The Ontario government is advancing pre-development work for the proposed Ontario Pumped Storage Project, a partnership between TC Energy (TCE) and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. If approved, the facility would be the largest of its kind in Canada, providing up to 1000MW of electricity storage – enough to power one million homes for up to 11 hours.

“With electricity demand set to increase by 75 per cent by 2050, our government is advancing an all-of-the-above approach to energy affordability and energy security,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “The Ontario Pumped Storage Project has the potential to store and deliver clean, affordable energy for decades, representing Canada’s largest clean energy storage project.”

The proposed facility, located in the Municipality of Meaford, would pump water from Georgian Bay into a reservoir during low-demand periods and release it back to generate electricity when demand is high. This process would store clean energy for later use, helping to balance the grid.

The province is committing up to $285 million to fund environmental assessments and a detailed cost estimate to determine the project’s feasibility. A final decision will be made once this work is completed to ensure the project is in the best interest of Ontario ratepayers.

Ontario is also moving forward with other energy projects to meet growing demand, including pre-development work for a new large-scale nuclear station at Bruce Power. The Bruce C expansion would provide the additional zero-emissions electricity required to support the pumped storage facility.

The project aligns with the government’s broader energy initiatives, including a recent competitive procurement of battery storage. While battery storage is effective for short-term power needs, pumped storage provides long-duration capacity to maintain grid stability during prolonged periods of high electricity use.

According to the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis, the project could contribute $6.2 billion to Ontario’s GDP over its estimated 50-year lifespan, with 60 per cent of the economic impact benefiting rural communities. It is also expected to create over 1700 construction jobs during the four-year building phase.

TCE is developing the project in partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which would have the opportunity to enter into an equity partnership if construction proceeds. “The Ministry of Energy and Electrification continues to acknowledge that development of energy infrastructure will only be successful with the participation and leadership from Indigenous Nations,” said Conrad Ritchie and Gregory Nadjiwon, Chiefs of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. “This project is an overdue energy initiative with real benefits for the Indigenous people of the land.”

Support for the pumped storage project

Ontario officials and local leaders have expressed support for the project. “It is critical to provide Ontario’s small towns and communities with confidence that our government is prioritizing energy and infrastructure so they can continue to capitalize on economic development opportunities,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs.

Rick Byers, MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, also welcomed the initiative. “As demand for energy increases, I want to thank Minister Lecce for his support and for advancing this project forward for further consideration. I also want to thank TC Energy and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation for their ongoing hard work and dedication, as we explore how this project could bring real benefits for local communities.”

TCE representatives highlighted the project’s economic and energy benefits. “We appreciate the support of the Ontario government and that of our prospective partners, Saugeen Ojibway Nation,” said Greg Grant, Executive Vice-President and President, Power and Energy Solutions at TC Energy. “We look forward to starting the next stage of development with the Ontario Pumped Storage Project—a made-in-Ontario solution that will meet the electricity needs of the province and deliver local jobs and economic growth.”

Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks, underscored the importance of clean energy solutions. “Ontario has one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world. Supporting the development of clean energy solutions is one of the many ways our government is building strong, resilient communities for generations to come.”