“I was not involved in the writing of these delegations [requests]. I was not part of the scribing, submission, signature or approval.”
Those were Mayor Olena’s surprising words at Council last week when she was asked how a request for a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to potentially build the “world’s largest nuclear power plant” could have been sent to the provincial government.
Ontario’s Bill 5 created Special Economic Zones (SEZ), allowing the province to fast-track special projects by exempting them from following provincial environment assessments, health and safety regulations, heritage protections, and municipal zoning bylaws.
In June 2025, Port Hope Council voted 6-1 to oppose Bill 5 and the use of SEZs in our municipality – Mayor Olena was the only member of council who didn’t oppose it.
This July, Council learned, after the fact, that a request was sent to the province, asking for an SEZ on the Port Hope-Wesleyville corridor even though Council voted to oppose it – Mayor Olena did nothing to stop it and, as Mayor, is the person formally presenting the request to the provincial government.
Councillor Claire attempted to present a motion to withdraw the SEZ request – Mayor Olena helped defeat that motion.
Whatever role Mayor Olena did or did not play in drafting the request for an SEZ is less important than what happened before and afterwards because, responsible leadership does not end with claiming “I didn’t write it.”
She had the chance to oppose Bill 5 – she didn’t.
She had the chance to uphold Council’s decision to oppose SEZs – she didn’t.
She had the chance to support Claire’s attempt to withdraw the SEZ request – she didn’t.
At every opportunity, Mayor Olena either did nothing or blocked the eorts of those who tried. On something as consequential as the future of Wesleyville – a project impacting farmland, infrastructure, heritage, the environment and decades of change for this community – we needed a leader to stand up for Port Hope, respect Council’s direction, and protect our interests. Not… “I didn’t write it”.
So, I did something about it.On September 1, 2026, I brought forward a motion, seconded by Councillor Claire, that requires requests of the province, like this one, receive advance Council approval. The motion was supported unanimously at Committee of the Whole.
Port Hope absolutely needs economic growth. I agree we should pursue opportunity at Wesleyville and across the entire municipality. But economic development and democratic accountability are not opposites.
Port Hope is facing major decisions that will shape our community for generations and you deserve a leader who will take responsibility, respect Council’s direction, and protect your rights.
That is what I’ll do as Mayor of Port Hope.
Todd