An Ottawa company is eyeing three sites along the Muskoka River for new hydro generation projects, two of which are prominently located within the Huntsville area.

The Tweedsmuir Green Power Group, which specializes in renewable energy, is seeking approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to install water displacement motors at the Huntsville MNR dam, located near the locks off Brunel Road, the MNR dam on Mary Lake in Port Sydney, and the MNR dam in Baysville.

While none of the sites have been designated for water power development, the MNR will consider them for hydro generation projects given the recent provincial push to invest in renewable sources of energy, explained Steve Taylor, water resource co-ordinator for the MNR’s Parry Sound district.

“This is a proponent-driven process,” said Taylor about Tweedsmuir’s plans. “It’s basically done on a first-come, first-served basis. Because it’s Crown land . . . the first person that comes in and can meet all the requirements will be considered.”

Tweedsmuir has yet to submit an application to the MNR for the projects, he said. In general, however, Taylor said all water power site release applications are scrutinized by the ministry before a company receives applicant of record status, which allows them to commence an environmental assessment.

“They have to demonstrate that the project is viable, and that it makes the best use of the site,” said Taylor. Financial and flow analysis, as well as conceptual designs, are also required. Tweedsmuir would further be expected to adhere to the Muskoka River Water Management Plan, which establishes flow and water level requirements for the river.

The Huntsville-Lake of Bays projects would also require approval from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), through the agency’s standard offer program for renewable energy projects. The program helps small operators supply power through local electricity distributors. It is ultimately hoped to increase Ontario’s dependence upon renewable sources of energy through multiple small water, wind, solar or biofuel projects.

Locally, the three Muskoka River projects are anticipated to produce up to 400 kilowatts of electricity per site, or one megawatt in total, enough to power approximately 1,000 homes, said Tweedsmuir president Alf Chaiton.

Chaiton predicted many Ontario communities would see more projects like these over the next decade.

“Typically in the past, power companies have always looked for very large projects. And that’s changing now,” Chaiton said. “Smaller, cheaper, less intrusive and more environmentally friendly” projects are gaining both support and investments across Ontario, he said.

Tweedsmuir’s technology is following along this trend, and will not disrupt river flows or present visual impacts to the area, he said.

According to Chaiton, the company uses positive displacement technology to capture energy in low-flow areas. Its patented, low-head fixtures are typically six feet wide by 4.5 feet high, although smaller fixtures can be used.

“We like to say that we take what the river will give us,” said Chaiton. “If it’s 100 kilowatts, it’s 100 kilowatts. We’re not there to maximize the output. We’re there to optimize the output.”

In addition to Muskoka, Tweedsmuir Green Power Group is undertaking similar water power projects in eastern Ontario, on the Salmon River near Kingston, he said.

The company is still in the very early stages of developing its local plan and will consult with stakeholders, including the municipalities of Huntsville and Lake of Bays, Chaiton indicated.