ETOBICOKE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 20, 2012) - "The announcement by Bruce Power today that Unit 1 provided electricity to Ontario's grid for the first time in 15 years is a critical milestone for one of the province's largest electricity infrastructure projects," said Patrick Dillon, Business Manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario.

"I'd like to congratulate the engineers, designers, contractors, and most of all, the tradespeople who have performed the work," said Dillon, adding that "a stable, clean and affordable supply of electricity will help attract business investments in Ontario."

"The completion of this project has helped train Apprentices for Ontario's future workforce in addition to helping position a number of Ontario's tradespeople financially, to move into a much-deserved retirement phase," noted Dillon.

The refurbishment of Units 1 and 2, and the overall revitalization of the Bruce Power site will establish this location as one of the world's largest operating nuclear facilities, and the largest single source of nuclear power in Ontario. This, at a time when the province is phasing out its reliance on coal-powered electricity.

"Refurbishment in the nuclear industry requires a lot of expertise, training, and careful co-ordination. It has not been an easy project, considering the complexity and workload involved. The challenging task of fully restoring the capacity of Unit 1, is a testament to the teamwork and professionalism displayed by all parties, and in some ways it's groundbreaking," concluded Dillon.

The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario represents 150,000 trades workers throughout the province.