Ontario Power Gen

With 66 hydroelectric stations and 239 dams across 24 river systems, OPG’s hydro fleet is both far-reaching and complex. In our “How It Works” series, learn how we manage water flows across these facilities to support safe, efficient operations for Ontario. Managing water flows safely and efficiently requires coordinated teamwork and real-time monitoring. It’s work that OPG employees are proud to carry out around the clock, year-round – from Kapuskasing to Kenora, and from Niagara to Cornwall.

For more than a century, Big Chute Generating Station has been harnessing the power of the Severn River. First placed into service in 1909, the station originally operated with four generating units and was one of the earliest hydroelectric developments on the river system. It was also the first generating station owned and operated by OPG’s predecessor company, Ontario Hydro, which acquired the facility in 1919. Following a complete rebuild in 1993, the station now operates as a single-unit facility capable of generating 10 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity. Located beside the world-famous Big Chute Marine Railway – the only operating marine railway of its kind in North America – the station remains part of a destination enjoyed by boaters, campers, cottagers, and visitors exploring the Trent-Severn Waterway. More than 115 years after it first began generating power, Big Chute continues its legacy of delivering electricity while standing as a reminder of Ontario's rich hydroelectric heritage.

Today, the next generation got an up-close look at how Ontario is powered during Take Our Kids to Work Day at OPG. We were delighted to welcome curious young people and give parents the chance to share what they do each day. Students learned how OPG generates clean, reliable electricity and met some of the people and technology that help power Ontario around the clock. Thank you to all the students who joined us and to our OPG employees for answering questions, sharing their work, and inspiring the energy leaders of tomorrow.

We’re giving new life to our 106-year-old Cameron Falls Generating Station, located near Thunder Bay. Happening now: The facility’s G7 unit is undergoing a major refurbishment, including the installation of new generator windings, a new runner, and rehabilitation of the existing turbine shaft – its first overhaul in more than 30 years. These upgrades will ensure about 25 more years of clean, reliable generation. Unit by unit, OPG continues to breathe new life into Ontario’s long-serving hydroelectric stations – an investment that will ensure clean power keeps flowing for our future. Learn more: bit.ly/4z3lOOT

As we mark Treaties Recognition Week, we reflect on the enduring importance of Treaty rights and reaffirm our shared responsibility as a company. At OPG, we are committed to building respectful relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities – grounded in listening, learning, and meaningful collaboration – as we continue to strengthen relationships and advance reconciliation.

A strong Ontario depends on a strong nuclear backbone. As the source of more than half of the province’s electricity, nuclear power plays a critical role in powering everyday life. That’s why OPG is strengthening Ontario’s nuclear foundation through major refurbishment investments. In March, we completed the Darlington Refurbishment ahead of schedule and under budget, and we are now preparing to execute Pickering Nuclear’s refurbishment. Together, these projects will help secure decades of clean, reliable, and safe nuclear power – energy Ontario needs today and for generations to come.

Thinking about your future? Curious about a career in nuclear? Join us for OPG’s first-ever @WattNextOPG Nuclear Career Expo on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at @durhamcollege and @ontariotech_u's Oshawa Campus. Need a reason to attend? Here are four! 1️⃣ Explore careers in skilled trades, engineering, operations, and more. 2️⃣ Experience interactive exhibits that bring nuclear careers to life. 3️⃣ Connect with industry professionals and get answers to your questions. 4️⃣ Discover education and training pathways that can help launch your career, including opportunities at @ontariotech_u and @durhamcollege. Ontario’s energy future needs bright, curious, and diverse talent. Come discover how you can be part of it. Open to the public and anyone interested in exploring a career in nuclear. Parking is limited - register in advance or take transit. Learn more at opg.com/careerexpo.

“Ontario — and Canada — must seek alternative energy sources to heat our homes, power our trains, and drive our industries. Without doubt, electricity is one of those alternatives, especially here in Ontario." ​ Hugh L. Macaulay served as Chairman of Ontario Hydro, OPG’s predecessor, from 1979 to 1983. He led one of Canada’s largest public electric utilities during a period of major system planning and expansion, including the start of construction on the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station.

Catch up on all things OPG with The Grid, our e-newsletter. ​ In this issue, learn about how we’re preparing to execute Ontario’s next major nuclear refurbishment at Pickering Nuclear, watch a momentous lift for Canada’s first Small Modular Reactor, and dive into compelling stories, captivating photos, and more. ​ Explore the stories shaping what’s next. Explore The Grid and subscribe for future issues: bit.ly/487ekiy

We’re recognizing Nuclear Science Week, a chance to celebrate the scientists, engineers, educators, and skilled professionals around the world who continue to advance nuclear technology. From clean, reliable electricity to life-saving medicines to game-changing innovations, nuclear science plays a vital role in our everyday lives and will continue to be a key pillar of our future. OPG salutes the people behind the power, here in Ontario and around the world. Thanks for your continued dedication, passion, and commitment to driving nuclear forward. Interested in a career in nuclear? Explore opportunities at OPG's WattNext Nuclear Career Expo on Oct. 27. Learn more at opg.com/careerexpo.

The @WattNextOPG Nuclear Career Expo is powered by partners helping to shape tomorrow’s energy workforce. Thank you to @ontariotech_u, @durhamcollege, @atkinsrealis, EPSCA, @AeconGroupInc, and @skillsontario for supporting an engaging, hands-on experience for students, families, career explorers, and job seekers. Join us on Thurs Oct 27 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an evening of exploration, career conversations, and opportunities to see yourself in energy. Learn more at opg.com/careerexpo.

Mornings at OPG's generating sites can bring some amazing views. This photo, taken at Matabitchuan Generating Station in northeastern Ontario, captures a gorgeous fall sunrise. The hydroelectric station on the Matabitchuan River is currently undergoing a redevelopment, which is expected to be completed in 2028. The project will improve the efficiency of the station’s units, increase generating capacity by approximately 4 MW, and help secure more clean, renewable power for the province. Learn more about the project at opg.com/matabitchuan.

As Pickering Nuclear prepares for its refurbishment, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the station’s remarkable legacy. For decades, the station's people have powered Ontario, helped achieve major milestones, all while producing countless megawatts of reliable, clean electricity. From the original “A” side, home to Units 1–4, to the newer “B” side, which houses Units 5–8 and is scheduled to begin refurbishment next year, pending regulatory approval, Pickering has been a powerhouse in every sense of the word. Take a quick look back at the decades of memories, achievements, and people that helped make Pickering one of the world’s best-performing nuclear stations and learn more: bit.ly/4yjtmwj

What is a small modular reactor (SMR)? And what makes them different from a traditional nuclear station?​ Find out in our “How it Works” series, where we explain how SMRs generate clean, reliable electricity like any other traditional reactor – but from a smaller, more compact footprint.​ At Darlington Nuclear, OPG is now building the G7’s first grid-scale SMR, the first of four planned 300 MW units at the site. ​ Big power from a compact design. That’s the power of SMRs.

It's one unit done and onto the next at OPG's R.H. Saunders Generating Station. This summer, the team at Ontario's second-largest hydroelectric station completed the refurbishment of Saunders' G12 unit, part of a multi-year renewal project that will see all 16 units at the station refurbished. With G12 returning to service, work is now underway to refurbish the next unit, G4. Once completed, this major program will secure up to 160 gigawatt-hours of additional clean electricity. Learn more: bit.ly/4j9jO3h

Make water safety part of your Thanksgiving tradition this long weekend. Wear a life jacket and keep your distance from hydroelectric dams and stations. Even calm-looking water can change quickly and without warning, so don’t take the risk. Give these areas plenty of space and stay out of posted danger zones. Water safety is a tradition everyone can get behind. Stay clear, stay safe, and have a happy Thanksgiving! #StayClearStaySafe

From handling fish and bats to cheering on Team Canada and getting up close with pollinators, it was another memorable summer at OPG’s Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre. Between May and August, more than 6,600 visitors from across Canada and around the world explored the centre to learn about OPG’s R.H. Saunders Generating Station and the essential role hydro plays in powering everyday life. With support from valued partners, the visitor centre hosted 12 engaging summer events ranging from hands-on pollinator workshops to lively soccer watch parties. Thank you to everyone who visited. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

We’re planning today for Ontario’s energy future. As electricity demand continues to grow, OPG is advancing plans for new nuclear generation, beginning with our Wesleyville site in Port Hope. The site has the potential to provide up to 10,000 MW of clean, reliable electricity to help meet the needs of tomorrow. New nuclear generation at Wesleyville, alongside opportunities at OPG’s other strategic sites, could help strengthen Ontario’s economy, enhance energy security, and deliver the dependable power communities and businesses will need for generations to come.

In Bracebridge, OPG's Hanna Chute Generating Station (GS) is celebrating a century of clean electricity generation. Since entering service in 1926, the one-unit, 1 MW run-of-river station has transformed the natural flow of the Muskoka River into reliable, renewable power for Ontario. Built on a narrow rock gorge known as Hanna Chute, the station was among the province's early remotely operated hydroelectric facilities and played an important role in expanding hydro generation along the South Muskoka River. A century later, Hanna Chute GS continues to produce clean energy thanks to careful maintenance, modernization, and the enduring strength of its original design - a reminder of the lasting value of renewable energy infrastructure.

Curious about a career in nuclear energy? Join OPG for our first, and FREE, @WattNextOPG Nuclear Career Expo on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at @ontariotech_u and @durhamcollege's Oshawa Campus from 4pm - 8pm. Come out and explore the people, skills, technologies, and opportunities helping power Ontario’s clean energy future. Whether you’re a young person exploring what’s next, seeking a career change, or simply curious about Ontario’s energy future, come discover where nuclear can take you. Learn more: opg.com/careerexpo.