Constructed between 1958 and 1967, Gardiner Dam remains one of the largest earthfill dams in the world. Participants on this tour would get an in-depth tour including an opportunity to go underneath the dam and look at the spillway.
The 64-metre tall, 5,000-metre long dam along with the Qu’Appelle River Dam opened in 1967, as part of Canada's Centennial celebrations. Both dams created what we know as Lake Diefenbaker, a 225 kilometre long reservoir. In today’s dollars, the dam would cost more than $1 billon to build. More than 60 per cent of the province’s population depends on the South Saskatchewan River and Lake Diefenbaker for their water supply. Gardiner Dam is a multi-use structure that supports renewable energy that helps reduce SaskPower’s greenhouse gas emissions, irrigation, recreation, municipal and industrial use, as well as flood control. The dam also feeds the Coteau Creek Hydroelectric Station. Launched in 1969, SaskPower’s Coteau Creek provides up to 186 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power more than 100,000 homes every year. The station, and hydro power in general, are contributing to SaskPower’s goal to reach 50 per cent renewable power generation by 2030. Participants would also visit SaskPower's hydro generating station.
Closed toe shoes required. Hard hats and protective gear will be provided.
Wednesday July 24, 2019 2:15pm - 2:30pm PDT
Offsite
