Slave Falls Generating Station is located on the Winnipeg River, approximately 160 km northeast of Winnipeg by road, then 10 kilometres 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".
Access to the Slave Falls GS is via an 11 kilometre 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 detailed information, see the Environmental Act Proposal Form and Notification Document.
