Some Weyburn residents oppose wind farm project, citing health concerns

A potential wind farm development east of Weyburn aimed at reducing Saskatchewan's greenhouse gas emissions has left residents divided.

More than 50 people showed up at RM of Weyburn's Wednesday council meeting to oppose the Seven Stars Energy Project. Reeve Norm McFadden had clarified to presenting delegates that the council wouldn't take questions as it wasn't a public hearing. 

However, the reeve soon found himself answering questions about the wind farms. McFadden said the project will only go ahead after having conversations with residents. 

"We are probably in the toughest spot of anybody that's involved with this right now. Whichever way it goes, we're probably going to wear the brunt of it, which is unfortunate, but that's part of it too," he said. 

The Seven Stars Energy project is aimed at building a 200 megawatt wind facility that includes 46 turbines covering RM of Weyburn No. 67 and RM of Griffin No. 66, Saskatchewan, according to the project plan. 

Alberta-based company Enbridge is in charge of building and operating the windmills. It says the turbines will have a hub height of 120 metres and a rotor diameter of 175 metres — combining for a total height of about 205 metres.

At least six delegates spoke at the council meeting. Most of them shared their primary concerns were around health and noise. Kim Brady, a Weyburn resident who also spoke as a delegate, said they're also concerned of property devaluation because of the windmills. 

"Why put it by a populated area right on the edge of a city of 12,000 people surrounded by dozens and dozens and dozens of acreages and land owners," he said. 

Amanda Krisa moved to Weyburn from the Okanagan more than six years ago. She said part of why she moved was because she wanted a quiet, rural life. Krisa said she'd consider selling her place if the windmills go up. 

"I think that living near a wind turbine farm for a commercial aspect is going to be devastating to our lifestyle," she said.

"It's going to ruin our visual, which is ... a very small portion, but it's not when you live somewhere and you go home and you sit on your deck and you enjoy your animals and your space."

The minister for SaskPower Dustin Duncan wouldn't comment on the negative feedback, saying that questions should be directed to Enbridge

When the project was announced, Duncan said it will help ensure SaskPower reaches its goals of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and deploying up to 3,000 MW of wind and solar generation by 2035.

Enbridge, in response to the health concerns, pointed to a 2014 Health Canada study. The study measured sleep quality and measures associated with stress like blood pressure or the resting heart rate. On all of its measures, it said there was no distinct association between health and having windmills close by.