Supporters of Enbridge’s proposed Seven Stars Project in Weyburn and district are letting their voices be heard.
Construction and operation of the proposed 200-megawatt wind project southeast of Weyburn is expected to create significant and sustained economic benefits for more than 30 years within the RM of Weyburn, the RM of Griffin, and the City of Weyburn—including employment, contracting and business opportunities, annual tax revenues, lease payments to landowners, sponsorship of community-driven programs and initiatives, spin-offs from spending locally, and rural road upgrading.
Enbridge plans to invest in excess of $500 million to build the project, which includes 46 turbines, an electrical substation connecting to the SaskPower grid, and a local warehouse facility that will employ up to 8 people full-time once the project is operational.
At the RM of Weyburn meeting on April 4th, council advised it had received more than 40 letters of support to date for the project.
Local leaders and business owners have expressed optimism about the project's potential to invigorate the local economy, diversify income sources, and attract further investment.
Among those advocates is George Siourounis, owner of the Travelodge Weyburn, who stresses the necessity of such a development in the current economic climate.
"A project of this magnitude will have a major effect on our community,” Siourounis said. “The way our economy is right now, with what’s going on in the U.S., we need everything we can get in terms of economic development. We have agriculture and we have oil and gas, but we need something more to counteract the tariffs and we need more diversity in our economy."
In a similar vein, Darcy McCormick, CEO of locally owned construction firm Jerry Mainil Ltd., said, "the economic ripple effect of this project will have lasting benefits, making our region a more attractive and competitive place for businesses, investors, and families alike."
McCormick shared concerns about the broader economy, given the current uncertainty of Canada-U.S. trade: “It’s apparent to many in the community how important it is for the future of Weyburn that we open the door to projects that will diversify and build our local economy like the Seven Stars Project.”
Echoing and amplifying such sentiments are several business associations, including Weyburn Regional Economic Development, the Weyburn District Planning Commission (WDPC), and the Weyburn and Saskatchewan Chambers of Commerce – all of whom are solidly behind the Enbridge project.
"Weyburn has a proud history of pioneering transformative projects, often overcoming initial resistance,” said Nick Coroluick, WDPC chairperson. “This project will move forward somewhere—let’s ensure Weyburn is the beneficiary rather than turning investment away."
"The influx of workers and contractors means more customers for coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores, driving additional sales and foot traffic,” explained Monica Osborn, executive director of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. “More economic activity can also lead to increased wages for employees, further supporting the financial well-being of residents and families in our region."
Meanwhile, the Province of Saskatchewan has communicated its views in recent correspondence to the RM of Weyburn and RM of Griffin: “The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ensuring an affordable, reliable, and secure supply of electricity for Saskatchewan,” wrote Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, Jeremy Harrison.
While emphasizing that, “ultimately the RM of Weyburn, RM of Griffin, and Enbridge hold the decision-making power on how the Seven Stars Project proceeds,” Harrison noted, “we will continue to work with municipalities and associations such as [Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities] and [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] to support responsible energy developments that we believe are in the best interest of the people of Saskatchewan."
