Ontario Power Generation

BIG CHUTE STATION

PLANT GROUP: Small Hydro Division
DRAINAGE BASIN: Lake Huron
RIVER: Severn
NEAREST POPULATION CENTRE: Cold Water (29 KM (18 Miles) Southeast)
IN SERVICE DATE:
UNIT 1 - 1909
UNIT 2 - 1909
UNIT 3 - 1911
UNIT 4 - 1919
ACQUIRED BY: Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario 1914
Asset Transferred to Ontario Power Generation: April 1, 1999
NUMBER OF UNITS: 4
CONTROL: Northbury

HISTORICAL NOTE:
The Big Chute station, originally owned by the Simcoe Railway and Power Company, was placed in commercial service to provide power to the counties of Simcoe and Muskoka and particularly the towns of Midland, Penetanguishene, Victoria Harbour, Port McNicholl, Coldwater, Barrie and Orillia. The Company was formed by well-known business men connected with the various large concerns in Midland. The officers were W.J. Lovering, Toronto, President; W. Finlayson, Midland, Secretary and D.L. White, Midland, Treasurer.

The Plant was particularly worthy of note at the time as being the development of the largest hydraulic source of power in the central district and was destined to be the nucleus of a power system which served the area within a radius of 121 km (75 miles). It was hoped that it would combine the various future developments possible on the Severn River and other rivers flowing into the Georgian Bay.

When the plant was completed, 4100 hp was being developed and commercially available in Midland. The power market included the municipal and industrial operations of the towns in the vicinity. In addition, the market included flour mills and the immense grain elevators now constructed after the determination of the Canadian Pacific and Grand Trunk Railways to make the district the terminus of the lake carrying a portion of the grain route from the west. The natural market possibilities were large and it was felt the Big Chute plant would more than likely necessitate further extension. Big Chute was the first station owned and operated by the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario.