The question is: how do we keep fresh, and top of mind, an idea, a concept, a request for action, that many people have tired of, and feel helpless about?
I receive all kinds of comments and questions about the efforts that continue to be made on behalf of Saving the Bala Falls.
“I thought it was a done deal”. “Not much we can do now is there?” “Tell me Johnny, what’s going on with the Bala Falls?”
Think about it: The original proposal to construct a power plant in Muskoka’s hamlet of Bala, dates back to 2005. With all of the technical issues, the politics, the divisiveness the proposal has caused, it is no wonder that some people wish the controversy would just end.
This note today could ramble on and cover forty issues, doing my best, to convince you of the wrongs being committed here in Bala. For many of you, this would just be a continuation of the complex process, and you might consider stopping your read here. I won’t, so please don’t.
Would it be fair to say that as Canadians, we are not the most activist bunch in the world today? By FAR, this is the most difficult and multifaceted issue that my family has ever been involved in. For my family, and for many of our friends and associates, this is by also by FAR, the most politically active, we have ever been. The reasons are tangible.
What I, and ‘we’ are asking is for you to continue the fight with us or get involved now, if you have not been. Candidly, we ask for your help. To be more effective in our quest for this behemoth to be safe for our community, we require our supporters to become members.
Yes members! And yes, it will require you investing $20 of your hard earned grocery money to become a member. Our STBF’s leaders have learned much about activism and communicating with Queens Park, the Feds, the MNR (&F), the local Council and District Council. From a legal perspective, we’ve done our best to be effective, but to be a force to reckon with, we need members to show that we mean business, and that we have broad community support, that is real, and can be counted.
Being counted, means that you agree with this statement:
“I am concerned that the proposed hydro-electric generating station at the Bala falls would be too dangerous.”
You can invest on line or by cheque. All the information is on the new members tab link.
Please sign up here.
We also make the request to read the monthly newsletters. Mitchell Shnier, our consummate leader, an engineer (and smart as anyone I know) does an incredible job of keeping us all up to speed with what is going on. Mitchell simplifies the issues so you don’t have to be an engineer to know why this power plant in its current form, would be deadly dangerous.
If you have never seen the Bala Falls from the air, my wife and ‘observer’ Pam and I, were able to video the falls by drone (UAV) to show what is at stake in Muskoka. Have a look-see here. Special mention: the voice over was done by one of Canada’s finest announcers: Mike Kirby.
The quote “Persistence is omnipotent” is one I have lived by as many of you know. Do not, please, tire of this issue. Please count yourself in and become a STBF’s member. Read the latest newsletter and educate yourself about the one issue that is key for all: “Will it be safe?” Keeping Muskoka safe and beautiful and economically vibrant is our mantra. Please consider forwarding this note / link to friends. We CAN make a difference. Thank you.