Bala Falls Dambusters - Hydro Project part 2

It appears as if there is great concern over the proposed provincial project: a damn across Bala Falls. Those opposed are quite busy with posters all over town. The next meeting on September 14th, at the Community Centre, will include three speeches from those against the project. After my last post I have been unblocked from playing on the Save the Bala Falls Facebook site. That said, I continue to feel alone in asking questions. Those at the meeting are clearly against it. Their Facebook site states under one photo that no one is for it! I am still in the middle of this discussion, while other have climbed over the fence er...dam. Anyone in favour, or in the middle, like myself, cannot possibly participate in this process due to the vitriolic comments, misinformation and negativity. Discourse is healthy in a democracy but feared by some. The press continue to print opinions uncountered by facts or interviews with Swift River ( Aug. 20, Aug. 13 & July 16 ).

Claims have been made in the flyer that have been handed out door-to-door. It says, "All are welcome", but I can see no point in attending as minds have been made up.

Bala has several issues that the dambusters claim will be exacerbated by the damnbuilding.

1. Traffic delays - likely, but its pretty slow going through town as it is!
   
2. Loss of revenue to business owners - it is a fragile economy.
   
3. No guarantee that the water will continue to flow -which defeats the purpose of the dam.
   
4. Loss of use of the Shield Parking Lot - huge parking problem in town.
   
5. Visual impact of the damn - not sure that in this millennium we can accept this.
   

The flyer mixes up its concerns. Many concerns are labeled "potential", which seem like a fairly knee-jerk reaction. Concerns are divided into four categories: economic issues, recreation issues, environmental & water control, and safety issues. They are a bit mysterious, with complaints that the mixed-use of Bala Falls will stop or be restricted in areas that the plan does not pertain, i.e., The Mill Stream.

Economic Issues

There are three groups who will be directly impacted: business owners, residents and tourists.
These concerns must be dealt with, yet the number of businesses in Bala are diminishing annually. Tourism was down by 30%, I have been told. Most shops are closed from Monday to Wednesday after tourist season. Some of the shops that remain open are failing to find a niche and keep business going, yet others have managed to keep up with market needs and have a well-maintained client base.

It is up to businesses and the Chamber of Commerce, to adapt to the economy, develop a business plan, and figure out the barriers to success in this town. Many businesses have succeeded despite gas prices, and the weather that drives tourists away.

Parking is a huge issue. With the parking lot across from the bakery for sale this issue could be compounded. With reduced parking in the LCBO we are further reduced to hedge out into speeding traffic and squeak out way onto the highway. Any history of Bala indicates the high number of businesses that have changed and evolved in the technological advances of this area. We no longer rely on steamships and long trips from Toronto. Tourists nip into town at breakneck speed for the weekend and disappear for the week.

Traffic continues to be of concern to all those shopping, working, visiting or passing through town. The most recent death opposite The Kee, and the number of those speeding around town gie rise to seperate issues of traffic concerns. The Post Office is the worst place to park!


Recreation Issues
I think the town, and business owners, must come up with a business plan. Do we want Bala to draw those who

• swim & picnic (how does this add to our economy?)
• attend our Farmer's Market & Cranfest (Mondays and one October weekend)
• go to The Kee (lots of drinking, driving, security issues and partying)
• disrespect fellow cottagers(Fireworks)
• practice unsafe boating (YouTube)
  
• practice careless driving(blog)?

Or do we want a constant flow of tourists, as much as a constant flow of clean, fresh, clear water. These issues will be impacted on a short term basis during construction, but, after the one-week closure of one lane, and the one-night Bailey Bridge construction, traffic will flow as it has for the past number of years since the 1995 installation of the water and sewer system. Now THAT construction had an impact. The Cranberry Festival organizers do a phenomenal job bringing folks to town, providing them with a great fall fair, supporting crafts people, local business, as well as making donations to local causes. But this does not sustain the town.

The marketing of places like Ball's Falls (don't laugh!) is something than can draw tourists. The old, dilapidated signs that speak of historical sites in Bala need refurbishing or upgrading. A dam could spawn (forgive the pun) an outlook point that provides information about the benefits that re-usable energy have for our province.

Environment & Water Control

The pamphlet claims that water will be dried up, or that there will be fluctuating water levels and I do not understand which it is. In order for a dam to operate it must be a constant flow, with a regular lake level to ensue. Their concerns about water levels, they claim, will be based on 'rate of return" on investors investment. It seems to me that it behooves dam operators to ensure smooth operation and constant and consistent levels. The first dam was built many years ago to create higher and more consistent water levels for cottagers. This seems a moot point.

The evnironmental impact looked like it addressed these concerns. There are the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act requirements. The project is also subject to provincial authority under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act (O.Reg. 116/01). Every little bit that we can add to the grid helps all of us. It is dangerous to depend upon one source. The 30-hour power outage from 2003 was a big warning sign to all of us. We must change the way we get power and how we use it in our homes, cottages and businesses.

Safety Issues

Should we allow our young people to swim, canoe, powerboat, bridge jump(see Steve jump), play in the falls( Steve again), and again: Steve bridge jumps, and practice diving above and below the falls? This is dangerous mixed-use and requires careful consideration. Drownings are down in the province, but have increased in Central and Northern Ontario. It seems that signs warning of the dangers of swimming above and below dams go unheeded(death in Bracebridge dam).

For other posts see: Bala Falls (part 3) & Bala Hydro Project -( part 1)!