Bruce Power and the County of Bruce held its third annual Economic Development and Innovation Summit today.
The Summit brought together dozens of nuclear supplier partners, municipal officials and staff, economic development professionals, and local business organizations. They received an update on the Bruce Power and County of Bruce joint Economic Development and Innovation Initiative, which has seen 43 nuclear supplier companies either open local offices, create a new business, or expand operations to Bruce, Grey and Huron counties, since it was launched in 2016.
“This joint initiative has been more successful than we could have imagined,” said Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s President and CEO. “Our partners in the nuclear supply chain have wholeheartedly embraced Bruce, Grey and Huron as viable locations to expand or open their businesses. They’re hiring local people, drawing young families to the area, and providing a major boost to our local economy by putting strong businesses in our vacant storefronts, office buildings, and warehouses.”
Paul Eagleson, Bruce County Warden, said the initiative has benefitted the municipalities of Saugeen Shores and Kincardine, and has also seen exciting business expansions and announcements in outlying areas, with continued growth in other municipalities expected.
“Our goal was to see nuclear supplier partners operating in many different municipalities in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties, and we’re seeing that now with Abraflex in Paisley, Kinectrics and APTIM opening facilities and hiring local people in Teeswater, and BWXT Canada and Brotech Precision CNC creating upwards of 50 jobs in Owen Sound,” Warden Eagleson said. “It’s a very exciting time for our communities.”
Donna Skelly, Parliamentary Assistant (PA) to the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Growth, also spoke at the Summit.
“Bruce Power is a driving force in Ontario’s economy,” PA Skelly said. “Nowhere is this more evident than in the communities of Bruce County, where business is booming. The region is becoming a hub of innovation, environmental protection and skilled trades, all in support of the thriving nuclear industry. I’m very proud to say that Bruce County is indeed open for business.”
Rocco Rossi, President of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the Summit about the positive impact of the Ontario nuclear supply chain on the province’s economy.
“A strong nuclear industry is essential to a strong economy in Ontario,” Rossi said. “Ontario’s nuclear sector provides low-cost, reliable and carbon-free electricity that our businesses need to stay competitive in the world market, while also providing thousands of jobs across the province, and injecting billions in the economy every year.”
About Bruce Power
Formed in 2001, Bruce Power is an electricity company based in Bruce County, Ontario. We are powered by our people. Our 4,200 employees are the foundation of our accomplishments and are proud of the role they play in safely delivering clean, reliable, low-cost nuclear power to families and businesses across the province. Bruce Power has worked hard to build strong roots in Ontario and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we live. Learn more at www.brucepower.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.