Slave Falls generating station is on the Winnipeg River about 35 km east of Lac du Bonnet.
Enlarge image: Aerial view of the Slave Falls generating station in summer.
Slave Falls generating station has served Manitoba with renewable, reliable hydroelectricity for over 90 years thanks to a long history of proactive maintenance.
We are planning new work to address deteriorating concrete in some of the dam’s structures.
Nearly a century of water flow, ice, and freezing and thawing has worn on the dam’s concrete over time. In 2018, the concrete in one of the station’s sluiceway piers was found to be in poor condition. Over the 2018–19 winter season, we lowered the water level by 1 metre (3 feet) to allow for the necessary repairs.
In 2020, we continued our assessment of the concrete structures at Slave Falls. We are now taking time to develop a work plan based on those results, while also considering potential safety, environmental, social, and economic impacts under different scenarios.
The design for the structural rehabilitation of the 7-bay sluiceway was completed and sent out for tender in spring 2024. As part of this design, water levels are not expected to be lowered to complete this repair work that is scheduled between 2024-2026. We continue to evaluate construction alternatives for the remaining structures which will commence after the 7-bay Sluiceway Project is complete.
We do not plan to lower water levels to execute this work at this time.
Slave Falls 7-Bay Sluiceway Concrete Restoration Project
In winter 2023, construction commenced on the project to restore the 7-Bay sluiceway by repairing concrete along the rollways, piers and walkways.
The project aims to stabilize, reinforce, and strengthen the overall structure to allow for its continued safe operation until at least 2040.
Schedule
The project will be completed in 4 phases and should be finished in winter of 2027.
Phase 1: Site access works for the 7-Bay Sluiceway (2023-24):
- rock production in local quarry for construction use (no planned blasting);
- construction of private boat launches for Manitoba Hydro use (immediately upstream and downstream of Slave Falls Generating Station);
- construction of work pad and rock access berm;
- tower crane foundation and tower crane installation.
Phases 2-4: 7-Bay Sluiceway Structural Rehabilitation (2024-27):
- bridge seat repairs;
- downstream concrete extensions to piers 2-6installation of steel confinement plates on the piers;
- concrete and grouting repairs on the structure including piers, rollways and walkway.
There are no water level drops or planned power outages due to this work.
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Contact us
For more information about upcoming work at Slave Falls, contact:
- Email Waterway Community Engagement.
- Phone 204-360-4235 in Winnipeg.