The mayor has made his choice. “Nuclear is the way to go,” he said. In response to a question from CTV News, the minister conceded President Trump’s comments have accelerated planning. “We are motivated to move fast and get this project done.” While a natural gas facility could be built within a few years, Lecce conceded a nuclear facility could take up to a decade. But the payoff — he insisted — would be worth it. “This is jobs for our grandkids!” he concluded.
