Island Falls to Key Lake
230kV Transmission Line Project
To meet the growing need for electricity in northern Saskatchewan, SaskPower is planning to
construct a new major power line. The new line will run from the switching station at Island Falls
Hydroelectric Station near Sandy Bay and connect to a new switching station, which we plan to
build near where Highway 914 crosses the Wheeler River. The total length of this new line is
about 300 kilometres. Construction should be complete by the end of 2014.
Typical Saskatchewan northern boreal forest
saskpower.com
Island Falls to Key Lake Transmission Line Route
Did you know?
At the time it was constructed, SaskPower’s line from Island Falls to
Points North was the longest single circuit power line in the world!
Why do we need this new line?
The power line that currently serves this area was
built in the early 1990s. Simply put, it’s old and it
won’t be able to meet the area’s increased need
for electricity. The new line will also help to improve
electricity reliability in northern Saskatchewan.
What about the environment?
At SaskPower we always do everything we can to
protect our shared environment. This is especially
important when we build new projects. We comply
with all Federal and Provincial regulations and use
the provincial guidelines for transmission line routing
and construction.
In this case, the new line will run alongside an existing
power line, so that we don’t need to disturb much
new land in the area.
We’ve hired independent companies to conduct
thorough environmental field studies to make sure
that we minimize any impact on our air, land and
water. Archaeological studies are also conducted to
make sure the line doesn’t encroach on any heritage
sites, and we take care to minimize our impact on
traditional land use such as trap lines.
We also talk with people in the area to let them know
what’s going on. The public always has an opportunity
to provide their input on our plans.
Will there be opportunities for local
communities to participate?
SaskPower uses local vendors and suppliers to help
us with our projects wherever and whenever possible.
Local economic opportunities will be available during
many phases of this project.
What will this power line look like when it’s finished?
N
*Structure may change pending final engineering design.
ARTIST RENDERING
A Bald Eagle surveys the area from high atop one of
the many Jack Pine trees along the I1K right of way.
For more information contact:
Project schedule – Phase 1
Environmental and
archaelogical studies
Spring - Summer 2011
Meet with First Nations
and Community Leaders
Spring - December 2011
Community open houses
March - April 2012
Tree and brush clearing
December 2011
Begin construction of foundations
November 2012
Begin construction of structures
June 2013
Construction complete
December 2014
New line in service
March 2015
7488/Mar12
saskpower.com
Bill Orpen, I1K Project Manager
Transmission Services, SaskPower
306.566.3762
borpen@saskpower.com