May 21, 2008

Construction to begin on natural gas service to the La Ronge Area

SaskEnergy is set to begin construction in early June on a pipeline that will result in the benefits of natural gas to several northern communities. More than 850 customers have committed to the project, which will result in energy savings of up to 40 per cent in the communities La Ronge, Air Ronge, Weyakwin, Ramsey Bay and the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

The project will extend SaskEnergy’s natural gas system north from Montreal Lake to the La Ronge Area. Final preparations are underway for crews to start distribution pipeline construction in the communities of Weyakwin and Ramsey Bay, while the high-pressure transmission pipeline construction will begin in the right-of-way adjacent to Highway #2, near Timber Cove.

“The Government of Saskatchewan believes the construction of this pipeline will create a foundation of personal and business expertise in Northern communities that will lead to other exciting economic developments in energy and related industries,” said Darryl Hickie, MLA for Prince Albert Carlton, on behalf of Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Crown Corporations. “The long-term benefits through safe, reliable natural gas service to homes, businesses, institutions and community facilities will mean hundreds of thousands of dollars will stay in the communities to improve quality of life for all Northern residents”

SaskEnergy crews will begin installing polyethylene plastic pipe in the communities of Weyakwin and Ramsey Bay, while Timberline Industries of Pierceland, will begin work on the steel transmission pipe along Highway #2, north of Timber Cove. All steel pipeline work will occur within the right-of-way of Highway #2.

The first loads of more than 40,000 metres of polyethylene distribution pipe began arriving in the area today from the manufacturer, KWH Pipe of Saskatoon. In addition, 147 kilometres of highpressure steel pipe will begin arriving in the area within the next few weeks.

The construction plan will allow natural gas to flow to the communities of Weyakwin and Ramsey Bay by this fall, with the remaining communities receiving gas service from mid-winter to spring 2009, due to winter construction required along portions of the pipeline right-of-way located near muskeg.

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