Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SASKTODAY.ca
SaskPower is building a new $10 million maintenance outpost building in Nipawin.
Construction began in April 2023. SaskPower spokesperson Ray Lagimodiere said the anticipated completion date will be in April 2024.
The maintenance outpost will replace and combine three SaskPower facilities within the Town of Nipawin.
The old facilities no longer meet SaskPower’s operating or business needs in terms of size, functionality, security, and condition. The goal is to centralize the three existing facilities into one outpost to maximize operational and maintenance efficiencies and to provide safe, efficient working spaces,said Lagimodiere.
The facility has the potential to improve operations and reliability of service in the area, as the space will provide improved storage/maintenance of SaskPower materials and equipment. There is also an expected benefit to local businesses in the area like hotels, accommodations, restaurants, fuel, and so on during construction due to an influx of construction crews.
The facility is designed with infrastructure to accommodate future installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
There will be 26 SaskPower employees stationed in this facility, with additional office space to accommodate future growth. As work in the area fluctuates, there may be more people working out of this facility as well.
The building will be equipped with solar panels to help power the building. Any additional power generated will be fed back into the SaskPower grid. The solar generating system will have the ability to be fitted with a battery storage system at a future date as well. The project is estimated to have approximately 12 per cent Indigenous labour during the construction phase, said Lagimodiere.
