RIDEAU LAKES — Rideau Lakes council has endorsed a proposal to study the modernization of the Jones Falls generating station, supporting a federal funding application that carries no direct cost to the township.
A delegation from Portage Power appeared before committee of the whole on April 27 seeking a resolution of support required for a grant application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund.
The company is applying for up to $200,000 to complete a feasibility study examining the technical, environmental and heritage requirements tied to upgrading the facility.
“This partnership requires zero dollars from your budget. It carries zero liability for the township,” said Oluseyi Smith, director of generation engineering and operations with Portage Power.
Smith told council the generating station, originally built in the 1940s, is operating at significantly reduced capacity after structural issues forced one unit offline. The station is currently running at roughly 40 to 45 per cent capacity.
“We can try and patch and maintain and manage the risk of these antiquated systems, or we can de-risk and modernize the facility,” he said.
The proposed project would replace aging infrastructure and upgrade turbines, increasing output from about 1.5 megawatts to nearly 3 megawatts. Smith said that level of production could supply electricity to roughly one in four homes in the township, though power generated at the site is fed into the provincial grid and distributed based on demand.
The modernization would focus on the powerhouse and associated infrastructure, not the nearby stone arch dam, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal system and is owned by Parks Canada.
“We are not looking at the stone arch dam. We do not own that and are not responsible,” Smith said in response to questions from Coun. Linda Carr.
In addition to energy production, the proposal includes potential public-facing features such as interpretive signage, viewing areas or augmented reality displays to highlight the site’s history and operations.
Smith said the project would also support improved water management and climate resilience, particularly in handling variable flows and flooding conditions.
If the feasibility study is successful, Portage Power would return to council to seek support for a second application tied to construction funding, which could reach into the millions. No construction is anticipated before 2028.
Councillors voiced support for the proposal during the meeting.
“I’m all for this,” said Coun. Deborah Anne Hutchings, who praised the company for taking a proactive approach.
Coun. Jeff Banks also expressed support, stating, “This is a lot better than a battery storage facility.”
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom said he would be interested in hearing from Parks Canada as the project evolves, given its role in the Rideau Canal system.
Council voted unanimously to support the resolution, clearing the way for Portage Power to proceed with its funding application.
If approved, the study would be completed between the second and fourth quarters of 2026.
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