Two new founding members have joined the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII), bringing their expertise, resources and innovative ideas to NII as it works to enhance the region’s role in building the next energy era.
Construction and engineering leader E.S. Fox Limited, and BWXT Canada, a major supplier of nuclear services and plant components, announced their intent to become Founding Members of NII at the Regional Economic Development and Innovation Summit on Friday taking place at Cobble Beach in Georgian Bluffs.
“NII appreciates the confidence these companies have shown in the Institute by joining our mission to drive innovation in the region,” said Bruce Wallace, NII’s chief executive. “It shows their commitment to the nuclear industry as a vital force in a clean energy future for us all, and belief that our region can be a global leader in finding new and better ways to get there.”
Since 1934 E.S. Fox Limited has been providing clients with a fully integrated and single source of engineering, fabrication, construction and maintenance services. The company is headquartered in Niagara Falls, Ontario and owns a facility near Kincardine, in support of the Bruce Power site since 2005.
BWXT Canada Ltd. has over 50 years of experience in the design, manufacturing, 
commissioning and service of nuclear power generation equipment. Headquartered in Cambridge, the company secured office space in Port Elgin in 2017 and a manufacturing facility in Owen Sound, to support and foster its ongoing relationship with Bruce Power.
During the Summit, Wallace also outlined NII’s focus on four key areas for innovation that can push economic development in the region: energy transformation, environmental sustainability, nuclear medicine and public health, and the development of new skills and knowledge.
He emphasized NII’s deep commitment to fresh and exciting ways for students to develop the science, technology, engineering and math skills that are one of the foundations of 21st century success. That exposure starts in the early days of schooling and continues through to college and university studies.
“Our partnership with Founding Members like BWXT, ES Fox Limited and Kinectrics who joined this past summer, is crucial in providing the tools and mentorship that the next generation of innovators needs,” said Wallace.
Educational programs will run through the NII’s Centre for New Skills and Knowledge, which will also integrate the current Nuclear Economic Development and Innovation Initiative and well as skilled trades promotion that is jointly funded by Bruce Power, Bruce County and the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI).
About the Nuclear Innovation Institute
The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is Canada’s leading-edge nuclear applied research facility and centre of excellence for talent development and business innovation. Located on the shores of Lake Huron in rural Ontario, NII will bring together industry and municipal leaders to use their collective expertise and knowledge to identify opportunities to advance new technologies and applications in the nuclear industry, related industries and the municipal sector.
NII is a not for profit organization managed by a Board of Directors.
