At a May 4 event at the Towne Place Suites by Marriott in Kincardine, the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce, Kincardine & District Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) brought together business and political leaders from across Bruce County to a panel discussion that addressed the vital role that the nuclear supply chain plays in delivering economic and social benefits as well as jobs to the area.

“The supply chain offered by Bruce Power is an important part of the economic growth strategy for the region, with a lasting impact on strengthening our local workforce,” said Matt Smith, President of the Kincardine & District Chamber of Commerce. “Those workers live here, buy homes here, spend money here and pay taxes here. Altogether, Bruce Power is contributing to a prosperous, well-employed regional economy.”

The event was attended by MPP Lisa Thompson, Bruce County Warden Mitch Twolan, Kincardine Mayor Anne Eadie and Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith. It was also attended by representatives from local supply chain companies including Jim Sarvinis of HATCH, Paul Irwin of ES Fox, Rolf Eberl of SED Electronics and Eddie Saab of NA Engineering.

“The supply chain benefits of Bruce Power are clear,” said Joanne Robbins, General Manager of the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce. 

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce also spoke to the importance of the project from a province-wide perspective. “The economic benefits of Bruce Power span far beyond the local region and will create opportunities throughout Ontario's nuclear supply chain,” said Karl Baldauf, Vice-President of Policy and Government Relations at the OCC. “That means new jobs for Ontarians across the province. Meanwhile nuclear power will contribute to a reliable energy supply over the long-term.”

The Life Extension Program is expected to see $980 million to $1.2 billion in direct and indirect labour income annually and $751 million to $1.07 billion in direct and indirect annual economic benefit will be realized through the purchasing of equipment, supplies and materials. In addition, 90 percent of spending is in Ontario, supporting hundreds of businesses throughout the province.

“Our Ontario-based supply chain is critical to the success of Bruce Power and the regional economy,” said Mike Rencheck, President and CEO, Bruce Power. “Creating jobs, supporting community economic development, contributing to local charities and events; and spending locally, we see a significant spin-off effect in our region.”