Ontario Power Generation

HARMON GENERATING STATION

PLANT GROUP: Northeast Plant Group
DRAINAGE BASIN: Hudson/James Bay
RIVER: Mattagami
NEAREST POPULATION CENTRE: Kapuskasing (88 KM (55 Miles) South)
IN SERVICE DATE:
UNIT 1 - June 1, 1965
UNIT 2 - August 1, 1965
BUILT BY: Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario
Asset Transferred to Ontario Power Generation: April 1, 1999
NUMBER OF UNITS: 2
CONTROL: Remote from Porcupine TS

HISTORICAL NOTE:
River flow records extend back 40 years, beginning prior to the construction of Smoky Falls plant (owned by the Spruce Falls Power and Paper Company), in 1928. Preliminary surveys and geological reconnaissance were conducted on the Mattagami River in 1945 and 1951. Investigation work in 1957 supplied the final topographical and geological information necessary to confirm the development pattern in the Long Rapids area.

The Mattagami River generating stations, Little Long, Harmon, Kipling and Highway 807 were officially opened by the Honourable John P. Roberts, Premier of Ontario and Mr. George E. Gathercole, chairman of the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario on July 21, 1966. The ceremony took place at the Harmon station.

MISCELLANEOUS: The Harmon generating station was the third of four Hydro sites to be developed in the Moose River system. These four sites are Little Long, Harmon and Kipling, all located on the Mattagami River, plus Otter Rapids located on the Abitibi River, the rivers are tributaries of the Moose River.

The Camp - Camp accommodation was built for 100 employees. This included accommodation for the remaining work on Little Long and the beginning of the Kipling as well as the Harmon project. All supplies, construction plant and equipment and permanent material for the generating station was transported over the Spruce Falls Power and Paper Company railroad from a Hydro terminal at Kapuskasing.