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Estevan brings new meaning to its 'Energy City' moniker

CBC Saskatchewan's latest road trip for its series, Land of Living Stories, took us to the city of Estevan, where several people told us about the strength of their community spirit.

CBC's virtual road trip series Land of Living Stories explores hidden gems in Saskatchewan

Janani Whitfield · CBC News ·
A painted sign on a building reads 'Welcome to Estevan, The Energy City,' with the letters featuring a painting of a duck, a person, a water tower, a horse, a pump jack, agricultural equipment and a hockey player.
A mural on the side of an Estevan building showcases some of what the southeast Saskatchewan city is known for, including agriculture, oil and gas, and its local hockey team, as well as its moniker, the Energy City. (Gale Tytlandsvik)

CBC's virtual road trip series Land of Living Stories explores the hidden gems across Saskatchewan. Reporter Janani Whitfield hit the road to Estevan in search of inspiring stories of community spirit. 

When you drive into Estevan, Sask., you're greeted with a sign welcoming you to "The Energy City." 

Oil and gas, coal mining and agriculture all help to drive its economy. 

The Westmoreland Coal mine provides fuel and energy for the two local power stations, Boundary Dam and Shand Power station — drawing people here to live and work.

A yellow and green graphic shows a map of Saskatchewan, with a zoomed in graphic showing Estevan represented with cattle and a pump jack.
CBC's Land of Living Stories explores the hidden gems in Saskatchewan. The latest stop on our road trip was to a city in the southeast corner of the province, Estevan. (CBC News)

However, those who spend a little more time in the community soon see the real power of Estevan is its people.

CBC Saskatchewan has gathered three stories that reflect how people in Estevan are trying to make this city a welcoming one.

Explore how an 18-year-old and his family inspired several children in 4-H clubs to donate money toward buying an MRI machine for this region:

A young blonde man in a blue shirt looks to the side, with trees and greenery seen behind him.
Jaycee Ross, 18, may be non-verbal, but his actions and those of his family have spoken volumes as they've helped inspire a wave of giving from 4-H children toward local efforts to raise money for an MRI machine. (Submitted by Carol Ross)

Check out how two artists who moved to the city for love have helped beautify it:

A man and a woman both wearing glasses lean their heads together and smile at the camera.
Tattoo artist BJ Zieger moved to Estevan, where his wife, Keisha, is from, and has helped contribute several murals to the artwork that brightens up the city. (Submitted by BJ Zieger)

We also learned how the city and its partners are working to diversify the local economy with rural innovation, and how they're inspiring other rural communities to do the same:

If you would like CBC Saskatchewan to visit your town or city and meet the people creating change there, email community engagement producer Janani Whitfield at janani.whitfield@cbc.ca.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Janani Whitfield

Janani Whitfield is a community engagement producer who also edits feature storytelling and first-person pieces for CBC Saskatchewan. Contact her at janani.whitfield@cbc.ca.

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