1924 to 1974

During the development of the Bala GS, a Heritage Study was conducted to examine the background history of Bala. Below are some rare and valuable photos unearthed during that study. They provide historical context and reveal the activities that has shaped the evolution of the site to present day.

Site of the Bala North dam and the old hydroelectric plant constructed at the falls in 1924

The generating station that existed between 1924 and 1972.

Summer cottagers siting on what’s now the Township docks

Views of the hydroelectric plant constructed at the north falls in 1924

Historical photograph of the Oriole steamship arriving in Bala through the swing bridge

Historical photograph of the steamship dock on Lake Muskoka, beside the railway station

Rock blasting for the construction of the railway, early 20th century

The Bala ‘summer station’, located on Burgess Island

Views of the New Windsor Hotel after considerable modifications and the addition of a boat house and bath house. The Medora steamship is pictured at its stop in front of the hotel.