Saimaa canal project moves to tender after a century of planning

The tender process for a canal linking two parts of Lake Saimaa is due to begin in December, Yle reports. The municipality of Taipalsaari will start preliminary talks with potential contractors this week about the Kutila Canal project.

The canal, planned for the Rehula village area of Taipalsaari, would be about 400 metres long and connect the Suur-Saimaa and Pien-Saimaa water areas. Plans also include two pumping stations and dredging a boating route in Pien-Saimaa.

Project manager Tiina Holopainen said the project is primarily intended to improve the water system. The canal and pumping stations could be used to circulate cleaner, clearer water into Pien-Saimaa, with effects extending to other parts of Saimaa and surrounding municipalities. The municipality also expects the canal to increase boating and tourism in the southern part of the lake.

The canal has been under consideration for more than 100 years. A building permit was granted in August 2024, but appeals over possible environmental effects and construction costs led the Vaasa Administrative Court to make several changes, including to plans for placing excavated material and scheduling construction work. Holopainen said the project aims to minimise disruption during construction and take possible effects on boating into account.

Construction is estimated to cost 21.5 million euros. A state grant will cover 60 per cent, while Taipalsaari municipality and the city of Lappeenranta will each invest about 2.5 million euros. The project has also received funding from foundations.

A bridge over the canal is expected to be built first, followed by the canal itself. Holopainen said the project could be ready to move into the implementation phase in April or May. Boating through the canal could begin in summer 2029.