Ontario, Yukon Sign Agreement to Advance Small Modular Reactor Development
Ontario Yukon SMR partnership aims to expand clean energy and strengthen northern power systems
TORONTO — Ontario and Yukon have signed a new partnership agreement to advance the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), marking a significant step toward expanding clean, reliable energy in northern and remote regions of Canada.
Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Stephen Lecce, joined Yukon’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Ted Laking, to formalize the agreement, which will see Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and Yukon Energy collaborate on early-stage planning to deploy SMRs within Yukon’s electricity grid.
“Ontario is building the western world’s first small modular reactor, with a focus on exporting this clean technology across Canada,” said Lecce. “This agreement sets the stage for Ontario to support Yukon’s energy expansion to deliver affordable, reliable power for generations.”
Addressing northern energy challenges
Yukon’s electricity system is under increasing strain due to rising demand, limited generation capacity and continued reliance on diesel in remote communities. The territory currently has just over 150 megawatts of installed capacity, making it difficult to support economic growth, mining projects and population increases.
“Energy is a scarce resource in the Yukon and our electricity grid is under strain,” said Laking. “We require significant investment in new generation capacity that we can rely on in our coldest and darkest months of the year.”
The agreement will explore how SMR technology can help Yukon transition away from fossil fuels while meeting long-term energy needs.
Ontario is leading the way, building the Western World’s first Small Modular Reactor.
Momentum is behind us, with Yukon agreeing to explore deployment of SMRs in the North, signed with Minister of Energy, Mines, and Resources, Ted Laking.
We’re transforming Canada into an… pic.twitter.com/1LGuUyxGsy
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) April 23, 2026
Leveraging Ontario’s nuclear expertise
Ontario is positioning itself as a leader in nuclear energy, with three existing nuclear generating stations and ongoing refurbishment projects. The province is also advancing North America’s first SMR project at the Darlington New Nuclear Project, part of its broader Energy for Generations strategy.
Through the partnership, Ontario and Yukon will:
- Share expertise on SMR technology, regulatory frameworks and supply chains
- Collaborate on energy policy development
- Explore financing models and economic feasibility
- Engage Indigenous communities and stakeholders
- Examine opportunities for microreactors in off-grid locations such as remote communities and mining operations
Supporting national energy security
The agreement builds on Ontario’s broader efforts to strengthen Canada’s energy infrastructure through interprovincial and territorial collaboration.
Ontario has already partnered with multiple provinces and territories—including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia—to advance transmission projects and improve energy connectivity across the country.
Officials say SMRs will play a key role in supporting reliable, low-emission energy while helping Canada remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global energy market.
Long-term economic and environmental impact
The development of SMRs is expected to support economic growth, job creation and energy security, particularly in regions where traditional energy infrastructure is limited.
Ontario estimates its broader nuclear expansion could support up to 150,000 jobs, while also providing stable, low-carbon power for decades.
With increasing demand for clean energy solutions, the Ontario-Yukon agreement represents a strategic move to position Canada as a leader in next-generation nuclear technology.
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