MPP Bobbi Ann Brady's Weekly Column

By MPP Bobbi Ann Brady

For the past four years, I have been advocating alongside Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley for a major energy project at the Nanticoke Industrial Park. In fact, in November 2024, I encouraged you, the residents of Haldimand-Norfolk to reach out to key cabinet ministers, including the energy minister, to let them know that in our riding we prefer power over development. At both annual municipal conferences, Mayor Bentley has carried the torch with respect to a new energy project.

Most of us agree our community is better served by attracting good-paying industrial jobs than by building 10,000 or more homes to accommodate a population increase of up to 40,000 people.

Ontario’s electricity demand is projected to increase by 75 per cent by 2050. Recognizing that need, the Ford government announced late 2024 that it was considering three sites for new electricity generation. All three locations—Nanticoke in Haldimand County, Lambton in St. Clair, and Wesleyville in Port Hope—are owned by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and are already zoned for electricity generation.

For Haldimand, this represents a significant opportunity to build on our community’s long history of energy production while creating well-paying local jobs and strengthening Ontario’s electricity supply. An energy project would also create skilled, well-paying jobs, attract private investment, and generate long-term economic benefits without placing the same pressure on local roads, schools, hospitals, and municipal services that comes with rapid residential growth.

But getting this right is just as important as getting it done. An energy project of significant scale must be one our community can support with confidence. Over the past few days, many of you have shared thoughtful ideas and concerns on my socials and while there is no shortage of opinions, we must all be cognizant not everyone will agree on a path forward. That’s why meaningful public consultation is essential. Decisions must be made in an open and transparent way, and not behind closed doors because if the project is to be successful it must earn the trust and confidence of the people who will live with it for generations.

I was heartened by OPG’s commitment of $500,000 to Haldimand County, through growth and readiness funding, to explore new generation options including nuclear, hydrogen, and natural gas. The 900-acre Nanticoke site features electricity zoning up to 3,000 megawatts.

I was disappointed the Minister of Energy declined to answer a question during the media scrum, at the announcement, about whether a city of up to 40,000 people should be built alongside heavy industry and a new electricity generation project. He has declined to answer that question when I have personally asked him at Queen’s Park too. 

I also couldn’t help but notice the number of representatives in attendance, including the CAO and Mayor of Norfolk County. While I welcome anyone who wants to support opportunities that benefit our riding, over the past four years Norfolk’s silence on a neighbouring city has been deafening and disappointing. Such a development would have profound implications not only for Haldimand but Norfolk too. It’s encouraging to see interest now that there is news to celebrate but leadership also means speaking up when difficult issues are on the table, not just when the cameras are rolling. 

Hopefully at the end of the day the Minister of Energy is in conversation with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and he is urging his colleague to reject Empire Homes’ request for a Minister’s Zoning Order. Ontario cannot pursue two conflicting visions for the same piece of land.

Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk