The amount of water flowing within the White River is the key variable in determining the amount of power that can be generated. A reliable, constant flow is required for the efficient operation of a waterpower facility, which will reduce the amount of water that passes through the natural river channel. When the river flow is less than the operational capacity of the facility, a decrease in the volume of water flowing over Umbata Falls causes an increase in power generation. This increase means an increase in renewable energy supplied to the province, an increase in the emission offsets at Ontario’s fossil generating stations, an increase in provincial tax revenue, and an increase in the revenue to project partners. The Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation will depend on the revenue from this project to support valuable community programs including elementary school support, and water treatment. However, the aesthetic quality of the falls may be affected by any change to the amount of flow that passes over it. Therefore there is an important inverse relationship between the volume of flow provided for scenic viewing versus the supply of renewable energy, emission reductions and community benefits.

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