RE: ERO 019-0545 Waterpower…

RE: ERO 019-0545 Waterpower Exemption from Permits to Take Water

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed exemption of waterpower facilities from duplicative requirements of a Permit to Take Water under the Ontario Water Resources Act.

Our company, Missississippi River Power Corp. owns and operates a 4.6MW hydroelectric run-of-river station on the Mississippi River in Almonte, Ontario. We have been involved in the burdensome and costly process of obtaining, implementing and monitoring Permits to Take Water. In our experience, it has added no demonstrable value to the project or the public. The proposed movement to a "one window" approach, through the provisions of the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act will maintain regulatory effectiveness and increase efficiency.

I encourage the province to move forward with this important burden reduction initiative as proposed.

Sincerely,

Scott Newton
General Manager
Mississippi River Power Corp.