Residents across the Toronto area were sent a mobile alert after an “incident” was reported at a nuclear power plant in Canada on Sunday, but officials in Ontario later stressed that it was sent out in error.
The alert was sent out at around 7:30 a.m. local time, saying that Pickering Nuclear Generation Station produced “NO abnormal release of radioactivity” and that emergency staff were “responding to the situation,” while adding that locals “DO NOT need to take any protective actions.”
But about a half an hour later, Ontario Power Generation said in a statement on its website that the alert was erroneously issued and added there was no danger to the public or the environment.
“Important update: the alert regarding #Pickering Nuclear was sent in error. There is no danger to the public or environment,” the agency also wrote on Twitter.
Important update: the alert regarding #Pickering Nuclear was sent in error. There is no danger to the public or environment.
— Ontario Power Gen (@opg) January 12, 2020
A local politician, Syliva Jones, also stressed there “was no incident at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station that should have triggered public notification. Nor was there ever any danger to the public or environment.”
Pickering Mayor Dave Ryan said he’s demanding a full investigation into the matter.
“Like many of you, I was very troubled to have received that emergency alert this morning. While I am relieved that there was no actual emergency, I am upset that an error such as this occurred. I have spoken to the Province, and am demanding that a full investigation take place,” Ryan said via Twitter.
Like many of you, I was very troubled to have received that emergency alert this morning. While I am relieved that there was no actual emergency, I am upset that an error such as this occurred. I have spoken to the Province, and am demanding that a full investigation take place.
— Mayor Dave Ryan (@mayordaveryan) January 12, 2020
Toronto Mayor John Tory echoed his comment, writing that the incident provoked “far too many unanswered questions.” He said the alert was sent across the Canadian province and Toronto, the largest city in Canada.
“I know many @CityOfToronto residents – especially those who live near Pickering – were unnecessarily alarmed by this alert,” he said.
According to the Toronto Sun, Pickering Nuclear Generating Plant is the oldest operating nuclear power plant in Canada. It also generates around 14 percent of Ontario’s electricity and is responsible for 4,500 jobs in the area, says Ontario Power on its website.
