At Energy Alberta, we believe meaningful engagement starts with listening.

On March 11, 2025, more than 350 people joined us at the Weberville Community Hall, north of Peace River, to take part in the first open house for the proposed Peace River Nuclear Power Project – a significant clean energy development that would supply up to 4,800MW of reliable, emissions-free electricity to Alberta’s grid.

This open house marked a key milestone in the planning phase of the Project.  It was an opportunity for Energy Alberta to introduce the Project, provide factual information and most importantly - hear directly from the communities, Indigenous Nations and others who have an interest in the future of this region.

An Inclusive and Informative Event

The event welcomed a diverse mix of attendees, including representatives from local governments (Peace River, Grimshaw, County ofNorthern Lights, Northern Sunrise County), Indigenous Nations and Communities, landowners and residents.

Information was shared through a variety of formats - detailed poster boards, fact sheets and a 3D model of the CANDU® MONARK™ reactor design - supported by technical experts ready to answer questions in real-time. These resources were designed to make technical information more accessible and help foster meaningful discussions.

What We Heard: Community Priorities

The open house sparked valuable conversations on a wide range of topics. Here are the top themes raised by participants:

• Safety: Understandably, safety was the most discussed topic. Attendees wanted to know what protections will be in place to prevent accidents and how existing best practices will be applied at the proposed site. Our team provided information on proven safety systems built into the CANDU® MONARK™ design and regulatory oversight in place at every stage of a nuclear project.
• Water Use: Many residents voiced questions about water withdrawals from the Peace River - a vital resource for the region. We heard clearly that protecting water sources is a high priority, and this will be a key consideration in our environmental planning and regulatory assessments.
• Economic Opportunities: Attendees were eager to learn about job creation, business partnerships and potential impacts on electricity rates. Since the event, we have seen a significant increase in interest through our Jobs and Procurement registries, highlighting the potential for regional economic benefits.
• Social and Infrastructure Impacts: Community members also raised concerns about how the Project might affect local infrastructure, housing and social services, particularly during construction. We’re taking these concerns seriously and will study these impacts closely as part of the IAAC Impact Assessment process.
• Future Engagement: Participants told us they want continued, two-way engagement. Suggestions included more open houses, town halls, small group sessions and Q&A events. We will use this input to shape how we engage moving forward.

What’s Next

The insights gathered at the open house as well as engagement with Indigenous Nations and Communities, local governments, business groups and the public were  included in the Initial Project Description (IPD) submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency ofCanada on April 14, 2025. They will help guide both the technical planning and public engagement throughout the Project’s lifecycle.

At Energy Alberta, our commitment is clear: to engage thoughtfully, transparently and consistently with Indigenous Nations, local communities and all those with an interest in this Project.

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Sign up for future updates and engagement opportunities or email us at [email protected].

Together, we’re building Alberta’s clean energy future - one conversation at a time.

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