A new waterpower project is being proposed for the Mary Lake Dam in Port Sydney. The company behind the proposal, GreenBug Energy Inc. is seeking support for the project from Huntsville Council. In information provided to the Town about the Archimedes Screw Mini Hydro Electric Project, the company states there would still be enough water coming over the dam to attract people to the area and that it would be safe for activities like swimming and boating upstream and downstream and that it would not harm fish habitat. In a report on the issue, Huntsville’s planning staff is recommending the project go on Town-owned lands at the site and be subject to a lease agreement with the Town.
Already, some residents are opposing the project. They’ve started a Facebook group where they are voicing their concerns here:
https://www.facebook.com/SaveThePortSydneyDam?ref=hl
Planning staff had recommended council pass a support resolution, but Mayor Scott Aitchison tells the Moose things are on hold for the time being. Councillors have urged the company to hold a public meeting for year-round and seasonal residents who will have questions. The issue wont be back before council for discussion until sometime in June after the public meeting. No date for the public meeting has been set.