Questions Regarding the TCE Pumped Storage Project

I strongly object to this prject or many reasons. I have lived my entire life at Woodland Beach which is located across from Meaford on Georgian Bay. My comments would only reflect the numerous thoughts and feelings posited by our very concerned community.  I would particularly highlight the submission by Maura Ryan regarding the immensely troubling construction of this palnned storage facility.

I have questions that I need to ask:

1. It appears that many consider these types of facilities a necessary and viable source of energy.  Many of these plants are or have been operating for a number of years in many countries as well as our own. Location is the first decision to be made and the paramount decision before any proposed facility can be considered. In a province as vast as ours, have all other locations been investigated? Why Meaford and the Niagara Escarpment before all others?  Why touch such pristine water much less the numerous impacts on our social and environmental fabric?

2.  According to a 2023 Stantec assessment report, the importance of completed design work, experienced contractors, available skilled and productive workforce and an effective supply chain are paramount for safety and efficiency. Will the facility be impeccable in construction and application?  What professional agency/organization will provide meticulous oversight during the massive construction?  Who will be the caretakers in future years?  Will the structures stand the test of time?  Waht upgrades will be needed to be done in the future?  The Ludington Plant in Michigan is experiencing great issues with their latest upgrade.  a court case is presently ongoing.

3.  Were less costly and more efficient alternatives thoroughly considered before the TCE proposal? Battery packs for grid scale energy storage appear to be such a viable option. Were they discussed?

4. The total lack of transparency regarding the tendering of this contract is problematic. Was the contract tendered before the TCE was chosen? Is, what other companies were given notice of tender?  If not why was this company chosen? It also begs the question of how the hundreds of personnel be chosen for such a massive undertaking.

5.  The money trail.  How much will we taxpayers have to pay and what residual effects will TCE enjoy after completion?

The entire scenario at Meaford and the Escarpment is troubling in the extreme as is the total lack of this government's transparency.
I trust our federal government with due diligence will cancel this project.