Consultations are expected to get underway soon on Trans Canada Energy's proposal to construct and operate a hydroelectric pumped storage facility on part of the Department of National Defence 4th Canadian Division Training Centre next to Georgian Bay in Meaford. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has granted TC Energy a priority permit under the Dominion Water Power Act so it can begin its preliminary feasibility studies The priority permit only gives TC Energy the right to be first in line to undertake feasibility studies for this type of project in the identified area. If TC Energy decides to proceed with its proposed project after it has conducted its feasibility studies, it would be subject to further government review and approvals in consultation with Indigenous groups, the Meaford community, and other interested parties.
TC Energy’s proposed hydroelectric facility would consume inexpensive “off-peak” power at night to pump water from Georgian Bay into a storage reservoir located at the top of the Niagara Escarpment on 4 CDTC property. The reservoir would be emptied back into Georgian Bay during “peak” usage periods, driving hydraulic turbines to generate electricity.
TC Energy has stated that the proposed project would cost around $3 billion to complete, and would be able to generate upwards of 1,000 megawatts of electricity.