Bree introduced the guests Scott Cameron potential new member and Carrie-Ann Atkins and Jacquie Crandles from OPG.

Ron mentioned 

Julia has moved to a new host family in the north of Cobourg with Alina a member of the Rotary Club of Cobourg.

Ron also mentioned that Emma Treneney is looking for donations of support for her exchange semester in Norway next fall. Several club members have contributed to to help Emma, if you would like to donate get it to Ron by next t Friday 

John Davidson spoke with someone at the Port Hope Jazz festival who asked him to share the event pamphlets. They are looking for sponsorship and John suggested the club should consider 

donating to the event. 

Monday March 23 our own Jim Millington is featured in Murdoch Mysteries which plays at 8pm on CBC. 

Carrie Anne Atkins and Jacquie Crandles from OPG gave the club a presentation

The presentation started with an overview on Ontario's energy system and explanation of Ontario Power Generation and their company holdings.

The presentation focused on the Wesleyville new nuclear project. Its has been zoned for electrical production for 50s years.

They are proposing a 1300 acre nuclear power 10000 mega watt power station. 

OPG are currently completing an impact assessment. Its is estimated the project will contribute 6.8 billion to the local GDP. 

The community wide benefits include opportunities for co-located industries; direct and indirect spending by OPG employees, corporate charity giving and environmental causes.  OPG are working closely with willow beach field naturalists and Northumberland land trust. 

2026 the impact assessment was launched, people provided comments on the initial project assessment and now OPG are preparing responses to all of the issues raised during the 30 day comment period. 

In parallel with the impact statement, OPG will be working with the CNSC to prepare for the licence application.

It's a multi phased approach and OPG is currently in stage one. Phase is is expected i. 2027/2028

Reactor technologies are being examined to determine which would work best in the environment. A number of assessments are also being completes including hydrology and geology, land use, socio-economic, traffic and transportation and many more. 

Next steps are community engagement. An information sessions are being hosted in Port Hope (May 6) and Cobourg (may 8) and then virtual meetings May 20

Coffee with Paul is an event being hosted with the Chamber of Commerce later this spring. 

Paul Tait asked about how AI will be impacted with OPG. Jacquie responded that the planned increase in AI use and data centers will require a large volume of energy. 

Kevin asked if the early 2030s is the construction period how long will it take? Carrie Anne explained they could build one unit and bring it online while working on building the next unit. 

How are OPG working with students to attract more people to the trades? 

In Darlington they created a partnership across industry and would collaborate with other organizations. Currently working with Loyalist and other institutions to make sure they have the right programs offered to train people for the jobs. Cameco and CNL are also participating in the discussion.

Ken thanked the presenters and said he remembers the stack going up and it will be great to see it in use. Jacquie encouraged everyone to visit the education center on Toronto Road. 

Ken announced that Steve and Drina are becoming assistant district governors for the coming year. 

The President Committee worked on a nomination list for the board and the in coming presidents. Ken, Bruce and Bree will will be the presidents committee  for the coming year and are excited to lead the club. 

There have been people doing the same roles for years so we are shaking things up a bit. Riley will be treasurer, Ron will be secretary, Kathy Wallace Foundation.

Ken proposed the board with a motion, John Davidson seconded the motion.

With no objections the board was acclaimed.  The board size has been reduced to make meetings more efficient.

The four big fundraising events are Fall Fair, Christmas Market, Flavours of Port Hope and Surf & Turf. Members will be asked to lead and sign up to support these events. When the list comes out please sign up to help with a few. 

Upcoming dates: April 15 is the Port Hope connect event. Last year there Rotary Club sponsored the pizza 🍕 and handed it out to participants. 

Rotary is partnering with Municipality in an epic day of caring. Adam Pearson told us more about it, on  April 26 is a Environmental Cleanup day followed by a community-focused Barbecue. OPG are bringing their robot dog and Cameco are bringing their new fire trucks. CNL is also participating.

The sustainability expo is also taking place from 10-3 at the rec centre. Its called Green Together and the clean up starts at 12pm and finishes at 2pm with the Barbecue. Adam asked about Rotarians and KofC help manning the barbecue. Adam is coordinating the free hotdogs and asked the club to consider donating. 

The club will need to look at addressing the cost if the meetings. Still pay $20 at the door and then pay annually toward the hall rental fees. 

At the meeting on March 30 we will be doing a hands on activity to sew sanitary pads for young women in the Dominican Republic. Please accept or decline the meeting to ensure we have an accurate count for food. 

The Capitol Theatre asked the club to host a barbecue on April 20 at Wladyka Park. But the club has many previous commitments for April so unfortunately the club are over extended. And transporting the Barbecue is a challenge. 

Meeting closed at 730 with the singing of O'Canada led by John Davidson the Lisa Graham. 

Sew Girls Can Go To School

 2026 ENJOY THE FLAVOURS OF PORT HOPE

On Saturday, February 28 2026, the Port Hope Rotary Club hosted its 3^rd annual “Enjoy the Flavours of Port Hope” fundraiser at the Cobourg Lions Community Centre. The event had record-turnout of over 230 guests and we surpassed our previous year’s fundraising for local service projects! There was a country theme this year which everyone enthusiastically embraced, as evidenced by the number of cowboy hats, plaid or flannel shirts, and cowboy boots worn to the event!
 

As you know, RYLS (Rotary Youth Leadership Symposium) is coming up this April — a program very near and dear to my heart. My challenge to you, as the incredible leaders you are, is this:

Let’s get at least one student from every club in our District to attend RYLS!

I can already hear some of you thinking, “Niecy, that’s a big ask!” But remember, this is where our collaboration magic happens.

• Maybe your club has the funds but no student — no problem!
• Maybe your club has a great student but limited funds — also no problem!

We can Unite for Good (see what I did there?) and make sure every willing student has the opportunity to experience this incredible weekend of self-discovery, leadership growth, and teamwork.

But, we have to move quickly! Applications need to be submitted soon.

This is a chance for our youth to find their voices, discover their potential, and become the next generation of leaders… and what better legacy could we leave as Presidents than that?

You’ve inspired change all year...now let’s inspire the future.
Let’s make this happen, team!