Posts by John Wright

South Falls Fiasco – Please, Not in Bala Comments Off on South Falls Fiasco – Please, Not in Bala

South Falls Fiasco – Please, Not in Bala

Please forgive the length of this blog but I felt it important and compelling reading about what transpired at South Falls, near Sundridge, written as a somewhat personal and somewhat educational note to inform us about what could transpire in Bala.  While i have not identified the writer, this was the email written.  In addition, if you’d like to read more, there is a page on the SaveTheBalaFalls Web site pertaining to this at:  http://savethebalafalls.com/?p=5086 ********* “Sorry I could not get back sooner to you.  This unsightly dam is located in South River Ont.  Not too far of a drive from Bala. Just straight up hwy 11 to Sundridge, South River turn off.  South River approx. 8km N of Sundridge. Turn right down Ottawa St at the lights and go to Isabella St.  Here you turn Left and follow around. It will bring you to former gorgeous Falls sight but now you will see not the beautiful cascades of water but the immense cement building and pipes . There are 2 bridges and the water on both bridges wouldrush down from the South to the North but now is basically dried up and exposed rock faces and horrid cement blockades. It really would be worth your while to see...

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A Kodak Moment-Perfect Storm Part 2 Comments Off on A Kodak Moment-Perfect Storm Part 2

A Kodak Moment-Perfect Storm Part 2

Great ideas are rarely low hanging fruit.  This is a principle im well aware of.  So when this one came to me during a family gathering watching the Tour De France, we all knew it would be a winner.  The key was getting traction from key players, like Jay Mothersil of Muskoka Paddle Shack, and owners Kim & Chris from the Bala Bay Inn.  While I have a reputation for being ‘echoic’ in so many ways (an audio and music guy), there is a time and a place to be ‘iconic’.  Many years ago, the very creative gang at the Roy Williams Academy proved that 1000 words are more impressive than a picture…..  today’s offering shows that a picture can indeed be worth its weight in gold……  please take 2 minutes and enjoy the video here at   http://savethebalafalls.com/?p=5226   and get educated about why we are doing our best to Save The Bala...

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A Perfect Storm Comments Off on A Perfect Storm

A Perfect Storm

That is…no wind.  But it did not start out that way.  As I’ve said and written many times, “there is lots of money around, but there are not that many great ideas!”  As typical with me, we just had to add persistence, determination and partners who ‘get it’ and say – “Im in!”   These were the words spoken by Jay Mothersil who owns Muskoka Paddle Shack on Highway 11, just south of Gravenhurst, and a new, perfectly located operation across from the famous and history-laden Bala Bay Inn. Working with the SaveTheBalaFalls.com  folks, we wanted something iconic that had the potential to be viral.  Once the idea germinated, the project became mostly logistics:  weighted anchor bags (thanks to Dons Bakery), lots of rope, skilled guys on paddle boards working the water, and prayer to the Muskoka weather gods for no south wind.  And let’s not forget the land team hoisting the 38 kayaks over hill and dale and into the waters of Bala Bay. For 45 minutes old ‘Murphy’ sat on my shoulder laughin at me trying to abort our mission, but after four hours, we problem solved our way through to a terrific design.  Once 95 percent complete we sent ‘Drone2’ up for a video peak and then...

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Take 2 – Back In The Saddle Comments Off on Take 2 – Back In The Saddle

Take 2 – Back In The Saddle

OK – so it’s Drone2 reporting in!  Drone1 is somewhere at the base of the South Falls in Bala in Muskoka at an undetermined depth, due to pilot error and what was a raging current at the time!  Gopro and all…gone…along with what would have been some pretty amazing video footage of the falls.  So ‘lesson #204’  learned. Typically determined, and persistent to a fault, i climbed back on that horse 5 days later with a new rig, new gopro and a new appreciation for pilots everywhere. Having taken ground school and flown ‘circuits’ for a few months, I already had an appreciation for ‘flight’  but Drones are another breed of airborne wizardry.  Since re-shooting the Bala Falls and several cottage jobs to date, I have realized how crucial pre-planning is to the outcome of a project, for customers who yearn for these high res photo’s and high def videos. If you are a real estate agent, business owner, or cottager, and are seeking a partner for these services, you’ll find my business proposals unique, affordable, and the quality and quantity of my output fantastic.  Nothing less. Plus, you won’t find ANY drone pilots who have my Muskoka marketing expertise.  Call me, and I’ll help you close a property...

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Not A Done Deal

Bala Power Plant – Not a Done Deal!  Our Feds – Transport Canada, must provide approval under the Navigation Protection Act before any in-water work can commence.  We’ve asked Minister Tony Clemet to include public consultation in this matter.  Why would they not??  We have many concerns about SAFETY. DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that the proposed generating station would be remotely- and automatically-controlled?  Video cameras would only be as good as the lighting and weather conditions – and the remote operator’s attentiveness – permit.  NOT good enough for safeguarding life given how many people will be both up, and down-stream of this location, day and night, and in all seasons of the year. Based on the weather, there may not be any way for those nearby to know if the water is safe. Our Concern – HELLO !!! During the summer months, the variable and treacherously turbulent water would occur often enough that it would always be a “clear and present danger” Action:  Please Help – Our representation for such federal matters is through our Minister Clement, you can e-mail him at And…. SIGN UP our newsletter at www.SaveTheBalaFalls.com  ...

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