EUGENIA FALLS & HYDRO STATION

Eugenia Falls, which is found in the village of Eugenia, can be reached from Flesherton by taking the Highway 4 turnoff.  It is marked on most road maps.  With a variety of things to do, see, and photograph it is an ideal location for an afternoon outing, day trip with the family, or hiking adventure with friends.  When you get to the town of Eugenia turn northwest on Pellisier St. and follow the signs.

When you arrive you will be advised to stay on the “safe” side of the stone wall, as the vertical cliffs are about 30 m high.  For better views follow one of the trails.  At the head of the western one there is a sign with information about the escarpment and Eugenia’s history. This trail takes you takes you along the edge of a forested gorge; when you come to a clearing in the woods look back to the falls for a brilliant view.

It was back in 1890 that William Hogg had the brilliant idea to harness the power of the Beaver River for electricity generation.  This small mill generated about 70 kw which serviced the hamlet of Flesherton, as well as the village of Eugenia.  In 1905 the Georgian Bay Power Company bought out William Hogg and rebuilt his small mill.  After plans for larger development fell through, the Hydro-Electric Power Commission purchased both the electric station, as well as surrounding land, and by 1915 a newly located generation station was built. 

This hydro electric station was officially opened on November 18, 1915 by Sir Adam Beck who was the Hydro-Electric Power Commission's first Chairman.  Most notably, the Eugenia station has the highest head of all hydraulic stations. 

In order to have greater control over water levels, land was flooded which in turn created Lake Eugenia.  Today the Eugenia Hydro Power Station produces 3500 kilowatts of electricity to help feed Ontario’s energy consumption.