The Niagara River is the greatest source of hydroelectric power. It is home to several hydro-power plants. Two of the more famous hydro-dams on the Canadian side are the Sir Adam Beck I and II. They were named, of course, after Sir Adam Beck, the first head of the Hydro-Electric Power Commission. They produce over 2 million kW of power. Because of the plants, during the East Coast Blackout in the summer of 2003, Niagara Falls and area still had power.
There are 14m (45 ft) diameter tunnels that run under the city of Niagara Falls that divert 68 Million l. of water a minute from the Falls, to the power stations. Niagara Falls used to erode at a rate of 1m (3ft) every 10 years. Because the water is diverted before it goes over the Falls, the erosion has slowed to 30 cm (12in) every 10 years. This diversion of water is also the cause of the “Whirlpool Reversal.”
We stop at the Sir Adam Beck hydro- dams for a picture stop on each of our tours, Toronto to Niagara Tours, and Fall for Niagara. You can find out more about our Niagara Falls Sightseeing tours here.
