Hydroelectric dam construction in Bala expected to begin immediately according to district officials

Construction of the hydroelectric dam in Bala is moving forward.
District of Muskoka officials say the project developer Swift River Energy Ltd. has met all requirements for permits that will allow the company to truck in necessary equipment. District official Fred Jahn says the district took this opportunity to put some very strict permit conditions in place to protect local infrastructure.  Jahn says the district has hired engineering specialists to keep an eye on the construction. He says SREL has indicated it will begin construction immediately. The dam project has been met with quite a lot of resistance from Bala residents and cottagers who say it will destroy the natural beauty of the Bala Falls. The permits are expected to be issued officially following final approval from council tonight.