Hydro Ottawa's historic Generating Station open to the public

OTTAWA, June 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Energy Ottawa, a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa is providing a rare glimpse inside one of Canada's oldest operating run-of-the-river hydroelectric generating stations this weekend, June 1 and 2, as part of Doors Open Ottawa.

Chaudière Falls Generating Station No. 2 at eight megawatts was built in 1891 by industrialist E.H. Bronson and was originally owned and operated by the Ottawa Electric Company. In 2001, it was completely rebuilt and fully automated, while ensuring that all elements of the station at this heritage-designated building remained preserved; looking as it did 100 years ago.

Doors Open Ottawa is brought to the community by the City of Ottawa and gives visitors the chance to explore some of the city's most prestigious buildings and facilities, some of which are rarely accessible to the public.

"This site has great historical importance to Ottawa in fuelling the industrial expansion of the Capital in the late 1880's" said Bryce Conrad, President and CEO, Hydro Ottawa. "Last year, over 1100 visitors toured the station and discovered how hydroelectricity was produced in the past and still is today."

Media and public are invited to tour this unique heritage site in the heart of the Capital:

When: Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: Mill Street, Amelia Island Directions: Take Booth Street north, turn right at the NCC Victoria Island sign just north of the War Museum and follow Hydro Ottawa signs.

About Hydro Ottawa

Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. (Hydro Ottawa) owns and operates two subsidiary companies, Hydro Ottawa Limited and Energy Ottawa Inc.  Hydro Ottawa Limited is the third largest municipally owned electrical utility in Ontario serving more than 310,000 customers in the City of Ottawa and the Village of Casselman. Energy Ottawa Inc., Ottawa's largest producer of green power, generates renewable energy and provides commercial energy management services.

SOURCE: Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc.

Claudia Lemieux
Manager, Public Affairs
Hydro Ottawa
613-738-5499 ext. 7684
[email protected]