Save Georgian Bay

is a grassroots organization committed to stopping TC Energy’s proposal for a pumped storage plant on the Niagara Escarpment and in the waters of Georgian Bay.

Why We’re Opposed

Learn more about why TC Energy’s plans for a pumped storage facility on Niagara Escarpment shores of Georgian Bay in Meaford is bad for Ontarians.

Hydro_Storage_Plant
Utility Bill

Risks to the Environment

  • Threaten the fresh waters and pristine beauty of Georgian Bay Kill fish and harm the aquatic ecosystem of Georgian Bay by pumping 23 billion litres of bay water, along with creatures in it, up and down the escarpment every day for at least 50 years
  • Excavate a 375-acre reservoir on top of the Niagara Escarpment – a UNESCO World Biosphere
  • Reservoir – to be contained by a “high hazard” 4.8-kilometer perimeter dam, 20 metres in height
  • Excavate massive tunnels deep into the Niagara Escarpment and beneath the lakebed of Georgian Bay
  • Require 50 kilometres of high-voltage underwater cables stretching to Wasaga Beach which will introduce substantial magnetic fields in the water with unknown effects on marine life
  • Be built on an active Defence Department training base strewn with unexploded munitions and toxic pollutants accumulated over 80 years that, once disturbed, can be washed down into Georgian Bay
    Increase greenhouse gases during construction and operation
  • Put at risk as many as 30 endangered species
  • Endanger residents of 300 existing homes, farms and cottages below the reservoir and dam who will be unable to obtain flood insurance.

No Economic Value

  • Cost more than $7 billion but create only 20 permanent long-term jobs ($350 million per job)
  • Provide no net economic value to Ontario electricity customers, according to reports in 2021 and 2023 from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
  • Hand TC Energy a binding long-term contract that ALL Ontario taxpayers and electricity customers will pay for, despite the IESO reports saying it making no economic sense
  • Benefit from a highly irregular understanding with the Ontario government to have its pre-construction costs paid by Ontario taxpayers
  • Employ outdated technology. Long-duration Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are cheaper, more efficient, need a fraction of the land, not require a body of water and can be installed quickly where actually needed
  • Consume 30 per cent more electricity overnight than it can release during the day
  • Operate on an unsolicited and untendered long-term contract, contrary to normal procedures, eliminating the benefit of free market competitive bidding
  • Take almost a decade to begin operation

Take Action

Have Your Say

Have Your Say

Let your elected representatives know that you oppose the project and want them to stop the proposal.

Donation

Donate

Every dollar helps us to stop the proposal. Please consider a donation to Save Georgian Bay. Thank you!

Sign the Save Georgian Bay Petition

Sign the Petition

Jon the 3000+ people who say NO! to the proposal. Everyone around the Bay should have a say!

Join our Newsletter

Join Our Newsletter

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Attend a Event

Attend an Event

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Volunteer

Volunteer

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Voices From Around the Bay

Save Georgian Bay acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional lands and treaty territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which includes the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and the Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation. We also recognize the Métis whose ancestors shared this land and these waters. We extend our gratitude to all Anishinaabe and Métis peoples and their descendants, past, present and future, who continue to care for and inhabit these lands and tend these waters.