Ontario Power Generation hosts open house for Kakabeka Falls generating station

Kakabeka Falls - Dozens of people attended an open house at Kakabeka Falls on Thursday evening to learn more about the multi-million-dollar project to upgrade the nearby hydroelectric station.

The open house, hosted by Ontario Power Generation, was held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Kakabeka Falls. Several information displays were set up around the main hall, and OPG project team members were on hand to answer questions from the company's perspective.

"The community is very excited about this, so not only the community but the entire region will benefit greatly from it," said Brian Dietrich, OPG's regional vice president. "About 105 jobs are expected to be created during construction, and the project is scheduled to begin later this year and continue until 2028."

OPG is redeveloping the nearly 120-year-old generating station, one of the oldest in Ontario, and expects to extend its lifespan by another 90 years. Dietrich said the new technology they will install will also allow the station to generate more power.

Gary Ramsdale was one of the local residents who attended the open house on Thursday. He currently lives in Thunder Bay but lived in Conmee Township for many years. He said his biggest concern is OPG restricting people's recreational use of the property and nearby waterways. He said that should be allowed while ensuring the company's assets are safe and people don't get too close to dangerous waters.

"I've been talking to the vice president and the project manager, and they both said they would go back and take a closer look, because OPG also wants to maintain a good relationship with the community," Ramsdale said. "That waterway has been there for years, and it's time to let it be used again while still keeping OPG safe."

The project faces opposition from Fort William First Nation. Before the event, the community issued a statement reiterating its position and inviting community members to attend the meeting.

As for the construction process, Dietrich said that although the company has conducted archaeological surveys and other pre-construction studies, work has not yet begun.

Source: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/ontario-power-generation-holds-kakabeka-falls-hydro-station-open-house-10127212