Ontario Pumped Storage Hydropower Project

I am writing today to ask that a full Impact Assessment be done for the Ontario Pumped Storage Hydropower Project.

This project is proposed in response to the projected increase in demand for electricity in the Province of Ontario and is projected to provide an additional 1000 MW at an initial cost of close to $7+Billion.

Recognizing the need to explore additional capacity options, this appears to be an expensive project that will cost more per kW than other options. The project delivers only a small portion of the projected need for additional generation capacity and may have potential consequences in many areas.

The Impact Assessment considers the consequences of major projects on the environment and on society.

I understand there are concerns raised by the public and subject matter experts regarding the environment and health impacts.

I would like to focus more on the societal and long term economic effects and mitigation measures.

Everyone recognizes there will be an inflow of wealth into the community in the short term during the construction phase, which is great. The short term the inflow of wealth will benefit the broader business community and provide potential short term employment opportunities in the area, but a broader understanding of the longer-term impacts is needed.

Homelessness, and poverty are a challenge in many municipalities in Ontario, including Meaford to some extent. The inflow of wealth and competition for accommodation can be expected to increase rents and accommodation expenses which can negatively affect the financially marginalized community.

My concern is better understanding the long-term wealth benefits and potential mitigating factors, especially the potential impacts on the community, and residents, including seniors, who are struggling financially to find rental and housing accommodations in today’s markets.

The project will require on-going and heavy use of municipal and county roads over the 4- year projected construction period which will impact the road system.

Municipalities, including Meaford, are struggling to address their infrastructure deficits. Each year municipalities struggle with providing needed infrastructure funding during the budget and there is not enough funding available to address the full needs of maintaining municipal infrastructure. The limited funds available must be strategically invested in the road system to ensure the roads continue to be safe and available for public use. In the short term, taxes will be further stretched to accommodate the needs of the construction traffic and road maintenance. The long-term impacts of the heavy construction use on the road system will not appear for years ,and will put additional pressure on the municipality ‘s finances in the future.

It is reasonable to expect the cost of the project will increase considering the economic uncertainty and the impacts of tariffs on construction costs. As project costs are refined, it is important for everyone to be aware of the potential for increased costs. A strong, realistic mitigation plan for responding to the potential for increased costs should be developed and communicated, and a full business case should be reviewed.

I look forward to a full Impact Assessment to help the public understand the impacts in an unbiased way and to assist everyone make an informed decision on the future of the project.

I am hopeful a full Impact Assessment, including unbiased peer reviews of any studies produced by the proponent, will help provide information and guidance on many of the issues identified by myself and others.

Thank you for your consideration.

Ken Nix