Enbridge Proposed Line 26 Optimization and Coalfields Community Pasture – PAUSED

Coalfields Community Pasture, formerly PFRA, comprising 32,000 acres, is located southeast of Estevan. See map https://www.prairiecommons.ca/?page_id=156

Enbridge had been investigating a proposal for the Line 26 Optimization Project. Line 26, which currently carries oil from North Dakota to Canada, would have been changed to carry oil from Canada to the U.S.A. from Cromer Terminal in Manitoba, through southeast Saskatchewan, to. Berthold Terminal in North Dakota. For a map giving the general location of Line 26, go to https://www.enbridge.com/map#map:infrastructure,search=26

However, Enbridge announced on August 1 that the project is paused, “put on indefinite hold.”

“Canada’s Enbridge postpones plans for 2nd phase of Mainline oil pipeline expansion” https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/enbridge-canada-oil-alberta-9.7293934 CBC Calgary

“Enbridge puts Line 26 project on indefinite hold, with major implications for Saskatchewan” https://www.yourwestcentral.com/articles/enbridge-puts-line-26-project-on-indefinite-hold-with-major-implications-for-saskatchewan  ” By Brian Zinchuk, Pipeline Online reported in Your West Central Voice/The Kerrobert and District Chronicle. Original article with map and details https://pipelineonline.ca/enbridges-pause-of-its-mainline-optimization-project-has-major-implications-for-saskatchewan/

But the project may be reinvigorated in the future.

The original Line 26 was laid in the 1990s. Enbridge’s plans were to replace some pipeline. New pipe would run parallel, within 8 to 10 meters, of the original line. Part of the line runs through the Coalfields Community Pasture, so work would create a considerable disturbance.

Enbridge’s preliminary plans

“To connect Line 26 pipeline to ET, Enbridge would use parts of the existing Line 26 pipeline, along with the addition of a new pipe. This would involve Enbridge:

• Continuing to operate the existing 16-inch pipeline from the Cromer Terminal in Manitoba (MB) to the Steelman pump station in Saskatchewan (SK).
• Constructing a new 24-inch pipeline segment to replace the existing 12-inch pipeline starting at the Steelman pump station. This new 24-inch pipeline segment would cross the Canada/U.S. border and be constructed along an optimized route to connect to the ET Ramberg Terminal in North Dakota (ND). It would be approximately 128 kilometers (80 miles) in length of which approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) would be in SK and approximately 96 kilometers (60 miles) would be in ND.
• Decommissioning or deactivating the existing 12-inch pipeline from the Steelman Station to approximately 800 meters (0.5 miles) south of the Canada/U.S. border and abandoning the remaining 12-inch pipeline to the Berthold Terminal in ND.”

[From https://www.enbridge.com/projects-and-infrastructure/projects/line-26-optimization, July 2026. Page was deleted July 31.]

Enbridge’s timelines for Mainline Optimization Phase 2 (preliminary timeline) https://www.enbridge.com/projects-and-infrastructure/projects/mainline-optimization/program-timelines

Enbridge was looking at the possible route, conducting environmental studies of flora and fauna, and talking to landowners.

Open houses were anticipated. starting in the Fall of 2026, to provide information to the public, but that is not happening at this time. If the project is started up again, Enbridge would likely be in touch with local landowners first. It would be appreciated if people would alert PPPI and others of any notice of the project restarting.

People can contact Enbridge for information at 1-888-967-3899 (toll free) or projects@enbridge.com

Because the line would go through 2 provinces and internationally to the USA, when Enbridge has a proposal to formally share, the project would not be reviewed by Saskatchewan’s Environment Ministry, but rather by the Canada Energy Regulator. https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/index.html

QUESTIONS TO ASK, NOW and IN THE FUTURE

• Is the project really needed?
• When could it be restarted?
• What remediation was done for land affected by the original pipeline?
• What does the affected land look like now?
• How much land will be disturbed during construction: for the pipeline, for vehicle and machinery access, for storge and crew accommodations?
• What will be the overall effects on soil, plants and animals?
• What will be the effects on native prairie on Coalfields Community Pasture and elsewhere?
• How will disturbed areas be remediated?
• How will the cattle grazing operations on Coalfields Community Pasture be affected?
• How will First Nations and local landowners be affected?

Powerline through SK Landing Park and/or Matador Community Pasture

SaskPower is proposing a 155-kilometre transmission line on steel H-frames that could cut through Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park and the Matador Community Pasture. Native grassland would be affected. SaskPower could choose other options going through other areas. https://engage.saskpower.com/coteau-creek-to-swift-current-transmission-line-project

Please fill in their feedback form and forward your comments to PPPI.

Attend open houses being held from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at several locations.

• Swift Current: July 20 to 22, Coast Swift Current Hotel, 905 North Service Road East
• Beechy: July 28 to 29, Beechy Community Hall, 409 2nd Avenue North
• Macrorie: July 30, Macrorie Community Hall 101 1st Avenue South

The one route they are proposing cuts right through the West side of Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park. That area of the park is pristine grasslands with no visible infrastructure of any kind. This route (Proposed Transmission Corridor West 2) should not be used. Two other routes cut through a significant portion of the Matador Community Pasture as well which would also not be ideal for native prairie (Proposed Transmission Corridor West 1) and (Proposed Transmission Corridor Centre).

Two other possible routes appear to be less harmful (Proposed Transmission Corridor East 1) and (Proposed Transmission Corridor East 2). Further study of these routes is needed by people familiar with the area.

There is also another route but its pathway is unclear. (Proposed Transmission Corridor Crossover).

Photos of the area on the south side of the park being considered for the line.

SK Landing 1- Cam Barlow 20260704_075116

SK Landing 2 – Cam Barlow 20260704_082151

SK Landing 3- Cam Barlow 20260704_083338

SK Landing 4- Cam Barlow 20260704_084429

Crown land sale in Corman Park

UPDATE: In reaction to public response, on May 19, 2026 SK Highways temporarily paused its plans to sell this land but could resume its attempt in the future.

********** Original Post May 12, 2026*********

The province has vacant Crown land on the McDougall auction site for bid under the Ministry of Highways. Sale ends May 22, 2026. https://mcdougallauction.com/products.php?category=Real+Estate&filters=subcatVacant+Land

4 parcels of land in in one section between Martensville and Warman, in the RM of Corman Park.

The website has several drone photos of the land. Cultivated, pasture, bush, wetlands / water.

None of the parcels have Conservation Easements.

1. SW 34-38-05 W3. 159 Titled Acres. ± 159 Estimated Grazing Acres. Ag use: pasture.
2. SE 34-38-05 W3. 84.5 Titled Acres. ± 36 Estimated Cultivatable Acres. ± 36 Estimated Grazing Acres. Ag Usage: Cultivation & Pasture
3. LSD 11 & 12, Sec 34 Tp 38 Rg 05 W3. 79.13 Titled Acres. ± 76 Estimated Grazing Acres. Ag Usage: Pasture.
4. NW 34-38-05 W3. 39.29 Titled Acres. ± 26 Estimated Cultivatable Acres. Ag Usage: Cultivation.

From what we can gather, portions of the land were excavated for gravel 40 years ago. There has been some return to nature. Sharptailed grouse, owls. Photos show some current crop cultivation. Capacities for cattle grazing are listed in the auction ad.

These lands show the process of industrial use and the pressures of proximity to growing urban centres.

Crown land should not be sold. Why is the land being sold? Although this land is under the wing of Highways, why would it not be considered in the same way as Saskatchewan Agriculture’s moratorium on the sale of Crown agricultural land? What are the alternatives the Ministry of Highways could undertake? Has the land been assessed with the Crown Land Ecological Assessment Tool? What are the guarantees that the land will be left as is, preserving remaining habitat for wildlife, while continuing to be used for agriculture? What has the consultation been with Indigenous peoples?

Contact:

Hon. Kim Gartner, Minister of Highways, Phone 306-798-4230, Email hi.minister@gov.sk.ca

Hon. Darlene Rowden, Minister of Environment, Phone 306-787-0393, Email env.minister@gov.sk.ca

Hon. David Marit, Minister of Agriculture, Phone 306-787-0338, Email ag.minister@gov.sk.ca

Stop cuts to agricultural research

AAFC has said they will cut research stations and staff across Canada. The research for decades had involved crops, but also the organic and regenerative research program at Swift Current. Cutting government funded research leads to privatization, which as been shown in Europe, is not as effective. The cuts eliminate decades of work in areas selected for representative soils and climates, plus the loss of dedicated and knowledgeable scientists and research technicians. Join the campaign to let the Prime Minister and Agriculture and Agni-Food Canada know that this decision should be reversed. Sign the e-petition (Closed for signature April 3, 2026, at 11:44 a.m. (EDT)) Write to the PM and MPs https://www.nfu.ca/short-sighted-cuts-long-term-harm-sign-today-to-protect-the-agricultural-research-we-all-depend-on/

See PPPI statemeent Ag station cuts – PPPI response

AGM & Grasslands Forum – March 28, 2026

Join us for the 2026 AGM & Grasslands Forum on Saturday, March 28 in Regina!

Attend in-person or online.

See our Event page https://www.facebook.com/events/931323535956407/

REGISTER at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pppi-2026-agm-grasslands-forum-tickets-1984195272473

Crown Land Sales – PAUSED – due to public outcry

Today, McDougall Auctioneers has the following message – Thanks to everyone who supported us retaining these Crown lands !!!

REAL ESTATE – MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE – CROWN LAND SALE: Closing Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 10:00 AM CST Notice: At the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Crown Land Sale Auction is temporarily paused. Further information will be provided as soon as possible.

Sask Agriculture stated:

“The Ministry of Agriculture is pausing the auction of parcels of vacant Crown land, which was scheduled to run from October 7 to 28. The ministry will review other approaches to ensure the vacant Crown land is used for productive purposes.

The parcels identified for auction in October are lands that were previously leased agricultural land where leases have been surrendered or cancelled. The intent of the sale was to allow the land to be used for agricultural purposes. The parcels of land identified for auction are a small portion of total Crown land holdings in Saskatchewan.

As a next step, the ministry will consider other ways to address the use of vacant Crown land, including leasing suitable parcels and in some cases, short-term permitting. The decision to pause the sale of Crown land in the October auction does not constitute a change in overall government direction as it relates to Crown land management.”

From PPPI’s perspective, reading the statement from the Ministry explaining its decision to pause the auction it seems their definition of ‘productive’ use of land does not have room for anything other than crop yields. Is this government that blind to other productive uses and values that are provided by Crown lands—Indigenous access, wildlife habitat, water conservation, climate change mitigation, and affordable lease rates for younger farmers?

Media reports

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/sask-crown-land-sales-resume-critics-question-motives-1.7652323

https://leaderpost.com/news/politics/saskatchewan-government-halts-sale-of-4480-acres-of-crown-land-in-light-of-concerns

Crown Land Sales – CBC radio Blue Sky Mon. Oct. 6 : recording & article

DISCUSSED on CBC BLUE SKY SHOW  Mon. Oct.6 noon hour https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-189-blue-sky

Here is the link to the recording of the show.

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-189-blue-sky/clip/16173981-more-crown-land-sales-sk-why-matter

An excellent CBC article summarizing most of the key points in the show. (But not all – listen to hear other key points.)

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/sask-crown-land-sales-resume-critics-question-motives-1.7652323

The Province is Selling Crown Land . . . Again

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Let the Premier know that you are not happy with the decision to resume the sale of Crown Agricultural Lands and the criteria used to assess their value.

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture has ended its two-year moratorium on selling crown land. Eighteen parcels of public land totaling 4,471 acres have been posted by a private auction company who will be selling them to the highest bidder later this month.

Since 2007, the Saskatchewan government has sold almost 2 million acres of Crown land that previously belonged to the people of this province. That’s more than twice the size of Prince Albert National Park.

Already 85% of land south of Saskatchewan’s forest fringe is privately owned or leased under terms that exclude public access, effectively enclosing the land and excluding Indigenous rights of access.

Almost all the parcels being liquidated this fall contain the kind of natural habitat—wetlands, aspen woodlands and pastures—that when privatized will become vulnerable to the pressure for landowners to increase their land value by converting them into cropland. Acres for wildlife will be lost and untold volumes of carbon will be released into the atmosphere. See the lands for sale here.  https://www.mcdougallauction.com/auction-event.php?arg=BD3B9E7F-1B35-466F-BA28-F4445ADCDB01

Some of the parcels have been granted Crown Conservation Easements, which in theory would protect their natural features from being bulldozed or drained. In practice, it is easy for a new landowner to either ignore or violate an easement, first, because no one polices easement lands to watch for violations and, second, because the relevant legislation, the Conservation Easement Act (see S.10), leaves plenty of latitude for terminating a conservation easement at some point in the future. All that is required is a written agreement between the grantor and the holder. Landowners can also apply to the Court of Queen’s Bench by pleading that the terms of the easement are causing them severe hardship.

In addition to the natural landscapes being placed at risk, Public Pastures – Public Interest believes that by liquidating Crown lands to private interests without meaningful and equal participation of Indigenous people in the decision-making process, we are violating our Treaty agreements and our mutual responsibilities to one another and to the land.

The public needs to have a better understanding of the Crown Land Ecological Assessment Tool (CLEAT), designed in this province. What criteria are used to decide if land is ecologically valuable enough to warrant having Conservation Easement protection? Even 20 acres of grass or aspen is valuable for wildlife and climate mitigation. However, CLEAT makes its decision for assigning a Conservation Easement based on the overall quarter section. It does not separate out smaller portions of land. Thus, valuable smaller portions of land are not protected. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/crown-lands/resource-crown-lands/southern-conservation-land-management-strategy

Former PFRA and SPP pastures are not being sold at this time. But the protection of remaining prairie in other locations is essentially needed.

With these concerns in mind, please write, email or phone the Premier’s office (details below) and let him know that you are not happy with the decision to resume the sale of Crown Agricultural Lands and the criteria used to assess their value.

These lands belong to all Indigenous and non-indigenous citizens, to the wild creatures who live there, and to our grandchildren—they are not properties that the current government is free to sell to the highest bidders.

You can contact Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe via phone at 306-787-9433, email at premier@gov.sk.ca,

or by mail at

The Honourable Scott Moe
Premier of Saskatchewan
226 Legislative Building
Regina, SK S4S 0B3
CANADA

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND SOURCES

Crown Land Sales Moratorium

https://www.mbcradio.com/2023/08/sask-halts-crown-land-lease-and-sale-auctions

Sask. Indigenous critic says newly published maps show 10% of Crown lands remain

Govt resumes sale of Crown Agricultural Land. The Sales Policy Agricultural Crown Land was issued in March 2025, and then reissued in July.

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/agriculture-natural-resources-and-industry/agribusiness-farmers-and-ranchers/crown-lands/agricultural-crown-land/purchase-crown-land

Field Trip to Tavanetz Ranch and co-op pasture near Biggar Saskatchewan

Sat. Sept. 20, 11 am to 5:00 pm

A great opportunity to see Holistic Management in person!

Meet at Tavanetz Ranch, a Holistic Management farm. (https://holisticmanagement.ca) at 11:00 for introductions followed by noon lunch.

Visit bale-grazing site and hear about field tests for soil compaction and water absorption. https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/beef/pubs/baa05s04j.pdf    https://www.thecattlesite.com/articles/4449/bale-grazing-checks-the-boxes-for-three-canadian-producers

Visit co-operative pasture where the Tavanetz family and neighbours pasture cattle.

Witness the diversity of flora and fauna on the grasslands.

Learn about conservation easements and the role of Ducks Unlimited. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akIrPToElZU

Visit facility where Tavanetz family members process grass fed beef.

Bring folding chair, drinks, a dish to share (if feasible). Nobody will go hungry! Also, bring a hat, walking shoes, and binoculars.

We suggest carpooling from Saskatoon, Regina, and other convenient mustering points.

Looking forward to this opportunity to learn from the land and from each other!

RSVP by email to public4pastures@gmail.com to register and get directions to ranch.

Sponsors: Public Pastures-Public Interest 

National Farmers Union, Region 6 (SK)

Enviro Protection under threat: changes proposed to SK Environmental Management and Protection Act

Deadline is April 4 for comments on Sask Environment’s proposed changes to  

The Environmental Management and Protection Act

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/public-engagement/review-the-environmental-management-and-protection-act-2010

Key concerns for PPPI (see more detail below)

• 1.      Keep wetland protection in the EMPA
• 2.      Retain the State of the Environment Report under the EMPA.
• 3.      Do not remove the accountability provision in Section 27 (7).
• 4.      Agricultural waste and pollution must remain under the EMPA and be regulated.
• 5.      Public access to information on environmental matters must be protected in the EMPA and NOT eliminated.

Please check out the government’s proposals. Eight areas of change are proposed.Submit your feedback by April 4, 2025, by emailing empa@gov.sk.ca. Please use the subject line: EMPA 2010 Legislative Review.

Emails to the government do not need to be long or complicated. Even submissions simply saying “do not change and weaken the EMPA legislation” would be helpful.

Thanks to all who can take the time to send in a voice of concern.

PPPI comment details

The following is a list of some but not all of our concerns regarding the Ministry of Environment’s proposed changes to the Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010.

1.      Keep wetland protection in the EMPA: Our first concern is that the proposed changes seem to be aimed at removing any legislative protection for the province’s wetlands. By transferring the responsibility for the protection of wetlands out of the Environmental Management and Protection Act (EMPA) and into the policies of the Water Security Agency, these amendments will effectively remove any legislative accountability for wetlands. We request that wetlands must be defined and given strong protection under the EMPA and not be moved to the Water Security Agency Act, which does nothing to protect the province’s remaining wetlands and will only put them, the habitat, drought and flood protection and filtration they provide, and downstream landowners, streams, rivers, and lakes at risk from further agricultural drainage.

2.      Retain the State of the Environment Report under the EMPA. We are strongly opposed to the proposal to remove the requirement for a State of the Environment Report to be developed and made public every two years. This report provides citizens with independent assessments of environmental indicators explaining how human activities are having an impact on specific environmental measures. It must not be removed from the EMPA.

3.      Do not remove the accountability provision in Section 27 (7). Subsection (7) is intended to ensure that there is some accountability in protecting the environment from abuse of government power.  If you remove this provision requiring approval of the Lieutenant Governor in Council prior to exempting a person from following an environmental protection plan that was issued by the Minister there will be nothing preventing the government from freely granting exemptions beyond the oversight of the legislature and public accountability.  This change must not be implemented.

4.      Agricultural waste and pollution must remain under the EMPA and be regulated. Section 49 (iii) –the proposed change will effectively remove any regulatory oversight of waste generated by an agricultural operation.  Agricultural waste (i.e. “contaminated surface runoff, defined as “waste” in the The Agricultural Operations Act) is a serious problem in Saskatchewan and requires more not less regulation. It should be treated like any other hazardous waste.  We oppose any exemptions being granted to the Agricultural industry.

5.    Public access to information on environmental matters must be protected in the EMPA and NOT eliminated. Section 83 – public access to information on environmental matters must be retained under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP) and not be eliminated under the EMPA.  We strongly oppose this egregious overreach exempting environmental matters from the public’s right to apply for access to records in the possession or under the control of a government institution or local authority.