TC Energy (TCE), formerly TransCanada Pipeline, has received permission to do a feasibility study for an open loop system Hydroelectric Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) on the federally owned shoreline of the Department of National Defense (DND) Training Centre in Meaford. This proposed facility has serious and potentially harmful implications for local communities, the environment and Georgian Bay’s aquatic ecosystem.
The proposed pumped storage project by TC Energy threatens to cause significant disruption and permanent changes to the existing natural habitat. Save Georgian Bay is concerned that the proposed technology will cause fish mortality, water turbidity, and water and air pollution during the construction phase, and will require the installation of high-tension power lines from Meaford to Essa Township near Barrie. We believe there are many better alternatives that should be considered in place of the current one.
Although the project is proposed for a site on the west coast of the Bay, the Georgian Bay Association is examining this project because we have several concerns about its environmental impact on Georgian Bay, notably an increase in fish mortality, water turbidity, water temperatures, and habitat destruction. These impacts will affect the entire Bay, and we are concerned about the precedent it will set.
Have Your Say
We wanted to bring an important matter to your attention regarding the proposed amendments to Ontario Regulation 53/05 and potential regulations under the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, specifically related to the rate regulation of certain pumped storage facilities.
The Minister of Energy is currently seeking public input and feedback on these proposed changes, and your voice matters! This is a valuable opportunity for you to share your thoughts, concerns, and insights on this crucial topic. As advocates for the protection and preservation of Georgian Bay, we have a unique opportunity to voice our concerns and make a difference. Your voice matters in this crucial conversation.
We encourage you to participate in the public consultation process by submitting your comments to the Minister. Your input could help shape the direction of these regulations and influence decisions that will impact the future of our energy infrastructure and its potential impact on our natural environment.
To submit your comments online, please follow the guidelines provided by the Ministry on their official website: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7337. Alternatively, please click here to generate a pre-populated email.
Let’s work together to ensure a balanced and informed discussion on this matter. The deadline for submitting comments is 11:59 p.m. on August 24, 2023, so please don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a sustainable energy future for Ontario. Together, let’s continue to stand up for Georgian Bay and ensure our collective voice is heard in this critical matter.