Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm online: City boosts local energy generation
Saskatoon Light & Power (SL&P) today officially opened the Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm, a 2.8-megawatt clean energy project. The Director of SL&P says the move represents a significant step toward achieving the City’s long-term climate commitments and its goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
“Today marks an important milestone for our city as we celebrate the grand opening of the Dundonald Solar Farm,” says Mayor Cynthia Block. “This project is a powerful symbol of our commitment to clean energy, forward-thinking innovation, and meaningful collaboration. By harnessing renewable energy, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also strengthening our energy security and resilience. Projects such as these help ensure a reliable energy supply for our community while supporting the transition to a lower-carbon economy.”
“We are proud to be part of a growing movement toward cleaner, more sustainable communities, and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners to advance innovative solutions that benefit residents now and for generations to come.”
Located on approximately 5.7 hectares (14 acres) of previously undeveloped land between the CN railway tracks and Circle Drive South—east of Dundonald Avenue and south of 11th Street West—the Solar Farm marks the fourth powerhouse built by the City over its rich 120-year history, and the second major clean energy project undertaken by the City in recent years, following the successful Landfill Gas Power Generation Facility.
The Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm will generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 400 homes, roughly equivalent to a neighbourhood the size of the Willows or Richmond Heights. Over its 30‑year lifespan, the project is expected to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 23,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent—the same as removing more than 160 cars from Saskatoon’s roads every year.
“The opening of the Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm is a major achievement for our community,” Trevor Bell says. “By adding local solar power to the Saskatoon Light & Power distribution system, we’re reducing emissions, strengthening our energy resilience, and creating long-term value for residents. It’s a milestone we’re proud of, and one that will deliver benefits for decades.”
A Strategic Investment in Saskatoon’s Energy Future
The total project cost is approximately $7.3 million, with just under $2.6 million in funding provided by federal and provincial partners through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Thanks to this support, the Solar Farm is projected to pay for itself in about 15 years through reduced electricity purchases from SaskPower.
“As Saskatchewan continues to grow, our energy needs are growing with it, and that creates a real opportunity for communities like Saskatoon to lead,” said the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development. “The Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm will add more clean power to the local grid and support sustainable growth in the Saskatoon area. We’re proud to work with the Government of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon on projects like these that strengthen communities today and position them for the economy of tomorrow.”
The solar installation feeds directly into the SL&P electrical distribution system, contributing clean, locally generated electricity to Saskatoon’s power grid while supporting provincial efforts to transition to a carbon neutral electricity system by 2050.
“The Government of Saskatchewan joins residents and city officials in celebrating this important milestone as it comes online,” said the Honourable Eric Schmalz, Minister of Government Relations. “Strategic investment in infrastructure strengthens Saskatchewan’s energy future, advancing Saskatchewan’s all‑of‑the‑above approach to energy security.”
Advancing the Low Emissions Community Plan
The Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm is a key initiative under Saskatoon’s Low Emissions Community Plan, which outlines the City’s pathway to net-zero emissions. As Saskatoon currently relies heavily on nonrenewable, carbon-intensive electricity sources such as coal and natural gas, local renewable generation is essential to reducing emissions and improving long-term energy security.
About the Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm
Size: 2.8 MW
Location: East of Dundonald Avenue, south of 11th Street West
Land area: ~6 hectares (14 acres)
Lifetime emissions reduction: ~23,000 tonnes CO₂e
Equivalent impact: Powers 400+ homes; removes 160+ cars from the road annually
Project cost: ~$7.3 million
External funding: ~$2.57 million (federal and provincial - ICIP)
Payback period: ~15 years
For more information visit saskatoon.ca/SolarFarm.