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Mayors Talk The Economics of Nuclear Energy


Over 400 delegates from around the world gathered in Calgary for the 3rd SMR Nuclear Canada Summit.


As Canada accelerates toward a nuclear-powered future, communities are emerging as the true catalysts of progress. From rural regions seeking economic diversification, to municipalities planning long-term infrastructure, to First Nations advancing energy sovereignty and equity participation, the future of nuclear energy will increasingly be shaped at the community level.


One of the key conversations at this year’s summit focused on how local leadership is helping build real, on-the-ground nuclear ecosystems. Leaders shared examples of how collaboration between municipalities, industry, and community organizations can create long-term economic opportunities while supporting Canada’s clean energy transition.


The discussion also highlighted the work happening in Ontario’s Bruce, Grey, and Huron region—often referred to as the Clean Energy Frontier—where partnerships around workforce development, supply chains, and community engagement have helped build one of Canada’s most successful rural nuclear hubs.


Among the municipal leaders attending the summit was Luke Charbonneau, Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores. We spoke with Mayor Charbonneau at the convention about the economic impact nuclear energy has had on his community.

(PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEW)


Another community with a front-row seat to the future of nuclear energy is Adrian Foster, Mayor of the Municipality of Clarington. His municipality is home to the world’s first grid-scale small modular reactor currently under construction at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. Mayor Foster spoke with us about how the nuclear industry has benefited his community, and he also shared a message for mayors in Western Canada who are just beginning conversations about nuclear energy in their own regions.

(PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEW)


Another mayor who addressed delegates at the convention was Rod Frank, Mayor of Strathcona County. Speaking to those in attendance, Mayor Frank noted that two decades ago nuclear energy was often considered a “dirty word.” Today, he says, the conversation has shifted significantly, and municipalities across Canada are taking a much closer and more open look at the role the industry could play in their economic and energy futures.

(PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEW)


Municipal leaders from across Alberta were also in attendance at this year’s event. We spoke with Ben Faediq, Deputy Reeve for the Municipal District of Bonnyville, about what stood out to him during the convention and how nuclear energy is being considered from an economic development perspective in his region.

(PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEW)


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