Reflections from Crumbly Acres: Fearmongering Bala Falls Part 8

And still they lobby.

Much has been published about Bala Falls Hydro Project. Much time, energy, attention and press coverage. One letter-to-the-editor (see link below) predicts doom and gloom for Bala. What is a town? Memories of young days at the falls? I took my kids there, now all in their twenties, but that is not what Bala is all about. I think not.

Norah Fountain has written about this, and What's Up Muskoka has published her timeline of the process for the SREL project. To compare site layout options, click here

Our delightful town is much more than just the tourist attraction of the falls. It is cottaging, the lakes, the people and the panoramic views all over this huge Muskoka. It is made up of various founding families, and business owners who contribute to the flavour of the town: from the Docktail fudge, to the Cottage Dreams gifts, the Falls culinary delights, ice cream at Ice Dreams, Don's Bakery, beautiful art at Iroquois Artisans, the Cranberry Festival, and the wraps or salads at Annie's. All who serve with joy, a smile, and a pleasant chat.

Port Carling was down to one bridge lane for most of the winter. They survived. Gravenhurst survived it's one-lane repaving. If Bala is only considered marketable due to the falls then we are in serious trouble indeed. With several stores for sale and many for rent, some empty for years, I think any problems Bala has do not originate from this issue. All stakeholders have to see the bigger picture. The misinformation, fearmongering, and out and out lies must stop. A reality check is required. You can look to the past through

rose-coloured glasses, or create a vision of the future.

McGuinty was elected with a platform to reduce coal-fired generators, and he is doing so. This is an opportunity for the town to develop and grow. Seize the day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To read more, go to:
Bala Falls Hydro Project posts
I decided to stop posting about this on My Muskoka blog, since it is an opinion piece, with divided opinions!

Government
The levels of government with whom they must entertain discourse. This is a provincial initiative, with strict standards and an approval process that depends up several government standards. 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).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We can honour what has been, and look towards the future.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The politicians involved include:

Mr. McGuinty -Premier of Ontario (www.premier.gov.on.ca/feedback);
Minister of Natural Resources Donna Cansfield (dcansfield.mpp@liberal.ola.org;
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure George Smitherman (gsmitherman.mpp@liberal.ola.org);
Minister of the Environment John Gerretson (jgerretsen.mpp@liberal.ola.org).