To meet the growing need for power in northern Saskatchewan, SaskPower is planning to build a new 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line. The new line will run from the existing switching station at Island Falls Hydroelectric Station near Sandy Bay, and will extend north to connect to a planned switching station, to be built in the area of where Highway 914 crosses the Wheeler River.
The total length of this new line is 300 kilometres (km). It's expected to be in service by the end of 2014.
Public consultation and feedback
We hosted open house information sessions with communities along the northern section of the line in March and April 2012. Plans are underway for open houses in communities along the southern section.
We hold public open houses to make sure that everyone affected by the construction of this line is aware of our plans and has an opportunity to share their comments or concerns.
Open house schedule
Open houses are being planned for the communities of Southend, Sandy Bay, Pelican Narrows, Deschambault Lake, Sturgeon Landing and Amisk Lake. Dates, times and locations will be posted here when details are available.
Project need and benefits
Simply put, the existing power line is old, and won't be able to meet the growing power needs of northern Saskatchewan. The construction of this new line will also help improve electricity reliability in the northern part of the province.
What about the environment?
When constructing any new project, we always take advantage of opportunities to minimize environmental impacts. In this case, the new line will run alongside an existing power line, so we don't need to disturb much new land in the area.
We also:
- Comply with all regulatory requirements (municipal, provincial and federal);
- Use provincial guidelines for all transmission line routing;
- Consult with First Nations and Métis groups, landowners and other affected stakeholders to make sure they are aware of our plans and can express any concerns.
Project schedule
- June 2011: Environmental and archaeological studies
- June-August 2011: Meet with First Nations leaders
- January 2012: Existing tree and brush clearing starts
- March-May 2012: Public open houses
- September 2012: Begin construction of foundations
- June 2013: Begin construction of structures
- November 2014: Construction complete
- December 2014: New line in service
