Recent Developments
From a June 15 posting...
The plan for a whitewater facility in St. Catharines
is alive and well. The failed Olympic bid has not stopped our group.
We have support from all levels of government and some private
interest.
As for Hydro, they have a plan to
construct a small generating station adjacent to the proposed site of the
Whitewater facility. That plan has been in limbo due to the uncertainty
regarding privatization of Hydro One.
The recent change in government plans for privatization should allow the
folks at Hydro One to firm up their plans. If they decide to go ahead they
will need to construct a diversion channel around the site of the dam.
This would happen in the very location most suitable for our proposed
site.
Rather than just digging a trench, Hydro has indicated they would
use the funds required for this channel to support our project. The
resposibility to come up with the rest of the funding would fall on the
Niagara Whitewater Park Association. It will be tough to do, however
having the support of all levels of government, some private interest and
a potential future Olympic bid from Toronto we stand a reasonable chance.
Our group has recently become incorporated, thus allowing us to begin fund
raising. All in all we have lots of potential for success, we just need a
few things to fall into place.
-Gary George Public Relations Niagara
Whitewater Park Association
As of May 25, the Wellandvale project is in a temporary state of limbo as
interested parties await the fate of Hydro One.
The Ontario Government's proposed sale of Hydro One and the
recent opening up of the electricity market in Ontario have left many
unanswered questions in potential developers' minds.
Since power generation
will be a major factor in the development of the kayaking facility at
Wellandvale, interested parties are currently taking a "wait and see" attitude.
In the meantime, the NWPA is pushing forward to gather support for the
project so when the hydro-related issues begin to sort themselves out,
support for a paddling facility will already be in place.
During this time the NWPA continues to meet monthly.
You can help today by signing the online
letter of support, emailing your paddling buddies about this site,
volunteering your time, or by making a donation to the NWPA.
