Finnish court approves construction of canal linking two major Saimaa lakes

A Finnish administrative court has rejected appeals against the environmental permit for the Kutila Canal, clearing the way for construction of the 400-metre waterway connecting Pieni-Saimaa and Suur-Saimaa in South Karelia.

The Vaasa Administrative Court dismissed six separate complaints filed against the canal’s environmental permit, though it imposed stricter conditions on dredging and excess soil disposal. The original permit, granted by the Regional State Administrative Agency for Southern Finland in August 2024, remains otherwise unchanged.

Concerns raised in the appeals included the project’s impact on fish and bird populations, its €21.5 million cost to taxpayers, and increased boat traffic disrupting local residents. Opponents also argued the canal would violate EU habitat restoration rules and bring limited benefits for recreational boating.

The court tightened restrictions on soil handling, banning fine-grained or peat-rich sediment from being stored in groundwater areas. Excavated material must now be secured in writing with landowners and prevented from leaching into waterways or neighbouring properties. Construction timing must also minimise disruption to bird nesting and fish spawning, with underwater excavation required for the canal’s land bridge.

Taipalsaari municipality, which will own the canal and its pumping stations, has called the project a priority to boost local water traffic and tourism. Preliminary estimates suggest completion by late 2028, with major work focused on the canal, a crossing bridge in Rehula, and pumping systems to circulate water between the lakes.