Ontario Power Generation
THE NIPIGON RIVER SYSTEM
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The purpose of this website is to provide information on the Nipigon River System Water Management Plan renewal process. This website will be updated with new information as the process moves forward.
The Nipigon River System
The Nipigon River System is located at the northernmost point of Lake Superior and is the largest tributary to Lake Superior. The combined waters of the Ogoki Diversion and Lake Nipigon flow southward down the Nipigon River, through Lake Helen and discharge into the northwestern portion of Nipigon Bay on Lake Superior. Today, the people of Ontario rely on the Nipigon River System, as it is used to produce waterpower energy; supports a fishery, resource-based tourism facilities, and industrial base; as well as many recreational activities and cultural interests.
Water Power on the System
Hydroelectric power is a timeless renewable resource that fuelled Ontario’s economic growth in the first half of the twentieth century. Today, it remains one of the cleanest, most cost-effective and reliable means of generating electricity. The waters of the Nipigon River System have been used to produce electricity since 1924. Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) owns and operates three hydroelectric generating stations – Pine Portage, Cameron Falls, and Alexander, and two control structures – Waboose and Summit dams, on the Nipigon River System.
OPG shares the waterways with many other users. As a conscientious steward on the watershed, OPG strives to optimize the energy output of its facilities, while respecting the environment and the needs of others.
The Nipigon River System Water Management Plan
In 2005, a Water Management Plan (WMP) for the Nipigon River System was approved under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The WMP was developed through a formal process by OPG in conjunction with the MNR and in consultation with a public advisory committee called the Nipigon Watershed Advisory Committee (NWAC) and also, with public review.
The WMP identifies how OPG’s hydroelectric facilities on the Nipigon River System manage water levels and flows to balance environmental, social and economic objectives. For the purposes of the WMP, the Nipigon River System is considered to be the regulated lakes and rivers associated with the operation of the generating stations. These are the Ogoki Reservoir, the Ogoki River downstream of Waboose Dam to the outlet of Ogoki Lake, the Little Jackfish River, Lake Nipigon and the Nipigon River.
Since completion of the WMP in 2005, management of water levels and flows in the Nipigon River System has been in accordance with the WMP. The Nipigon Watershed Advisory Committee has continued their participation as the Standing Advisory Committee.
The WMP was intended to have a term of 10 years from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2015. Since 2005, four amendments have been made to the WMP. These have been administrative or minor amendments that were approved to improve the operation of the WMP.
A copy of the current WMP and the corresponding amendments are available for download on opg.com.
Renewal of the Nipigon River System Water Management Plan
The MNR and OPG have commenced the renewal of the Nipigon River System Water Management Plan. The renewal has been initiated in order to efficiently incorporate OPG’s proposal to develop approximately 100 megawatts of renewable hydroelectric power through the construction of two generating stations on the Little Jackfish River under the Little Jackfish River Project (LJF Project). The LJF Project is subject to provincial environmental assessment (EA) under the Class Environmental Assessment for Waterpower Projects (Class EA). OPG also anticipates that the LJF Project will be subject to the federal EA process under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Where possible, the requirements for the renewal of the WMP, including stakeholder consultation, will be specifically incorporated into the EA process for the LJF Project. Information about the Little Jackfish River Project can be obtained at littlejackfish.com.
Water Levels
Click below to view water level information for the Nipigon River.
River Management
Click below to view the Nipigon River Water Management Plan.