A demonstration is planned for tomorrow (Friday September 1 at 11 am) now that construction equipment has arrived onsite to begin work on a hydroelectric dam at Bala Falls, which is located two hours north of Toronto.
The 4.5 megawatt project would be located where Lake Muskoka flows into Moon River.
Yesterday, the Gravenhurst Banner reported, “Protesters gathered on the bridge at Bala Falls today as part of a series of protests against a controversial hydro project. The group of protesters wearing red t-shirts and waving red and white placards took a stand against the controversial construction that has begun by Swift River Energy Ltd. Included in the messages on the red and white signs being waved by protesters encourage dialing Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, complete with phone number. Protests are expected to continue at least throughout the week.”
And the local news source Muskoka 411 adds, “This week, construction equipment arrived to Bala in preparation for building the power plant at the Bala Falls. Construction has not yet begun and it can still be stopped. Protesters have been demonstrating at the Falls every morning this week to show their opposition to the project. Organizers tell us a demonstration will be happening this Friday between 11 a.m. and noon. Organizers hope to get more attention and help from cottagers as they head into cottage country for the last long weekend of the summer.”
Save Bala Falls says, “This week, construction equipment arrived to Bala in preparation for building the power plant at the Bala Falls. …Things look grim at the Bala Falls. Can you please call Kathleen Wynne today: 416-325-1941 and tell her why a hydro plant at the Bala Falls is such a bad idea and should be stopped right now.” You can also email Premier@ontario.ca Or you can tweet the premier at @Kathleen_Wynne
For additional background, please see our blog and the Save Bala Falls Facebook page. This 90-second video – by the late activist-filmmaker Rob Stewart – also poignantly tells of the struggle to save the falls.
