Saskatoon hydro power station decision to wait until fall

Saskatoon city councillors have asked for more information before approving a partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council to build a hydro power station on the South Saskatchewan River. 

At a city committee meeting on Monday, Mayor Charlie Clark recommended the two parties meet to prepare a more detailed plan and a memorandum of understanding.

The mayor said he wanted more assurance that risks were managed before giving his approval to the project: "that we're not entering into something that could create a long-term financial risk to citizens and taxpayers in the city," he said.

"That the project will have a good return on investments over time, but also environmentally, that there aren't unknown environmental impacts or degradation that would happen from a project like this."  

Clark said there was no set timeline for receiving the information but it should be ready by the fall. 

The proposed $60-million station would generate enough electricity for 2,400 homes and could be completed as early as 2021. 

If the project was to go ahead, Clark said it would be the biggest partnership between the city and a First Nation. 

"[It] will help make a real statement of who we want to be as a city."

• New hydro power station proposed at weir in Saskatoon
• Pelicans, paddlers and hydro power: Saskatoon white water park plan resurfaces

STC Investments Inc. chairperson Darrell Balkwill said he was confident it was a "tremendous opportunity," although more details were needed.

"First Nations would benefit from training, jobs and educational possibilities," he said.

"Investment returns would help infrastructure and social programs in our member communities." 

Costs and profits

Administration said costs would be offset by revenue generated from the station and by funding from other levels of government.

The tribal council is interested in spending around $20 million on the project, or roughly one-third of the cost.

Clark added that the involvement of the tribal council helped to allay financial concerns raised last time the project was tabled in 2015.  

Studies conducted by the city in 2009 concluded the project would be profitable.

White water park proposal

The proposal also has the support of proponents who want to build a white water park in the same location. The park idea was part of the original hydro power proposal, tabled to council around 2007. 

The park idea will also be part of upcoming discussions between the city administration and the tribal council.

If approved, it would transform the weir into a paddler's paradise by building facilities for rafting, tubing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming.  

Clark said there will be numerous opportunities for the public to provide input as the process continues.