A virtual community information session is set to take place Wednesday about the proposed pumped water storage facility in Meaford.
TC Energy is proposing to develop such a facility at the Canadian Armed Forces 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford.
On Wednesday, July 22nd from 7p.m. to 9 p.m., members of its project team will provide an overview presentation of the proposal. You can register to attend the webinar event here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kgnipwgVSs-hW4IhsouiDw
It's expected to focus on a redesign that followed engineering field studies and comments from the community over the past year.
A statement on the company's website says, “We believe these changes begin to address concerns we have heard in the community. After the presentation, TC Energy representatives will be available to answer your questions.”
TC Energy says the facility would provide 1,000 megawatts of clean energy by drawing water from Georgian Bay, pumping that water from a low-lying reservoir when demand for electricity is low to a higher-elevation reservoir.
TC Energy says the water would be released into turbines when demand for electricity is high.
TC Energy notes on its website, it's in the very early stages of the project and notes there are numerous levels of assessment and approvals required.
A group of citizens who are against the project called Save Georgian Bay is concerned the project will create noise pollution, kill fish and other aquatic life, pollute the environment during the construction phase, disrupt the clarity of the water, which they worry will affect tourism, and also affect the feeding ability of shoreline birds.
They also worry high tension power lines will be put in from Meaford to Essa Township near Barrie.
The Department of National Defence (DND) comment period ends July 31st.
The federal government says it has begun a “meaningful consultation process” with Indigenous groups, levels of local government, third-party stakeholders and the local community. You can comment or ask questions by emailing ThirdPartyAccess@forces.gc.ca