The Bala Generating Station is a 4.7 MW run of a river water power plant located in Bala, the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Ontario. Every year, we generate enough electricity to power 2000 homes locally. The project has a low environmental footprint and was built at the site of an old power station that existed from 1924-1972.

Benefits

A new scenic lookout to the Moon River;
Improved fish habitat and management of water levels;
Creation of local jobs;
A new park for Bala, adjacent to the powerhouse;
$305,000 of land rent paid to the Township of Muskoka Lakes;
Water tax paid to the province of Ontario;
A stronger, more stable electrical grid;
Millions of dollars injected into the region from construction activities;
More parking spots along highway 169;
Annually offset 20,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 3,888 cars and light trucks off the road.

STATUS

The Bala GS began operating in Jan 2020. The power plant is being operated out of Bala and consists of two operators and a stop logging team to manage the flows at the North and South Dam. SREL is a signatory to the Muskoka River Water Management Plan and is committed to working with local stakeholders, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ontario Power Generation, and the Township of Muskoka Lakes to maintain water levels in accordance with this Plan.

Electricity from the power plant supplies the local grid in Muskoka. The power is produced and consumed locally.