Check out the latest aquatic and ice schedule for the Estevan Leisure Centre! Details here.
Construction is officially underway on the Turning Sun Solar Project, a 100-megawatt renewable energy development in the RM of Estevan, and project organizers are already seeing local engagement and workforce growth as the site moves from planning to active construction.
Kyra Windrim, project coordinator and developer for Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI), provided an overview of the solar farm’s progress during a recent community briefing. “We’ve moved from mobilization into full construction,” Windrum said, highlighting that the project now spans four quarter sections and 550 acres. The installation uses advanced single‑axis solar trackers, which follow the sun east to west to maximize energy capture.
The construction phase will unfold over 12 to 18 months, with commercial operations expected by December 2027. At its peak, the site will employ approximately 150 workers, though Windrim emphasized that hiring is ongoing and positions, particularly specialized trades like electricians, will continue to be filled throughout the summer. Workers will be responsible for tasks ranging from civil works, such as access roads and fencing, to panel installation and electrical work.
While there will be no dedicated man camp for employees, project organizers are exploring transportation solutions to accommodate the influx of construction traffic. Barton Mallow, the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, has been working closely with the project team to ensure logistics run smoothly. “We’re looking at ways to minimize the impact on local roads and support our workers,” Windrim noted.
The project has also committed to minimizing environmental disruption. Only essential grading for access roads and equipment laydown areas will be completed, leaving the majority of the site undisturbed. Decommissioning plans are already in place for the end of the project’s 25-year life cycle. “Funds have been allocated throughout the life of the project to ensure that at the end, components can be recycled, salvaged, or safely disposed of,” Windrim explained.
Beyond construction, the Turning Sun project has fostered partnerships with local educational institutions. Southeast College has benefited from $60,000 in funding toward its Centre for Sustainable Innovation, scholarships for students, and internship opportunities. Students from electrical and other programs have had the chance to gain hands-on experience on-site, positioning them for future careers in the renewable energy sector. Additionally, GSI has partnered with the University of Regina on ecological and geological research, examining the impacts of the solar development on wildlife and the potential of building on reclaimed land.
Windrim said public engagement remains a priority. The project plans to host a site tour for the community during construction, with annual tours continuing into the operational phase. Workshops for students and renewable energy professionals are also planned to showcase insights from both construction and ongoing research efforts.
“This project is about more than just energy generation,” Windrim said. “It’s about building community partnerships, creating jobs, and fostering the next generation of renewable energy professionals in southeast Saskatchewan.”
