At its May 7 meeting, the Rural Municipality (RM) of Weyburn, SK council is expected to vote on a proposed bylaw amendment—another step in a robust process that includes development permit applications and review by the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Environment. The existing bylaw applies a 45-metre height limit for both domestic and commercial wind turbines.
“Modern commercial turbines typically range from 160 metres to 220 metres. Essentially what we’re asking of the RM is an amended bylaw that is consistent with modern turbine technology and aligned with bylaws in neighbouring communities where wind projects are proposed or have recently gone into operation,” explains Alex McNichol, Director, Power Business Development with Enbridge.
“It’s important to understand that passing this amendment does not mean there are no further regulatory processes in place to evaluate proposed projects like ours,” McNichol says. “There will be additional opportunities for the public to review the Seven Stars project, including through development permit applications and the provincial environmental review process.”
Why an amended height bylaw is important for the RM
An amended bylaw would ensure the opportunity for economic development in the RM—whether from Enbridge, a future project proponent or a local landowner—is not inadvertently lost due to a lack of clarity in the existing bylaw. Enbridge is seeking to invest more than $500 million in the Seven Stars project, which would deliver 200 megawatts of wind power to the provincial grid.
The proposed height of Seven Stars turbines is typical of modern commercial wind energy developments, including projects recently announced or operating in Saskatchewan
Significant and sustained local economic benefits over the project’s expected 30-year lifespan include annual tax revenues to the RM of Weyburn, RM of Griffin, employment, contracting and business opportunities, construction of an Enbridge warehouse/office facility, lease payments to landowners, sponsorship of community-driven programs and initiatives, spinoffs from spending locally, and rural road upgrading.
