Report says Saskatoon weir feasible for hydropower

A report to council from the city's environment committee is backing the idea of using the weir in the South Saskatchewan River to produce electricity.

The report pulledtogether the findings of third-party studies and then evaluates the options. It said the most realistic scenario would involve raising the weir by a little more than a metre.

That would cost $50 million, give a return of up to $5million a year and keep the lights on in more than 3,000 homes.

The reportsaid private groups are interested in partnering with the city to offset the capital cost.

The committee wants to take a closer look at development options, including environmentalimplications, and then get back to council with its findings.