SaskEnergy pilots carbon capture at YQR
SaskEnergy and the Regina Airport Authority are piloting new carbon capture technology at YQR.
SaskEnergy is using a CarbinX small-scale carbon-capture device from Calgary’s CleanO2 to reduce emissions from the airport’s main heating system. The Crown-owned utility provided $40,000 in funding for the project plus further funds to measure and validate the equipment. The airport authority has supplied $11,000 to have the device installed.
“SaskEnergy has a long history of working with its commercial and residential customers across the province to help them reduce emissions and save money on their heating bills,” said Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy Don Morgan. “Pilot projects like this small-scale carbon capture installation at the Regina International Airport—a first for Saskatchewan—demonstrate how new technology can contribute to a lower-carbon future.”
The CarbinX device will capture some of the carbon dioxide emissions from the heating system, converting it into non-toxic pearl ash (potassium carbonate). Then the pearl ash will be used to make carbon-capture soap and other cleaning products, permanently sequestering the carbon. As well, heat from the carbon capture will be used to preheat water in the airport’s heating equipment.
“We’re proud that our airport terminal building is the first building in the province to have this cutting-edge technology,” RAA president and CEO James Bogusz said. “We’re committed to minimizing the environmental footprint of our airport operations, and we commend SaskEnergy for helping us to make this exciting project a reality.”
SaskEnergy will receive yearly deliveries of the soap for tradeshows and donations.
Genesis Fertilizers picks Saskatchewan for new plant
Genesis Fertilizers LP announced Jan. 11 that it has chosen Belle Plaine, Sask. as the site for its proposed new urea fertilizer plant.
“Farmers across Canada, together with our management team, have been looking for the right opportunity to move this project forward,” said Jason Mann, president at Genesis. “The Saskatchewan Government’s commitment to creating a competitive business environment with a strong suite of incentives will support the agriculture sector and help this project address the challenge of high fertilizer prices.”
Genesis Fertilizers is currently working to secure land for the project after two years of discussions with the provincial government. As well, the company is working on raising equity and debt capital for the project’s engineering and construction. If constructed, the project is worth $1.7 billion, taking 32 months to build and will create 130 permanent full-time jobs.
“The Government of Saskatchewan has made it a priority to create a competitive business environment that supports major projects such as the Genesis Fertilizer urea facility,” said Hon. Jeremy Harrison, Trade and Export Development Minister. “This new facility near Belle Plaine, will undoubtedly benefit the people of Saskatchewan, creating more than 100 jobs and support farmers, producers, and related business owners. We look forward to continuing to work with Genesis towards completion of this project.”
Taco Bell plans Canadian expansion – including Saskatchewan
Redberry Restaurants plans to build 200 more Taco Bell locations in Canada over the next eight years, making it the largest Taco Bell franchisee in the country.
“We’re excited to ‘Make it Happen’,” said Ken Otto, CEO at Redberry Restaurants. “Our team is committed to achieving what we say we’re going to do. This has led brands to invest in us and trust us to deliver.”
The additional locations will be built in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia and Ontario, on top of Redberry’s existing locations in Ontario. The expansion kicks off with a new location in London, Ont.
Fission Uranium signs deal with Métis Nation – Saskatchewan
Fission Uranium Corp. announced Jan. 12 that it has signed a capacity funding agreement with the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) for its PLS project in the Athabasca Basin which is within the MN-S Northern Region II.
“The agreement signed by Fission and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan is a sign of the strong working relationship we have established, and the transparent communication that has taken place as the PLS project has advanced. The processes that have been agreed will serve as an important basis for working more closely together towards mutual goals as the project continues to advance. I would like to thank the MN-S and look forward to our future efforts and successes together,” said Ross McElroy, Fission’s president and CEO.
Fission is in the final stages of a feasibility study, and intends to conduct a project impact assessment. Fission and MN-S will work together to “identify potential impacts to Métis rights, culture, and traditional land and resource use, and explore options to mitigate any such impacts.”
“As the government representing Métis in Saskatchewan, MN–S is committed to listening to our citizens and ensuring their voices are heard with respect to our ancestral lands. Engaging with community is an important tool to drive planning in the Métis way. This agreement marks the start of what we hope will become a long-term, meaningful relationship with Fission Uranium Corp. and one that clearly demonstrates progress can be made when fulsome and considerate discussions are held with all affected rights holders at the project’s inception,” said Glen McCallum, MN-S president.
Three Farmers snacks now on Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines unveiled its new in-service flight offerings on Jan. 12. The Ontario-based airline will now include several Canadian food brands on its menu, including Saskatoon’s Three Farmers.
Three Farmers will supply its zesty cheddar roasted fava beans for the PorterClassic snack offering.
“All of our food and beverage partners are Canadian, deeply passionate about their craft, and have strong relationships within their communities,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Porter Airlines. “Porter is aligning our brand with premium partners who emulate our values and the distinct service that we pride ourselves in delivering. With a focus on high-quality products, generous service and competitive prices, our passengers will experience economy air travel in a way that no other airline is offering.”
SREDA seeks new board members
Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) is looking for new board members.
Interested candidates should submit an expression of interest to Terra Penner tpenner@sreda.com by January 26, 2023.
Next Door:
Travel Manitoba showcases new brand
Travel Manitoba released Manitoba’s refreshed brand – Canada’s Heart Is Calling – on Jan. 9. The brand will replace Manitoba, Canada’s Heart…Beats.
“The Manitoba, Canada’s Heart… Beats brand changed the way people viewed Manitoba as a travel destination. We wanted to tell the next chapter of that story,” said Colin Ferguson, president and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “We know that travellers are seeking unique experiences that they can share with their friends and family. Manitoba is full of those experiences.”
The new brand was launched with a series of videos, with new television commercials coming this month. The brand and campaign was created by UpHouse, a Winnipeg advertising firm along with local designers, illustrators, photographers, copywriters, videographers and musicians.
“This campaign had to be made locally,” said UpHouse co-owner Kiirsten May. “We all love this place. We know that Manitoba’s stories are best told by people who live here. We’re incredibly proud of the talented group behind this brand and campaign. We asked them to capture the feeling that comes from visiting new and familiar places, and they delivered.”
