The Ruins at
La Colle Falls - At the turn of the 20th century, the City of Prince Albert
undertook an ambitious project to generate hydroelectric energy on the North
Saskatchewan River by erecting a large turbine dam. Due to some logistical and
engineering problems, the project was abandoned in 1914 only five years after
construction first began. The city of Prince Albert nearly went bankrupt trying
to pay off the $3 million white elephant. It would take half a century to pay
off the debt. Today, all that remains of the massive construction project is
a concrete labyrinth on the banks of the river east of Prince Albert. Travel
to the site is not advised as the road is not maintained. Those choosing to
proceed to the site do so at their own risk. |