Due to an increase in industrial and urban demands for more electric power in Toronto and southwestern Ontario, the generating station, initially known as the Queenston-Chippawa Hydro-Electric Plant, opened in 1921 by Sir Adam Beck. It was the first true mega hydroelectric project and the largest hydroelectric power station of its kind in the world. In 1950, the station was renamed for Sir Adam Beck and by 1990, the station was designated as a National Historic Site.

Here is the Sir Adam Beck I generating station, as viewed from the American side on Nov. 4, 1925.