The Project

The proposed project is a 3 to 5 megawatt (MW) run-of-river waterpower facility near the south end of the Bala's existing north dam, located in the Town of Bala, , in the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Ontario. The dam is owned by Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

Our Bala Falls waterpower project was spawned from provincial government policy aimed at developing new clean, renewable, ‘green’ sources of power generation in order to reduce Ontario’s dependence on dirty, coal-fired sources of electricity production. As part of this commitment, MNR undertook a province-wide review of rivers and sites within its jurisdiction to identify those that offered untapped hydroelectric generating potential. The crown land adjacent to Bala’s North dam was identified as one of these candidate sites. It was in response to MNR’s competitive request for proposals (December 2004) that 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.

Several layouts were considered during the early stages of this development. The original plan (Option 1) sites the powerhouse / intake structure entirely on the crown land south of the north falls. This plan was presented to the community in 2007. Comments received from the community at that time were then considered in the development of several other options in an attempt to move the powerhouse away from the south shore of the north falls. Swift River ultimately decided to pursue one of these layouts (Option 2) as the "preferred option" for the environmental assessment. Option 2 sited the powerhouse approximately 100' south of the north falls, and moved the intake to the east side of Muskoka Road 169.

The proposed power station would rely on the hydraulic head created by the existing North dam (about 6 m height) to drive a turbine generator. It would operate only as water levels permit, and, in accordance with the Muskoka River Water Management Plan. Our proposed Bala Falls power station would not require any structural changes to the North dam. The power station’s electricity would be delivered to Hydro Ones’ distribution system (an existing pole located about 40 metres away, along Highway 169). Because of the interest that has been expressed in the final look and amenities offered by the completed project, Swift River has committed to forming a Local Landscaping / Architectural Advisory Committee to work out the detailed landscaping and/or architectural features of the completed project and surrounding area. Note the following:

* Neither entails any changes to Bala's existing North or South dams; these structures will remain unchanged.

* Both options require similar periods for construction - approximately 12 to 18 months.

* Both options will result be of a similar capacity (4-5 MW) and both will provide similar total annual output of energy (MWh)

* Both options will result in strict adherence to the upstream and dowsntream water level requirements stipulated in the existing Muskoka River Water Management Plan.

Description of Two Options

The Option 1 Plan - Located on crown land only entails:.

the excavation of an approach channel immediately above Bala’s North dam
the installation of an intake and a powerhouse structure that would occupy a portion of the 0.07 ha Crown land site abuting the north Bala falls
a tailrace channel to return water to the Moon River some 40 metres from the base of the North dam’s waterfall
scenic powerhouse rooftop lookout area with interpretive signage
overhead distribution line to connect the facility to the existing distribution system along Muskoka Road169.

The Option 2 Plan - Located on municipal crown land only entails:.

the excavation of an approach channel immediately east of Muskoka Road 169
an underground conveyance structure from the intake, under Muskoka Road 169 to the powerhouse
the installation of a powerhouse structure on municipal land located west of Muskoka Road 169, approximately 100' south of the north Bala falls
a tailrace channel to return water to the Moon River
extensive landscaping overtop and to the sides of the powerhouse to create a public park area above the powerhouse for the community including walking paths, seating, interpretive signage and scenic lookout of the downstream river and falls.
underground cable to connect the facility to the existing distribution system along Muskoka Road 169.