Hydroelectricity
Rivers and natural waterways are symbolic of not only Canada’s physical landscape but also cultural one. They tell the grand narrative of nation-building and collective identity, which, as a result, helped to fundamentally shape our country’s political, economic, and social development. Before colonization, the Niagara River was an important crossroads while the Niagara Falls was a predominant spiritual and physical resource for First Peoples and their lifeways beginning around 9,000 BCE. Before the advent of major hydroelectric generation in Canada, natural waterways and tributaries were used to power Niagara’s first industries. As time passed and technological advances in water power developed, Niagara became one of Canada’s leaders in the generation of hydroelectric power. Hydroelectricity comes from the energy produced by falling or moving water, which turns blades or turbines connected to generators that convert this energy into electricity. This process will soon become synonymous with Niagara’s economic, political, and social development.
Below are the full working papers on the history of hydroelectric power in Niagara to the present day, vignettes highlighting specific stories within this theme, and summary videos to cap things off. Click on each to read, view or download the full work.
Vignettes
During the research process, the team came upon short, revealing stories within the themes that merit some extra attention. Niagara's history is so rich, it was difficult to delve into just a few. These vignettes add to the depth of this project.
This story relates the experiences of the people who made the massive hydroelectric plans a reality - the largely forgotten construction workers.
Videos
These summary videos provide these important stories in a brief and illustrated format. We hope you enjoy them.