Over 100 community members gathered at the Chateau Nova in Peace River on Monday for the first in a series of four public engagement sessions hosted by Energy Alberta for the Peace River Nuclear Power Project.
The sessions, are being held this week in Peace River and surrounding communities, and designed to inform the public about the proposed nuclear project, answer questions, and gather feedback on community priorities. Other sessions in the area include:
• Weberville Community Hall – September 23
• Kennedy School Gymnasium, Grimshaw – September 24
• Manning Elks Hall – September 25
Each session featured five interactive group presentations led by experts, covering topics from nuclear energy fundamentals to environmental impact assessments.
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Project Status
Energy Alberta submitted its Initial Project Description in April 2025, triggering the start of a Federal Impact Assessment — a multi-year, phased review process that evaluates potential impacts on the environment, health, economy, society, and Indigenous rights. Final project approval rests with the federal government.
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Five Interactive Group Presentation Highlights
Nuclear Fundamentals
Attendees were introduced to nuclear energy basics, including safety systems, waste management, and the 70-year lifespan of the plant. Presenters emphasized nuclear power’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing Alberta’s energy security.
Siting
Two potential locations are under consideration: one in the County of Northern Lights, and another in Northern Sunrise County. The Peace River area was highlighted as a strong candidate due to access to a large water source, favorable ground conditions, local workforce availability, and increasing regional power demands.
Community Impacts
The project is expected to bring substantial changes to the region, including:
• A population boost of approximately up to 7,000 people during peak construction
• Up to approximately 6,000 new residents during operations
• Impacts on housing, healthcare, schools, transportation, infrastructure, and Indigenous communities are being assessed.
Employment, Training & Procurement
• Approximately 3,000–5,000 jobs expected to be generated during peak construction
• Approximately 2,000–3,000 jobs anticipated during operations
• Energy Alberta emphasized its commit to prioritizing local and Indigenous employment across skilled trades, plant operations, technical support, and administrative roles.
Environmental Considerations
Environmental experts are studying potential effects on air, land, water, and local communities. A key focus is on water usage from the Peace River:
• Project will require a Water Act License – monitoring the facilities water use and compliance.
• The project is expected to use less than 1% of the river’s allocated flow. For context, the current usage is at 1%.
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Couldn’t Attend?… Watch Online
For those unable to attend in person, presentations will be available to view online from September 26 to October 10 through this QR Code link:
Trending 55’s Keith Hopper caught up with Energy Alberta Spokesperson Ali Hounsell about the sessions, and the latest on the proposal for the Peace River area.
Trending 55 Newsroom
