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- The city-backed solar project would generate 250 MW across three sites and cost $470 million.
- PUC Services Inc. and Axium Infrastructure are leading the project, with PUC retaining at least 10% equity.
- Environmental assessments and community consultations are planned before construction begins in 2027.
Sault Ste. Marie is moving forward with a massive investment, as city council unanimously endorsed proposals for over $1 billion in renewable power projects during its regular meeting this week.
The support includes a $470-million plan to construct three large-scale solar farms and a separate $580-million wind farm just north of the city.
Backed by PUC Services Inc. (the city-owned utility) and Axium Infrastructure, the proposed solar projects would add 250 megawatts (MW) to the grid and unlock new revenue streams for the municipality.
The solar installations are slated for the Leigh’s Bay, Carpin Beach, and Sault Airport areas, covering nearly 1,200 acres of rural-zoned land. If approved by Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the projects would begin construction in 2027 and begin generating power by 2029.
Local Benefits
For PUC President and CEO Rob Brewer, the case for city-supported solar is as much economic as it is environmental. “There’s roughly about a million dollars a year that would come back to the city from that equity return,” Brewer told council. “There’s about a half million in estimated property tax revenue as well.”
PUC is expected to retain at least 10% equity in the projects, giving the city a direct financial stake. With the solar farms publicly owned and locally operated, the model offers a rare alignment of climate action and municipal revenue generation.
The initiative also addresses a long-standing infrastructure challenge: a shortage of electricity capacity in the city’s west end. As Sault Ste. Marie pursues economic revitalization—including potential redevelopment of the Port of Algoma—adding clean, locally generated power is seen as essential.
Addressing Concerns
While council was broadly supportive, several residents raised concerns about the environmental impact of clearing land for solar. The project proponents acknowledged these issues and emphasized that detailed environmental assessments will precede any construction.
Permitting will involve species-at-risk evaluations, water and soil studies, and heritage assessments. According to PUC, a multi-year consultation process with the public, municipalities, and Indigenous communities is also planned.
Energy Future
As Ontario confronts rising power demand from electrification and economic growth, cities like Sault Ste. Marie are emerging as key players in the province’s renewable strategy. Local generation not only helps ease grid congestion but also ensures that more of the economic upside stays within the community.
If approved, the Sault solar projects could become a model for other mid-sized Canadian cities—showing how smart partnerships and municipal leadership can bring clean energy home.
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