Brian Zinchuk is editor and owner of Pipeline Online
Alex McNichol, left, of Enbridge, addresses the public hearing on Dec. 8. In the centre are the RM of Weyburn council, and on the right are the lead representatives from Enbridge. Photos were not allowed. Sketch by Brian Zinchuk
WEYBURN – Enbridge’s Seven Stars Energy Project got a crucial approval on Dec. 17, with the Rural Municipality of Weyburn voting 5-1 in favour of the project. One member of council recused himself due to a conflict.
Half of the 200 megawatt wind project, 23 of a total of 46 wind turbines, are planned for the RM of Weyburn. The remaining half, another 23 turbines, are slated for the neighbouring RM of Griffin, which still needs to make its own decision.
A public hearing was held by the RM of Weyburn on Dec. 8. During that hearing, council heard from six people speaking in favour of the project and three against.
Vocal opposition to the project has placed numerous billboards throughout and around Weyburn decrying the project. At the Dec. 8 hearing one of the opponents promised litigation against the councillors should she and her family endure harms from the project. Several local business people and RM residents spoke in favour of the project, its tax and economic spinoffs.
Enbridge is the lead proponent of the project, with six First Nations and Indigenous organizations a partners (thus “Seven Stars.”). The project is expected to have a total cost in excess of a half billion dollars.
Six Indigenous bands and organizations that are part of the “Seven Stars.” They include:
- Cowessess First Nation
- George Gordon First Nation
- Kahkewistahaw First Nation
- Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
- Pasqua First Nation
- White Bear First Nations
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Enbridge sent the following statement to Pipeline Online via email on Dec. 17:
At its regular Council meeting this morning, the Rural Municipality (RM) of Weyburn approved a development permit application for Enbridge’s proposed Seven Stars Energy Project.
“The RM’s decision represents an important step toward obtaining the required permits and regulatory approvals needed to bring the Seven Stars project to fruition and Enbridge thanks the RM Council and staff for their time and diligence in considering our application,” says Alex McNichol, Director, Power Business Development Canada. “We’ll continue to engage the RM and the community as we advance a project that aligns with local bylaws, values and priorities and bring sustained economic benefits to the Weyburn region for years to come.”
Enbridge plans to develop a 200-megawatt wind energy operation, utilizing 46 turbines, half of those planned for the RM of Weyburn. The turbines, electrical substation and related infrastructure would be situated on private lands on which Enbridge has entered into agreements with 40 different property owners.
Next steps for the project include the development permit process with the RM of Griffin and provincial environmental assessment process. Federal agency approvals and a final investment decision by Enbridge are also required before the project could proceed.
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Enbridge expects to file an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with the province in early 2026. The EIS will include a robust strategy to avoid, mitigate or minimize potential environmental impacts, follow-up monitoring to validate its conclusions, and adaptive measures.
If the project proceeds, construction will require an average workforce of 100 with labour spending of approximately $75 million, including $20 million to $40 million in local contracting opportunities. Enbridge has committed to avoiding camps during construction, so workers would be staying and spending locally, creating additional economic benefit.
“Enbridge remains excited about the potential of the Seven Stars Energy Project to contribute positively to the Weyburn region over the long term,” McNichol adds. “Over 30 years, the project is expected to bring more than $100 million – up to $4 million annually – to the Weyburn region.”
The economic numbers include tax revenue the RM can utilize, rural road upgrades, landowner lease payments, contract maintenance of an Enbridge office and warehouse, and financial support of $50,000 annually for community-driven programs and initiatives in consultation with the RMs.
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- 0100 Turnbull Project Manager0100 Turnbull Project Manager
- 0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p0099 Mryglod Steel 1080p
- 0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD0097 Eagle Sky Ventures LTD
- 0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it0095 Fast Trucking nearly 70 years good at it
- 0092 Turnbull projects big and small0092 Turnbull projects big and small
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