Save the Bala Falls

The October 25, 2010 municipal elections are quickly approaching and it is time for us to make it clear that we will only elect councillors who will protect Bala and the natural beauty of Muskoka.

It is time for action, please read our poster.

This letter from Roger Crawford was featured in the September 2, 2009 Gravenhurst Banner.

Click here to read the letter.

University of Waterloo students, under the direction of Masters of Environmental Studies candidate Wendy de Gómez (daughter of Bala’s Wayne and Donna Stimson), have prepared a case study of the Bala Falls power station proposal, describing the required environmental assessment process.

A Citizens Guide to Environmental Assessment is a pertinent, well-written contribution to community efforts to preserve Bala’s natural heritage and economic viability. “CONCORDIA CUM VERITATE” - In Harmony with Truth.

Please read this update and next steps here.

What about THE MONEY?

It’s a given that building a hydroelectric generating station in the middle of a tourist town’s major tourist attraction is problematic. Why then would a private entrepreneur want to attempt it? Much more money of course! Bala is on “the grid” which means a lot less money would have to be spent on transmission infrastructure (lines, towers, right-of-ways etc.) and that means faster payback and bigger profits.

Unfortunately local residents, cottagers, businesses, visitors, charitable organizations, non-profit organizations and local governments would all have to pay for the private entrepreneur’s increased profits.

It’s money out of our pockets every time a vehicle, private or commercial, is made to wait because of construction activities like drilling, blasting, rock removal and trucking.

It’s money out of our pockets every time a customer avoids shopping in Bala because of construction activities like dump trucks, cement trucks, traffic gridlock, back hoes and cranes.

It’s money out of our pockets if people are no longer drawn to Bala by the natural beauty of Lake Muskoka’s waters falling into the Moon River.

It’s money out of our pockets if business, vacation and residential property values decline because Bala is the host of an ugly parasitic power plant in the middle of what was once upon a time our most valuable asset.

What about WATER LEVELS?

The proposed industrial power plant would receive a subsidized rate of $0.1108 per kilowatt hour of power generated and in addition would receive a 32% bonus of $0.035 per kilowatt hour if the power was generated during peak demand for electricity. This means that there would be a huge incentive to run the power plant during the daytime and shut it down during the nighttime in effect turning Lake Muskoka into a bladder at the beck and call of a private entrepreneur. Boating and docking would become problematic. This generating mode would cause water-level fluctuations, leading during freeze up to the formation of ice-push ridges and cracks along the shoreline, which would impede use of the waterway for winter activities especially snowmobiling. Variable water levels during winter freeze up would result in much more ice damage to shoreline structures and habitat.

A quiet day at the falls.

Welcome to the fight to “Save the Bala Falls”. Bala’s most valuable asset is threatened with destruction by a proposal to jam a hydroelectric generating plant into the middle of its natural beauty. The proposal calls for blasting a trench in the bedrock of Burgess Island 60 feet deep and 40 feet wide from Lake Muskoka to the Moon River. Burgess Island sits in between the Bala Falls and is presently occupied by the Burgess Stone Church and Purks Place Boat Livery.

This website mobilizes committed efforts to preserve our Cultural Heritage by building community support. The natural beauty and serene tranquillity of the Bala Falls is an easily accessible public resource enjoyed by thousands of visitors from near and far. This website strives to provide clear information, direction and focus for those who are totally opposed to any new industrial hydroelectric generating station in the middle of Bala so that YOU CAN take strong action to express your concerns about conservation.

Our goal is the sight of young peoples faces lighting up as they discover the natural wonder of the Bala Falls. Speaking of young people there is a Facebook site named “Save the Bala Falls in Muskoka” that is operated by local young people as a companion to this site with additional comment and photographs. It has over 1000 members and is definitely worth a look. Also be sure to read some of the articles you see listed on the right hand side of this page.

We need a constantly flowing cascade of letters, e-mails, faxes etc. to various politicians, the developer, cottager associations etc. outlining concerns related to the natural environment, Bala’s tourism economy, our heritage, pickerel spawning beds, public access to Lake Muskoka and the Moon River, safety concerns and more. Be sure to request a reply and follow up if you still have questions unanswered. Please carbon copy info@SaveTheBalaFalls.com if you will let us publish it on our website “Letters” page. When you do write , we strongly urge you to maintain a polite, non-aggressive and non-abusive tone.

The top ten persons to contact are:

Please visit other pages on our website to explore the issues and see examples of concerned citizen’s letters, newspaper articles, photographs and more.

Dear Ms. Wynne

I am a property owner on Lake Rosseau, one of the Muskoka lakes. I recently received the following over the internet. I had not heard anything about it before, although this suggests that it has been going on for a couple of years. The information does not say what effect this development would have on Lake Rosseau, but it is quite clear that it would have a dramatic effect on Lake Muskoka.

I am all for “green” projects where the benefits are clear, and the detriments can be determined and proven to be a worthwhile tradeoff, and those who will suffer loss are compensated adequately. Such is now the case for hydro projects in Quebec, although it certainly was not so in past. Some of the most egregious examples of bad projects are the Three Gorges Dams in China and the Aswan Dam in Egypt. Silt which used to annually flow down the Nile and refresh the agricultural land of the Nile valley is filling up behind the Aswan dam and reducing its potential for generating power. The Three Gorges Dam is likely to do the same, and the displaced landowners have been very harshly and cavalierly treated by the Chinese government.

In the present case, having little information to go on, it is impossible for me to assess the benefits and disadvantages of this case. In my opinion, there is no human action that is totally benign or beneficial to the environment. In this case it is proposed to generate electrical power by “green” means, but the environmental damage that might be done to the lake may be far greater by destruction of wild life habitat. We would be trading off one environmental plus for another undetermined environmental minus.

I don’t know how much electricity might be generated by this project. If coal fired plants are shut down as planned, we will need electricity coming from somewhere. I suggest that an hour of output from the proposed nuclear plant will equal a whole year output from this project. I think that the nuclear plant effect on the environment will be much less than the probable effect of this Bala Falls project.

I remind you of the ethanol craze. It is just great to be thinking of how ethanol can displace gasoline. However ethanol has some nasty byproducts for humans to breath. In Canada (and the US) ethanol is made from corn. This use of corn has created a shortage of food around the world. And ethanol would not be economic if it was not subsidized by governments. And it is not clear just how friendly ethanol is considering that it takes somewhere between 80% to 130% of the ethanol energy created to make it, depending on the researcher doing the evaluation. The ethanol craze can be shut down when sanity returns. It would be much more difficult to return the Bala Falls area to its former state should the project prove to be uneconomic.

I cannot set myself up as a judge of this project. I am an electrical engineer, and I can make reports and judgements if I have the information to do so, but I do not have it, so what I say is that a project like this must be thoroughly examined to determine if there is any “net benefit” worth the negative impact which it will surely have. It must be seen that the real net benefit very clearly exceeds the cost by a wide margin.

I do not know how you might fit into this process, but I urge you to use your influence to make sure that a proper assessment is done and that nothing happens unless the benefits can be shown to the community to be clearly worth the REAL cost.

I propose the following questions:

It seems to DEB that if the water flow is 170 cubic meters per second for three months, and average of 36 cubic meters/second for 9 months, that the average flow is (170 x 3 + 36 x 9)/12 = 69.5 cubic meters per second or (170 x 1 + 44.6 x 11)/12 = 55 cubic meters/second. Which is correct? Swift River cannot run at 91 cubic meters/second year round. Someone is doing interesting math.

• What percent of the Niagara River is diverted through the power houses?
• How much energy will be generated by Swift River?
• What will Ontario Hydro pay for it?
• This is not an act of God. How will compensation be paid for the flooded land and damage to private infrastructure?

MESSAGE RECEIVED VIA INTERNET

Things that should concern you about the Swift River Energy plan to put a new hydro generating plant in the Bala Falls.

For the past several years, a quiet process has been undertaken by a private company to develop a new hydro plant in the North Bala Falls. If they are successful, there are a variety of things that will impact cottagers and homeowners on Lake Muskoka. In particular, the plan calls for 18 months of construction, somewhat generously proposed for mostly off season timelines. However, on season, traffic will be a problem and parking will be a problem, and many of the traditional activities in town will be a problem during the construction phase.

Swift River, the private company also plan to divert 96%, or practically all of the water flowing over the Falls to the hydro station, so anyone driving or walking by will no longer see a cascade of water at any time. Forget about scenic views and natural wonders.

Swift River also plan to create a large sluice that will draw the water into the turbine that will be approximately 50 feet across and will limit the town water activities and boating activities including those wishing to dock and go to Don’s Bakery.

But those things are small potatoes compared to the main concern that you should have about the Swift River plans.

In the height of the spring runoff in April, the average flow of water running over the Falls is 170 cubic meters per second, or about the equivalent of 2 tractor trailer loads of water every second going over the cascade. You may have seen it. The water is high, frothy and exciting to watch. For the rest of the year, the mean of the water flow is well below 100 cubic meters per second, or a little more than one tractor trailer worth per second. In fact, the average of the 9 other months is only 44.6 cubic meters per second, about the equivalent of less than half a tractor trailer load of water per second.

Swift River plan to run the plant at 91 cubic meters per second, or to overuse that example, one trailer load per second as much as possible. In order to do that, they will have to raise the level of Lake Muskoka significantly to create a large enough pool of water to maintain turbine flow because at the moment, the average of the flows in January, February, and June to the end of November is only 36 cubic meters per second, or a little more than one third of a trailer load per second.

The Muskoka River Water Management Plan allows for a maximum range in water levels of 4 feet, with an expectation that the norm will run around the middle ground or two feet. But with a range of 4 feet, and a need to boost the amount of water available to run these turbines, you can be sure that the water levels will be at the high end of the scale. That means that your water level ? in Bala, in Port Carling, in Bracebridge or in Gravenhurst could be 2 feet higher than your current typical level.

Can your docks withstand a level of water generally a foot or two feet higher than they have been for the past 5 or 6 years? What do you think will happen if Muskoka gets a rainy summer like 2008? Do you think that your docks could handle the combination of the higher water levels that Swift River will want – along with water levels blossoming from rainfall? Did your docks and other property suffer damage with the flash winter thaw in 2008? Since the average water flowing over the Falls in October, November, December, January, and February are generally one third of the level that Swift River will require, do you think that a 3x increase in water will contribute to continued damage?

The good news is that this does not have to happen. Waterfront homeowners like you on Lake Muskoka, and indeed Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph can stop this project and eliminate the likelihood of damage to your property.

You have to take action. You have to get in touch with your M.P.P. and let them know that you are concerned. You need to contact the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Natural Resources and request that they ensure that the project goes through a level 2 environmental assessment to make sure that your interests are taken into account and your property is safe.

For further information, go to http://www.savethebalafalls.com

Dear Mr. Gerretsen,

I would like to send you a copy of a letter that I have sent to Donna Cansfield, as well as the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, and my MPP, Mr. Ted McMeekin. I have been very troubled by the proposal to build a hydro electric facility in the small tourist town of Bala, ON. Bala relies solely on tourism for its economy, and the proposed hydro dam would be situated in the most picturesque spot in the town of Bala. Bala is a very old and historic town, and has been lovingly preserved. This hydro project does not belong in the middle of this beautiful town, where many people love to swim, fish, and have their photos taken.

In an ideal world, all of the politicians who think that this is a great location for a hydro-electric installation should go and have a look for themselves to see what they are destroying. This might prevent this type of irresponsible decision making. Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Anne Polewski
Ancaster, ON

Dear Ms. Cansfield,

I am writing to you, as I’m very concerned about the Swift River Power Project that has been “proposed” for the town of Bala at the Bala Falls on the Moon River.

My grandparents bought their cottage on the Moon River in 1939. My grandparents were immigrants from England who worked very hard to buy this cottage, and my grandfather was a veteran of the Great War for Civilization. He was very pleased to have this place of beauty and serenity to enjoy his retirement years with my grandmother.

My grandfather, a Vimy Ridge war veteran, was very proud of the fact that after working very hard all his life (after raising 7 children) that he and his wife had managed to save enough money to have a home in Toronto, and a lovely little cottage on the Moon River.

I have very fond memories of summers spent with my grandparents and parents at our cottage on the Moon River. My grandfather would take me fishing at the Bala Falls, and we would boat into town to buy ice cream at the marina at the town dock. We would go into Purk’s place to buy fishing bait for our fishing trips, and go into Don’s bakery to pick up some treats to bring home for dessert.

This has always been a place of special beauty, and we have entertained family and friends from Canada and abroad. They have all agreed that Bala is a very special place, and have mentioned that they hope to return again someday.

Bala has an active community that participates in a town beautification scheme with lots of flowers planted all over the town, including planters by the Bala Falls. The same volunteers also put on a great festival every fall, which attracts tourists from around the province. People come from great distances to enjoy the beautiful fall colours at the Cranberry Festival in Bala.

Bala has always been a tourist town that relies on its small town charm. As I mentioned earlier, I have spent every summer in Bala since I was born in the mid-1950’s, and it has changed very little. This is the secret of its charm.

The Bala Bay Inn was established in the early 1900’s, and still looks much the same as it did when it was built. There are three beautiful old churches very close to the Falls dating back to the turn of the century.

The Kee to Bala was formerly known as Dunn’s Pavilion and has got a fantastic musical history having seen the likes of Louis Armstrong, Guy Lombardo and many others over the years. The Balacade, an old-fashioned pinball arcade is the same as it was in the 1950’s, Don’s Bakery is still in business after over 50 years, and many more.

I would argue that Purk’s Place should be designated as a historic building because it was built by one of the town’s earliest settlers and is one of the few remaining buildings standing after the railway went in. The Swift River Hydro Project would see this great old historic building and business closed down.

I could not believe that the Ontario Government under the Liberal party would propose putting a hydroelectric installation at this site. For much of the year, there is very little water flow over the falls; certainly not a lot of power could be generated at this site except perhaps for a month or two during the snowmelt in the spring.

It seems incredibly short sighted to me to spend tens of millions of dollars to destroy a place of natural beauty to generate highly subsidized electricity. While I do support the move to the use of more “green” energy, I would argue that this facility is totally out of place with the rest of the town of Bala.

I would really encourage you, and each and every politician who believes that this is a good place to build a hydro dam, to go and have a look for yourselves.

I’m still having trouble believing that such a place of natural beauty in a town that relies on tourism could be destroyed by this hydro project. Unbelievable!

Joni Mitchell said it best in her song “Big Yellow Taxi” that she wrote in the 1970’s, “Don’t it always seem to go, you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. You pave paradise, and you put up a parking lot”.

I didn’t think that this kind of thing could happen under a Liberal government. Mike Harris, yes, but I am shocked and angered that the Liberals would put forward this project in a town that relies so heavily on tourism.

Sincerely,
Anne Polewski

Cc: Honourable Dalton McGuinty, MPP
Cc: Ted McMeekin, MPP

I attended the rally to save the falls at Bala, Thanksgiving weekend 2008. The rally was organized to oppose the draining of the Muskoka watershed through a newly proposed channel and power plant at the town of Bala. Instead of allowing the water of the lake to overflow naturally over the waterfalls, as has always been the case, the proposal was instead to divert the water flow to an underground channel and thenceforth through to an underground hydroelectric generator.

Why did I attend this rally? I could just as easily have stayed at home, and just like the rest of us could have easily continued on with the busy preparations for the Thanksgiving weekend. Nope. I turned my back on a perfectly half stuffed turkey and found myself, instead, perched on a rocky ledge next to the falls, completely surrounded by a sea of red t-shirts emblazoned with the words: SaveTheBalaFalls.com. The setting, at once, became surreal and I was immediately overcome by this sudden sense of panicky purpose, triggered by the simultaneous, large gathering of folks from far and wide: young and old, vacationer and resident, shop owner and spouse… children with their parents, pets with their faithful companions in tow. They all came. We all stood by the falls.

It then became eerily evident that we had all arrived spontaneously with the same solitary, somber purpose, as though we had been all dragged to this very special place by a powerful, invisible, tractor beam: it was the gnawing uncertainty, and even in some cases, the very palpable fear of a horribly bad decision that was about to be made about the fate of the falls at Bala. What was even worse was the overhanging cold, fog of quiet desperation, of helplessness, and powerlessness, the feeling of “Why aren’t we being involved in this decision?”…”Can’t we stop this? What happens if we can’t stop this?” And then I thought to myself, “was this really a rally… or was it a wake?” Judging by the fearful look of uncertainty clouding the faces all around me, I could hardly tell the difference. One thing, however, was far from uncertain: the falls were still roaring, in all of its pride and glory, very loudly and adamantly drowning us out as we stood as mere shadows next to it’s noise and splendor. And those very same thunderous waterfalls reminded me of why we were all standing there. We were all standing there for the very same reason: the piecemeal destruction of the solitary, central water feature of the town of Bala was insanely shortsighted and should be prevented at all costs, failing which the very future of the survival, let alone prosperity, of the town of Bala would ruinously lay in serious jeapordy. Sheer common sense told us, that if you divert the constant flow of water which flows over the falls, into a newly man made engineered channel, then the waterfalls would be reduced to nothing more than a miserably insignificant trickle, or at the very best a tepid backwater creek.

Visitors to Bala for over a hundred years have been captivated by the hypnotic, beautiful, powerful rush of the waterfalls. We are almost immediately overwhelmed by a basic, guttural reaction, inside all of us, by an almost knee jerk primordial and ancient sense of inspiration and well being at the sight of the crisp, clean, flowing falls. Kids can even tell you all about it: “Wow, cool…” And people do not arrive at this place by
saying “let’s go to Bala, to have a look at the rocky creek!”

The falls captivates a never ending flow of visitors. In over 30 years I have never seen inactivity around the falls in the spring, summer and autumn seasons. It is always bustling with some level of delighted, curious, onlookers and sightseers. It never ceases to remain a thundering, central focus which draws visitors towards it, to traverse over it, to stop and pleasantly marvel at it, and to stand up and just to point to its noisy, boisterous, beauty.

The falls powerfully connects the two sides of the town. Back and forth they go, then to the other side of town and then back again, only to stop yet again to inhale the raw, refreshing, unbridled energy of the cascading falls. Visitors are drawn to it, as if by magic, and then, when they finally go back to their homes and cottages at the end of the day, the falls remain behind, always there, flowing fast and wildly untamed…now only just waiting impatiently, noisily and unabashedly, to yet again ensnare the next days catch of curious, eager onlookers.

The town of Bala has little else to offer, as central themes go. Bracebridge has it’s picturesque-like falls; Port Carling has it’s locks and the Seguin Steamship cruises by. Gravenhurst has had tens of millions of dollars devoted to the Wharf development. Bala deserves to have it’s own powerful point of interest, and that powerful point of interest has always been the roaring falls. Most other towns would be blushing and boastful, would be bragging and exploding with pride and prosperity to have such a prevalent feature, such a grand and majestic hard working force of nature, with it’s rigorous, non-stop and always reliable schedule: 24/7, 365 days a year. “And the price is always right!”

And that is exactly the point! This Thanksgiving, the sheer number of people who spontaneously got up from peeling their potatoes, setting up their tables, raking up their leaves, or even curiously coming by just to be at the rally, all stood quietly, defiantly, by the falls, shoulder to shoulder, with their most powerful inner voice screaming aloud “don’t kill the falls!”…screaming, even louder than the falls itself … “Don’t kill the falls!!”

This grass roots protest is not against the production of clean hydroelectric power for 200 homes. The protest is against the production of this power if it means destroying an entire community, a community whose very survival depends on a single, solitary, selfless benefactor. The protest is against destroying a town’s sole, magnificent water feature, and replacing it with a horribly cold, concrete garden variety, mini hydroelectric project that will provide power for a measly 200 homes, or so…somewhere in Ontario… I think. The protest is against diverting the flow of water and forever killing the falls…”If you take the roar out of the lion, then you no longer have the lion”. The future of the prosperity of Bala is in grave danger, and there is no turning back once the truckload of dynamite arrives!

“A barren creek can never replace a waterfalls. Creek bed postcards do not sell.”

If you are an elected representative of the region, then you cannot turn a blind eye to this groundswell of opposition. You are mandated, by the electorate, to take heed of the massive protest which opposes the diversion of the water supply, the very lifeblood of the single, solitary thing that defines the town of Bala – the waterfalls. We are relying on your good judgment, and we trust that you will be our spokesperson, as you have been entrusted to bring forth all of the varying viewpoints, weighing all of the pro’s and con’s, and especially in their various quantities. You have been entrusted to speak on behalf of the majority of the citizens of the town of Bala and surrounding region.

In the balance is the loss of a thing of remarkable power and beauty, and the centre and livelihood of an entire town and its future, and the ancient force that has consistently provided life to an established community of long-standing. There is simply nothing that could possibly replace the thing of wild magic and beauty, which is the century old falls at Bala, Muskoka.

Thank you, Warm regards,
Edmund Chrolavicius,
a concerned 31-year cottager on Bala Bay

SaveTheBalaFalls.com
Bala, ON, P0C 1A0

October 25, 2008

Dear District Councillors  Larry Braid, Mark Clairmont and John Klinck,

We would like to sincerely thank each of you for your NO vote in regards to giving the District land to Swift River Energy Limited to build a hydroelectric generating facility at the Bala Falls.  It was disappointing but not surprising to watch the complete abandonment of Bala by all of the Township of Muskoka Lakes councillors.  We appreciate the questions you posed and the support you expressed.  Many minds were previously committed.  At the falls, the large gathering of town’s folk was very disappointed that the majority of councillors only listened to one side of the story.  It was frustrating for the crowd to see their own spokespersons totally ignored by the District council in general.  We appreciate the visits you each made to Bala and we are grateful for your efforts.

We always knew that whatever decision was made by the District council, our battle was not over at that meeting.  We have always understood that this is a provincial initiative and only at the provincial level can it be stopped.  We must carry this struggle forward to Queen’s Park and we will.  We had hoped to carry on with the District’s support as Mayor Klinck suggested.  With such a large group of highly aware local taxpayers objecting to this venture, we hope that soon decision makers will listen and start to consider what is best for Bala, now and for the future.

Again THANK YOU for supporting Bala.  Thank you for showing you care about the residents and businesses.

Sincerely,

Save The Bala Falls Committee
Brad Burgess, Bill Purkis, Mark Gidley, et al

Dear Representatives,

I am a long time resident of Bala, and happen to live in the middle of Lake Muskoka and the Moon River. The Bala Falls are the most valuable asset which our town has had since its incorporation. The falls serve as a magnificent backdrop for both local residents and seasonal visitors from which to discover the many ecological and socio-cultural treasures of our town. Furthermore, the bio-diversity which is found among the rocks, the water, and the shoreline of both the Lake which feed into the falls and the River which receive its flow are an integral part of our local and regional heritage.

The effort of the Provincial government to find homes for renewable sources of energy is a first step towards a much larger environmental shift which is taking shape in Canada and throughout the world. Yet, mindful placement of these faculties needs to take top priority. In the case of the Bala Falls, there seems to be a significant lack of value being placed on the fact that our main natural asset is also the main site to which we present our thousands of visitors every year. Yes, the Falls could serve as a model site of the new renewable, but at what cost to the town? There would most likely not be one single person in the population of Bala and surrounding areas who have not enjoyed sharing the other type of renewable energy at the falls. This type of energy is called inter-generational energy. We all know that the human relationship to the environment is need of some new solutions, but why destroy a resource that serves to enhance the quality of life for families. We seek new types of fuel for the next generations, but perhaps we need to take look at what we already have and fight to educate others about protecting assets that already exist.

Thank-you for your time and consideration.

Wendy (Stimson) de Gomez
BA, Political Science, MES, Masters of Environmental Studies (candidate)

October 7, 2008

Re: Bala Falls small hydro project

We have been seasonal residents on Moon River for more than 50 years. All three generations of our family stand in opposition to this small hydro project. While most supportive of the provincial initiatives for renewable energy sources, we too feel that they should not be at the expense of the community of Bala. There is no question that this project will harm many of Bala’s businesses and present potential and long lasting harm to all its community members for what appears to be little net benefit to the provincial power grid. All without any lasting benefit to the Bala Community. Bala, as a tourist destination, depends not only on the many seasonal residents in the area but also on the great number of day trippers who are drawn to the Bala Falls to fish and to play. This project will have a negative effect on the Falls and the River, as well as presenting many safety issues on both the Muskoka and Moon River sides.

In addition, we have a personal connection to Purk’s Place and the heritage building that houses it and are dismayed that its continued existence is in such danger. Many members of the extended Purkis Family have been involved with this business as either customers of previous owners or as family employees since its purchase by Tom Purkis in the early 1970’s. Many of us have benefited as summer student employees of Bala’s other seasonal and year round businesses. Many of these opportunities will be lost or reduced by this proposed project as these businesses and their owners struggle to survive. This project will have year round detrimental effects on the town and its residents.

As Muskoka taxpayers and owners of one of Moon River’s original cottages we work hard and thoughtfully to preserve our little piece of Muskoka heritage. We, in turn, would hope that our political representatives are working just as hard and thoughtfully to preserve the heritage buildings, landscapes and environment of Bala and its surrounding area. The Moon River is a unique gem from the Bala Falls to Georgian Bay. We should be working to preserve it not to damage it. The Muskoka area is already under increased developmental pressure. We wonder what other questionable projects our growing green consciousness may impose on this beautiful area.

We ask our local and provincial political representatives and those involved in the reviewing and approving of this project to ensure that it does not proceed.

Regards,
Anne Purkis
John Trubic
Alanna Trubic
Laurel Trubic
Dorothy Purkis

Fogo Street, Bala, and Guelph, Ontario

The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario (Muskoka branch) recommends that local people write our Mayor and Council, with cc to Gord Adams and District Council, asking that the Bala Falls be considered a “Cultural Heritage Landscape”.

Although the Bala Falls are not officially designated as a cultural heritage landscape, they have become so, in the public’s mind.

Our Falls tell us how Bala has developed, they define Bala’s special characteristics and  Bala’s distinctive identity.

According to the Ontario Heritage Act, “cultural landscapes (such as Bala’s Falls) help us understand the broad social, economic, political and environmental forces that have shaped and may continue to shape our community.”

The Heritage Act goes on to say: ” As a result, we have a greater chance of identifying what activities and policies will positively or negatively affect our heritage.”

The Heritage Act outlines “New Opportunities and Responsibilities”. Namely, “Evaluating landscapes helps develop a shared appreciation for them particularly if the community is involved in the process.”

Hope these guidelines help. Letters could mention some of the above policies if people wish- or just speak from the heart.

Linda Hutton

ACO Muskoka Branch

Dear Chair and District Councillors,

Disappointed.  That is how I felt last night when I learned of District Council?s decision to support the Swift River project.  Shock, dismay and disbelief are words I would have liked to use, but after seeing the reaction of councillors at the visit to the falls yesterday, it soon became apparent where your loyalties lie.

District Chair Adams, you indicated yesterday that you?ve received between 30 and 50 e-mails per day for the last few weeks.  You then proceeded to ask us which site we would prefer for Swift River to use.  Had you thoroughly read the e-mails you?ve received I don?t think you would have had to ask that question.  We don?t want the project.  Period.  A smaller site with less disruption to the falls would be preferred if we are going to be forced to deal with this proposal.  As well, something that can be removed down the road, once the Provincial government stops providing subsidies, makes the most sense.  Building on a site where permanent damage is being done does not make sense.  Supporting a site where major blasting has to be done and our natural Precambrian shield removed does not make sense.  Why disturb what natural beauty we have.  We have lost so many natural areas throughout the province and this beautiful country due to progress and grand ideas.  Why add to that?  At the end of the day, we do not want either site.

As Councillors Klinck and Clairmont kindly stated for the residents of Bala, there is no benefit to us to have another power dam in Bala.  The citizens, businesses, and tourists will not gain from this endeavour.  Why not have District join us in the fight to stop this?  There are hundreds if not thousands of people who are willing to fight this.  Why not have District?s support?

I am a new Mom.  You have seen the pictures of my three month old daughter and had you looked and listened yesterday, you would have seen her there making a statement.  Save the Bala Falls for Me.  Despite the wind and cold we were there, yet you were too busy with Swift River to notice.  As a Mom, I now realise more than ever the importance of leaving a legacy.  I am a descendant of Thomas Burgess who founded this beautiful town.  His legacy was a quaint tourist town with lots to offer everyone.  I want to leave a legacy too. We need to preserve what natural beauty we have.  How many towns can you travel to and find what Bala has to offer?  You can find bits and pieces in most towns; I know that.  Exactly what Bala has to offer?  None.  We are at risk of losing that.  How do I explain to my daughter that the generations before her were willing to give that all up because they weren?t willing to fight hard enough?  I can?t tell her that.  I won?t!  I admit the province is a much bigger body to fight than District, but I firmly believe it is worth it.

Mayor Pryke and Councillor Grady, I?m sorry you don?t feel that you can make a difference to support Bala.  You have made that clear by supporting this proposal.  It?s not easy to fight, and it takes a tonne of energy.  I see that in the three men who have been leading this charge.  They are however willing to stand up and make a difference.  It?s very unfortunate that as elected officials you are not willing to do the same.  You were elected and are paid to make a difference.  It?s sad that you don?t recognize that.

It would have been easier to take on the Province with District?s support and unfortunately we don?t have that.  Don?t think for a second that we?ll stop fighting!  To the three councillors who did vote no, THANK YOU!  Thank you for standing up for a town that you weren?t directly elected to support.  Thank you for listening to our concerns and being willing to say no.  We count on your continued support going forward.

Sincerely,
Marcia Tupling
Apple Island, East Bay

Letter from Chris Kerr

From: Tiffani Steer
To: tclarke@hatchenergy.com ; clement.t@parl.gc.ca ; norm.millerco@pc.ola.org ; gsmitherman.mpp@liberal.ola.org ; dcansfield.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org ; gadams@muskoka.on.ca ; councillor@muskokatoday.com ; henrike@sympatico.ca ; mgrady@muskokalakes.ca ; spryke@muskokalakes.ca ; nthompson@muskokalakes.ca ; parney@muskokalakes.ca ; ddavidson@muskokalakes.ca ;
Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 2:07 PM
Subject: Save The Bala Falls

October 14, 2008

Re: Swift River Energy Limited – Proposed Bala Falls Project

This past Thanksgiving weekend, our family learned of the proposed hydroelectric facility that threatens to destroy the Bala Falls. To deem this proposal foolish and irresponsible does not even begin to reflect what the hundreds of local and thousands of seasonal residents in Bala are feeling but does reflect the ignorance of local councillors and elected officials supportive of this project.

For a proposed project that has been in the works since 2007, it is outrageous that we were not informed of this sooner. While I am fully aware that legally, all that is required is a basic advertisement in a local paper and that town council did hold a few meetings, more could have easily and should have been done. Purposefully, holding meetings during the weekday or on an election day, when the absence of cottagers is guaranteed, is cowardly and insulting. Did those engaged in the project really believe that we would accept this? Did you think that a paid artist’s rendering was going to fool us?

A full scale, environmental impact assessment MUST be conducted before even one stone is turned. This project has significant environmental, heritage, economic and scientific implications, none of which appear to be positive. Creating sustainable “green” energy is an important and necessary goal for the preservation of our earth but not at the expense of cherished landmarks nor at the expense of a small community and wildlife that inhabit the area. Not to mention at the expense of local residents and cottagers who have millions invested in property and who contribute millions every year in taxes. Millions more than Bala will ever receive from this project.

If it is deemed that a hydroelectric facility is appropriate, which is doubtful, Swift River Energy Limited (SREL) does not appear to even have the expertise necessary for a project of this kind. A company that relies on consultants and provides a comparison to this project with the Yonge-Eglinton Centre, is clearly out-of-touch with local realities. To argue this project on the au-courant “green” platform is misleading. The proposed output of this facility will be a mere trickle in the provincial energy grid, having about as much positive impact as the trickle that will run over the falls if the project gets the go ahead.

Much more debate, consideration and meaningful assessment must be conducted before any approvals are given. This does not mean an advertisement in the Weekender or the presentation of suspect and self-serving assessment statistics from Swift River Energy Limited.

As the third-generation at my family cottage this project angers me as much as it saddens me.

Tiffani Steer
On behalf of my family and all those who are firmly opposed to this project

A very well-written article by Arthur Dempster.

Letter from Arthur Dempster

Linda Jackson-Hutton of Bala’s Museum, a long-time defender of Muskoka heritage, was one of the first to buy a Save The Bala Falls T-shirt.