Power Generation in Port Hope, ON
Photo #MPH10-8-1-3590
The history of electric power in Port Hope begins in March 1885 when James Walker Quinlan made several presentations to council. After this, the first “power plant” was developed in W.J. Wallace’s machine shop. Lights were set up downtown and were powered, by an engine, with steam from the shop’s boiler. By April 1885, a number of stores and hotels were lighted by electric lamps.
While it may seem that the road to electricity in Port Hope was a smooth one, there were some bumps along the way. In October of 1885, a vote at council was held to allow for the growth of electricity in town. It was passed by a narrow margin, with 36 for and 23 against.
This vote paved the way for the creation of the Port Hope Electric Light and Power Company (PHELPC), along with smaller contracts between the town and Seymour Power Co. and Central Ontario Power Co. Ltd. After permission was granted by council to expand the electrical grid in Port Hope, the PHELPC plant was moved to Beamish’s Mill.
The move could not accommodate the rapidly growing power needs of the downtown area for long, and PHELPC was yet again relocated at the end of the 19th century. Dr. Robert A. Corbett (of 86 John Street) purchased the former Molson’s Mill property, where a much larger dam could be constructed. More “bumps” plagued this new dam, which was twice washed away by floods, and was part of a massive fire in May 1908 causing $20,000 worth of damage.
In 1911, Port Hope Electric Light and Power Co. was sold out to Seymour Power Co., and Thomas Tuer (an employee of Dr. Corbett’s) was appointed local manager. Most of the employees, and the company’s name, were retained throughout this period. This includes the second area manager, Vincent B. Coleman, who was appointed in 1912.
By 1916 the new Hydro-Electric Power Commission moved to 59 Walton Street and set up a new schedule of rates for the growing number of Port Hopers who had, by the time of World War I, embraced electric power.
*Information from History of the "Port Hope Hydro-Electric Commission" by Miss Lulu Clarissa Beatty, c. 1968.
While it may seem that the road to electricity in Port Hope was a smooth one, there were some bumps along the way. In October of 1885, a vote at council was held to allow for the growth of electricity in town. It was passed by a narrow margin, with 36 for and 23 against.
This vote paved the way for the creation of the Port Hope Electric Light and Power Company (PHELPC), along with smaller contracts between the town and Seymour Power Co. and Central Ontario Power Co. Ltd. After permission was granted by council to expand the electrical grid in Port Hope, the PHELPC plant was moved to Beamish’s Mill.
The move could not accommodate the rapidly growing power needs of the downtown area for long, and PHELPC was yet again relocated at the end of the 19th century. Dr. Robert A. Corbett (of 86 John Street) purchased the former Molson’s Mill property, where a much larger dam could be constructed. More “bumps” plagued this new dam, which was twice washed away by floods, and was part of a massive fire in May 1908 causing $20,000 worth of damage.
In 1911, Port Hope Electric Light and Power Co. was sold out to Seymour Power Co., and Thomas Tuer (an employee of Dr. Corbett’s) was appointed local manager. Most of the employees, and the company’s name, were retained throughout this period. This includes the second area manager, Vincent B. Coleman, who was appointed in 1912.
By 1916 the new Hydro-Electric Power Commission moved to 59 Walton Street and set up a new schedule of rates for the growing number of Port Hopers who had, by the time of World War I, embraced electric power.
*Information from History of the "Port Hope Hydro-Electric Commission" by Miss Lulu Clarissa Beatty, c. 1968.
Dr. R.A. Corbett, c. 1900 (#994-7-1-50)
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Vincent Booth Coleman, c. 1915 (#994-7-1-48)
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Important names in Port Hope Hydro history:
- W.J. Wallace
- James Walker Quinlan
- Mayor H.A. Ward
- F.M. Beamish
- Dr. Robert A. Corbett
- W.J. Wallace
- James Walker Quinlan
- Mayor H.A. Ward
- F.M. Beamish
- Dr. Robert A. Corbett
Port Hope Electric Light and Power Co. Ltd. Instruction Order, 1912 (#2010.32.1)
Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario Bill Blank (#2010.32.1)
Port Hope Electric Light and Power Co. Ltd. Bill for Roland Johnson (incorrect on bill), 1915. For his business located at 54 Walton Street (#2011.39.1).
