A $1.7B nuclear contract is adding another long-term demand driver to Pickering’s commercial real estate market as work ramps up on the city’s massive reactor refurbishment.

AtkinsRéalis and Aecon’s CanAtom joint venture secured the three-year contract for Unit 5 at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, 1675 Montgomery Park Rd. Similar work is anticipated on Units 6 through 8, subject to regulatory approval.

Ontario said Monday that site construction has now begun, nearly 10 months after approving the broader refurbishment. Reactor work is expected to start in January 2027, pending final approval from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Several project suppliers are already expanding their Pickering footprint. Black & McDonald opened a facility at 575 Granite Court for more than 85 staff, while CanAtom and E.S. Fox have also added office space in the city.

OPG is also building a 200K-SF training and mock-up facility at the nuclear site, alongside a 38K-SF modular building for project vendors.

Much of the manufacturing will happen elsewhere in Ontario, including 48 steam generators being produced by BWXT in Cambridge. Closer to the plant, the refurbishment could create demand for contractor space, warehousing and other operational real estate as work ramps up.