2026 expected to be start of Saskatchewan’s, southeast’s capital flow era – DiscoverWeyburn.com

After years of steady growth, Saskatchewan’s economy is poised for a significant year in 2026, driven by what one expert describes as a major influx of outside investment. 

Golden West Business Commentator Paul Martin says the province is seeing a surge in capital that changes the economic landscape. 

“The big story for me this year really is going to be capital inflows,” Martin said. “We’re seeing a lot of outside capital flowing into the province. We’re running in that 15, 16, 17 billion dollar a year range.”  

The investment is led by major projects like BHP’s Jansen potash mine. Martin notes that BHP’s timeline extends the flow of money into the region. 

“That’s more capital flow over a longer period of time,” Martin explained. “It flows in, it changes the magnitude of the size of your economy. It generates employment.”  

In the north, the Foran Mining Corporation’s copper project is also a key driver. 

“It’s a billion-dollar project, and it’s three-quarters of the way complete now built,” Martin said.  

While the southeast is known for oil, Martin highlights the growing diversity in energy production, including renewable projects such as the Bekevar wind farm and the proposed 7 Stars Energy Project. 

“If you go to this one down at Kipling, you look at Assiniboia, you look at Weyburn now, you’ve got solar, and you’re starting to see the energy transition,” he said.  

He also noted the conversations around lithium and helium. This is evidenced by EMP Metals’ Project Aurora, a lithium demonstration plant near Viewfield. As of late 2025, the facility’s exterior construction was complete, with advanced processing equipment scheduled to arrive in early 2026 to begin extracting battery-grade lithium from oilfield brines. 

Similarly, North American Helium continues to expand its footprint. With ten processing plants now online, including a major facility near Mankota, the company is solidifying Saskatchewan’s reputation as a global helium hub. 

Looking ahead, the potential for a Small Modular Reactor in Estevan is a major economic prospect. Martin says the community is well-positioned. 

“Estevan has put its hand up on that one and said, we want to be a host to it,” Martin said.  

He compares the potential local impact to the boom currently seen in Humboldt from the Jansen mine. 

“You’re going to draw a pretty big circle around a nuclear power plant where you’re going to feel the impact of that capital flowing in there,” he said.  

Martin believes these investments signal that Saskatchewan has regained its status on the global market. 

“Saskatchewan is back as an investment destination. We really were off the map for a long time,” Martin said. “We’re seeing the capital flow in and, you know, things feel pretty good in Saskatchewan right now.”