January 31, 2013 – SaskPower has selected Valard Construction, a Quanta Services company, to install transmission infrastructure for the Island Falls to Key Lake Transmission Line Project, where it will build about 300km of 230-kV transmission line in northern Saskatchewan.

The project scope includes foundation construction, installation of approximately 900 transmission towers, wire stringing and related project management.

“Growing economic development in northern Saskatchewan has created an increased need for power. SaskPower is investing in its electricity system to ensure it meets the power needs for our region, today and in the future,” said Robert Watson, president and CEO of SaskPower.

The route of the new transmission line will parallel an existing SaskPower transmission line, explained Quanta Services, in order to help minimize environmental impact. The project is expected to be complete in spring 2015.

“Valard enjoys a strong working relationship with SaskPower, and we are eager to leverage our knowledge of the region, experience and resources on another initiative to strengthen the region’s electric power infrastructure,” said Jim O’Neil, president and CEO of Quanta Services. “With the largest highly skilled and mobile power infrastructure workforce in Canada, we anticipate another safe and successful project.”

“Valard opened a corporate office in Saskatoon last year as part of our ongoing commitment to Saskatchewan,” added Adam Budzinski, president of Valard. “We look forward to constructing the Island Falls to Key Lake project and participating in the exciting growth of the province.”