Mactaquac residents express worries about dam project

A series of public meetings about the decision NB Power is facing about the MactaquacGenerating Station began Tuesday, with most residents in the immediate area expressing theirconcernsabout the prospect of the dam being removed.

• NB Power's Mactaquac project creates many social impacts

NB Power must decide whether to rebuild, replace or remove the dam before 2030, at which time it is expected to reach the end of its life because of the facility's deteriorating condition.

Bob McPherson of Mactaquac Heights has a water view of the headpond andattended the open house. Hetold CBC he was not in favour of the dam being removed.

"Of course, I have a great interest because the decision that people are going to make affects everyone in the St. John River Valley, particularly those who have waterfront property," he said. "I don't have waterfront property, but I look at it.

The project is expected to cost anywhere from $2 billion to $5 billion.

"Remember that I'm an old man and I'm going to be dead before people have to refurbish this," said McPherson. "I would think to refurbish the existing power plant and keep it running as long as possible makes the most sense to me, but that's because I'm not going to be here."

Gary Sharp attended the meeting to show his support for repowering Mactaquac.

"There would be no reason for us to get rid of it. We have an incredible environmentthat's been created by the dam, with Mactaquac Park, Kings Landing, recreation on the headpond," said Steel.

"We like our environment just the way it is."

Alexander Brewer of French Village Road attended the meeting as his home could be expropriated if the choice is made to rebuild and repower the dam.

"I don't know what they're going to do, I guess that's what it really boils down to," said Brewer, whose wife is in her 80s with Alzheimers disease.

"We're just guessing at this point. We may have to move, and at this point it's not pretty."

There are also potential social and environmental impacts, depending on which option is chosen.

The potential social impacts are laid out in a report by Dillon Consulting.

The potential environmental impacts are contained in a consultant's report from Stantec.

The reports have been made available by NB Power in advance of the public open houses this month, where people will be given the chance to learn more about the options or tell NB Power officials their thoughts.

The meeting schedule is:

• Oct. 13, 3 p.m. to8 p.m.: Riverside Resort, 35 Mactaquac Road, French Village
• Oct. 15, 3 p.m.to8 p.m.: Nackawic Lions Club Community Centre
• Oct. 20, 3 p.m.to8 p.m.: Delta Fredericton
• Oct. 21, 12 p.m. to3 p.m.: St. Thomas University, foyer of Kinsella Auditorium
• Oct. 22, 3 p.m. to8 p.m.: Best Western Plus, Woodstock