OWA celebrates official Grand Opening of the Cascade Falls Generating Station
(May 11 – Parry Sound, ON) The Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) congratulates Bracebridge Generation Ltd. on the completion of the Cascade Falls Generation Station. OWA, government, Wasauksing First Nation, community supporters and industry partners joined in on the celebration of the grand opening of the facility on Friday May 11th, 2018 in Parry Sound Ontario. This upgraded facility will supply renewable, reliable energy to local residents and businesses for decades to come.
“This project is an excellent example of getting more out of what we have,” said Paul Norris, President of Ontario Waterpower Association. “With the need for more and more reliable electricity less than a decade away, the province should be encouraging ‘Made in Ontario’ waterpower investment now.”
The 1.2 MW Cascade Falls Generating Station located in Parry Sound in operation since 1919 underwent a redevelopment to 3.1 MW. The station’s upgrade has been in the planning stages since 2003 under the former Parry Sound PowerGen which merged into Bracebridge Generation on July 1, 2014.
Bracebridge Generation Ltd. utilized a local Aesthetic Advisory Committee of residents from Parry Sound which has resulted in a contemporary style station being built. The plant is located on the Seguin River and Bracebridge Generation operates 11 control structures/dams throughout this watershed under the Seguin River Water Management Plan. The newly upgraded plant at a cost of $17M can supply 2,700 homes at full capacity. Chris Litschko, CEO of Lakeland Holding the parent company of Bracebridge Generation stated “this was an extremely satisfying achievement since we were able to work with the community on the aesthetics, invest millions of dollars locally, and generate green power for the local community. I am proud of our staff and the community for working successfully together to create this beautiful generation plant.” OWA members contributing to the project include Norcan Hydraulic Turbine Inc., Eaton Electrical Engineering Services and Systems, Maple Reinders Constructors and WSP Canada Inc. The main construction obstacles encountered included dewatering, town infrastructure including a major road, bridge and water main, and maintaining progress through atypical winter conditions.
“There is strong public support for waterpower across all regions of the province” added Norris. “Sustained, steady investment in existing and new facilities is key to a reliable affordable electricity system.”
For more information on Bracebridge Generation Ltd., visit: www.bracebridgegeneration.com
For more information on the Ontario Waterpower Association, visit: www.owa.ca
To schedule interviews, or for pictures of the event or generating stations, contact:
Stephanie Landers, Communications and Public Relations Advisor Ontario Waterpower Association
866-743-1500 ext. 25 | slanders@owa.ca