Editor,
In a recent letter printed on February 12, 2026, a very well respected project engineer and director of TC Energy’s Pumped Storage Project submitted a standard corporate description of the need for energy storage and the “advantage” of a century old technology in solving this challenge. He and myself agree that pumped storage systems have, that is “have” been used globally for over a century. They provide a long term somewhat reliable solution to grid power failures and energy support when required across various power grids.
The question that is constantly avoided in the February 12th letter, other presentations such as the TCE “coffee chats” is: what are the costs?
Cost to Ontario taxpayers
Cost to construct and the complexities of construction adding more costs
Cost due to energy waste and poor efficiencies. 400MW every cycle
Costs to the environment and ecologies of Georgian Bay
Costs of water contamination including the Meaford water supply intake
Cost of increased risk to residents below the proposed reservoir: insurance cost increases if even available
Costs to property owners below the reservoir property values will suffer.
The cost due to the sterilization of real estate below the reservoir: no permits could be processed to build anything below the reservoir.
Costs of deserting the economies of all municipalities in south Georgian Bay: are we environmentally motivated or motivated by corporate agendas?
Profits? TC Energy, Saugeen Ojibway Nation, Municipality of Meaford will be paid to allow this project to be constructed. This project is not “collaborative” and not one of this trio have demonstrated any “ongoing public engagement”: many others and I have tried to question TCE for years and the only response is silence! An “evidence-based approach” is exactly what others and I have been showing TCE, the provincial and federal governments and the municipality of Meaford. All we get is silence. No response from all, which in my educated opinion shows lobbying and coercion not collaboration and engagement.
To continue “this important dialogue” we all must understand simple solutions. Efficient solutions, cost effective solutions, ethical solutions plus open and honest dialogue solutions. The IAAC have at their disposal simple solutions to every single challenge facing them with this project. Every shortfall that this TC Energy Pumped storage project presents to all of Ontario and even Canada can be easily eliminated! Ontario MUST invest in modern technologies! Check past letters I have sent to this newspaper advising politicians to spend on modernization of the Ontario grid, modern storage systems like battery energy storage systems (BESS). Newer systems like virtual power plants (VPP) coming online that PRODUCE and STORE energy in one simple system we all can do in the comfort of home while reducing our personal energy costs and even making money! Modern technologies that carry lower costs (that keep getting lower) and higher efficiencies being ignored? It is called coercion. TC Energy and their political cronies do not want to hear about modern tech: there are no profits that match what Pumped Storage will produce. I will add that there is no level of ignorance that can match what Pumped Storage produces. I hope the IAAC can notice this assessment.
With the adoption of other energy options, virtually all the IAAC concerns disappear, the DND grounds, the Niagara Escarpment and all of Georgian Bay will not be subject to this boondoggle. The IAAC can simply say “no” as the risks are just too high compared to other options available now. This is not “NIMBY” (not in my back yard). This is a demand for NIMO: not in my Ontario!
Pat Maloney, Meaford
