Nuclear Emergency Preparedness in Peterborough

The City of Peterborough is a designated host community for residents and workers who may need to leave Durham Region if an emergency occurs at the Darlington or Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. While the chance of a serious nuclear power accident is very low, Peterborough maintains plans to protect residents and to support evacuees from neighbouring regions.

The Darlington Nuclear Generating Station is located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario in the Municipality of Clarington, east of Oshawa. It is owned and operated by Ontario Power Generation. The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario in the City of Pickering, east of Toronto. It is owned and operated by Ontario Power Generation.

Learn more about how nuclear energy is produced at Ontario Power Generation.

Visit the Province of Ontario's website for general information on what to do in the event of a nuclear incident in Ontario.

Ongoing Preparedness

The City of Peterborough works closely with the Province of Ontario, Ontario Power Generation, Durham Region, and local partners including police, fire, paramedics, public health, and volunteer organizations to continually update emergency plans and train for nuclear and other large-scale emergencies.

Potential Hazard

There has never been a nuclear emergency in Ontario that has impacted the public. If an accident were to happen at Darlington, the most probable result is that any effects would remain within the station boundary and not affect the general public.

The main hazard to people would be breathing in or being exposed to radioactive particles released as an airborne plume.

Two unlikely emergency scenarios are planned for:

Controlled release

Advance warning of at least two days.
People within 10 km of the station would have time to leave before any release.
Radiation doses to people and the environment would be low.

Severe accident

Fuel damage on one or more reactor units.
Higher levels of radioactive contamination with little or no warning.
Effects could extend beyond 10 km from the station and persist longer.

Protective Measures

Specific steps to protect yourself will be determined at the time of an emergency and announced by the Province of Ontario, with support from Durham Region, the City of Peterborough, and other municipalities.

Protective measures may include:

Leaving areas within the primary zone (0–10 km around the station).
Staying indoors to reduce exposure.
Taking Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets only when directed by the Province. KI helps protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine but does not protect other parts of the body.
During a nuclear emergency, KI pills will be available at Reception–Evacuee Centres established in host communities such as Peterborough.

If you live outside the 10 km zone but within 50 km of Darlington, you can order free KI pills through Prepare to Be Safe or by calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Reception and Host Role

As a designated host city, Peterborough would open Reception–Evacuee Centres to welcome and assist people from Durham Region. These centres provide shelter, food, health services, and information to evacuees and to Peterborough residents seeking updates.

“Go. Listen. Follow.”

Emergency Management Ontario, the Province, and municipalities including Peterborough share a simple message:

Go inside and tune in.
Listen to official instructions on radio, television, or reliable online sources.
Follow the directions provided by provincial authorities.

Information for evacuees

Guidance for Durham Region residents

If there is an incident at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station and you are asked to evacuate to Peterborough, remember that you have time, typically days, not minutes, to prepare. Stay calm and follow instructions from official sources such as the Province of Ontario, Durham Region, or local emergency services.

You may need to be away from home for several weeks. Pack as if you were going on an extended trip.

Grab-and-Go Emergency Kit

Prepare a kit now so you can leave quickly. Include:

Government-issued ID, passports, health cards
Medications and prescriptions (minimum two weeks’ supply)
Medical aids (glasses, hearing aids, mobility devices, spare batteries)
Phone, chargers, power bank
Cash/debit/credit cards
Copies of important documents (store securely on a USB or cloud service)
Basic toiletries and personal hygiene items
Extra face masks and hand sanitizer

Clothing and comfort

Enough clothing for at least two weeks, including seasonal items and sturdy shoes
Blankets or sleeping bags
Small comfort items for children (toys, books, stuffed animals)

For Children & Infants

Formula or baby food, bottles, and extra water
Diapers, wipes, and rash cream
Extra clothing and comfort items

For Pets

Pet carriers or crates (required at reception centres)
Food and water for at least one week
Leash, collar, and waste bags
Any medications or veterinary records

Follow Official Instructions

Tune in to local radio, television, or government social media for evacuation routes and reception centre details.
Only take Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets if directed by the Province of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Travel to Peterborough

Use designated routes announced by officials.
Reception–Evacuee Centres in Peterborough will be ready to assist you.

Reception and Decontamination

Centres are equipped to monitor and decontaminate people, vehicles, and pets if required.
Staff will provide shelter, food, health services, and help with family reunification.

Family Meet-Up Plan: Decide on a primary and a backup meeting location, one inside your community and one outside it.

Backup Important Records: Save copies of IDs, insurance papers, and medical records in secure cloud storage or a safety deposit box so you can access them if needed.

Share your evacuation plan with friends or relatives outside Durham Region.

KI protects the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine that could be released during a nuclear incident. It works by saturating the thyroid with stable iodine so radioactive iodine is less likely to be absorbed.

KI protects only the thyroid, it does not shield you from other forms of radiation. KI is an added protection; it does not replace other safety measures such as evacuating, sheltering indoors, or following official instructions.

When to take KI

Only take KI if instructed by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health or local public health officials.
Timing matters: it is most effective when taken shortly before or soon after to radioactive iodine. Note you typically only need to take the pills for a short period of time, likely 1-2 days.

Who should take it

People of all ages can take KI, but infants, children, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are most at risk and benefit most. Dosage varies by age.

Peterborough’s Reception–Evacuee Centres will provide:

Registration and information updates
Sleeping areas and meals
Health and social services
Access to KI pills, if advised by provincial health authorities

Remember

Stay calm, prepare thoughtfully, and follow official directions.

You have time to gather what you need for an extended stay, and Peterborough will be ready to welcome and support you.

Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan

The Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan (PNERP) is Ontario’s master framework for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from any nuclear or radiological emergency. Developed under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, it sets out how the province, municipalities, First Nations, federal partners, and nuclear operators work together to protect people, the environment, and infrastructure.

The plan reflects Ontario’s world-leading nuclear safety record and is built on a new scientific and technological study that supports current CANDU reactors, upcoming small modular reactors, and future nuclear projects. It defines roles, responsibilities, and site-specific implementing plans for designated host communities, such as Peterborough, and covers everything from public alerts and evacuation zones to radiation monitoring, public communication, and cross-border coordination.

Learn more about PNERP