Peterborough, ON: The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) joined Bracebridge Generation Ltd., community supporters and industry partners in celebrating the completion of the upgrades to the Wilson’s Falls Generating Station and the Bracebridge Falls Generating Station, and the re-opening of both facilities.
Bracebridge Falls Generating Station, originally constructed in 1901, was upgraded from 600 kilowatts to 2600 kilowatts at a cost of $11 million. Wilson’s Falls Generating Station, originally constructed in 1910, was upgraded from 600 kilowatts to 2900 kilowatts at a cost of $10M. The upgrades took a year to complete and contributed $5 million to the local economy through labour and material costs during construction. Additionally, the manufacturing of the two new generators, civil construction and all engineering were completed by Ontario firms.
Bracebridge Generation is a subsidiary of Lakeland Holding that is owned by the municipalities of Bracebridge, Huntsville, Burk’s Falls Sundridge, and Magnetawan. The re-opening of the two facilities will be Ontario’s first two Hydroelectric Contract Initiatives (HCI) to come to fruition.
“We would not have been able to complete these upgrades without HCI contracts, which provided us with investment certainty. The OWA deserves a lot of credit for representing the needs of its members who will be able to generate and grow under a variety of long term contracts,” said Chris Litschko, President and CEO of Bracebridge Generation Ltd.
Both upgrades improved not only generation capacity but also the aesthetics of the waterfalls. Bracebridge Generation worked closely with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Ministry of Natural Resources to increase the walleye spawning area by 600% at the bottom of Bracebridge Falls. Additionally, viewing platforms have also been constructed for the public.
“Waterpower is the electricity source upon which the original prosperity of this province was built,” added Paul Norris, President of Ontario Waterpower Association. “These developments are a great example of the opportunities that exist across the province to expand the contribution of waterpower to provide economic, environmental and energy benefits for present and future generations.”
There are more than 120 waterpower facilities across southern Ontario and over 200 in the province, the OWA notes, adding, “Ontario has much more untapped waterpower potential that can help ensure a secure supply of electricity for the future. Realizing these opportunities means a continued commitment to environmentally responsible sustainable development.”