An idea was brought at the January 16th City Council meeting that would potentially strengthen the relationship between SaskPower and the City of Estevan, but would involve both sides to invest in each other for it to work. 

Kevin Sutter, Manager of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), brought up the idea of supplying treated wastewater to the Shand Power Station. Both parties would benefit through this acquisition because the City would supply the water for the plant's cooling process, while at the same time, strengthening our relationship with the Crown corporation.

"The engineering is more of developing a relationship at this point in time. There is no real design is being proposed for the funds that are being asked for. It is a development of a partnership between SaskPower and the City of Estevan to look at the wastewater coming out of the city as a resource for their power plant," expressed Sutter. 

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According to the report by Associated Engineering, the consultation company that brought these two parties together, a $14,000 initial cost would investigate what the regulations would be and the obstacles that can come with the project. Afterwards, once both parties find out what the cost is, then they reserve the right to accept or deny the cause. 

"Wastewater treatment tends to be an expensive capital to develop the facility and to treat the waste water," added Sutter.

He noted that if the city is going to grow, then we have to look at expanding the facilities, and this is a partnership that may help with expansions down the line. 

Although he can't speak for SaskPower, Sutter outlined some of the positives that they will receive, such as better quality effluent and cost reductions because the water is already treated. 

Overall, this is just a thought that is up in the air for now. To reiterate, no plans have been carried out as of now.