Slave Falls Generating Station
- Construction started 1928;
- Construction completed 1948;
- Cost $8.3 million;
- In 1970, $743 thousand was spent to automate the Slave Falls plant, allowing it to be operated by remote control from the Pointe du Bois control room;
- Capacity 67 MW;
- Average annual generation 499 million kWh;
- Waterfall drop 9.75 m;
- Powerhouse:
- Length 180 m.
- Eight turbine generators (vertical propeller type);
- First unit in service 1931;
- Transmission lines:
- Two 138-kV lines run from Slave Falls to Scotland Avenue.
| The Winnipeg River - Slave Falls | Running time (2:40) |
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Watch a short video on the history and development of this generating station. |
Slave Falls Generating Station is located on the Winnipeg River, approximately 160 kilometres (km) northeast of Winnipeg by road, then 10 km down river from Pointe du Bois. The station is only accessible by rail, from Pointe du Bois. The Pointe du Bois Generating Station was built by City Hydro, later known as Winnipeg Hydro, and acquired by Manitoba Hydro in 2002.
The name Slave Falls was derived from an Indian legend, in which an Indian maiden, in her attempt to escape the warrior who enslaved her, paddled her frail canoe over the falls, to death – and freedom. Those powerful falls and the natural island, which divides the river at Slave, made it ideal for a power plant. By using the island's granite base as a foundation, the builders saved huge sums of money, earning it the nickname "Million Dollar Island".
Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project
Access to the Slave Falls GS is via an 11 km private tramway (rail line) running from Pointe du Bois. Plans are underway for the tramway to be converted to a private, all-weather road to enhance access, operational efficiencies and safety.
An environmental assessment is being undertaken for this project.
For more information, email Public Affairs.
