For immediate release
Ontarians Overwhelmingly Support Made in Ontario Waterpower
New Opinion Polling Released at OWA’s Queen’s Park Day
April 12, 2022 – Toronto – Today, the Ontario Waterpower Association (OWA) released the results of recent public opinion polling, conducted by Innovative Research Group, showing that across the province Ontarians strongly support waterpower. The information was featured at the Association’s annual Queen’s Park Day in briefings of all four political parties in the Legislature. The Poll found that waterpower remains the most popular form of energy generation in Ontario with 90% of respondents indicating their support.
“Waterpower is Ontario’s foundational source of electricity and plays an integral role in an affordable, reliable, sustainable energy system,” said Paul Norris, OWA President. “As the province enters a period when new electricity is required to meet our growing demands, Made in Ontario waterpower, both existing and new will be critical to achieving our economic and environmental objectives.”
The Poll, conducted between February 15th and 28th, 2022 also found that:
- almost 4 in 5 (79%) Ontarians support the development of waterpower in their region;
- a large majority (81%) support working with local Indigenous communities, including 52% who strongly support it; and
- more than 4 in 5 (81%) support negotiating new contracts for existing facilities.
In January, the Minister of Energy, the Honourable Todd Smith, directed the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to develop a Program to recontract existing waterpower facilities, recognizing the important role these perpetual assets play in meeting Ontario’s electricity needs, as well as providing benefits such as recreational opportunities, flood control, tourism and facilitating local employment and economic development. In addition, the Minister asked Ontario Power Generation, in cooperation with the OWA and the IESO, to explore hydro development opportunities in Northern Ontario, updating previous assessments and engaging Indigenous communities.
“These results confirm waterpower’s position as a preferred energy source across the province,” added Norris. “As Ontario moves forward with electrification and decarbonization, sustaining and expanding waterpower will be a key competitive advantage.”
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The OWA represents the common and collective interests of the waterpower industry in Ontario. The Association is the voice for over 150 member companies and is committed to sustaining and enhancing Ontario’s existing waterpower assets and to providing new opportunities for waterpower development and industry growth across the province.
For more information on the Ontario Waterpower Association, visit: www.owa.ca.
Contact:
Paul Norris
President
Ontario Waterpower Association
866-743-1500