CBC Archives

You must sign in to leave a comment on this clip.

First Candu reactor powers Canadian homes

Broadcast Date: June 4, 1962

At 1:31 p.m. on June 4, 1962, a switch is turned on and power from the 20-megawatt reactor near Rolphton, Ont. flows into the local power grid to "help slake the power thirst of Southern Ontario." It's a big moment for science, but nuclear power is still years away from being able to compete with coal and hydro.

First Candu reactor powers Canadian homes

• "Nuclear Power Demonstration" or NPD is the unimaginative name of the first reactor to power Canadian homes. NPD was the first Candu reactor, with a completely replaceable core that could be refuelled while operating at full power.
• NPD was located on the Ottawa River about 200 kilometres northwest of Ottawa, along the Ontario-Quebec border. It was a 20-megawatt reactor — enough to power about 10,000 homes. It operated for 25 years; long after more powerful Candu models came online.

Also on June 4:
• 1940: “Operation Dynamo”, the evacuation of Allied troops from the French port of Dunkirk, comes to an end. About 337,000 troops are safely transported to British ports as the German army completes its conquest of France during the Second World War.
• 1976: The federal government announces a 200-mile off shore fishing zone. The law would go into effect on January 1, 1977 restricting fishing boats from other countries.
• 1980: Hockey great Gordie Howe announces his retirement from the NHL's Hartford Whalers at the age of 52.

First Candu reactor powers Canadian homes

Medium: Radio

Program: CBC News Roundup

Broadcast Date: June 4, 1962

Host: Frank Stalley
Reporter: Tom Earle

Duration: 2:05

Last updated:
Oct. 1, 2008