Power Project proposed for Petawawa River - YIKES!

Petawawa River (Town Section)

Flowing through the heart of Petawawa, the “Pet” is a favorite
with locals for its many access points and outstanding play spots.
This undammed river peaks in late May, when Railroad, Lovers,
and Suicide are truly huge (six and up on the gauge). Most
paddlers opt to park and play at high levels at the Catwalk or
Golf Course rapids. Medium levels see the most interesting river
running, and levels below two on the gauge create technical
eddy hopping. Check local clubs for dates and times for group
paddles—a good way to learn the river is to paddle with a local.

Hello all:

Although we are gaining ground in terms of media and public awareness, we still need your help.

As the .pdf outlines, Petawawa Green Energy Development (PGED) is preparing their Waterpower Site Strategy. They are accepting comments from the public, and are then required / expected to address them when they submit the WSS to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

This is not the same as a public consultation for an EA. That comes later.

What I need from the kayaking and outdoors community is to take a second to send off an e-mail to info@petawawadevelopments.com in regards to 2KB21 at Big Eddy at the CPR Bridge and tell them you arent so keen on this development. Doesn't need to be pretty.

Step One: Click the e-mail address given above or below.
Step Two: Cut and paste this info below.
Step Three: Send.
Step Four: Tell a friend to do the same.

If you were so inclined you could Cc: mstillman@petawawa.ca; tspurrell@petawawa.ca; john.yakabuskico@pc.ola.org; GallaC@parl.gc.ca

+++

Im writing to express my concern about the 2KB21 site development on the Petawawa River. (Petawawa River at Big Eddy.)

I have concerns about the irreversible damage that this dam project will cause should it go ahead.

This includes but is not limited to:
- environmental damage during construction
- loss of a Canadian right to navigation
- loss of tourism revenue
- loss of recreational boating and swimming opportunities for residents
- destruction of habitat for flora and fauna
- damage to a major tributary of the heritage-designated Ottawa River
- damage to fish habitat for lake sturgeon and other species
- reduced flow rates in the Ottawa River

I would ask that the Waterpower Site Strategy document address these concerns.


As a citizen of Canada, I feel that this project is the loss of a PUBLIC resource for the gain of a PRIVATE enterprise, and I am strongly opposed to it proceeding.



These projects also involve roads in and out, powerlines, barbed wire fencing along the river, loss of portage, and then we get to enjoy all those STAY SAFE STAY CLEAR signs too.

Petawawa Green Energy Development Inc. has applied to the Ministry of Natural Resources to release a site on Crown land in order to develop it as a hydro-electric generating station. As a component of this process the proponent is required to submit a Waterpower Site Strategy (WSS) document. This document will describe the conceptual design and operation of the facility. Provided the WSS is accepted by the MNR, the proponent will attain Applicant of Record Status for site number 2KB21 at Big Eddy at the CPR Bridge (The Railway Rapid) on the Petawawa River. Current planning for this project estimates a generation potential of up to 10MW. Upon approval of the WSS and issuance of the Applicant of Record, the proponent will proceed with a Class Environmental Assessment for Waterpower Projects (Class EA) process as well as other permits and approvals required to secure land tenure. The Class EA is administered by the Ministry of the Environment and includes opportunities for public participation which will take place following this WSS consultation period. The Class EA consultation period will include notifications to the community regarding the availability of reports, studies and public open house events.

The proponent has retained ORTECH Environmental to assist them in this process.
Notice of Waterpower Site Strategy
Big Eddy at the CPR Bridge – Petawawa River
Interested parties are invited to comment in writing on this proposed development until July 14, 2009.
For more information please contact:
Leah Deveaux
ORTECH Environmental
804 Southdown Rd.
Mississauga ON; L5J 2Y4
Phone: 1-877-774-6560 ext. 305
905-822-4120 ext. 305
info@petawawadevelopments.com