Nuclear contractors are continuing to set up offices in Bruce County.
SNC-Lavalin has officially opened an office in Port Elgin ahead of the refurbishment work set to begin at Bruce Power, and will continue to provide engineering services to the Bruce Power site.
Chief Nuclear Officer Preston Swafford says Bruce Power President and CEO Mike Rencheck made it clear contractors are expected to contribute to the local economy and they were more than willing to establish local roots.
He says they expect to employ up to 35 people locally, and perhaps more, and are specifically seeking people who want to be part of the community.
"What we're looking for are people that are willing to come up, move their whole families, come out and become part of the community," says Swafford. "I think in time, they pay dividends for us in that they build the strongest relationships with the client."
Rencheck says SNC-Lavalin has been vital to the success of Bruce Power, pointing out they are one of Bruce Power's largest contractors, with more than $400-million in contracts awarded over the past four years, including more than $70-million this year.
Rencheck says it has been encouraging to see contractors like SNC-Lavalin setting up shop in the communities around the Bruce Power site.
"We have a great response from our contractors and moving into the community, I think creating that 'one team' environment, the ability to work together more closely, one, helps us perform at higher levels and it also helps the community grow around us, as well," says Rencheck.
Bruce Power's major component replacement is expected to last from 2020 until 2036 and will see six reactors refurbished at a cost of $13-billion.
SNC-Lavalin Chief Nuclear Officer Preston Swafford [right] presents company argyle socks and hockey pucks to Bruce Power President and CEO Mike Rencheck [left] and Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith. (Photo by Jordan MacKinnon)