Introduction

In an effort to consider valued public opinion in the management of Umbata Falls, the Umbata Falls Limited Partnership (UFLP) has committed to developing a Scenic Flow Adaptive Management Plan (the Plan). As part of the Plan, this website was specifically designed for the following reasons:

• To provide information on the various options being considered in the determination of the amount and distribution of flow over Umbata Falls, shaping its aesthetic qualities
  
  
• To give an opportunity to not only visitors to Umbata Falls, but also any concerned party, to provide input on the options proposed by completing the survey provided on this site
  
  
• To provide the public with an explanation of the relationship between the amount and distribution of flow, aesthetic value, power generation and social benefit

A waterpower facility brings numerous benefits to society and the local community/economy, but may also create some site specific issues. The benefits include a reliable renewable energy supply, the ability to offset the production of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants, and an increase to tax revenue for the province of Ontario. For the Umbata facility, the local First Nation (Ojibways of the Pic River) will also benefit significantly as they will be majority shareholders of the completed project and will share directly in any revenue generated by the facility (after debt payment, taxes, and operating and maintenance expenses). Site specific issues include a potential effect on the aesthetic and/or spiritual quality of the site for recreational users and /or area residents, a potential change in White Lake Provincial Park and/or Pukaskwa National Park usage, and/or use of the river by local outfitters/service providers.

From the start of the Umbata Falls project, the UFLP has attempted to strike an appropriate balance between the social and economic benefits of the project and any resultant loss of recreational value, scenic quality and/or wilderness character at the site. The amount of flow that is provided at the falls affects the revenue that will eventually be derived from the project (See Relationship between Flow and Power Generation link to the right) and its subsequent ability to re-pay debt, pay taxes and operating and maintenance expenses, and provide project income/benefits. The links below provide information and photos and/or visual representations of the falls under each option. We ask that you consider the information and provide your opinion, taking into account the benefits that are derived from each option. Please share your opinion by completing the online questionnaire.

• Base Case Situation

• Decreased or Increased Flow

• Crest Modifications or Variable Flow Timing

Navigation

• The Relationship Between Flow and Power Generation

• The Reason for a Scenic Flow

• Adaptive Management Plan

• Impacts Upon Revenue of Scenic Flow Options
   Incremental Revenue - Project Life 20 Years

• Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation

• Online Survey