You have a chance to voice your concerns about construction at the Bala Falls.
At the end of September, Swift River Energy Ltd. is planning on holding a public meeting with Bala residents. In an email to the MyMuskokaNow newsroom, company representative Nhung Nguyen explained they want to work with locals to come up with a way to minimize the impact of the construction on the community. Nguyen says they already have plans to shut down construction during the Thanksgiving long weekend and Bala Cranberry Festival.
For now, Nguyen is asking local protestors to respect the boundaries of the construction site for their own safety. She says they’ve already had to involve the OPP as protesters are getting dangerously close to the site.
After construction started on the dam last week, a large group of protesters gathered at the site on the long weekend. Muskoka Lakes Councillor Phil Harding was in the group. He says they’re speaking out against the unnecessary destruction of the Bala Falls. He says the provincial government ignored Muskoka Lakes’ constant requests to block the sale of this land to Swift River Energy.
Harding says he doesn’t understand why Swift River Energy started construction days before a busy long weekend. He says the company never released any information on the work it would be doing and how it would impact local traffic.
Nguyen says for the rest of this week they’ll be trucking in equipment to site once a day, which will cause some traffic back-up. She says a flag person will be on site to direct traffic during these times. Construction of the hydroelectric dam is expected to run for about two years.
You can forward any questions or concerns to Swift River Energy Ltd. by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-877-389-4099. Updates on construction can be found on the company website or by following @BalaFallsHydro on Twitter.
Below is a video created by SaveTheBalaFalls.com featuring Councillor Phil Harding commenting on the weekend protests:
Previous stories:
Hydroelectric dam construction in Bala expected to begin immediately according to district officials
Bala Falls advocacy group considers appeal in court decision
MNR confirms Swift River Energy clearing trees near Bala Falls