The selection of a site near Estevan for Saskatchewan’s first potential small modular reactor is being welcomed by the city, as it prepares for a transition away from coal-fired power generation. SaskPower have selected a site at the Rafferty Reservoir near Estevan for further study as the potential home for the province’s first small modular reactor (SMR) - something the city is already welcoming. “The best part is now that the site is chosen, site preparedness will probably begin next year, so there are still announcements coming up to what they’re actually going to build on that site,” said Estevan Mayor Tony Sernick. Electrical generation has helped drive the Estevan economy for decades. The coal fired power plants are scheduled to shut down by 2050, and will now be replaced by nuclear. “It was pretty clear through that process that Rafferty was the location, and that will give us an option in that location as well to consider large scale too,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Crown Investments. Estevan has assembled a committee to help the community prepare for the potential transition to nuclear power. “There’s been lots of discussion around what it looks like to be able to offer services to nuclear, and I think that we as a community are working towards bringing people in that are knowledgeable around that,” said Estevan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Becky Cassidy. One of the greatest needs will be housing, specifically during the construction phase. “We do need to do something about the housing situation. Back in 2018, we had 220 homes and condos for sale. Right now we have 36, which is very low,” said Estevan realtor Linda Mack. Estevan anticipates a seamless transition from coal fired electrical generation to nuclear, with the hope that it will allow the city to maintain it’s title as Saskatchewan’s energy capital.
