Recently premiere McGuinty told reporters “We’re going to say to Ontarians that it’s okay to object on the basis of safety issues and environmental standards,” “But don’t say, `I don’t want it around here.’… NIMBYism will no longer prevail.”
In an effort to reduce the socio-economic impact on the community, supporters have asked SREL, the township and the MNR to consider the south channel as a safer alternative site. To the best of our knowledge, the MNR has not requested a design and thorough study the feasibility of this option. Therefore, I would call upon Mr McGuinty to cancel the project in the interest of public safety.
Public safety has been our primary concern with the proposals. I have asked the CEO to note my concern with turbulance created by the outflow. I think it is too close to this swimming area. The tragic deaths of non-swimmers at the falls should not be considered reason enough to restrict public access to the falls. However, tragedies like these may give officials reason to be concerned about relocating fast flowing water closer to this recreational area.
Hydro facilities and recreation are a dangerous mix. Mr. McGuinty, Existing Public Use is an “Enviromental Standard”. We have a recreational use for this site that overrides the need for a generator in the middle of the towns main attraction. The province is facing plunging electricity demand and increasing supply from other benign sources. Does it really make sense to risk ruining this Torism and Cultural Asset?
Going forward, councillors and community groups should be asking the MNR to review Bala Falls under the Land Use Planning Process to determine if the crown site should be designated a Conservation Reserve. This is a means of protecting the site under environmental standards which include Cultural, Recreational and Tourism Values.
Recently premiere McGuinty told reporters “We’re going to say to Ontarians that it’s okay to object on the basis of safety issues and environmental standards,” “But don’t say, `I don’t want it around here.’… NIMBYism will no longer prevail.”
In an effort to reduce the socio-economic impact on the community, supporters have asked SREL, the township and the MNR to consider the south channel as a safer alternative site. To the best of our knowledge, the MNR has not requested a design and thorough study the feasibility of this option. Therefore, I would call upon Mr McGuinty to cancel the project in the interest of public safety.
Public safety has been our primary concern with the proposals. I have asked the CEO to note my concern with turbulance created by the outflow. I think it is too close to this swimming area. The tragic deaths of non-swimmers at the falls should not be considered reason enough to restrict public access to the falls. However, tragedies like these may give officials reason to be concerned about relocating fast flowing water closer to this recreational area.
Hydro facilities and recreation are a dangerous mix. Mr. McGuinty, Existing Public Use is an “Enviromental Standard”. We have a recreational use for this site that overrides the need for a generator in the middle of the towns main attraction. The province is facing plunging electricity demand and increasing supply from other benign sources. Does it really make sense to risk ruining this Torism and Cultural Asset?
Going forward, councillors and community groups should be asking the MNR to review Bala Falls under the Land Use Planning Process to determine if the crown site should be designated a Conservation Reserve. This is a means of protecting the site under environmental standards which include Cultural, Recreational and Tourism Values.