Vol.115 No. 02 - Weyburn, Saskatchewan
weyburnreview
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 - 12 Pages
Christmas Sixes tourney held
Weyburn Lacrosse hosted a day long tournament at the Credit
Page 6
People’s Choice exhibit installed
A variety of media has been used by exhibitors in this year’s James Weir People’s Choice exhibit. Page 12
Hanging a multi-media piece for People’s Choice Curator Regan Lanning carefully hung up this multi-media piece, one of 23 entries for the 41st annual James Weir People’s Choice exhibition, on Monday afternoon. The exhibit opened for viewing and voting on Tuesday, and will be open at the Weyburn Art Gallery until March 14.
New MLA looks forward to representing voters
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Weyburn lawyer Mike Weger has been making many adjustments to fit into his new role, as the MLA for Weyburn-Bengough, elected in November, replacing long-time MLA Dustin Duncan.
He noted that 2024 was an exciting year politically, and he was happy that the Sask Party was again able to form a majority government in Saskatchewan.
“Everywhere around the world and even in this country, incumbent governments were falling. Change was the big theme,” said Weger in a year-end interview in his new constituency office.
He is occupying the same office space that his predecessor had on Fourth Street, next door to the Weyburn Primary Care Medical Clinic.
It was disappointing that the province’s two biggest cities don’t have much representation from the Sask Party, he said, but they do in most of the other cities in Saskatchewan.
The government had a brief two-and-a-half week session to swear in the new government, and the new MLAs like himself were able to get their feet wet in the House to see how things work.
“I’m really encouraged with the people I get to work with,” said Weger, noting at the very first caucus meeting, Premier Scott Moe pointed out they were in a room with 34 other like-minded MLAs from all different walks of life, but all with the same goal in working for their constituents, “with the goal of making this province be the best place to be in Canada.”
He noted that out of the caucus, there are 16 new MLAs in the “Class of 2024”, who will all be learning the ropes like he is.
Weger was able to make a member statement in the House, with his first one on the Festival of Trees that was just held for the Family Place in Weyburn. Part of his new role will be sitting on a number of House committees and the SLGA board, and when he’s not busy with business there, he will be representing his constituents and meeting with them as
he is able, and getting out to events in the riding.
As an example, in December, he made an appearance at the CPKC Holiday Train when they made their stop in Weyburn a week before Christmas. He also visited a Hockey Day event held in Yellow Grass just before the holidays. While at these events, Weger had people come up to him to chat with him or just to say hello, and he hopes this will continue as he gets out and about in the riding.
In part, he is able to educate people on what the job of an MLA is when he meets them, in addition to reaching out to media as issues come up in the riding and in the province. He is also able to reach out to veteran MLAs in the House anytime he needs to find out information relating to his new position.
Weger noted that the spring sitting will open in March with the Throne Speech and the spring budget to look forward to in the coming weeks.
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
The announcement by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that he will be stepping aside came at the perfect time, at the end of the ChristmasNew Year’s holidays, said Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen, as he made many Christmas wishes come true.
Trudeau made his announcement on Monday morning that he would leave as Prime Minister once a new Liberal leader is chosen, and will be proroguing Parliament until March 24 to allow that to happen.
“It’s a good step, but it still hasn’t got us that carbon tax election that we need,” said MP Kitchen from his home in Estevan. “We believe we need that election, and we need to get it as quick as possible.”
The MP pointed out the many problems caused by the Liberals over the last nine years, including the carbon tax which is killing jobs, supported by all Liberal members.
“That’s what people across the country need to remember, every single Liberal, whether running for the leadership or coming back to run, they all actively supported this prime minister’s out-of-control spending, his out-of-control deficits, his policies that that have increased the debt by 150 per cent. We can’t let that be forgotten,” said Kitchen.
After Trudeau’s announcement, he asked the Governor General to prorogue Parliament until March 24 as the Liberals seek a new party leader.
MP Kitchen said once
this is done, the House will be called back to order with a new Throne Speech, and after it’s debated it will go for a confidence vote. Both the Conservative and NDP leaders have said they would be going for a defeat of the government at the first confidence vote opportunity that comes up.
“We want that election, end of story, and that is what we will continue to push for,” said the MP.
“Who that new leader will be is hard to say. I’m sure there will be a bunch of names thrown in, and a number of people not in government,” he added.
Noting that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned right before Christmas, he guessed she might be one of those who will run for the party leadership. If she does, voters need to remember that she set a deficit of $40 billion for the current year, and it’s already increased by $62 billion.
“She’s guilty (for the deficit) just like every one of them. She created that deficit spending, or their constant over-spending,” said the MP.
Mark Carney is another possible leadership name, and Kitchen pointed out he endorsed the carbon tax that is in place in his book, “so he’s just as guilty on that tax and the huge deficit we’re accumulating. Hopefully people will point those facts out.
As Parliament will not be in session for the next three months, Kitchen said he will be around the constituency a fair amount, and will be available for constituents should they need to contact him at any point.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
MLA in his new office
New MLA Mike Weger was settling in to his new constituency office, as he took over the space formerly occupied by long-time MLA Dustin Duncan on Fourth Street. Weger said he is looking forward to learning the ropes and getting into his new role as MLA for Weyburn-Bengough for the next four years.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
A moose on the loose
This young female moose was spotted in a field just off the road between Stoughton and Midale on Thursday, peacefully grazing on whatever grass she could find in the field. Photo – Leslie Coulter, Weyburn Review
Weyburn police has newest recruit start at Police College
The Saskatchewan Police College (SKPC) welcomed 40 new recruits who are taking their first step toward a career in policing, including the newest recruit for the Weyburn Police Service, Brandon Brown.
He was sworn in to the WPS in a ceremony on Thursday morning, along with Mayor Jeff Richards, sworn in to the Weyburn Police Commission board.
Brown has lived and worked in Weyburn for the last four years, loves the community and wanted to give back, as he felt policing was the right fit for him.
He began Police College on Monday, and the training will go for the next 21 weeks.
“We are very excited to have someone of his character and quality joining our service, and cannot wait until he is here working the street fulltime,” said deputy chief Shane St. John of the WPS.
For 50 years, the SKPC has been the official institute for the provision and co-ordination of training and education for municipal and First Nations police officers in Saskatchewan. This group of recruits represents the 90th class trained at the SKPC since its inception in 1974.
Training at the SKPC, located at the University of Regina, is delivered by experienced police officers, legal experts and staff with backgrounds in education and instructional design.
Training for new recruits includes (but is not limited to): communication, de-escalation, use of force techniques, comprehensive legal studies, cultural and diversity awareness and officer wellness and mental health. The program is designed to help recruits develop the knowledge, skills and abilities required to excel as police officers.
“Congratulations to
the new recruits starting their career at the Saskatchewan Police College, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said.
“The College has shaped generations of police officers and prepared more than 2,100 officers for frontline policing positions since 1974. We thank the Police College staff, management and recruits for their commitments each year to the safety and security of our province.”
The SKPC continues to evolve to support the ever-changing needs of recruits, policing services and communities. Initially, training for new recruits was delivered over 16 weeks, but it is now delivered over 21 weeks to cover a wider range of topics to better serve citizens in Saskatchewan.
The SKPC also offers ongoing training to both sworn and civilian municipal police service personnel to ensure they remain up-to-date on the latest advancements and best practices in law enforcement.
“As policing needs change, so does the training we provide to our recruits,” Saskatchewan Police Commission Executive Director Brent Penner says. “The curriculum undergoes a thorough review process following each training class to ensure it remains relevant, effective and aligned with the needs of our communities.”
This fall, the Government of Saskatchewan announced $11.9 million to hire approximately 100 new municipal police officers as part of its safer communities and neighbourhoods initiative. In addition, SKPC will receive $2.5 million over three years to help fill these positions with outstanding officers who understand the concerns facing our communities.
Swearing in ceremony for Weyburn Police
Brandon Brown, a new police recruit for the Weyburn Police Service, and city solicitor Levi Paradis, watched as Mayor Jeff Richards was about to be sworn in as the newest member of the Weyburn Police Commission, guided by Deputy Police Chief Shane St. John. This ceremony was held at City Hall on Thursday morning, and Brown began his 21-week Police College course on Monday before he begins his duties as a city police officer.
Individual faces charges after arrest by police
The Weyburn Police Service (WPS) responded to 58 calls for service during the period of Dec. 30 through Jan. 5, resulting in 12 charges. Of the charges, nine were laid under the Criminal Code of Canada, three were laid under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act and one under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA).
While on patrol a WPS member observed an individual that is well known to police. The individual is on conditions and when approached by the member, the individual tried to flee. The individual was caught by WPS members and is now facing numerous charges for resisting/ obstructing a police officer, failing to comply with a probation order and possession of property obtained by crime. The individual will be in court at a later date.
During this time WPS members also attended to false alarms, calls of dis -
turbances, calls related to mental health, wellbeing checks, reports of suspicious persons or activities and offender management.
A report of a stolen fleet fuel card was made to Weyburn police. The owner of the fuel card reported that the card was being used by a former employee without the owner’s consent. A warrant was obtained for the arrest of the former employee for unauthorized use of the fuel card.
New Year’s Eve had Weyburn police members dealing with a number of calls related to intoxicated individuals throughout the night. An intoxicated individual found themselves spending the night in cells for failing to leave an establishment when asked to do so, and were released the following day.
Police were dispatched to a call of a dog that was left inside a vehicle shortly after 11 p.m. on Jan. 3. WPS members tried to locate the owner of the vehicle and dog due to the low temperature outside at the time. The dog was removed from the vehicle by police and the owner was eventually located.
Police, Fire and EMS were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident. A vehicle was travelling
northbound on the grid that runs from Highway 13 to Highway 39 by the new 7-11. Due to the icecovered road, the driver of the vehicle lost control and went into the ditch. The vehicle flipped onto its side and the driver was unable to get out on their own. WFD removed the lone occupant from the vehicle, who was then transported to WGH. There were no serious injuries reported.
A disturbance on the east side of the city was called in after a neighbour heard very concerning comments being made by one of the individuals involved. The individual was located by police and is facing numerous charges under the Criminal Code for uttering threats, breach of a recognizance and drug-related charges. The individual was held in custody and brought before a judge the following day.
The Weyburn Police responded to 51 calls for service over the holiday season between Dec. 2230, resulting in a total of seven charges. Of the charges, three were laid under the Criminal Code of Canada, one under the Traffic Safety Act, one under the Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act and one under the Canna-
bis Control Saskatchewan Act.
The Weyburn Police Service had a relatively slow holiday season, responding to calls involving domestic disturbances, false alarms, suspicious persons and mental health calls for service.
A traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle on Dec. 23, and police observed signs of cannabis impairment from the driver along with open cannabis inside the vehicle. A sample of the driver’s oral fluid was tested which was positive for THC. The driver’s license was subsequently suspended for 21 days and the vehicle was also impounded. A ticket was issued for having cannabis inside the vehicle.
On Christmas day, police responded to a residence involving a domestic dispute between family members. The police presence helped calm the situation, which was mediated without further issue.
Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the early morning hours of Dec. 27, and arrested the driver who was failing to comply with the conditions of his conditional sentence order. The driver was also found to have a suspended driver’s license. The individual was held in custody and is to appear in Provincial Court this coming week.
Police received a complaint from a citizen who was reporting a vehicle that was stuck in the middle of the road on Dec. 28 at around 4:30 a.m. Upon arrival, police noted that the driver of the vehicle showed signs of impairment by alcohol. The driver was arrested for impaired driving and was subsequently charged under the Criminal Code. The driver now faces an indefinite license suspension and a 30-day vehicle impound along with a future court date. The Weyburn Police Service would like to wish the citizens of Weyburn happy holidays and a happy new year.
*Anyone with information regarding one of these matters, or any other matter of a criminal nature, is encouraged to contact the Weyburn
Photo – Kyle Hertes, City of Weyburn
‘Day of Dance’ fundraiser brings in $2,000 for Madrid trip
The Road To Real Madrid Day of Dance event went well, with three events held at St. Michael School on Jan. 2, raising
about $2,000 towards the trip expenses of three Weyburn soccer players aiming to travel to Madrid, Spain in the spring.
from
Doing the ‘YMCA’ dance
A group of children under the age of 10 followed three older boys in doing the
in the middle, who include Lexington Roy, Ranson Jordens and Ethan Thiedig. Around $2,000 was raised by the three dances held on
Tot events, limited to those 10 and under along with their parents, which ran from 10-12 and 1-3 p.m.
A middle years dance with kids from Grades 6-9 was held in the evening, and all were hosted by DJ Richy Roy.
One of the organizers, Rob Jordens, said, “The Tiny Tot events were well attended. In particular, the afternoon session was quite boisterous. Everyone had a great time. We had about 50 at the morning session and 60 at the afternoon session. The evening session wasn’t as well attended as we had expected but those in attendance had a great time. Richy was able to break out different music for this session and had the place rockin’!”
The dances included a concession which offered hot dogs, cotton candy, special ‘dirty’sodas, and other items.
“We’d like to thank our event sponsors, the Weyburn Young Fellows,
Weyburn Wholesale Club, Weyburn Co-op, Dana Thiedig, and Dustin and Vanessa Storle, and a big thanks for Sabrina Gulka for the use of the school gym and facilities. We very much appreciate the community support,” said Jordens.
He noted the group is approaching the $10,000 mark of their $30,000 goal.
“We don’t have any other fundraisers planned, but we will gratefully accept any donations that businesses or individuals care to make,” said Jordens. Cheques can be made out to Road to Real Madrid and e-transfer donations can be sent directly to road. realmadrid@gmail.com, and Rob can be contacted directly at 306-891-5146.
Envision Counselling and Support Centre looked back on “a remarkable year of growth” with their year-end message to supporters.
The organization, with four offices in the southeast, introduced a new vision and mission statement, and they celebrated their 30th anniversary with a series of open houses.
The open houses were held in Weyburn, Estevan and Carlyle as a part of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, and were dedicated to honouring those who have been impacted by crime, and raising awareness of the support services that are available to them through agencies like Envision.
The team grew and developed significantly in 2024, enhancing their capability to serve the community, with continuous training, professional development and strategic new hires.
The counsellors and support staff have been equipped with the neces -
sary skills and resources to meet the evolving needs in the service region.
The new vision statement for Envision is for “Supported, empowered and connected individuals throughout all communities in southeast Saskatchewan.”
The mission of Envision is “To provide inclusive supports that nurture healing, resilience and positive change.”
Envision has also been building partnerships and enhancing collaboration with local organizations and First Nations in the southeast.
“None of the work we do would be possible without the incredible support of our donors and community partners. Your support enables us to provide free, accessible services to those who need them most,” said Envision in a statement.
“As we look forward to 2025, we remain dedicated in our commitment to providing essential services to our community,” they added.
The three players will spend a week at the Real Madrid Academy, known globally for developing top-tier soccer talent. During this intensive training program, they will receive world-class coaching, hone their skills, and experience firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest levels of soccer.
This is not only a dream come true for these young athletes but also a significant milestone for the Weyburn Soccer Association and the broader Weyburn community. The boys were inspired to pursue this opportunity after Weyburn’s Gabriella Friesen made the trip last year. The Weyburn Wheatland Seniors Centre held a couple of games over the holidays, with the following results. The winners of Spades on Dec. 30 were, in first, Coral Schindel; in second, Gladys Lokken; and in third, Marg Schultz. The results of shuffleboard, held on Jan. 3, were Willa-Mae Donald and June Irvine in first; Ron Frayn and Stella Hoffart in second; and Mel Schindel and Yvette Bauche in third.
Highest marks awarded Weyburn Comp principal Renee Cuthbert presented Camryn Greve with the Governor General’s Academic Medal, for having the highest marks last year. Camryn was home from university for the holidays, and the award was presented during her visit at home. She served as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2024.
Photo courtesy Trisha Greve
The boys who were selected to travel to Spain to take part in the Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Camp are Ranson Jordens,
Ethan Thiedig and Lexington Roy. The camp will run
May 24-31, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. There were Two Tiny
dance for the “YMCA” song, at the Tiny Tots Dance held on Thursday afternoon at St. Michael School.The dance was held as a fundraiser for an upcoming trip to Madrid, Spain, for these three boys
Thursday with DJ Richy Roy.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
4 agriculture, oil &business
Prov’l indexation to help make life more affordable
The Saskatchewan Affordability Act and ongoing annual indexation are two ways the Government of Saskatchewan is taking action to ensure the province remains the most affordable place in Canada.
“Every year our government adjusts the provincial income tax brackets and basic tax credits to protect Saskatchewan citizens from the rising cost of inflation, which is also known as indexation,”
Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter said. “This provides safeguards against the inflationary pressures that would otherwise push taxpayers into higher tax brackets and reduce the actual value of tax credits. Given the current affordability concerns, it is important we take these steps to help make life more affordable for the people of Saskatchewan.” The level of indexation in 2025 will be 2.7 per cent, which matches the annual average national inflation rate from October 2023 to September 2024. In 2025, Saskatchewan residents will see $40.5 million in annual tax savings from indexation.
“A family of four will not pay any Saskatchewan income tax on the first $63,200 of their income, the highest tax-free threshold for a family of four in Canada,” Reiter said. “We have more than doubled this tax-free amount during our time in government, which continues to provide significant savings for people throughout the province and helps make life more affordable.”
Indexation was also incorporated into The Saskatchewan Affordability Act, which was recently passed in the Legislative Assembly. The Act reduced personal income tax in Saskatchewan by increasing rates for the basic personal, spousal and child exemptions, as well as the seniors supplement, by $500 a year for the next four years on top of annual indexation adjustments.
The Act provides significant benefits to pensioners and others who are on fixed incomes by indexing and increasing the rate of the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit, while persons with disabilities, as well as their caregivers, will also benefit from increased tax credits.
Fido’s supports Humane Society with fundraiser
Randy Bakaluk, president of the Weyburn Humane Society, accepted cheques totalling $900 from CindyAnn Boehm of Fido’s Doggy Day Care on Thursday afternoon, along with food collected over the holidays, seen on the couch behind them. Santa Paws photos were taken over the holidays, raising $350, plus this amount was matched by Fido’s, and an anonymous dog owner added a $200 donation to the total.
The Weyburn Chamber of Commerce will kick off the 2025 WEYBEX Awards on Monday, Jan. 13, opening nominations for the awards to be presented on May 9, 2025, at McKenna Hall. The awards are held every second year to celebrate business success in the city and surrounding area.
The WEYBEX Awards are open to businesses, organizations and individuals in the City of Weyburn and immediate area.
The patron sponsor for the awards is the Weyburn Credit Union, which also sponsors the Business of the Year award.
This award winner
is chosen from the winners in the categories of Golden Service, New or Expanded Business and Community Involvement.
The Leadership Excellence Award, sponsored by Saskatchewan Blue Cross, is awarded to a person who exemplifies leadership qualities within the business.
The Golden Service award, sponsored by MNP, recognizes a local business dedicated to customer satisfaction that consistently demonstrates excellence in the delivery of its products and services.
The Community Involvement award, sponsored by SaskEnergy, is
awarded to a business demonstrating outstanding performance in contributing to recreation, amateur sports, arts and culture, health care, education and charitable or non-profit groups.
The New and-or Expanded Business, sponsored by Community Futures Sunrise, is awarded to a business established or expanded in the past three years and demonstrating exceptional performance in terms of expansion into a new product, service, line of business, or in the creation of new markets and/ or jobs.
The Business Hall
of Fame, sponsored by Doane Grant Thornton, recognizes pioneer and cornerstone business leaders demonstrating long-term excellence and contributing to the economic well-being of Weyburn and area. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2025. Nominations can be submitted through the Weyburn Chamber’s WEYBEX Awards website at https://weyburncc. awardify.io/. For more information, contact the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce at 306-842-4738, or visit their office at 11 Third Street, Weyburn.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
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editorial opinion review weyburn
EDITORIAL
There’s good news, And there’s bad news
Canadians learned there is good news, and there is bad news, as they began 2025 with an announcement from the prime minister on Monday morning.
The good news is, for many, many people in Saskatchewan and Western Canada for the most part, that Justin Trudeau has decided to step down from his role of the past decade - but the proviso is, he will stay on at least until the new Liberal leader has been chosen.
The disappointment, for Conservatives and for many others wanting a change, is there isn’t an election just yet, but we have to wait at least until a new Liberal leader is in place.
Thus, Parliament has been suspended, or prorogued, until March 24, stalling any legislation or changes that could be made in the House of Commons as democracy at the federal level is stalled for the next three months.
It will be longer, actually, because after that there will be a new Throne Speech, which will need to be debated and then voted on.
The good part of that is, the vote on the speech is a confidence vote, and at this point, the leaders of both the Conservatives and NDP have vowed to defeat the Liberals at the first vote opportunity that comes up.
So, it’s possible we may be into a federal election by the spring, unless the Liberals figure out another way to delay things to avoid an election until the fall.
Canadians far and wide have been calling for Trudeau to step down for quite a while now, and the hope was to have a federal election as soon as the Liberals could be voted down.
Up until now, of course, the Trudeau administration have been propped up by the NDP, even as their leader has said numerous times how disappointed they are in the Liberals, and how badly they want to end this partnership - and yet, until now there has been no will to do that.
While voicing disappointment in the Liberals, the NDP are also well aware of the mood of many Canadians in disliking and even hating the Trudeau government which they supported, and they know they will likely not do very well in an election called suddenly. They are looking for the best timing, as the Liberals are certainly doing.
As Souris-Moose Mountain MP Robert Kitchen has said, the hope is that Canadians aren’t going to forget everything that the Liberals have done to this country.
The regressive and extremely-expensive carbon tax is at the top of the list for many Canadians, most especially for those in the West who have been hurt the most by the tax, and are scheduled to be hurt even more with a massive increase set for April 1 of this year.
Canadians need to be in the mood for change when the next election is eventually called. — Greg Nikkel
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RM resident points out problems in Enbridge claims at meeting
Letter to the Editor:
Re: Enbridge Open House, December 11, 2024
I, along with a few hundred other folks, attended the open house at McKenna Hall that Enbridge hosted. I’ll admit, I was glad to see some improvements over their last one in July:
• All Enbridge employees wore nametags (though the “professionals” didn’t)
• They had clipboards to jot down questions, etc.
• They made sure there were chairs for folks to sit down
• Refreshments were provided.
These may seem like small things, but they’re a step in the right direction if they want to show people they’re serious about hearing feedback.
I tried to strike up some conversations with the individuals about the posters displayed around the room. One of these chats was about the “Sound Control” poster and some of the pretty big claims they made on it. When I asked them what would happen if the noise exceeded the levels they were promising, or if there were complaints like those they’ve been dealing with in Ontario at their Underwood project since it started, they claimed to know nothing about it.
That’s a pretty big red flag, considering the Enbridge Underwood project has earned a rather unfortunate distinction – it has the third-largest number of complaints, with 529 complaints filed between January 2006 and December 2017. (Here’s a link for you to check out: Wind Concerns Ontario.)
In fact, if you’ve seen the “Down Wind” documentary (you can find it here: https://youtu.be/55-jBCjtJ88), it’s all about this very project and the awful effects it had on the people living there.
So I asked if they’d shut the turbines off if they were found to be louder than promised, and they said, “No.” Instead, they would “study and monitor” any concerns. I then asked what they’d do to actually help people who were being affected by the noise, and they couldn’t provide an answer. That’s a real worry for me, especially since the new plan with the setbacks, even with adherence to the RM bylaws, still has a concerning number of turbines near my home. And this is coming from their so-called “professionals.”
I could go on, but I’ll leave it at that for now. I also wanted to highlight the numbers that Enbridge was throwing around, as well as some claims made in another local online publication just a few days before the open house, which quoted an RM landowner who represents one family that is the majority leaseholder in this project and one of the few that stands to profit if it goes ahead.
Tax Revenue Claim: The claim: “$800,000 in property tax revenue” between the two RMs annually. Well, I grabbed my calculator and did a little figuring (numbers are approximate, mind you):
With 46 turbines planned, RM of Griffin – 27 (roughly 59 per cent), and the RM of Weyburn – 19 (roughly 41 per cent).
Taking out the education tax portion (which makes up 43 per cent of my tax bill) leaves us with $456,000. So, let’s break it down:
The RM of Griffin – 59 per cent = $269,000, and the RM of Weyburn – 41 per cent = $187,000.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. In the RM of Weyburn, I don’t need to be a genius to see that $187,000 sure isn’t anywhere near enough to cover the “gravel budget,” as was suggested in a recent online publication. According to the RM’s own financial statements, their gravel budget is $460,000. (You can check it out yourself here: RM Weyburn Financials (https://www.rmweyburn.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2024/09/2023-RM-of-Weyburn-FinancialStatements.pdf), page 27.)
As well, that same publication claimed that “leases from the project will contribute about $5-6 million into the economy each year”, while Enbridge states “$3 – 4 million”. Remember folks – you can’t always believe what you read in the media. Ask them
for proof! And the claim of an “escalator clause” in the landowners contract? Well, since only a chosen few are privy to that, and there is a gag order prohibiting (most of them) from sharing details, how do we actually know this to be true?
Another mythical claim made – that the tax burden on local landowners will be lowered. Well, since it’s the province and the RMs who decide on the taxation rates, I am not sure how anyone involved in this project would be able to claim that those of us living in the RMs will see our taxes lowered (although they should as our property values will decrease).
At least the 57 per cent of our taxes that actually goes to the RMs, as the education portion does not.
This all smells like yet another attempt at feeding half-truths to people, hoping they’ll buy into it and believe whatever they are told.
Tax Revenue Claim Part 2: And here is the second part of their claim – Some of the landowners in the two RMs who signed on to this project, either voluntarily fully understanding what they would gain or lose; or through pressure and without reading the contract too closely, DO NOT EVEN LIVE HERE! In some cases, absentee landowners live in other parts of Saskatchewan, Canada, or even in the United States. The number of families who actually live in the area and will benefit (and in theory share those benefits locally) is very minimal indeed. So the claim that those dollars are staying here and “benefitting” our communities is completely false. Doesn’t take a genius to see through that one.
Yet ALL of us living in the area have to suffer the consequences and will see ZERO benefits.Those living closest to these monsters will have to contend with the disruption during construction, noise, flashing from blades, our water supply potentially being damaged, destroyed views, dead birds, bats and pollinators, health issues for us, our pets and livestock, etc. (And yes, I know that the “professionals” claim these things are all false, but the overwhelming evidence to support these claims cannot be ignored. Watch that Down Wind video, or others that have been made around the world. Hundreds of people can’t all be making it up.)
Do “Landowner rights” allow you to do something that will have such negative affects on your neighbors? Cancel culture? Well, if that applies to “one” then it should apply to all. Those of us putting up signs have been harassed and more for doing only that.
For those tossing around the term “NIMBY” – let me tell you, this is not that situation. I don’t support the use of taxpayers’ hard-earned money for energy projects, whether they’re provincial or federal. Not when it’s for power sources that are unreliable and only drive up rates for everyone across the province, while also making our power supply less dependable. If these companies can’t fund these projects on their own, then they shouldn’t be going forward. Oil and gas, nuclear, and natural gas – all of these are self-funded without asking the public to foot the bill. So, why are wind and solar treated any differently?
And folks, anyone who says that power rates won’t increase, well talk to anyone from Ontario –they saw their rates increase by 425 per cent because of so called “renewable’ energy.
I could go on and on, but I’ll save that for another time. Bottom line is, don’t just take Enbridge’s word for it – or anyone else’s for that matter – especially those who stand to financially gain if this project proceeds. Do your research and make them prove their claims. Anyone can spew any sort of information about financial or other benefits, but proving it might be a different story.
Keep those emails going to power.operations@ enbridge.com folks! Make them prove their claims and provide real answers. Kim Brady, RM of Weyburn
Racing each other in a drill
These two raced each other in a football drill, held by Weyburn Minor Football at the Credit
Centre. This session of drills and exercises was held on Dec. 28 during the Christmas-New
Handling the medicine ball
Young athletes passed around a medicine ball, during one of the drill sessions held by Weyburn Minor Football over the Christmas-New Year’s holidays. The session was held at the Credit Union Spark Centre, and aimed to give prospective players a taste of some of the drills they might do at a football practice, in getting ready for the next season.
Weyburn Red Wings win two to start 2025
The Weyburn Red Wings won their first two games of 2025, including a Highway 39 Cup game versus Estevan on Saturday, and Yorkton on Sunday.
The Wings shut out the Bruins 3-0, then they defeated the Terriers 3-2 on Sunday.
In the shutout victory in Estevan, the goals were scored by Ethan Dekay, assisted by Liam Fitzgerald and Luke Schraeder; Jaxson Ruthven, assisted by Cyprus Smith-Davis and Jerome Maharaj; and Maharaj scored, assisted by Simon Martin.
Angela Zol handed the goaltending duties, stopping all 25 shots on net. He also earned the honour of SJHL Goaltender of the Week for his performance.
On Sunday, new Red Wing player Josh Sale scored in the second period to tie the game versus Yorkton 1-1, assisted by Blake Betson and Luke Dekay.
In the third period, Lucas Schmid scored, assisted by Ethan Dekay, and after the Terriers tied the game up at 2-2, Maharaj got the winning goal, assisted by Smith-Davis.
In net, Zol made 29
saves on 31 shots for the win. Just prior to the weekend games, the Red Wings traded away their other goaltender and last year’s team MVP, Dazza Mitchell, to the Humboldt Broncos.
In return, the Wings obtained forward Sale (who scored in the Terriers game), and goaltender Ty Matonovich.
The Red Wings have nominated Liam Fitzgerald for the RBC Community Ambassador program, which acknowledges the contributions made by SJHL players to the communities they live and play in.
The next three games for the Red Wings are at home, starting with the Terriers who will play tonight, Jan. 8, at Crescent Point Place, followed by the Notre Dame Hounds on Saturday, Jan. 11, and the La Ronge Ice Wolves, who will visit Weyburn on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The Red Wings will also be taking part in the SJHL/MJHL Showcase on Jan. 28-29 in Winnipeg. Coach Cody Mapes has been selected part of the SJHL’S coaching staff for the showcase event.
Weyburn Lacrosse hosts ‘Christmas Sixes’ day-long tournament
Lacrosse players from across Saskatchewan converged on Weyburn’s Credit Union Spark Centre on Dec. 29, for a day-long Christmas Sixes Lacrosse tournament, brought by the Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association.
The tourney was to show up-and-coming lacrosse players the style to be used in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where lacrosse will be an Olympic sport for the first time.
The style to be used is Sixes, a form of field la -
crosse where there are five players and a goalie on a team, on a shortened field. As this was a demonstration event where lacrosse players from various age levels came to try it out, the players from around the province, including a number from Weyburn, were mixed together on U11, U13, U15 and U17 teams to play each other throughout the day. Games alternated with three U11 and U13 teams playing each other and three U15 and U17 playing each other.
Union Spark
Year’s holiday week.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Sixes Lacrosse tournament held on Dec. 29.This was held to introduce young players from across the province to the style of lacrosse that will be used in the next Olympic Games to be held in Los Angeles.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Battling for the ball
Players from U15 and U17 teams battled for possession of the ball, during the Christmas Sixes tournament hosted by Weyburn Lacrosse on Dec. 29 at the Credit Union Spark Centre.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
St. Michael students Maya, left, and Jaxon led the team of leapfroggers for their grade team, at the leapfrogging finals held at a special assembly on Feb. 29. In honour of Leap Day, the school held leapfrogging competitions throughout the morning in the school gymnasium, and ran the finals at the assembly to crown the top teams.
Year
in Review for July to December 2024 will be published in the January 15th Review.
Weyburn bowler wins silver at Canada Winter Games
Weyburn Special Olympics bowler Robin Stelter came home with a silver medal from the Special Olympics’ Canada Winter Games event held in Calgary, as a member of Team Sask – Weyburn cowgirl Charlize Hallberg spoke of her role as the newest member of the Truco Trick Riders, one of five girls from southeast Saskatchewan who formed the group – Big Brothers Big Sisters Weyburn opened a new office in Weyburn, sharing space with the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce and Weyburn Tourism downtown – CEO and president Dr. Vicky Roy announced she was going to leave Southeast College at the end of June, telling the board of her decision on Feb. 14 – Harvard Media announced the acquisition of digital entites SaskToday.ca and MooseJawToday from Glacier Media, including a new long-term partnership with Glacier Media – The Weyburn Red Wings held their awards night just before the start of playoffs, on March 7, including naming goaltender Dazza Mitchell as the team’s MVP for the season – Weyburn curler Danette Tracey was a member of Team Streifel, which won the Senior Provincial Curling Championship over the March 16 weekend, and they went on to represent the province at the National Senior Curling Championship in Moncton, N.B. in December –
A total of 1,549 ballots were cast in the James Weir People’s Choice competition, a record number, with Will Kohanik winning first for his steel panther; Tana Cugnet won second for her painting, “Chickadee Trail”, and third went to Colette Horack for her stained glass piece, “Loon and Five Friends” – Education director Gwen Keith of the Holy Family School Division told the board she would be retiring from her position at the end of August, ending 11 years with Holy Family.
Duane Walkeden receives Golden Spike
Weyburn volunteer and oilman Duane Walkeden was named the 2024 recipient of the Golden Spike Award by the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce, at the President’s Dinner and Chamber AGM – The 2023-24 season for the Weyburn Red Wings came to a close with a 3-0 loss to the Humboldt Broncos in Game 7 of their playoff series – Hundreds of dancers from 13 dance clubs from around the province converged on the Cugnet Centre for the DeFeet Dance Challenge, held on April 5-7 – Farm leader Jake Leguee of Fillmore expressed optimism for the future of agriculture in Saskatchewan, in a presentation he made to the Weyburn Rotary Club on April 4 –The Weyburn Young Fellows Club exceeded their goal for their annual auction and banquet, with 320 people in attendance at the Weyburn Exhibition Hall on April 6 – The Weyburn Police Service held an appreciation banquet for emergency tele-communicators in southern Saskatchewan on April 16, with a speech by a
dispatcher involved in the Humboldt bus crash – The Weyburn Wildlife Federation held their annual awards night, with 320 people in attendance, with the Fred Garner Memorial Award for the Outstanding Member going to John Tilley – The Weyburn Credit Union hit a major milestone as they went over $1 billion in assets under management, the annual meeting was told – Weyburn soccer player Gabriella Friesen shared stories of her trip to Madrid, Spain, to train with other soccer players from Canada – Weyburn lawyer Mike Weger was acclaimed as the Sask Party candidate for Weyburn-Bengough, at a meeting of the riding association on April 23.
design on her
a number of
Emcee host Lindsee Michel posed a question for the panel of mentors and coaches during the “Girls Beyond Borders” event held on April 20 at St. Michael School by Michel’s group, Spillling Prairie Tea. The panelists shown are, from left, Brooklyn and Jasmine Lund, Tonya Miller, Lydia Sanders, Jessie Smoliak and Heidi Vogel.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Kindergarten student Ruth heated her drawing tool in a candle flame, before using it to continue drawing a
Ukrainian Easer egg, at St. Michael School on March 25. Instructor Sherry Klemmer was joined by
parents to help the students learn how to make the traditional Ukrainian art for Easter.
The Prairie Sky Co-op had their highest-ever level of sales
The Prairie Sky Co-op Association reported their highest-ever sales level of $100.5 million in 2023, members heard at the AGM – A large crowd gathered at rail crossings and at the CPKC Rail yard on April 29 to see an antique steam locomotive pull in for a stop in Weyburn, as part of the “Final Spike Tour” across the CPKC lines in Canada and the U.S. before ending up in Mexico City – The Crocus Quilt Guild set up 223 exhibits around Weyburn Exhibition Hall for their two-day quilt show, visited by around 450 patrons – Four “Women of Distinction” were awarded at the YF Wives gala celebration held at McKenna Hall on May 3; the Weyburn Credit Union Workplace Excellence Award went to Danielle Millar; the Weyburn Oilwomen Young Woman of Distinction was Arliss Sidloski; the YF Wives Community Service Award went to Jackie Wilson of Inclusion Weyburn; and the Access Communications Exceptional Entrepreneur award went to Lori McIntosh – Construction of Weyburn’s new hospital was one-third complete as of the end of April – The Holy Family School Division named Ken Sampson as the new education director, to take over at the end of August 2024 from the retiring Gwen Keith – The Weyburn Review and This Week won several awards in the Sask. Weekly Newspaper Association’s Better Newspapers Competition –Isaiah Evans and family of Weyburn found out their new van for transporting Isaiah was now fully paid for, enabling a wheelchair lift to be installed – A grand opening was held on May 15 for the Midale Public Library for their new location at 203 Main Street.
Charlene Wimmer, the featured quilter for the Crocus Quilting Guild’s quilt show in Weyburn, pointed out some of the features of one of her quilts, during a trunk show she put on. The veteran quilter gave the back stories to several of her favourite quilts, which were displayed for the audience to see as she spoke.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
The Empress, a refurbished antique steam locomotive, No. 2816, rolled down the Soo Line through Weyburn on April 29, making a maintenance stop in the CP Rail yard and attracting a large crowd there and along the side of Highway 39. The steam locomotive is on CPKC Rail’s “Last Spike Tour”, which took the train through the United States to end up in Mexico City by the end of May.
Members of the Spirit Singers performed songs from the musical, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown”, for those attending the Mayor’s Luncheon on May 7 at McKenna Hall, held as part of Mental Health Week for CMHA Weyburn. The group left for New York City later in May, where they visited for six days, including a performance on June 1 at Carnegie Hall, as part of a 100-voice choir from Saskatchewan. From left are Emerson Jack, Brinlee Klapak, Calla Hrynewich, Camden Husband, Brittany Barber, Donald Alexander, Natalie Butz, Tauren Jack and Jyllian Payak.
Oil and Gas Show opens with ceremony
The 20th Biennial Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show officially opened on June 5 with a chaincutting ceremony with Premier Scott Moe, show chair Dan Cugnet and Mayor Marcel Roy – Weyburn Comp student Camryn Greve came home with a gold medal from the National Skills Canada competition held in Quebec City – Premier Scott Moe accompanied MLA Dustin Duncan on a tour of Weyburn’s new hospital under construction, along local dignitaries, while he was in Weyburn for the Oil Show – Sask teachers agreed to binding arbitration to resolve their long-standing labour dispute with the province – The Class of 2024 for the Weyburn Comp was encouraged to celebrate and make new memories, and to set goals for success, by class valedictorian Camryn Greve at Graduation Day on June 15 – Design plans for Weyburn’s new theatre were released, as fundraising continued for the project to replace the Soo Theatre in downtown Weyburn – Player Rori Dickie was chosen the 2024 recipient of the Esso Cup Scholarship for the Weyburn Gold Wings – The Weyburn Comp’s Junior Achievement companies won a total of eight awards from the Junior Achievement Provincial Awards ceremony, including Saskatchewan’s Company of the Year for Sweets and Treats.
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Camryn Greve was the 2024 valedictorian for the Class of 2024, as she delivered her speech as one of the final features of the grad ceremonies, held in Crescent Point Place.
Weyburn’s own Brett Jones shared some of his experiences as a professional football player, as Riders running back AJ Ouellette listened, at the Weyburn Beavers sports dinner on June 1 at the Weyburn Legion Hall. Both players talked about how they got into their respective careers in football, and some of their favourite memories prior to and during their professional careers.
The Soo Line Cruisers’ 21st annual show-and-shine saw a variety of classic and vintage cars and trucks on display in downtown Weyburn, with 234 entries for the show held on June 15.
Premier Scott Moe, centre, cuts the chain during the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show opening ceremonies, held at the Weyburn Exhibition grounds on June 5.The biennial event held in Weyburn, provides an opportunity for the service and supply segment of the industry to display their products and latest technology applicable to the oil and gas Industry.
Photo - Sabrina Kraft
of Creelman, Saskatchewan He will be missed by his son Del (Joanne) Wiberg; daughter Brenda (Murray) Loewen; sister Dorothy (Herb) Evans and his 5 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren A memorial service will be planned at a later date In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Don may be made to the Silver Heights Bible Church at 1610 Clark Avenue Weyburn Saskatchewan S4H 3H1 Condolences may be left at: www fletcherfuneralchapel com Services In Care Of Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services Weyburn Saskatchewan 306-842-5432
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Photo – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
People’s Choice
Wide variety of media entered in 2025 People’s Choice exhibit
By Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca
Last year there was a black steel panther that stole the show – this year, it might just be a large chicken … or something else might steal your imagination.
The 41st edition of the James Weir People’s Choice art exhibition was installed by curator Regan Lanning on Monday afternoon, and the show opened for viewing and voting on Tuesday, set to run from now until March 14, 2025, as the sole exhibition in the Weyburn Art Gallery.
“This year, for the James Weir People’s Choice, we have 23 unique works on exhibition,” said Lanning. “They range from paintings to drawings to fibre works, to clay and wood-burning. We have a chest of drawers, and we even have a painted guitar case. It’s literally everything you can imagine on display, and voting opened on Tuesday.”
Ballots are available as viewers come in to the gallery, and people are encouraged to vote for their favourite three pieces.
The artists’ names have been removed so as not
to impact the voting process, and this year artists were invited to include an artist’s statement if they wished.
The chest of drawers, featuring several types of wood in its design, includes an extensive artist’s statement explaining why all of the types of wood were included, and what kinds of wood were used.
Lanning is planning to once again host tours for classes of the exhibition starting in February, and invites any interested people or groups in the community who wish to arrange for a tour as well.
Woods of many colours
Curator Regan Lanning noted the many different types and colours of wood used in this unique entry to the People’s Choice exhibition, a chest of drawers. The artist included a statement which explains the reasons and sources of the types of wood used for this entry.
Your neighbour in energy and communit y
For more than 75 years, Enbridge has been more than pipelines in Saskatchewan. We’re a neighbour, committed to the places we live and work
We create loc al jobs, support loc al business es, and invest in what strengthens the community. In 2023 alone, we contributed over $500 million to Saskatchewan’s economy.
From powering homes and vehicles to fuelling local business es, Enbridge is proud to be part of Saskatchewan’s grow th.
Learn more at enbridge.com/s askatchewan.
“If there are any community groups interested in a tour, just contact the front desk at the Credit Union Spark Centre,” she said.
In addition, the Weyburn Art Gallery is open for viewing anytime the Spark Centre is open, she noted.
Voting will be all in person this year, and Lanning expressed doubt that
online voting will be used again as it had been during the COVID lockdowns.
“It was quite arduous and difficult. Voting platforms are very particular, and it scales down all of the works to being the same size, so it’s hard to get a true look at it,” she said, noting it’s far better to see in person and see all of the works as they were
created.
Last year, she noted 10 per cent of Weyburn’s population came out to vote with a record-setting number of ballots cast at 1,549 votes.
“That’s how we trend, every year we get more votes than we had the year before, and I’d love to see that trend continue,” said Lanning.
Painting entry for People’s Choice
Curator Regan Lanning carefully set this painting in place, one of 23 entries for the 41st edition of the James Weir People’s Choice exhibition.
Multi-media entry includes a moose jaw
This multi-media entry, which includes the jawbone of a moose, was conceived as a piece of an old pub such as might be found in the U.K. or Europe.
A large fabric chicken roosts in the gallery
This large fabric chicken with metal claws is roosting in the Weyburn Art Gallery, as one of the 23 entries for the James Weir People’s Choice exhibition. Curator Regan Lanning expects some of the school tours might ask questions about this entry when she begins doing those in February.
Photos – Greg Nikkel, SaskToday.ca