Did you know that insurance is the largest operating cost of hydro-electric generating stations – larger than all other operating costs combined, including maintenance, administration, depreciation, and taxes.
Visiting the nearby hydro-electric generating stations; Hanna Chute (Bracebridge), Matthias Falls (Bracebridge), Minden, Muskoka South Falls (Bracebridge), Trethewey Falls (Bracebridge), Bracebridge Falls, Wilson’s Falls (Bracebridge), High Falls (Bracebridge), Big Eddy (Bala), Ragged Rapids (Bala), Wasdell Falls (Severn Bridge, planned), Fenelon Falls, Auburn (Peterborough), London Street (Peterborough), Shand Dam (Fergus), Elliot Falls (Norland), and Heywood (St. Catherines) shows that:
- NONE have in-water recreation both upstream and downstream within 50′ – but Bala does.
- NONE have public and private boat docks within 200′ – but Bala does.
- NONE have private residences within 200′ – but Bala does.
- NONE are the focal point for visitors – but it is in Bala.
That is, the Bala Falls is a different situation than all others. It is accessible and constantly visited by loads of people.
The Ministry of Natural Resources is not accepting that the Bala Falls is different. Not only the proximity to in-water recreation, but also the required – and treacherous – cycling operation. This proposed hydro-electric generating station would be an accident waiting to happen – again and again.
For over 100 years, families have splashed and played at the base of the Bala Falls. This proposed project would bring the fast water that currently enters the Moon River through the South Channel 250′ closer to this. As a result, people will drown. And the proponent building this ill-advised project would be complicit in these deaths.
