SSEP research identified six resource-clusters for creating a vibrant, stable and sustainable future for the next generation. We call these our Regional Economic Pillars.
Carefully organized around our excellent location, freight advantages, abundant natural resources, geography, skilled workforce and rich regional history, these pillars form the foundation of our Economic Development Plan.
Our strategic plan aligns with our core values, vision and mission, and provides a balanced approach to our long-term social, environmental and economic sustainability. This section explores each pillar in more detail and compares their potential.
The Pillars
- Overview & Looking Forward
- Destination Tourism
- Logistics and Distribution Hub & Municipal Infrastructure
- Water for Economic Development
- ValueAdded Agriculture Processing & Resource Innovation
Value-Added Agriculture Processing
Agricultural production has long been a key economic driver in this region. It is a natural fit in an area that has excellent soil conditions combined with 2536 hours of sunlight and over 2300 heat units annually. The potential for further growth will come from the addition of at least one level of processing before shipping product out of the region.
Processing options could include artisanal mills, micro-breweries or distilleries, plant-based protein extraction, pelletized straw products, pet food manufacturing, and pulse and cereals grain processing.
Resource Innovation
This is an extremely rich area when it comes to natural resources. Renewable energy is being employed and developed through solar and geothermal projects. A number of innovative technologies are being explored in the region including: work on hydrogen-based technologies; rare earth elements (REE) are being developed; lignite is being used to manufacture activated charcoal; and bio-diesel manufacturing is being explored.
Southeast College, located in Estevan, has a history of partnering with local business and they are developing an innovation centre that will serve the region and promote research and innovation.
Finally, there is a strong national and international market for business-led innovations around clean energy, natural resource development, crop fractionation, and carbon capture.
The Southeast Sask Economic Partnership is working with the RMs of Estevan and Coalfields and the Town of Bienfait to bring new ecomonic opportunties to our region.
