Save the Bala Falls

1. Will the unnatural fluctuation in water levels damage loon nesting grounds, and wetlands.
   YES! - Unlike existing fluctuations which follow seasonal patterns, increased variability and frequency of water level changes would cause waterfowl nesting grounds to be flooded and/or left high and dry, limiting chances for birds to successfully reproduce.

   Damage would occur to wetlands through disruption of natural seasonal patterns, and through unnatural flood and drought cycles.

   While the proponent has committed to following The Muskoka Water Management Plan, during the summer months this allows daily fluctuations for the water level in Lake Muskoka of over 9 inches! – and this is the “Normal Operating Zone”. During other times of the year, much larger fluctuations are allowed. For example, in December a fluctuation of over 18 inches is allowed (this would make snowmobiling very dangerous). And these are the Normal Operating Zones. The high and low water operating zones are even more broad.

2. How will the Walleye spawning beds be affected? NEGATIVELY! - Local clubs and Ministry of Natural Resources officials confirm that spawning beds are present directly in the path of the tailrace (the outflow) of the proposed powerhouse. This construction phase of this project would completely destroy the Moon River Walleye spawning beds (a huge coffer dam needs to be constructed there and would result in that entire area being dry to the riverbed so the power station can be built).
   Swift River stubbornly denies the existence of these Walleye spawning beds (well, they would certainly prove this after they were finished!).
3. Is this an environmentally friendly project?
   NO! – While hydro-electric power is a wonderful source of electricity, it would require a massive concrete cube of an industrial facility in the middle of a tourist destination. It would destroys Bala’s main natural attraction and the marine environment surrounding it. The requirement to blast through the Precambrian Shield will destroy a place of natural beauty and historic significance.

1. Wasn’t there a hydro development there before?
   YES! – there was a small power station right beside the North Falls which had a maximum capacity of 4 cubic metres per second of water – the same as the existing Mill Stream power station. That previous power station was small enough that it didn’t require boating or swimming restrictions, safety booms, or safety fences. It was decommissioned in the 1950s because it was too small to be economical. The proposed new hydroelectric generating station would use 90 cubic metres of water per second and be large enough to disrupt recreational activity on Lake Muskoka and the Moon River in the vicinity of the power station.

   We now compete with many other tourism destinations, and this power station would be totally negative for all of Bala.

2. Will the centuries old portage survive?
   NO! - The historic portage between Lake Muskoka and the Moon River would be closed forever. Transport between the Moon River and Lake Muskoka would involve carrying canoes along River Street, then along Highway 169, and then down to the town dock – if the town dock is still safe and available for boating.

1. Is there any danger to boating, canoeists, swimmers based on the project?
   YES! – This Ontario Power Generation’s leaflet clearly identifies the dangers associated with recreational activities near power generation facilities. When the turbine is running there would be a dangerously fast current exiting Bala Bay, and a turbulent outflow entering the Moon River. Both of these would be dangerous to all recreational activities on and around the water.
2. Would the increased fluctuation in water levels affect the potential dangers of the Moon River?
   YES! – Sudden, dramatic current changes around the Bala Falls and Moon Shoots would increase the danger to boaters and swimmers. Read Ontario Power Generation’s safety brochure here.

1. How will the economy of Bala be affected?
   SIGNIFICANTLY! - Bala’s main source of revenue is tourism. 18 months of construction and traffic interruption would deter people from visiting the town. It will take years to get those people back as they would have adopted alternative destinations.
   Bala had experience with a situation like this about 10 years ago with the construction of the sewers which made tourists and cottagers avoid Bala and had a serious negative economic impact on the town from which Bala only slowly recovered.
2. Will the farmers’ market operate during construction?
   NOT LIKELY! – the Canadian Shield parking area would be commandeered by THE PROPONENT during construction for a materials and heavy equipment storage area.
3. Will Cranberry Festival be affected?
   UNKNOWN! – no assessment completed.
4. Will the extra traffic and visitors on long weekends and holidays be affected?
   UNKNOWN! – no traffic pattern assessment completed.

1. Is there a danger that Bala Bay will be used as a reservoir to enable profitable running of the plant?
   YES! – On top of the already-subsidized 11.08¢ per kilowatt hour, this plant would receive a 3.5¢ per kilowatt hour bonus if regularly operated during peak demand time of day. The only way that can happen would mean starting the plant in the morning and stopping it in the evening. This stoppage of flow and then release of the water would cause twice daily water level fluctuations in both Lake Muskoka and the Moon River.
2. Would the increased fluctuation in water levels affect property values and taxes?
   YES! – Water level instability and safety factors affect property values. There are thousands of boathouses, docks and other shoreline improvements that could be damaged by man made fluctuations in the water level.
3. Should we care about water levels?
   YES! - Consistent water levels during the main boating mean safe navigation.
   • Consistent water levels contribute to the market value of your property, and are needed for safe docking of boats and accessing some boathouses.
   • Unnatural fluctuations in water levels disrupt and destroy waterfowl and fish habitats.
   • Unnatural fluctuations in winter water levels would mean unsafe ice conditions and accelerated damage to shoreline structures.
4. Does fast water inhibit recreational activities?
   YES – Fast and turbulent water makes recreational activities like boating, fishing and swimming very dangerous and potentially deadly.

Has Swift River fulfilled its stated obligation to reliably inform cottagers and residents within a 3 km radius of the proposed development?

• NO! – Numerous cottagers and residents from the local area have told the SaveTheBalaFalls.com executive committee that they received no notice of the proposed development.
• Apparently the proponent has held 3 town meetings but a large percentage of property owners and residents were not informed of them. There were no notices posted.
• Swift River had committed to direct-mail all property owners within a 3 km radius (a radius established by Swift River themselves). This they did not do.

1. Is this a “Done Deal”?
   NO! – We need to continue to document the numerous negative effects this proposal would have on the environmental, social, cultural and economic life of Bala. We need to make this known to the Minister of the Environment who can cancel the project. We need to raise money to pay environmental specialists and lawyers to achieve a “bump up” for Swift River’s screening assessment expected to be completed either in December 2008 or early next year. Please see http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_reg/ea/English/General_info/PartIIOrders.htm
2. How long will this construction take?
   WE DON’T KNOW FOR SURE. While estimates differ, the proponent’s projection is 18 months, barring unforeseen problems. They would plan to start construction in November 2009, completing before May 24 weekend in 2011. But – have you ever seen a complex construction project completed on time?
3. Would this newly generated power be used in Bala?
   NO! – It just goes directly into the power grid.
4. What is the mechanism for accountability?
   At present, there appears to be:
   • NO MECHANISM for accountability.
   • NO RECOURSE should the economy of our town be damaged.
   • NO RESPONSIBILITY assumed by the town, district, province, proposed developer, or proposed operator.
5. Do the risks of this project outweigh the benefits of the power production?
   YES! – Sacrificing the environmental, social, cultural and economic health of our community cannot be justified by the relatively tiny amount power generated. See the Independent Electricity System Operator, a not-for-profit corporate entity established in 1998 by the Electricity Act of Ontario.

   The ISSUES we have with this project are:

   a) Socio-economic

   • The lives of the permanent town community would be seriously disrupted – negatively affecting the economy and social events.
   • The cottage/waterfront community would be affected by unnatural fluctuations in water levels and dangerous and fast water currents.
   • Restricted access to the town dock.
   • Restricted swimming and scuba diving.

   b) Engineering

   • Safety – many traditional boating and swimming areas would become dangerous. Ambulances, fire departments and police would be delayed by construction traffic congestion and stoppages for trucks and blasting.
   • Water flow and lake levels – fast water would make many areas dangerous for recreation. The water levels would no longer be managed by the MNR, but by an absentee for-profit landlord.

   c) Environmental

   • Fish habitat near both sides of the falls would be destroyed.
   • Noise, dust, traffic congestion, blasting, and trucking would make Bala a less-than-desirable tourism destination.
6. Who would benefit financially from this exploitation of Ontario’s water resources?
   Principally Swift River Energy Limited and Lakeland Power.

   BALA GETS NOTHING and LOSES HER MOST IMPORTANT ASSET.

7. Has the proponent completed an economic impact study?
   NO! – The developer stated at their presentation to the Moon River Property Owners Association that they are not required to do an economic impact study. This is one of the reasons we will be requesting a “bump up” to the more detailed Environmental Assessment Review.

1. What is the position of SaveTheBalaFalls.com?
   
   • SaveTheBalaFalls.com is totally opposed to a new generating station located anywhere in Bala.
2. What are we saving the Bala Falls from?
   A host of maladies:
   • We are saving the falls from being ruined by the construction of a new hydroelectric generating station, which would cause irreparable damage to Bala from environmental, social, cultural and economic standpoints.
   • We are saving both the north and south falls from becoming tiny trickles – only 1 cubic metre of water per second would go down each, compared to the current 85 m³/s.
   • We are saving the historic portage that has linked Lake Muskoka and Moon River, possibly as far back as the 1600s.
   • We are saving the primary tourist attraction for the town of Bala.
   • We are saving our children’s heritage – Bala as a functioning town and economy blessed by the two Bala Falls, and safe public access to Lake Muskoka and the Moon River.
   • We are saving the reason for the parks at the Bala Falls.
   • We are saving Purks Place and the stone Burgess Memorial Church, both listed as historic buildings by the Township of Muskoka Lakes Council.
3. Why do we need to raise money? How will it be spent?
   • Money will be spent when services are needed and volunteer or pro bono help is not available. A great deal of work is being done by volunteers – from school kids, to local anglers, local businesses, professionals (accountants, lawyers, engineers, media …), and residents both seasonal and year ’round.
   • Resources will be needed for publicity, and to fight the proponent’s screening assessment, which is expected to be completed either in December 2008 or early next year.