Bala Falls Hydro Project: Part #27

Bala Falls circa 1940

The latest development is a shame or a sham.

This has gone on so long (since 2008, see below), for a dam built to exploit the water a long, long time ago (1940)! Swift River is trying to redevelop it, to harness the energy, and some locals have been vitriolic in their protests.

 The lack of development is a testament to some romantic citizens who are unprepared to move into the new millennium. The mayor introduced an agenda item in camera, that the anti-Bala Falls Hydro Dam opponents didn't like and they simply left the meeting. They were details of the rental agreement between Swift River Energy and the township. The project is a go, but still some are dragging their heels in the dust, including councillors.

Dangerous swimming, with young kids.
Two adults drowned here in the undertow.

They've been duly elected to carry out the business of the region. They should have their remuneration deducted. You shouldn't fight city hall if you are elected to city hall. Those of us in favour are silenced by fear. Well, some of us! I've been unfriended on Facebook by someone who thought the councillors were in the right for storming out and stopping the meeting.

They had options. You can object to the motion as Out of Order, if it wasn't properly presented. You can vote against it. Leaving the meeting is simply ignorant. The councillors could have raised an objection, and had the chair rule that it was inadmissible.

Walking away from a meeting is ridiculous. More tactics by this group, which has included lies, attempted bribery, ridiculous signage, blocking the work of the council by permitting this issue to

View from Margaret Burgess Park,
(which will not change after the redevelopment)
swimming will still be dangerous.

dominate the business of council.

To quote my friend, Norah Fountain,

Walking away from that duty may delay the inevitable, but it isn’t democratic, responsible or ethical.

She has written more:
Commentary: Are Township Councilors representing us well when they walk out of public session, stopping sharing of Council decisions? Read Councilor walk out undemocratic...
Bala Falls Update: It's back to court for Save the Bala Falls and Township of Muskoka Lakes... Read about Save the Bala Falls appeal

 

  Bala Falls

 Hydro Project -part 1

Sept. 09, 2008

Bala Falls Dambusters - Hydro Project part 2  Bala Falls Hydro Issues part 2.2
Bala Falls Hydro Project -part 3
Bala Falls saga - post 4
points of view Bala Falls hydro part 5
trouble in Dodge City/ AKA Bala Falls Hydro Project part 6
Verdict is in - part 7
Fearmongering Bala Falls Part 8
Bala Falls- A Guest Post part 9
Bala Falls - errors and lies Part 10
Bala Hydro Project - letter to the editor part 11
Poor old Bala Falls = part 12

Stakeholders in Bala Falls part 13
Bala Falls Hydro Project part 14
and still they fall in Bala part 15
Bala Falls Hydro Project Misinformation part 16
Bala Falls Hydro Project part 17
Look who is running! part 18
Good press or bad press? part 19
Bala Falls - a 2nd guest post Part 20
Bala Falls Hydro Project - a 3rd guest post Part 21
Appearance of bribery in Muskoka Lakes part22
Bala Falls Hydro Project Saga part 23
Hydro projects in Ontario: Bala, now Almonte part 24
Swift River Hydro Project in Bala part 25
Bala Falls Hydro Project part 26

And, this one!
Mayors behaving badly – how does yours stack up?

Look who is running! part 18

Bala Falls - DO NOT SWIM HERE!
Two men drowned here last year.

The Save the Bala Falls movement is garnering attention. Not all of it accurate. 

When a newspaper presents an 'exclusive' story you wonder the motivation?

With the municipal election coming in October, politicians, as well as media, are reflecting their bias, with those running digging in on one side or the other. And this is rightly so. Clearly, the few vocal minority of us who believe in Green Energy, who disbelieve the rumours and lies, are hoping there will be a candidate for whom we can vote.

Here are two Muskoka Today articles:

Green Energy Act does not apply to Bala Falls project

By Tom Millar -MuskokaTODAY Exclusive

The project does not require a Renewable Energy approval,’ under the GEA says director at Ministry of Environment

Muskoka Lakes council votes to continue Bala Falls project

By Tom Millar

Before council’s vote, Swift River Energy made a presentation to council at a full Port Carling community centre - reflecting the interest people have in this topic.

Swift River spokesperson Karen McGhee said certain people were raising “apocalyptic fears about the Bala Falls hydro project.” She assured, that “those frolicking in the waters  will do so in the future when the station is operating.”

Now, the PUBLISHER: of Muskoka Today is  Mark Clairmont, mark@muskokatoday.com, also running for election. He has been a district councillor in Gravenhurst, just to the south of Bala. He is running for mayor of Gravenhurst. Isn't that interesting? 

Brad Burgess speaking at Bala Falls Project Meeting

 Mark Clairmont Throws Hat in the Ring for Mayor's Seat

Now, Bala Falls lies in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, in Ward A, but read who else is running:

Ruth-Ellen Nishikawa, Brad Burgess, Gault McTaggart, Alice Murphy, Donald Furniss and Mark Gidley filed nomination papers in the township.

The race for two Ward A township council positions has Donelda Kruckel, incumbent Coun. Dianne Davidson (Bala resident) , Bob McTavish, Phil Gearing and Bala residents Brad Burgess, and Mark Gidley filed nomination papers.

south falls in July

Both Brad Burgess and Alice Murphy have been active in the 'Save the Bala Falls' group! 

It occurs to me that there is more than just this one issue, too much focus is on fighting redevelopment of the falls, at the expense of the other issues: housing, the economy, municipal taxes, the proposed garbage levy, quality of lakes, pollution, drinking and driving, boating and noise issues, and so on.

Patricia Arney is running for Muskoka lakes mayor. She has her business on Bala Falls Road, the Balacade.  It is important that those running the municipality actually live there.  

Falls in May

Most of the local politicians have been publicly silent on this issue. It is only recently I read:

MOOSE FM 99.5 EXCLUSIVE: Muskoka Lakes Councillor Supports Bala Falls Proposal

Become aware of your local issues and ensure that you know who you can vote for to find the best person for the job. Here are some questions you might ask.

Appearance of bribery in Muskoka Lakes part22

Latest headlines

Council rejects cheque from dam opponents

MUSKOKA LAKES — Muskoka Lakes council received, and promptly rejected, a $10,000 cheque from a group opposing the Bala Falls hydro project on Monday morning.

The cheque was given to council during a public delegation by Save the Bala Falls member Mitchell Shnier, who presented it on behalf of the organization as a token of appreciation for council’s opposition to the controversial project.

Can you believe it?

I have written much on the Bala Falls Hydro Project, I've even had friends e-mail me, now that I live far away, to ask me to publish guest posts. 

Bala Falls- A Guest Post

Jul 23, 2009

This diver was employed to check out the bridge supports

The company, Swift River Energy Ltd., will put in more supports for the bridges. I was at the bridge the day a company was inspecting the bridge underwater supports.

They said it didn't look good.
Swift River will invest a lot in the town. Perhaps the SaveTheBalaFalls lobby group could do the same, rather than trying to bribe council.

The falls aren't going anywhere!

The save the Bala Falls group (save it from what - development?) is filled with those who believe that the falls will no longer exist if the dam is redone to provide hydro power, something it did in the early part of the century.

2008 Save the Bala Falls group

They want the right to swim and play in the falls, despite the danger.

Moon River and Bala Falls

Moon River is a beautiful part of Muskoka. It is, also, dangerous.

The latest action is appalling. The Save the Bala Falls group  has been vocal and now it has gone too far. The newspaper has come out with editorial responses to this news item. Very interesting, as in this small town, many journalists live and work in the area.

Purk's Place: a business lobbying
signage by Norm Miller, MPP

Potential home buyers are staying away from the Moon River.
They fear this development.

This group has opposed the plan for years. The small town has been riddled with signage. They finally seemed to realize that the 'Save the Bala Falls' signs were ridiculous.
The Falls were developed years ago, to allow logging and exploitation of the water for tourism. Water levels changed 9' during the year before this dam was put in!

Now, summer residents down river (Moon River) opposing the development, fear the impact of the dam on their $800,000 properties. They don't want to see the construction.

Many do not respect the land and water. Bridge jumping is illegal. Drownings were very bad over the years in Muskoka.

We fight for tourism dollars in cottage country, yet developing this dam will not have a huge impact.

Having illegal bonfires with fires that get out of control is one dangerous part of cottage country, as well as noise and water pollution. Abuse our precious forests by citiots leads to fire bans and $600 fines. Muskoka doesn't have a good history of respect for the environment. Now this case demonstrate disrespect for the principle of saving the planet one project at a time.

The recent municipal election meant that the current mayor, Alice Murphy, was a long-time member of the Save the Bala Falls group. She should be awfully careful when dealing with this issue. She represent ALL stakeholders, and all constituents, not just the SaveTheBalaFalls lobbyists. If council toyed with the idea of keeping the $10,000 the lobbyists were trying to give to them, perhaps Swift River should match and raise the bid!?

Bala Falls Update #30 And Almonte Dam

The Ontario government was committed to reducing our dependence upon non-renewable energy. A series of wind farms, solar panel farms, and the refurbishment of defunct hydro dams, has been the result. It has drawn many protests. Hydro is in a mess, and this doesn't help things.

Truly, this is update Bala Falls update #29!

Aerial view: #Muskoka Lakes and Bala Falls pic.twitter.com/VkmckaORi2

— Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyGlobalTV) June 5, 2016

It is sad that we cannot reconstruct existing hydro dams without huge political protests. Those against it still claim that the refurbishing of the dam will result in a 'trickle' of water. People from far and wide, with no real interest in it, other than protesting, seem to think they have a vested interest.
From a dam, designed to keep the water levels high enough for steam boats for the tourists, Bala has changed over the years. The exploitation of the water continues. This was a sacred portage for Aboriginal Peoples, but that ship sailed a long time ago. The train brought tourists and money to the town from the city of Toronto. Those with money were happy to spend it on luxurious resorts for the summer. Native Peoples still lived in poverty, some became richer exploiting tourism, logging and the land and water. Read Bartleman, James; As Long as the Rivers Flow, or Raisin Wine to read more about this era.

Bala Falls 1910

Bala Station 1916

Old Burgess Store 1938

Main street in Bala 1940

Bala Wharf

Below the falls 1930

"SAVE THE BALA FALLS", not sure from what!

Save the Bala Falls lawsuit against Town of Muskoka Lakes robs Bala of 2 parks, costs the town money #Bala

— SwiftRiverEnergyLtd (@BalaFallsHydro) November 16, 2015

The Bala Falls Hydro Project began in 2004, and they are still protesting it. Ridiculous.

Building permit has been posted on site pic.twitter.com/hODTM8NjKK

— SwiftRiverEnergyLtd (@BalaFallsHydro) July 13, 2016

Motorcycles pollute the air, with two-stroke engines, in their support for 'save the Bala Falls"

Canadian motorcycle group heads to Bala to support saving the falls https://t.co/hVRaW8GLLb pic.twitter.com/42zbQr0ver

— Moose FM 99.5 (@moose995) June 24, 2016

@BalaFallsHydro Is it the ridiculous STBF lawsuit against TML you mention? If so, why would council/legal give it any serious consideration?

— AT (@JacksonBTT) November 19, 2015

Almonte Enerdu Dam

Then there is the Almonte Dam.
Almonte is in the middle of a mess, but their dam has not-so-silent supporters.

Supporters of Almonte hydroelectric dam expansion. Why they're demonstrating: https://t.co/wi7ooN6FGn https://t.co/pv1oTqJBs4

— Matthew Kupfer CBC (@matthewkupfer) July 12, 2016

As well as protestors.

Protest of Enerdu hydro dam continues in #Almonte. Background: https://t.co/GU561a6nhS #ottnews pic.twitter.com/bQsUomql7t

— Chloé Fedio (@cfedio) July 5, 2016

Some protest on the basis of critters, who couldn't use this habitat until after the dams existed. 
The rapids clubtail dragonflies flit about in the Mississippi River, likely oblivious that they are the final salvo in a small Ontario town’s battle over a proposed hydro dam expansion. 


Many insist on their right to play in the water, despite the dangers.
Almonte Falls from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

Poor old Bala Falls = part 12

We have cottaged here since 1960 and have seen tremendous changes. Those who rent, or cottage short-term, do not understand this region. Business folks need a  new vision in order to be successful. Big Box stores are wreaking havok with small town and family business economics.

We need sustainability, jobs, a strong infrastructure, and good people who live, work and love this town. Perhaps this dam project will get things moving again.

Between the bug season, hunting season, sledding and water ski seasons, things are not always quiet, though.




In a region where people run bubblers to prevent the ice from forming around their docks, and keeping the required red lights on all night,

or  maintaining huge homes (you cannot call them 'cottages') year-round, it would seem that we need to develop more clean power.

Rather the reverse of, 'if we build it they will come'. They have built it, and here they come: with gas-guzzling vehicles, and homes lit up all night, we drain our hydro system, already fragile.

These beautiful boathouses reflect a 'want' list, not a 'need' list, and they do not tend to contain energy-saving devices.

When we visited Niagara, we went to Ball's Falls - a great, natural site that draw visitors and environmentalists and provides information and a resource centre. SREL's work appears to be a well-researched project, with many plans, preparations and a positive response to local concerns, and Ontario will learn from it. It is exciting to see the possibilities of the future.

Many environmentalists are coming up with clever ways to save our planet. Let us hope that they continue to make progress.
This is a hoot. A former anti-Bala Falls and anti-SREL  polemicist has taken a giant leap off of the anti-falls boom, and is now running for office.

Not only that, but he wants to form a new corporation to put the dam on the south falls.

I can imagine him sailing away down the falls, downstream. He no longer own property here, but seems to want some more involvement. From a 'no Bala Falls' position, to running for mayor, to spear heading a new corporation, and demanding donations....

If you are a municipal politics pundit, you'll understand, and find the 'comments' section of the on-line article amusing.  Mary Grady is right.

Mary Grady slams energy co-op idea in Bala

MUSKOKA LAKES — A request for donations for a new co-operative hydroelectric project in Bala is irresponsible, according to one district councillor.

“Requesting donations on your site in support of a project knowing full well the location has the potential of endangering the public or property by flooding the lakes is neither right nor responsible,” said Grady. Grady asserted the south channel has long been ruled out for a hydroelectric project because of the potential flood risk.

The photo, above left, shows the South Falls.
Photo, lower left, the North Falls.

The North Falls, where SREL has planned its project, is the only viable solution. I am looking forward to it happening. I'd like to think that the massive Lake Muskoka, on its trip down the Moon River to Georgian Bay, could help us harness some energy, as it did in the 'good old days.'

It was in response to MNR’s competitive request for proposals (December 2004) Swift River Energy won the right to pursue development of a run-of-the-river hydroelectric generating station on 0.07 hectares (approximate) of Crown lands adjacent to Bala’s North Dam. These lands were the site of a power generating station built by Bala Light and Power Company in 1924 (later acquired by Ontario Hydro), until it was demolished in 1972.
It was good then, it will be good now!
~~~~~~~~~~

My Muskoka: Bala Falls Hydro Project -part 1

Sept. 09, 2008

A new project, Bala Falls Hydro Dam, has spawned much excitement in our quiet town.

Dambusters (post #2) | Bala Hydro Project -part 3  |  Misinformation -part 4  |  Trouble in Dodge City/ AKA Bala Falls Hydro Project pt. 5

Bala Falls - errors and lies Part 10

The issue just does not seem to be able to go away. Much has been written about the Bala Falls Hydro Project. Many exhibit the NIMBY syndrome, despite the fact that many communities are vying for such in their local falls.

What appalls me is the newspapers are printing letters-to-the-editor that provide not only false information but misinformation despite info to the contrary. Jeff Mole, whose group arose from the Moon River Ratepayers Association, was a splinter group of the Savethebalafalls.com lobby group. The latter wanted NO development at all, the former keeps writing letters, which are published the local papers, presenting falsehoods.

Many of us received a long e-letter from Jeff Mole. In it he told us he has "recently accepted a position on the executive committee of Save the Bala Falls" and the Bala Falls Community Association is now defunct.

I am not sure how he claims to have been speaking on behalf of all Bala residents. Nor why the Moon River Association has such clout. He says, "On another note, it is my pleasure to announce that the office of the Minister of Natural Resources has confirmed that Minister Donna Cansfield has accepted my invitation to visit Bala on Friday October 2^nd, 2009. "

What concerns me is that he has access, as a lobbist, to the ADM at the Ministry, while I, as a taxpayer, have no input rebuking his claims. He is a self-appointed crusader who purports to speak for the town, but he has no authority, nor a mandate as he contacts duly elected officials.

Back in the good old days journalists checked sources and printed news. Now, readers are providing information, and making bizarre comments, and entertaining plans that are impossible. In fact, Mr. Mole has gone to District Council and further muddied the waters.

A friend wrote:
He was chastised for his misrepresentation of the facts regarding a meeting he had with Rosalyn Lawrence the Asst. Dep. Minister MNR, as reported to the Muskoka Today article of July 23rd. I hope in all instances of representation by Jeff, he does not purport to be speaking on behalf of MRPOA.

More information from the District meeting.

Trevor Griffin, Mgr. MNR spoke at length publicly correcting Jeff (by name) at the meeting. Trevor also stated;

• The south falls is not on the table
• The only way the south falls can be considered is if the proponent feels it is a suitable site to build;
• No other group or individuals are under consideration by the MNR other than Swift River;
• The MNR is not considering "pulling the plug on this project"
• His final comment addressed Alice's presentation requesting District write to MNR and have .7 Hectors of N falls area declared a conservation park. He stated the Bala area does not meet the ministry's criteria.

Mr. Mole has written in response to an article.

Dam will not ruin tourism in Bala

July 22, 2009

At risk of being lynched or labelled as someone who doesn’t care about the fate of the Moon River, there really is a point of view that runs contrary...

There are a few of us here in Bala who do not believe the plant will 'ruin' Bala Falls. We need to stay out of the falls, its time has come as it is dangerous. (For all of the responses, see below.)

What now appears in the public domain is a letter on behalf of the ADM, Natural Resource Management Division, is clearing up what has been misprinted.
Letter is as follows:

Dear Mr. Mole, I was disappointed to read the July 23, 2009 article in the Muskoka Today in which a number of points we discussed in our meeting of July 15th have unfortunately been mischaracterized or represented out of context. I thought, therefore, it would be beneficial to take this opportunity to clarify the nature and substance of our conversation. First, let me reiterate what I did commit to in the briefing – that is, to follow up with the project proponents to get their comments and perspectives on several of the issues you raised, in particular the alternative options you have presented. As a matter of courtesy, I am copying Mr. Ian Baines on this email to ensure that he is aware of the scope of my commitment as I am advised the Muskoka Today article has created much concern for the proponents which I would like to assuage. I will be making arrangements to speak to Mr. Baines this week. Second, the point I made about the current site release policy is not that it was “premature” but, rather, that it was designed to support renewable energy projects under a paradigm that existed prior to the province’s Green Energy Act and that staff at MNR were aware of the need to develop options to redesign the process to support the new renewable energy policy environment. In fact, this is currently underway. Third, I agreed with your observation that the Green Energy Act was clear in its support of community involvement in renewable energy projects and we will be very cognisant of that thrust in our redesign efforts.

Thank you.
David Au (on behalf of Rosalyn Lawrence)
Rosalyn Lawrence Assistant Deputy Minister, Natural Resource Management Division Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More references...

MNR blasts ‘Today’ article on Bala Falls

September 3, 2009 - by Karen Longwell

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is not “pulling the plug” on the Bala Falls hydroelectric project, despite reports to the contrary.

The True Cost of Electricity

Bala doesn’t need hydro station

August 5, 2009

A recent letter to the paper was headlined “Dam will not ruin tourism in Bala.” A more accurate headline would be “Hydro generating plant may ruin...

Tourists won’t travel to Bala to see hydroelectric station July 29, 2009 I am writing this letter in response to Mr. Webb’s claim that the “Dam will not ruin tourism in Bala.” While I appreciate that everyone has the right...

2008: The Year in Review, Bracebridge January - 02 A proposed ban on smoking in cars with children is receiving support in the Muskoka region. Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP...

Residents resist hydro plans

August 20, 2008 - by Karen Longwell

New plans for a hydro project in Bala were met with harsh criticism from some residents at a public meeting last week. “I am disgusted with the artist...