During the past fifty years, Canadians have seen many of their white-water rivers dammed or diverted to generate electricity primarily for industry and export. The rush to build dams increased utility debts, produced adverse consequences for the environment and local communities, and ultimately resulted in the layoff of 25,000 employees. White Gold looks at what went wrong with hydro development, with the predicted industrial transformation, with the timing and magnitude of projects, and with national and regional initiatives to link these major projects to a trans-Canada power grid.

Karl Froschauer's profile page

Karl Froschauer teaches in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Simon Fraser University.

Froschauer has produced a very succinct and insightful book on Canadian hydro-electricity development. His critical stance on many of the issues and repercussions of mega-project development is properly researched and well presented. The book also contains useful appendixes and a comprehensive bibliography.

CBRA 5043

A detailed look at the electric power systems in Canada.

Choice

A much needed historical account of hydroelectric development in Canada ... an extremely useful and timely book. It is very well researched, the argument is focused, and the writing style is accessible ... an excellent reference for those seeking background on contemporary utility restructuring and de(re)-regulation in Canada.

Canadian Geographer