NB Power Wants Your Thoughts On Mactaquac
NB Power wants your input on the fate of the Mactaquac Generating Station.
New Brunswickers can give their two cents about Mactaquac online, in person at open houses and public meetings, and in writing until March 31, 2016. The feedback will help shape NB Power’s plans for the station for next year.
“We are pleased to launch this public discussion about the future of the Mactaquac Generating Station,” said Gaëtan Thomas, NB Power president and CEO.
“We have a big decision to make and there is a lot to consider, including the costs, the environment, impact to communities and the potential economic activity. We want to hear from New Brunswickers about what is important to them as we consider the path ahead.”
The station will reach the end of its service life by 2030, due to expansion problems with its concrete structures. NB Power says there are three possible options for the station: building a new generating station; removing all structures to allow the river to return to a natural flow; or leaving the dam in place but without power generation.
NB Power is also looking at options for an onsite solution to the concrete problem, which could extend the station’s life past 2030. Though, they’re not sure that’s possible yet.
New Brunswickers can share their thoughts at one of five open houses taking place in October:
• Tuesday, October 13 – Riverside Resort and Conference Centre, 35 Mactaquac Rd., French Village, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, October 15 – Nackawic Lions Club Community Centre, 134 Otis Dr., Nackawic, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 20 – Delta Fredericton, 225 Woodstock Rd., Fredericton, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 21 – St. Thomas University, 51 Dineen Dr., Fredericton, foyer of Kinsella Auditorium, from noon to 3 p.m.
• Thursday, October 22, Best Western Hotel, 123 Gallop Ct., Woodstock, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
NB Power also plans to hold a series of facilitated discussions in communities affected by the decision early next year.