Construction on the Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm is set to begin this week.
Saskatoon Light & Power is excited that work on this first-of-its kind project in Saskatoon will finally be underway. The project will enhance the municipality's renewable energy infrastructure with a 2.8-Megawatt solar facility.
"The solar farm will support the City's Low Emissions Community Plan and will make good use of a vacant parcel of land," says Trevor Bell, Director of Saskatoon Light & Power. "The generation capacity is enough to power over 400 homes - which is a neighbourhood the size of Richmond Heights or the Willows."
The solar farm will be built on approximately 6 hectares (14 acres) of land between the CN railway tracks and the Circle Drive South freeway, east of Dundonald Avenue and south of 11th Street West.
This solar farm will contribute to reducing electricity emissions by approximately 19,380 tonnes of carbon dioxide over its 30-year lifetime, marking a significant step toward a greener Saskatoon. This is the equivalent of removing about 140 cars from the road every year.
The initial phase of work will involve installing gates, fencing and other security enhancements, followed by the integration of solar panels and electrical components. To enhance biodiversity and add visual appeal, the site will feature native grasses and flowers with vines planted along the existing northwest chain-link fence.
Routine inspections will be conducted to maintain site cleanliness and minimize disruptions for the neighbouring communities. Construction will not impact traffic flow; however, temporary noise and vibration may result from the equipment used during the process.
For safety, residents are asked to avoid entering the work zone and respect construction barriers.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The naturalization of the site is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Natural Infrastructure Fund.
Visit saskatoon.ca/SolarFarm to view the sitemap renderings and additional information.
