WEYBURN - Enbridge has requested their application to the RM of Weyburn to be put on hold for the time being, as they seek to do more consultations with the local community.
The company was seeking an amendment to the zoning bylaw in regard to their proposal to situate 46 wind turbines in the RMs of Weyburn and Griffin, as they are asking the RM to reduce the allowable distance for a turbine to 750 metres from a residence.
Enbridge has indicated they wish to now place that process on hold while they do more consulting with residents and businesses in the area.
In a statement by Alex McNichol, Director for Power Business Development Canada, Enbridge, the company is committed to working more closely with the local community before resuming the project.
“I want to assure you that Enbridge is committed to listening and more deeply engaging with you and your community on our proposed Seven Stars wind energy project in the days and weeks ahead. Having acquired this project from another developer in June 2024, dialogue with our neighbours in the RM of Weyburn, RM of Griffin and the City of Weyburn is at an early stage,” said McNichol.
“My colleagues and I are encouraged by many of these conversations, but we recognize it takes time to listen carefully to different perspectives in the community – landowners, residents, elected officials, business owners, energy service companies, and others. And we respect that it’s a busy time of year for many with harvest and kids returning to school. For these reasons, I have asked the RM of Weyburn to pause our application requesting a local zoning bylaw amendment with respect to commercial wind operations, which includes the allowable distance a turbine may be located from a home,” he added in a statement.
“I told the RM we will be taking the time to engage the community to get this right. We are also reviewing our project schedule to allow for more time to hear from you. We believe this project will be beneficial to your community and we’re committed to putting in the work to ensure this outcome,” he said.
Asked if there is a more definitive time-line for this consultation, he noted the process is open-ended, and there is no end-date for the consultations.
“In the meantime, we welcome your questions and seek to continue an open and respectful dialogue with everyone interested, at [email protected],” said McNichol.
