One year operating in Muskoka
Last year, the Bala GS generated enough power to supply 2210 homes in Muskoka. The plant has been operating as expected without incident. The team at Swift River Energy Limited remain ever present, vigilant, and accountable to the community we serve.
For those looking forward to enjoying one of the best views in town, the observation deck will be open to the public beginning on Victoria Day weekend: May 21st from 9am to sunset. COVID protocols do apply so please bring your masks and stay socially distanced.
Bala Generating Station in Muskoka
View from the observation deck overlooking the Moon River
Freshette 2021
What's freshette?
Freshette refers to the annual spring run off. As the ground thaws and snow melts, a temporary excess flow of water moves through the system. The water comes from Algonquin Park through Muskoka to Lake Ontario. It travels through the St. Lawrence and eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean. The Muskoka River Watershed has 42 control points; Bala has 3 of them - the North Dam, the South Dam, and our powerplant, the Bala GS. Up to 300 cubic meters of water per second (cms) can pass through Bala.
What's done in preparation for freshette?
In January, as part of routine operations, maintenance and inspections of critical equipment were checked and verified. Everything is in working order and ready for freshette.
Who's involved?
Swift River Energy Limited coordinates our activities with Ontario Power Generation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
What's happening behind the scenes?
The MNRF estimates how much snow still left on the ground and how much water is expected to pass through the system. Before freshette begins, lake levels are lowered according to pre-established targets. During freshette, operators of dams and power plants, including SREL, actively monitors, coordinates, and adjusts the "tap", allowing the system to shed water while maintaining target lake levels. Weather is being monitored and operators are ready for adaptive management.
What can you do?
Expect a temporary rise in lake levels, lasting 4 weeks from approximately mid March to mid April;
Move outdoor furniture away from shorelines;
Even if you don't see water spilling over the Bala dams, remember the plant can pass up to 96 cms underground;
For information, contact MNRF at 705-646-5531, Watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca
Park Update
Construction: May-June
Work on restoration of Portage Landing, begins early May (weather permitting) and is expected to finish by June 30th. With the realignment of HW 169 in 1965, the steep embankment made this traditional portage route ineffective and severely limited public access. Under plans prepared by heritage expert Jane Burgess and landscape architect Kendall Flower, the public will regain access to this site and its traditional uses: landing and launching of canoes, picnicking and other recreational activities. No impacts to traffic are expected during construction.
Today
Historic power station 1924-1972
Artistic rendering of new public park
