The City of Weyburn has issued a letter of support for the Seven Stars Energy Wind Energy Project. The matter was brought to a vote during last night's meeting of Weyburn City Council, which was carried unanimously.
In the letter of support, Mayor Jeff Richards stated, "We recognize that decisions like this one are not made lightly. As local leaders, we are all too familiar with the pressure of navigating diverse opinions and the weight of decisions that impact our communities today and for generations to come. That’s why we believe it's important to speak openly and clearly about the long-term benefits this project can bring—not only to one area, but to our entire region."
He noted that the Seven Stars Energy Wind Project is a $500 million investment in southeast Saskatchewan, "a scale of investment that is both rare and transformative. It brings the promise of construction and operational jobs, long-term economic activity, and the kind of momentum that signals our region is open for business, ready to grow, and prepared to lead."
During Monday's Council meeting, Councillor Ryan Janke proposed the motion, stating, "This project is a one-time, once-in-a-generation, half-billion dollar investment in southeast Saskatchewan, and at a time when every infrastructure dollar matters, we can't afford to turn away any investment projects like this great opportunity for our local economies."
Councillor Larry Heggs said he is in support of the project as it is prudent not to turn away the infrastructure and spending within the community, regardless of the specific project. "It's business opportunities, it's jobs."
Councillor John Corrigan echoed that it isn't just about this particular project:
"This is about economic development within our region and letting investors out there know we are open for business and we are willing to listen to every type of project relevant to our community that can bring us some investment and jobs and grow our community, and that's what this is about and continue to keep that door open, so I will support this."
Councillor Laura Morrissette said she understands there has been some disagreement about how safe a wind energy project is for our community, adding it isn't a decision that the Council takes lightly.
"We have done our research and I myself am very comfortable with all of the information that's been provided, so I'm happy to support a project like this in Weyburn, but just because you don't agree with what we're doing doesn't mean we're not listening, it's just we've done our research and we feel that the research is sound."
Councillor Kellie Sidloski said as part of that research, she spoke with the Mayors of Assiniboia, Kipling, and Moosomin, all of which are communities that have these types of projects surrounding their municipalities.
"All three Mayors that I spoke to were supportive of it. They saw benefit within the community, and the R.M.s and continue to see benefit within the communities," she noted.
"All conversations were insightful. All three communities were met with a little bit of resistance prior to the project being built. They faced everything that we are facing here now. All three of them agreed that they would support it going forward as well if they were faced with the same decision again."
Mayor Richards' letter reiterated, "At a time when infrastructure dollars are stretched thin and the needs of our growing communities continue to mount, we believe it is critical to welcome responsible, forward-thinking investment. Like any major infrastructure, this project represents a long-term investment in our future. Turning it away could mean turning down opportunities we may not see again for years."
"Beyond the immediate economic impact, this project strengthens our energy landscape with greater diversity and resilience. It positions our region as a hub for innovation and sustainability, and it helps attract the skilled talent and additional investment that drive progress in today’s energy economy."
"We understand that no project of this magnitude is without challenges. But we also know that through collaboration, respectful dialogue, and shared vision, our region can rise to meet those challenges together. The success of this project will depend on open communication, community engagement, and a commitment to making sure the development reflects the values and priorities of those who call this region home."
"The City of Weyburn is proud to stand in support of the Seven Stars Energy Wind Project. We look forward to working alongside our neighbouring R.M.s and municipal partners to ensure this opportunity brings lasting, shared benefit to the southeast Saskatchewan region."
A public hearing is being held this evening at McKenna Hall on the R.M.'s notice of intent to adopt a new bylaw that will amend the Municipality Zoning Bylaw to change the height restrictions for wind turbines, which was requested by Enbridge, the company behind the project.