Cathy Dobson/Local Journalism Initiative

Ontario’s Energy Minister says the province is committed to building a power plant at the site of the former Lambton Generating Station.

Stephen Lecce and Associate Energy Minister Sam Oosterhoff were in Courtright Tuesday. The pair stood with their backs to the St. Clair River and nearby St. Clair Township, touting the project as “tariff proof” as Canada finds itself in the middle of a trade war with the United States.

Both Lecce and Oosterhoff said the Doug Ford government will stand up for Canadian sovereignty in the face of US President Donald Trump’s threats.

Ultimately, Lecce said, it is up to the community of St. Clair Township and First Nations what kind of power plant is built, adding he generally favours nuclear energy.

“I think we should go big,” Lecce said.

St. Clair Township will receive $500,000 to further community discussions about what kind of generation is wanted on the site.

St. Clair Mayor Jeff Agar was on hand as multiple representatives from Queen’s Park gathered at the St. Clair river.

The township lost $2 million a year in taxes and 400 jobs when LGS – then a coal powered plant – was shut down by the Liberal government to improve air quality. Agar is anxious to see the site redeveloped.