What about the rest of us?
How predictably disappointing. It is likely there is to be a large construction project by TC Energy in Meaford, Ontario.
The question is if the Ontario government cares if any unspoiled areas in Ontario are left to enjoy for anyone who do not have enough money or influence.
In The Meaford Independent the project was reported as “an environmental and economic mistake that benefits corporate insiders at the expense of local communities,” according to the Green Party.
“You can’t build storage systems by blowing holes in the Niagara Escarpment and destroying the ecosystem of Georgian Bay…there are cheaper, better, and far less destructive options available. This project is yet another example of Doug Ford handing out favours to wealthy insiders —and that’s wrong. We stand with the people of Meaford who are standing up to this project,” GPO Leader Mike Schreiner says, The Independent reported.
It was revealed in Collingwood Today that “the Ford government announced it was spending $285 million to assist TC Energy with formulating a detailed cost estimate and with its environmental assessment reports required for the project…”
GP candidate Joel Lougheed thinks that “even though there is widespread opposition – and very reasonable opposition – [the project is] being steamrolled ahead as a backroom deal, which is unsurprising from the Doug Ford government.”
Many have been disheartened that the Mayor of Meaford, Ross Kentner, has reversed his position after campaigning on an anti-energy storage project platform. He thinks any project is bound to affect the town coffers positively.
The TC Energy Pumped Project will be located on an army base used for live ammunition scrimmages that would leave behind unexploded munitions. This may release harmful chemicals into the environment.
Thus, it is also only logical that the project used will affect the skyline, and animals inside and outside Georgian Bay.
“Moving huge quantities of water into and out of the bay might impact the water’s current, its temperature, the species in and around it, and the stability of the escarpment,” The Narwhal reports.
The Save Georgian Bay Project has many criticisms of the TC Energy Pumped Project. Saying, among other things, that the technology is antiquated in their brochure: “Why take the risk” Substantial ecology problems could be in the offing!
There is a project in Marmora, Ontario that is more up-to-date and may put the environment first. It is called a closed storage loop project.
The Marmora project uses a closed, large open pit mine to store water until its hydro electric potential is harvested. It does not cause damage to a vital ecosystem like Georgian Bay.
The Ontario Rivers Alliance has said about the Marmora construction, “This closed-loop pumped storage project does not seem likely to result in any serious negative impacts … Comparing the power output of this peak demand storage project, and its minimal environmental impacts to the number of rivers it would have taken to generate 400 to 500 MW of power from dozens of small hydropower projects, makes it ORA’s preferred choice over conventional hydroelectric facilities.”
As caretakers of the land, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, are being consulted during the initial processes: Chief Greg Nadjiwon of the Chippewas of Nawash says he “wants three things from TC Energy and any organization proposing projects on his community’s territory: consideration, participation and compensation,” The Narwhal reported.
There is also a petition at Change.org: https://www.change.org/p/federal-save-georgian-bay-3be12ada-cde4-4d3c-b507-65c785950852?source_location=search
Sources
Bruce-Grey candidates sound-off on pumped storage proposal. (2025, February 21). Collingwood Today. https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/the-blue-mountains-and-grey-highlands/bruce-grey-candidates-sound-off-on-pumped-storage-proposal-10238513
Why take the risk: A Review of TC Energy’s Open-Loop Pumped Storage Proposal. (2024, May 6). Save Georgian Bay. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://savegeorgianbay.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Why-Take-the-Risk-May-6-2024.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj7vcvwkaOMAxW5v4kEHTAENvkQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2arr-Sbb1zuY6ntum2doYi
Green Party Hosts Packed Meeting in Meaford, Officially Opposes TC Energy Pumped Storage Project. (2025, February 17). The Meaford Independent. https://themeafordindependent.ca/green-party-hosts-packed-meeting-in-meaford-officially-opposes-tc-energy-pumped-storage-project/
Saugeen Ojibway Nation learning ‘everything we can’ about TC Energy’s pumped storage proposal. (2023, December 18). The Narwhal. https://thenarwhal.ca/saugeen-ojibway-nation-tc-energy-battery/
Marmora pumped storage clean energy hub project. (2023, June 19). Ontario Rivers Alliance. https://www.ontarioriversalliance.ca/marmora-pumped-storage-clean-energy-hub-project/
