The city government is proposing planning money for next year's budget to the Vuoksi channel

The city government of Imatra started processing next year's budget with vitality projects today, Monday 7.9 September. We started with quite big openings.

CEO of Mitra Lassi Nurmi presented the preliminary plan of the canal connecting Vuoksi and Saimaa. It was prepared by FCG Suunnittelu ja teknikki Oy on behalf of the South Karelia recreation area foundation.

Based on the previous preliminary study and the subsequent preliminary plan, planning money of 200 euros for the general planning of the canal project is presented in next year's budget. The city council will make the final decision on the planning money.

Making a general plan does not mean that the canal will be built. Construction still requires various surveys, negotiations, and decision and permit processes.

─ This project is a vitality investment with which would boldly look to the future again. Tämä the card should be sorted out properly if we really want to support the region's vitality, employment and increase our income base. The multiplier effects of the investment on the area would be significant, mayor Kai Roslakka says.

About 13 meters wide

In the preliminary study, the canal has been sketched on the west side of the Tainionkoski power plant, i.e. practically on the land area located between Vuoksi and Tainionkoskentie.

The canal area would also extend to the area between Liippilahdentie and Vuoksi on the section north of Tornansilla (upper canal).

The channel would be about 13 meters wide. Two bridges should be built in the canal, the underpass height of which would be at least 2,6 meters according to the guidelines of the Norwegian Railways Agency.

The height difference of the water levels at the Tainionkoski power plant is currently about 8,5 meters.

─ In the preliminary plan it is stated self-serviceäoverallöthe construction and käoverallöto its costs approxähden, Nurmi states.

The preliminary plan shows a beach on the west side of the canal. Parking spots for motorhomes and caravans have also been shown near the swimming beach.

Requires a broad master plan

The preliminary cost estimate of the project is approximately 13,9 million euros. Government grants would be applied for the project.

If the council gives its support to the plan, a separate plan dealing with tourism-related conceptualization and impact assessment must be made in the further investigation and the preparation of the master plan.

The project requires an official boat channel and permit according to the Water Act. Only after the permit in accordance with the Water Act has been granted can the structural planning of the canal project be started.

Fortum and Stora Enso aware

Preliminary discussions about the channel have been held with Fortum and Stora Enso. Fortum had nothing to comment on the technical implementation at this stage, as official negotiations have not yet started.

However, the company emphasizes the effects of Vuoksi's flow. The fluctuating flow conditions of the river may limit the use of the channel and affect boating safety. Therefore, flow modeling must be done in the area.

Stora Enso does not allow water traffic under its raw water pipe, i.e. the so-called bonna pipe. However, it would be possible to move this pipe to the factory area.

The council was informed about the channel's preliminary plan and the planning money at an event organized after Monday's meeting of the city board. The first reading of the budget continues tomorrow, Tuesday the 8th.

For more information:
The chairman of the city board, Anna Helminen, p. 020, give. pearlimatra.fi (anna[dot]helminen[at]imatra[dot]fi)

City manager Kai Roslakka phone 020 617 2226, kai. garbageimatra.fi (kai[dot]roslakka[at]imatra[dot]fi)

Lassi Nurmi, CEO of Mitran & Imatran Toimitilat Oy, tel. 05 235 2850, lassi. grassmitra.fi (lassi[dot]nurmi[at]mitra[dot]fi)