People are drawn to water
The proponent would use a 10-ton jacking device to compress the dam’s stop-logs to allow only 1 m3/s of leakage flow over Bala’s north falls. Such a trickle would not draw people to Bala. The proponent would take 94% of the water through their proposed generating station, leaving only 6% for the falls.
Note that by international agreement, during days from April through October, 50% of the flow of the Niagara River must go over the falls, and the rest of the time (summer evenings and all winter), 25% of the flow must go over the falls. The rest of the flow is diverted and is shared equally between Canada and the US for power generation.
Why should scenic flow in Bala be any less important than scenic flow at Niagara Falls.
Save the Bala Falls for people to enjoy!!!
I spent all my early summers in the Bala, Muskoka Area. I used to walk 7 miles to Bala, sit out on the docks and listen to all the Jazz Greats, Sinatra, Benny Goodman, Tommy & Jimmy Dorsey, Woody Herman, and so many more that played at Jerry Dunn’s Pavillion. Many don’t realize all the music greats that came to Bala during the 50’s & 60’s. I have been told that the incredible song, Moon River, which was written by Henri Mancini and Johnny Mercer, was inspired by the view down the Moon River from the falls while the musicians were in Bala.
#moon river
This is a terrible shame. If we don’t speak out, then the financial interests behind this project will destroy the falls without caring for the beauty of the area or any greater public good.
This Idea is not sound for fish and the birds of the area. The site is important for tourism to the area and economy of the area.