New Trent-Severn Hydroelectric Station Approved

PETERBOROUGH - - On behalf of Canada's Environment Minister John Baird, Member of Parliament for Peterborough Dean Del Mastro is pleased to announce that the Government will issue an interim license to the Trent Rapids Power Corporation to begin construction of a new eight-megawatt hydroelectric power generating station along the Trent-Severn Waterway.

"After significant consultation with our community, and residents all along the Trent-Severn Waterway, I am pleased to announce this interim license for the Trent Rapids Power Corporation," said Mr. Del Mastro. "This project strikes the right balance between our economy and environment. It will contribute to the generation of green energy while still keeping with the historic uses of this important cultural corridor which has supported hydropower for the past 99 years."

The Trent Rapids Power Corporation will be developed between Locks 22 and 23 and will capitalize on waterpower potential while respecting operational, cultural and environmental concerns. The development proposal has gone through a rigorous environmental assessment process, as required by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and meets both the federal and provincial government green energy policies.

"Canadians can be confident that their environmental concerns are the priority of this Government, and they are at the core of federal decisions supporting sustainable development," added Mr. Del Mastro. "This hydroelectric project will bring real reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by increasing Ontario's supply of clean and renewable electricity."

To maintain the ecological integrity of the shore along Trent-Severn Waterway the Trent Rapids Power Corporation will plant two trees for every tree removed by development. A 10-year monitoring plan will also be conducted to ensure the replanting is successful. Trails with interpretive signage will be constructed for public enjoyment.

Constructed between 1833 and 1920, the Trent-Severn Waterway was declared a national historic site in 1929. It commemorates Canada's history of canal construction and the importance of the canal system throughout this country's history and has included power generation since 1909. Today, this 386 km long heritage corridor is enjoyed by more than 1.5 million land and water based visitors every year.