Nestled approximately 45 km from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the La Colle Falls Hydroelectric Dam stands today as a haunting relic of ambition and overreach. Originally launched in 1909 to provide affordable electricity and transform Prince Albert into a bustling industrial hub the project was abruptly abandoned in 1913 due to soaring costs, technical challenges, and the city’s risk of bankruptcy.
Construction went barely one-third across the North Saskatchewan River before hitting a wall. What remained is a partially completed dam structure accented by a lonely lock, now slowly retreating to nature and graffiti. The cost was staggering—nearly $3 million at the time (roughly $62 million today), with Prince Albert shouldering the debt and paying it off only by 1966, decades later.
Local interest in preserving this unusual and poignant site is growing. In 2020, City Council directed administrators to collaborate with the Prince Albert Historical Society on potential heritage or recreation development. Nearby municipalities have also pursued creating a day-use park with trails and public access to the river—though land ownership and liability remain sticking points.
Visitors today report a surreal experience exploring the dam, reached via rugged road and a short hike. The structure is half-buried and half-standing.
The La Colle Falls Dam isn’t just ruins—it’s a powerful reminder of early 20th-century dreams, the fragility of municipal finances, and the complexities of industrial development in frontier cities. Whether you're into local history, industrial archaeology, or hidden roadside landmarks, this unfinished dam offers a living snapshot of a pivotal chapter in Saskatchewan's heritage.
