permit applications for proposed SE-area wind project
Sara Parks - SaskToday.ca
Enbridge has submitted development permit applications to the Rural Municipality (RM) of Weyburn and the RM of Griffin for its proposed Seven Stars wind energy project.
The applications, filed November 18, represent a formal step for the proposed 200-megawatt wind operation. The project can’t proceed without these municipal approvals, in addition to a provincial environment permit that Enbridge hasn’t yet filed.
The company, in a media release on November 18, said it expects to submit its application for the provin-
cial Environmental Impact Assessment review in early 2026, with a decision anticipated by mid-2026.
According to Enbridge, the project would involve a capital investment of more than $500 million. The company estimates the project would deliver over $100 million in economic benefits to the local area over its 30-year operational life. The projected benefits include municipal tax revenue, landowner lease payments, and a community fund.
Enbridge said it has engaged with residents, Indigenous groups, and local municipalities over the past 16 months during the pro-
ject’s development phase.
The permit applications will now be reviewed by the municipal councils of the RMs of Weyburn and Griffin. A local grassroots movement has been fighting the Seven Stars Energy Project, which plans to install 46 wind turbines up to 700 feet tall in the RM of Weyburn. They launched a GoFundMe campaign earlier this year.
The City of Weyburn council has endorsed the project.
In July, a dispute over the proposed project spilled into council chambers, with allegations of a “violence-related” incident, and prompted calls for greater transparency.
Weyburn Fire Rescue will be collecting toys for The Family Place this Saturday, November 29 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Members will be located at Weyburn Canadian Tire and Weyburn Walmart from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Stop by and help fill the fire trucks with joy for families in our community. Every toy goes directly to
supporting families and will help make Christmas a little brighter for local children.
Western Financial Group Communities Foundation has launched its firstever National Holiday Toy Drive.
The goal is to collect 2,000 new toys for children in need across Canada.
Drop off a new, unwrapped toy to your Wey-
burn branch of Western Financial Group, 117 Third Street, between November 12 and December 15. Every toy brings comfort to families this festive season.
Help spread joy and grant a wish this holiday season. For more information contact 306-842-7401 or go to www.westernfinancialgroup.ca/toydrive to find a location close to you.
A Coast-to-Coast Cowboy Christmas set for Dec. 4
CCMA winners, and beloved Canadian country superstars George Canyon and Aaron Pritchett have united for their ‘A Coast-to-Coast Cowboy Christmas’ tour. Canyon and Pritchett will grace the Cugnet Centre stage on Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the 2025-2026 Weyburn Concert Series.
With countless accolades between them, and over twenty-five years of hits, the pair will come together to treat fans to some of their own chart topping songs, as well as some all-time favourite Christmas classics.
“We’re so excited to be bringing our Coast-To-Coast Cowboy Christmas Tour presented by Children Believe to Weyburn this December,” the pair shared.
“The holidays are all about connection, community, and celebrating with the people you love – and that’s exactly the spirit we want to bring to every show. There’s something really special about being on the road this time of year, and we can’t wait to share that energy with fans!”
This is truly a show not to be missed, in celebration of the holiday season. Tickets can be purchased at showcase.com.
Maysen and Presley admired the ornaments on a snack-tastic Christmas tree during a visit to the Festival of Trees fundraiser for the Family Place.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
COMMUNITY
River Park Sparkles registration open
River Park Sparkles is set to return this holiday season. The annual event, which will run from December 1 to January 4, brings the lights and joy of Christmas to River Park.
Any groups, businesses or individuals interested in being a part of this year’s event can begin the registration process by contacting Weyburn Tourism to reserve a spot, which are on a first come, first served basis. For more information about the event, call Weyburn Tourism at (306) 842-4738
samples of
Wheatland Senior Centre game results
The Weyburn Wheatland Centre recently held games and activities.
In Spades on November 17, Jean Fahlman placed
first, Roseline Levesque won second and Marlene Szczecinski finished third.
During Trump Whist on November 17, Ruth Boren
and Willa Mae Donald took first, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson placed second and Sheila Wendel and Elaine Frasz finished third.
In Kaiser on November 18,Kim Jacob and Kathy Jacob placed first, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson took second place and Eva Morley and Marlene Szczecinski finished third.
In Canasta on November 19, Sherrill Taylor won first, Pat Peterson placed second, Emily Zyla took third, Shirley Hubbs came in fourth, Lavine Stepp placed fifth, and Shirley Cherpin placed sixth.
During Hi-Low Whist on November 19, Fay Johnson and Marg Schultz won first, Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum placed second, and Janet Van Winkoop and Emily Zyla finished third.
In Thursday Crib on November 20, Cris Herlick
and Phyllis Lindskog won first, Garth White and Dave Frayn placed second, Stan Hubick and Fran Long finished third, Rose Levesque and Marlene Szczecinski took fourth, and Shirley Hubbs and Chris Carter placed fifth.
During Friday Contract Bridge on November 21, Lucie Nickel placed first, Dave Frayn took second and Erskine Sandiford finished third.
During Friday board games on November 21, six persons were playing Scrabble and four were playing Crokinole. The cost for an afternoon of fun playing board games with friends is $5.
During Fun Crib on November 22, Rose Levesque placed first, Norm Affie took second, Cris Herlick came in third and Valerie Thomas finished fourth.
Sini Krishna, left, and Praseetha Kannada Purayil offered
chicken flavours during the grand opening of Ophabie on November 22.
Photo Leslie Coulter/Weyburn This Week
Naira and Nayhan selected their favourite pens from an assortment offered during a book sale, held at the St. Michael School library on November 19. The book sale was offered along with student-led conferences with parents and teachers.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Help us to stay informed! Email your community news and photo submissions to Sabrina Kraft at skraft@glaciermedia.ca
Christmas KeyQ uest:
We areexcited to inviteyou to participateinaChristmasKey Quest—a festive and funway to celebratethe holidayseason while supporting our localbusinesscommunity!
From November 17th to December 1st, embarkona delightful adventurethrough Weyburn. Visit participating businessesand earn a Christmas Keythat could unlockone ofthree $1,000 prizes!
HowtoCollect Keys: Shop at select retailers on their assigned days(Scan QR code to see participating businesses)andfor ever y$25* spent, youwillreceive a Christmas Key. Limit of one keyper customer to spreadmaximum holiday cheer.Hurry!Keysare limited at each location.
Once you’ve shopped around town and collected all your keys, be suretojoin us forthe grand celebrationonTuesday, December 2nd at theWeyburn CreditUnion CommunityRoom!
Bring your keys and enjoy festive treats and refreshments while tr ying your luck at unlockingthe treasurechests forachance to reveal one of three$1,000 prizes!
Grand CelebrationDetails: Time:10AMto4PM
Location: Weyburn Credit Union CommunityRoom 205Coteau Avenue,Weyburn, SK
EDITORIAL
MY OUTLOOK - DON’T WAIT…SAY IT TODAY
Shelley Luedtke SaskToday.ca
Last week my inbox contained the most delightful and greatly appreciated email. It came from someone I didn’t know, but a man who took the time to comment on a column I had written in 2022 which he recently came across again. I am so grateful he went to the effort to send me a message because it absolutely made my day.
It also made me think about the times I have intended to do the same for someone else, but then got sidetracked and failed to get back to my intention. Not always, but I’m afraid too often.
In the last couple of months I have attended the funerals of two people who I considered mentors and who impacted my life in truly meaningful ways. One was a 99-year-old woman named Helen who played an important role in my life from pretty much the
day I began living in Outlook.
She was such a source of encouragement and inspiration to me. I deeply appreciated the time she took to talk and share and I always left feeling uplifted. What she said — she meant, so if you received encouraging words you knew they were sincere.
The fact that she took the time to speak to you directly, or send a lovely note, is something to be cherished. As we gathered for her service I had so many stories that came to mind and so many memories to cherish. For everything she meant to me, the best expression of gratitude I could come up with was to simply say “thank you.”
The other was the passing of an absolute community champion in a role model named John. The leadership, dedication and vision he brought to so many committees, organizations and events shaped them — and as a result — the history of this town.
Record amount of wins received at Canadian Tourism Awards
It was a proud night for Saskatchewan at the Canadian Tourism Awards, with multiple businesses earning national recognition for excellence. This marked a record-breaking year with nine finalists announced from the province in October. That trend continued as four Saskatchewan businesses won top honours at the annual event held on November 20, setting a new record for the province.
This year’s winners include:.
Dakota Dunes Resort is a proudly Indigenous-owned luxury resort located on Whitecap Dakota Nation. As a growing employer in Saskatchewan’s tourism sector, the resort sets a benchmark in creating meaningful career opportunities, advancing reconciliation, and offering inclusive, culturally enriched workplaces.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park , a National Historic Site and Proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a deep dive into over 6,400 years of Northern Plains Indigenous culture. Situated on Saskatoon’s northern edge, the park features the longest-running archaeological dig in Canada, with 19 pre-contact sites, a medicine wheel, tipi rings, and buffalo jumps, spread over 7 km of walking trails.
Ag in Motion (AIM) is the largest outdoor farm expo in Western Canada, featuring the latest advancements in agriculture technology and equipment.
Ag In Motion fosters growth, innovation and sustainability by providing a platform for agriculture industry professionals from across Canada and around the world to connect, share knowledge
and collaborate on solutions for a better future. Since its inception in 2015, AIM has grown to an annual attendance of 31,000 people and 600 companies exhibited totalling 2.13 million square feet of trade show booth space.
Field to Shield is a unique six-day guided tour co-created by renowned Métis Chef Jenni Lessard (of Inspired by Nature Culinary Consulting) and Adventure Destinations. The experience goes beyond a typical dining tour, offering a deeply immersive journey into Saskatchewan’s land, Indigenous culture and cuisine. By blending historical sites, traditional practices and hands-on food experiences, the tour provides a rich, authentic narrative. Its focus on celebrating Indigenous heritage and the bounty of the land from prairie fields to boreal forest showcases a commitment to an unparalleled, culturally significant culinary adventure that is changing tourism in Canada.
The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) to recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry, and to reward those people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer travellers superior tourism experiences in Canada.
The awards gala is a highlight of The Tourism Congress, TIAC’s annual industry conference. For a complete list of the 2025 Canadian Tourism Award winners, visit: tiac-aitc.ca.Field to Shield by Adventure Destinations (Saskatoon), Culinary Tourism Experience Award.
So much of this community has John’s fingerprints on it, and we are all the better for it. Among the many things that stand out for me is his care of people and the earnestness he brought to each interaction.
Everything was purposeful. I am so grateful I got the chance to know him and I appreciate so much the interest he took in what I might be doing. He took the time to send a text or stop in and have a conversation about something I had written or been involved in and that meant so much to me. So much!
I hope these amazing individuals knew the extent of what I learned from them and how greatly I respected them. Did I tell them?
When we have a compliment to share or words to encourage, we shouldn’t wait. We can’t wait. It may be exactly what someone needs in that moment. It might also be exactly what we need as well.
A professor of neuroscience studied how compliments affected the one giving them out. He found paying a compliment increases personal wellbeing. It also makes us more grateful because we are looking for the good around us. Thirdly, it strengthens our interpersonal relationships as it builds connection and makes us more aware of the needs of others.
It also makes us more resilient to stress and improves physical health. Research shows the amount of positive versus negative emotions people express is a surprisingly big predictor
of health. Finally, giving a compliment creates ripples of hopefulness, enthusiasm and joy. All that from something that is free and easy to do. But of course it shouldn’t be about ourselves — but about those we wish to acknowledge.
I love selecting and purchasing cards. A dream job for me would have been working in the greeting card division of Hallmark. Seriously, I love cards and have a storage tub full of all kinds for pretty much any occasion you can imagine. But they do little good sitting in storage in my office closet.
A number of years ago I pledged to send one card a week to someone “just because.” I loved it. I can honestly say the experience corroborated the neuroscientist’s research. I didn’t follow through every single week but when I did, it felt so good just to let people know how much I appreciated them.
But it doesn’t need to be cards. A phone call, text or visit is a great way to express gratitude and admiration. It will have an impact — no question. I have profound appreciation for these mentors in my life for their guidance and example of excellence, and especially for investing the time they did to pour into my life. They didn’t let the moment pass them by. In honour of them, I am going to ensure I don’t wait until tomorrow to say what should be spoken and heard today.
That’s my outlook.
SPORTS
SJHL Movember competition ramps up for final week of fundraising
Ryan Lambert
SJHL media release
For the second straight year, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) has partnered with Movember Canada to raise money for men’s health throughout the month of November. As of November 20, the campaign has raised more than $16,000. The league raised over $21,000 last year.
Kelley Lueck, who operates the graphics on the SJHL weekly show, oversees the league’s participation in the fundraiser. He is also a member of Movember Saskatchewan.
Lueck said the friendly competition around the league has helped bring in more donations, and start a conversation about what
Movember is all about.
“Having the competition and everything is just another way of people rallying and getting those conversations out. Raising funds is a big part of Movember, but just having those conversations is just as important, if not more important,” said Lueck.
“Having people talk about struggles or going through certain things like chemotherapy or some mental health issues.”
Here are the current leaders of the Movember campaign across the SJHL:
1: SJHL Staff – $3,155
2: Yorkton Terriers –$2,725
3: Weyburn Red Wings –$2,125
4: Melville Millionaires –$1,580
5: Melfort Mustangs –$1,305
6: Humboldt Broncos –$1,275
7: Estevan Bruins – $1,260
8: La Ronge Ice Wolves –$959
9: Warman Wolverines –$850
10: Kindersley Klippers –$605
11: Battlefords North Stars – $300
12: Flin Flon Bombers –$150
13: Nipawin Hawks – $75
Lueck said the familiarity between players competing on the ice actually helps bring people together for the charity.
“The battle and the competition is there, but at the end, you stand in line, and you shake hands. Charity and hockey unites
us in a way. I find that having the league challenge being put together by Movember definitely helps us have those conversations and raise more money for a good cause.”
The public is encouraged to donate to the cause through their favourite SJHL team.
While supporting men’s health in various ways, Movember has ‘three pillars’ as Lueck described:
mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Lueck said that an inspiration for the SJHL Movember campaign was former Flin Flon Bomber, Matt Egan, who had to miss time due to suffering from testicular cancer.
“He was kind enough last year [to join] our weekly show and talk about the support and the process and everything that he had
to go through. It’s just a reminder that it can happen here; it’s not somewhere else. It happened in our league, and it’s just another reminder that if things don’t feel right, get checked. Have those conversations and we’re all here for each other.”
Egan is now in his second year playing hockey at Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota.
Weyburn Devils soccer player, Avery Dewit, kicked the ball away from the goal zone during an invitational soccer tournament, held at the Spark Centre on November 22.
Photo Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
25121GE0
During the holidays, you often hear tragic stories of people losing their lives in road accidents involving alcohol and drug use. However, these tragedies can be prevented. Here are a few simple tips to ensure you and those around you stay safe this festive season.
Are you a driver? It’s a proven fact that consuming alcohol and drugs — no matter how much — will still impair your judgment. It’s best to have a plan of action before you go out. Consider arranging to stay overnight at the party location or assign a designated driver for your group. Other options for getting home safely include hiring a rideshare service or taxi or taking public transit.
Are you a passenger or witness? If you notice that someone is unfit to drive and still intends to get behind the wheel, speak up! Let them know it’s not okay and suggest alternative options.
If you’re asked to ride with a driver who has been consuming drugs or alcohol, refuse and do everything you can to encourage others to do the same.
When it comes to alcohol and drugs, everyone shares the responsibility to stay safe. As a driver, avoid getting behind the wheel, and as a witness, act. Everyone can do something to prevent the devastating consequences of impaired driving — including criminal penalties, severe injury and death — by working together.
Hundreds of shoe boxes filled in Estevan for children abroad
David Willberg
SaskToday.ca
People in the Estevan area were once again supportive of the Operation Christmas Child campaign.
The national collection week for OCC was Nov. 17-23, when people dropped off their filled shoe boxes at the Estevan
Alliance Church. The containers were then taken to Regina and eventually Calgary to be distributed to children around the world.
Jillian Ursu, the area lead for Estevan, said the region packed 428 shoeboxes this year. The total does not include virtual shoeboxes, in which people go to the OCC
website and click on items they want to include.
“It does seem like there are more and more people packing online shoeboxes nowadays, so that number could definitely be a lot higher. It’s hard to know at this point.”
The total was down from last year, when 501
Members of the Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins and others helped with loading the shoe boxes.
boxes were filled, but Ursu is still pleased with the tally for this year.
“It was still great to see how much support we had,” said Ursu. “I know times are tough right now with the cost of groceries and the cost of living, so I think it’s still incredible to see over 400 shoeboxes coming in, in physical form, and like we said, there’s the potential for a lot of boxes to be packed online, and we don’t know those numbers until a lot later,” said Ursu.
Individuals, churches and others filled a box this year. Many of the donors have supported OCC in the past.
The boxes packed in Estevan and other communities across the country will be sent to different locations around the world.
A lot of people now use a “Track your shoebox” option for those who make a donation online.
“You can print off your label with a QR code that is connected to your email. Eventually, once your
shoebox gets to its location, you would be notified as to where exactly your box went. There were some people who were doing that this year, so we’re just trying to spread the word about that option for those people who want to do it next year.”
People just need to be able to print off the labels, she said.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse International. This year’s theme was “It’s all about Jesus”.
Jillian Ursu was pleased with this year’s support.
SaskToday staff
Three former members of the Estevan Minor Hockey Association are part of the Weyburn Gold Wings U18 AAA hockey team this season.
Defenceman Haven Bourassa, along with forwards Chelsea Madsen and
Julia Durr, are all on the Gold Wings’ roster. Durr is an alternate captain who is in her third and final season of U18 AAA eligibility, while Bourassa and Madsen are in their first year.
The Gold Wings faced Swift Current during a neutral-site game in Rosetown on November 22 as part of Rosetown’s Hockey Day celebrations. Players were asked to wear their hometown jerseys for the pregame warmup. Durr, Madsen and Bourassa sported their Estevan Bearcat jerseys prior to the game.
Photos courtesy Jillian Ursu
Julia Durr, Chelsea Madsen and Haven Bourassa. Photo courtesy of Shawn Madsen
Mortenson enshrined into Estevan football’s Wall of Fame
SaskToday staff
The newest inductee into the Brandt Peterbilt Estevan Minor Football (EMF) Wall of Fame found numerous ways to be involved with the organization since its inception in 2008.
Kevin Mortenson was inducted during the EMF’s annual awards night on November 20.
“Today, we have the privilege of recognizing someone whose impact on youth sports and our community is truly extraordinary,” stated a bio for Mortenson that was read by Mark Tribiger and Matthew McGillivray.
“Someone who has given countless hours, endless energy and a whole lot of heart.”
McGillivray and Tribiger noted Mortenson has been a pillar in Estevan football from the very beginning. Back in 2008, when bringing football to Estevan was just an ambitious idea, Mortenson was one of the key people who turned that idea into reality.
“And since that first season, he has been involved in absolutely every
part of Estevan Minor Football: board member, coach, referee, grass cutter, line painter and safe contact instructor. If football needed it, Kevin did it.
And he always did it with a smile,” they said.
“His dedication left such an impression that Estevan Minor Football created an award in his honour: the Kevin Mortenson Dedication Award, given to the most dedicated Virago player each season,” they added, referring to the Estevan Kinette Club Viragos female football team. “That award stands as a reminder of the effort, leadership, and heart he put into the program – qualities that continue to inspire today’s players.”
Mortenson’s impact goes far beyond jobs and titles, the bio stated. He helped launch the Viragos program and was a driving force behind creating the Prairie Girls Football League; he is currently the league’s commissioner. Because of Mortenson, McGillivray and Tribiger said, countless girls have had the chance to step onto a field, put on the pads,
and discover confidence, strength, and belonging from football.
And the players he has coached – on every team, in every season – are better because of him, the biography said.
“Better athletes, better teammates, and better people. His influence doesn’t fade when the season ends; it stays with them,” the bio said.
Mortenson’s commitment doesn’t stop at football. He is just as involved in soccer, the Estevan Lions Club and any other place where he can help the community grow. His Canuckcade business reflects that same spirit through its sponsorship of the U10 Cudas football program, helping ensure young kids have access to sports and positive experiences.
“Kevin, you are the kind of person every community hopes to have, and every coach hopes to work beside. Your dedication has built programs, strengthened leagues and touched the lives of players, parents and coaches across the region,” the bio states.
“And today, it is our
honour to recognize everything you’ve done by welcoming you onto the Estevan Minor Football Wall of Fame. It is a well-earned and deeply deserved place for someone who helped build the very foundation of football in this community.
“Kevin, thank you – for your time, your leadership, your passion and your heart. We are better be -
cause of you.”
In a post on his Facebook page, Mortenson thanked McGillivray and Tribiger for enshrining him into the Wall of Fame. He also thanked every child he has coached.
“This was always about you,” he wrote. “I’ve enjoyed watching you all grow in the sport and becoming better people from it.”
Mortenson went on to thank all of the coaches he has worked with since 2008 for always being that “pillar” on the sidelines; the EMF board members, including current president Pat Ford, for allowing him to remain involved with the sport locally; and his family for supporting him and allowing him to help build the local football family.
L to r, Matthew McGillivray, inductee Kevin Mortenson and Mark Tribiger.
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