For immediate release:
January 20, 2012
Caledonia – As the province approaches the sixth anniversary of the Douglas Creek Estates occupation at Caledonia, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has joined Opposition Leader Tim Hudak in demanding completion of a vital hydro transmission project stopped by militants during the land dispute.
“It’s been nearly a year since I again pointed out this government’s inability to deal with the implications of pushing through with a stalled project aimed at serving up to 300,000 people,” stated Barrett. “Today, I join in Opposition Leader Tim Hudak’s call to step up and power up the unfinished electricity transmission adjacent to Caledonia.”
“Some leadership should be shown on this file after six years of paralysis and a total abdication of rule of law.” Tim Hudak stated. “Those towers, those lines should be carrying electricity.”
The 800 megawatt transmission line is part of the Niagara reinforcement project running the length of the Niagara Peninsula to the Caledonia transfer station and beyond to Middleport.
During Question Period at Queens Park last February, Barrett asked then Minister Brad Duguid about progress on the half-constructed hydro towers that dot Caledonia’s landscape: “Ontario taxpayers paid for these powerless monuments to your inaction. What headway have you made since 2006 with respect to restarting this power tower project?”
Instead of answering the question, Energy Minister Brad Duguid chose to talk about, “working in partnership,” with, “all partners”. As the towers sit unfinished it is evident the “working” has led to little progress.
About five kilometres of the $116 million line remains unfinished, requiring nine towers to be built and conducting wire to be strung.
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For more information, please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: (416) 325-8404, (519) 428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629