With a planned investment of more than $500 million to develop its proposed Seven Stars Energy Project, Enbridge Inc. has made a series of grants to local organizations that help support a strong community.
"Investing in community-driven projects and initiatives where we operate, or where we seek to operate, is only part of what being a good neighbour means to Enbridge," said Alex McNichol, Director of Power Business Development. "We invest in communities through the full lifecycle of our projects and that often begins even prior to construction."
To date, Enbridge has committed approximately $30,000 to not-for-profit organizations serving a broad range of community needs in the Weyburn region. These include the Weyburn Agricultural Society, Salvation Army Weyburn Corps, Weyburn General Hospital, and The Family Place Weyburn.
"We’ve heard from these organizations that our support is appreciated and very much needed at this difficult time for our economy," McNichol said. "Enbridge is building relationships in the community and a part of that is to provide support to groups that meet our community investment criteria."
Food for the Weyburn Foodbank, financial support for the new Weyburn General Hospital, and funds to help deliver education programming for children are examples of how these contributions are making a difference in the community by addressing essential needs.
Seven Stars is a proposed 200-megawatt wind energy project located within the Rural Municipalities of Weyburn and Griffin. It is being designed to provide enough energy to power 100,000 homes annually over its anticipated 30-year lifespan, beginning in late 2027. Enbridge is currently in the project development stage and will be focusing this summer and into fall on completing environmental fieldwork. A robust regulatory and permitting process requires approval at the provincial and municipal levels, along with a final investment decision by Enbridge, expected in 2026.
Community engagement related to the project began in July 2024 and is ongoing. During project construction and operations, non-profit community agencies in the vicinity of Seven Stars can access Enbridge’s grant program, through which Enbridge contributes in three core areas:
Safe communities - local safety initiatives and organizations that help make our communities safer places to live.
Vibrant communities - programs that build potential in youth, celebrate culture and community, honor Indigenous peoples and culture, and empower people to
achieve their full potential.
Sustainable communities - initiatives that contribute to a sustainable future by helping to improve, grow, and nurture the environment.
In 2024, Enbridge invested more than US$20.4 million (about C$28 million) in 4,377 organizations across North America to advance community-strengthening initiatives aligned with the company's focus areas. This included an investment of $431,500 across Saskatchewan.
The following quotes were provided to Enbridge by Weyburn-area organizations that are receiving Enbridge community investment funding:
"We’re excited to announce that beginning in Fall 2025, we’ll be expanding our hours of operation to include Saturday openings. This important step allows us to better support families and children in our community — especially those with working parents who rely on flexible hours for access to early childhood programs and support. This expansion is made possible through the generous funding support of Enbridge, and we are truly grateful for their commitment to helping families thrive." - Dawn Gutzke, Executive Director, The Family Place Weyburn Inc.
"Oftentimes there are fewer health-care resources in rural Saskatchewan compared to urban centres and the contribution from Enbridge will help purchase and maintain equipment required for education and continuous training by our frontline staff. By investing in our healthcare professionals, we are also investing in the health and well-being of our families and neighbours. Our goal is to work together to improve health and well-being; every day, for everyone." - Tara Daoust, Director Acute Care SE6-9, Weyburn General Hospital.
"The Weyburn Agricultural Society introduced a petting zoo to our annual fair many years ago and we’re proud to continue that tradition again this year. Ol' McDale’s Friendly Farm will bring an assortment of farm animals for fairgoers of all ages to interact with. Always a crowd favourite, the petting zoo allows fairgoers to see animals that they otherwise may not have an opportunity to ever see, offering a hands-on experience that educates and entertains. It does, however, come with significant costs and fortunately Enbridge is helping us with a financial contribution to make this enriching experience possible." - Tyler Metheral, President, Weyburn Agricultural Society.
"Funding provided by Enbridge is going directly into our food bank and family services programs. These programs are important to the Weyburn-area community, contributing to the Salvation Army’s goal to help households in need."- Nicole Strickland, Community Ministries Worker, Weyburn Salvation Army.
During construction and through operations, the Seven Stars Energy Project could create an estimated $100 million in economic benefits for the Weyburn region. Annual tax revenues from Seven Stars could be used in a variety of ways by the municipalities to support infrastructure development, essential services, or community projects or programs.
With the support of many Weyburn-area residents, businesses, community organizations, and landowners, and a consortium of First Nations and Metis communities, Enbridge will continue to engage area stakeholders as we work to advance the Seven Stars Energy Project.