Bala Generating Station

Overview

Located in the heart of cottage country at the edge of the Moon River in Muskoka, Ontario, this run-of-river hydro facility is located at the footprint of an older power plant owned by Ontario Hydro. It aimed to revitalize this part of the town by opening up an area previously inaccessible to the public. The project was also an important exercise in Cultural Heritage preservation.There are new spaces for rest and relaxation and, by virtue of the power plant’s design, new sweeping vistas allow the public to observe electricity being produced, and enjoy scenic views of the Moon River.

About

The North Bala Small Hydro Project is a 4.7 Megawatt (MW) run-of-river waterpower facility at the south end of Bala’s North Dam, located in the Town of Bala, Township of Muskoka Lakes, Ontario. The new power plant is on the same site as an older power plant that existed from 1924-1972. The project has:

Improve water level and spring/fall flood control;
Have low environmental impact due to synergy with existing structures;
Annually offset 20,000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 3,888 cars and light trucks off the road

Challenges

Project changes were made to accommodate the community and regulators. To address esthetical concerns, Harvard trained architect Karl Stevens was hired to design the power house under the advisement of a Design Committee composed of 8 members from the public. The new building incorporates sloped roofs and overhangs often found in Muskoka architecture. Cultural heritage aspects are being maintained. Traditional public uses, landing and launching of canoes, picnicking and other recreational uses, are all being restored with a new park built right next door.

Outcomes

The Bala GS began operating in January 2020. The power plant is being operated out of Bala and consists of two operators and a stop logging team to manage the flows at the North and South Dam. Electricity from the power plant supplies the local grid in Muskoka. The power is produced and consumed locally. The project won the 2021 Ontario Waterpower Association Stewardship Award, the award is presented to an organization that demonstrates leadership in sustainable waterpower development, preservation of the environment, corporate citizenship, and safeguard of public health and safety.

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Our Impact

Horizon Legacy is revolutionizing the construction industry with the first and largest neighborhood in Canada built using onsite robotics.

Cost Efficiency

Our approach delivers an average cost of under $300K per unit (costs exclude land, servicing, softcosts) showcasing that robots can be integrated affordably while meeting and exceeding the Ontario Building Code.

With 26 rental units, including 30% affordable, we surpass industry standards.

Our project achieves a 20% reduction in energy intensity and greenhouse gas emissions, and our all-electric buildings ensure zero greenhouse gas energy consumption.

By creating wall assemblies with R-30 thermal performance and consolidating three trades into one, we effectively address the labor shortage, demonstrating the transformative potential of robotics in construction.