Barrie and Orillia Chambers Host Nuclear Renaissance Event Featuring Michael Lee-Chin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[April 21, 2026 | Barrie, ON] Investment in nuclear, clean energy and medical innovation is accelerating. The Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce and Orillia District Chamber of Commerce are bringing that conversation to Georgian College’s Barrie Campus on May 13.
The two Chambers, working with regional and industry partners, will host The Nuclear Renaissance: Powering Innovation and Opportunity. The event will bring together business leaders, investors, healthcare professionals and policy makers to look at what is happening across Canada’s nuclear sector and what it means for Simcoe County.
Michael Lee-Chin will headline the event. He is Founder, President and Chairman of Portland Holdings, with investments across financial services, real estate, medical innovation, nuclear and clean energy. His participation reflects the calibre of attention the sector is now attracting from major capital and long-term investors.
The program includes a fireside conversation with Lee-Chin, moderated by Georgian President and CEO, Kevin Weaver, followed by two expert panels. One panel focuses on medical isotopes and their growing role in healthcare and innovation. The other looks at clean nuclear energy. These discussions will centre on where capital is moving, how supply chains are shifting and where opportunities are opening up.
“Nuclear is no longer just an energy story, it’s an investment and economic transformation story,” said Diana Oddi, Director, Communications, Portland Investment Counsel Inc. “This event highlights the role Barrie and Orillia can play in that growth.”
Ontario continues to invest in nuclear infrastructure, technology and workforce development. Simcoe County is already part of that growth, with the industrial base, workforce and partnerships to support continued expansion.
“This puts Barrie and Orillia in the middle of something much larger,” said Allan Lafontaine, Executive Director of the Orillia Chamber of Commerce. “Our businesses and workforce are well positioned to be part of it.”
The event is expected to draw a broad mix of business leaders, industry professionals, investors, academic partners, students and government representatives exploring opportunities across the nuclear sector. It will also appeal to those looking to position themselves for growth as the sector continues to expand in the region.
“The strength of the speakers and the response we’re seeing point to real momentum in the nuclear sector,” said Paul Markle, CEO of the Greater Barrie Chamber of Commerce. “This is about understanding what is coming next and making sure our region is part of that conversation.”
Registration is now open. Go to BarrieChamber.com or Orillia.com under Events.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Markle
Chief Executive Officer
Paul@BarrieChamber.com
121 Commerce Park Drive, Unit A, Barrie, Ontario L4N 8X1
(O) 705 - 721 - 5000 ext. 5
(C) 249-288-3540
About the Barrie Chamber of Commerce
Now 100 Years Old!
The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant, thriving business community in Barrie and the surrounding areas. As a voice for local businesses, we advocate on behalf of our members at all levels of government, championing policies that drive economic growth and contribute to our region's overall prosperity. Through meaningful events, networking opportunities, educational resources, and support for business development, we empower our members to succeed and grow. With a proud history of serving the community, the Barrie Chamber of Commerce remains committed to making Barrie a great place to live, work and do business.