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