As a member of the community, we understand that it takes time to build relationships and gain trust. Actions speak louder than words, so here are some of the ways we’ve doing our part and contributing to the community.
creating local jobs
The Bala Generating Station has created many economic benefits to the local economy and Muskoka. During construction, SREL purchased as much as possible from local suppliers and businesses. An operations team and center has been created to manage the power plant, directly managed from Bala and staffed with local workers. During its life, the power plant is creating local jobs and will continue to do so for many decades.
During construction:
$4M was spent in the region of Muskoka
An additional $10M was spent in Ontario and $6.5M spent in Canada
$305,000 was paid to the Township of Muskoka Lakes in land rent payments
During its, life, the power plant will:
Create 180,000 person hours to service, operate, and maintain the power plant, all with local workers
Pay water taxes, benefiting all tax payers of Ontario
“Thank you for persevering and making this project finally happen. Green energy is our future and the Moon River will be the better for this. ”
Supporting community vibrancy
Swift River Energy Limited is a part of and supports local organizations that add to the vibrancy of the community. In the past, we've supported organizations including Bala in Bloom, Bala Cranberry Festival, Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Gravenhurst Rotary Club, Andy’s House, Muskoka Lakes Soccer Club, Muskoka Rock Minor Hockey, Muskoka Rotary Duck Race, and the Royal Canadian Legion.
To seek support for your community project, please write us at info@balafalls.ca with details on your project, funding sought, and a description of your project's impact in the community. We prioritize projects in Bala and nearby regions.
Architecturally Conceived
Bala's power plant was architecturally conceived and designed by Harvard trained architect Karl Stevens under the advise and input of a Design Committee composed of 8 members of the community. A motivating force for the design was to connect the two parts of Bala with improved public and pedestrian access. The new building incorporates sloped roofs and overhangs often found in Muskoka architecture. The power plant has muted brick exteriors and large windows that allow visitors to see clean electricity being generated for the region.
Architect Karl Stevens explains some of the early design concepts
““My aim was to bring something that will enhance the Bala Falls Experience and provide an improved pedestrian connection to between the two parts of the community ...
I wanted to integrate the Hydro Power Plant into the exquisite Cultural Heritage Landscape, enhancing vistas and providing places for rest and recreation ...
Ultimately, I have designed a building that is a “friendly object”, fitting into the fabric of Bala and, by allowing the public to observe electricity being produced, will become an added attraction for tourists and residents.””
restoring Heritage
Bala is also getting a new park. The designated green space known as ‘Portage Landing’ is being rehabilitated. In 1965 with the realignment of HW 169 the steep embankment made the traditional portage route ineffective and severely limited public access to the site. Jane Burgess, an architect re known for her work in Canadian heritage preservation was instrumental in ensuring features of the ‘Portage Landing’ site are preserved. The traditional public uses, landing and launching of canoes, picnicking and other recreational uses, are all being restored.
““The rocky shoreline, and long gently sloping flat rocks, traditionally used to launch canoes will remain untouched” ”
Bala Boulder
In late 2017, a century old engravings was unearthed at the construction site by an engineering site supervisor. The 10 ton boulder is made of gneiss, a type of granite typically found in Muskoka. The construction team was able to successfully separate the engraving from the original rock mound using a technique called line drilling.
The original rock mound was part of the Canadian Shield, measuring 25 feet wide, 20 feet deep, and 8 feet high. Over 30 individuals, including experts and members of the community, contributed their time and expertise in this collaborative effort to preserve the engravings for Bala, fondly named the Bala Boulder. The Boulder is currently at a facility in Gravenhurst for safe keeping. It will be placed back into the same site where it was originally found.
The full story of the individuals who etched their names in Bala granite over a century ago was featured in the Spring 2018 edition of the Architecture Conservancy of Ontario. Photos of the preservation of engravings can be found in the Gallery.
Consultations
The development and design of the Bala GS was made possible contribution and support from people in the community. These individuals lent their opinion, advice, gave input and critique. SREL considered the input, changed and modified plans to accommodate and address the input received. Below are results and meetings from various committees formed during the project's development.
Construction Meeting
September 21, 2017 (6-8pm, Bala Community Center) - Notice of Construction Meeting and Agenda
Powerhouse design committee
Over a period of 14 months, SREL worked with 8 members of the Township of Muskoka Lakes community. The purpose was to seek input from the community and guide the design of the powerhouse.
Scenic flow committee
The final scenic flow plan was developed through consultation with the Flow Distribution Committee made up of 9 community members, a Township of Muskoka Lakes representative, and Swift River’s project manager. Steve Taylor of the Ministry of Natural Resources attended meetings as an observer and provided information to the group as required. Community members were chosen from a list prepared by the Township in 2010 and represents a variety of interests including Moon River and Lake Muskoka residents, business owners and a member of the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP) Standing Advisory Committee.
Education and Tours
Now more than ever, it is important that we become more aware about about our environment and the ways we use energy. In the near future, SREL will be opening the facility for tours so that everyone can learn about the history of Bala's power plant. For updated information regarding future projects at the Bala GS, please subscribe to our newsletter (link below).
