Reactors

Two basic types of nuclear reactors are in operation in Canada: power reactors and research reactors.

Nuclear power reactors generate electricity.

Research reactors are used for scientific research and produce nuclear substances for medical and industrial use.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates and licenses both types of reactors in order to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment.

Pickering Nuclear Generating Stations, Pickering, Ontario

Nuclear power plants

• Licencing nuclear power plants
• Operating nuclear power plants
• Nuclear power plant safety systems
• Refurbishment and life extension
• Regulatory oversight report for Canadian nuclear power plants
• Fukushima response
• New nuclear power plants
• Decommissioning activities
• Convention on Nuclear Safety
• Defence in depth

Research reactors

• Chalk River Laboratories (Ontario)
• McMaster Nuclear Reactor (Ontario)
• École Polytechnique (SLOWPOKE-2) (Quebec)
• Saskatchewan Research Council (SLOWPOKE-2)
• University of Alberta (SLOWPOKE-2)
• Royal Military College of Canada (SLOWPOKE-2) (Ontario)

Other reactor facilities

• Small Modular Reactors
• Shut-down reactors
• Decommissioned reactors

Regulating nuclear reactors

The CNSC regulates nuclear reactors in accordance with the comprehensive requirements of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and its related regulations.

McMaster Nuclear Reactor, Hamilton, Ontario

Inspectors and a team of highly qualified experts verify compliance and, whenever necessary, take enforcement measures to ensure facility operators correct deficiencies.

Many people live or work in communities close to nuclear reactors.

Consultation with the public, licensees and interested organizations, including the communities affected by these operations, is also an important part of the regulatory process.

Find out how to get involved in CNSC decisions on nuclear reactors.