Final Analysis Shows Irrigation Project to Create 80,000 Jobs and $12.9 Billion GDP Impact
Today, the Water Security Agency (WSA) released the final economic analysis for the Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project (WIRP) which shows a $12.9 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) impact while creating 80,000 jobs.
“It has never been clearer – this project creates major benefits for all the people of Saskatchewan and Canada,” Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency Daryl Harrison said. “This sets the direction for Saskatchewan to be a food processing leader at a time when our country is looking within our own borders to ensure food and economic security.”
KPMG LLP did the final economic analysis and found the areas forecasted to see major economic impacts were the crops, livestock, land and food manufacturing sectors.
Over the last year, Prairie Engineering Partners (PEP), a joint venture with Stantec and MPE Engineering, has been working on WIRP to further the design and engineering to a point where there are more detailed cost estimates.
As a result of this work, the project was able to expand from 90,000 to 100,000 acres of potential irrigated land. This work helped to inform the final economic analysis showing the $12.9 billion GDP impact while creating 80,000 jobs and generating $1.3 billion in tax revenues for government.
“We fully support this project and expanding irrigated acres across Saskatchewan; our members care about this province and want to see every citizen prosper from the benefit of irrigation. We have a generational opportunity to create something for our children and grandchildren,” said David Bagshaw, Chair of Irrigation Saskatchewan.
“SARM has been a strong supporter of this project and advocated for it during our recent lobbying trip to Ottawa to ensure it receives the attention it deserves. This initiative will significantly benefit rural communities, as well as all people across Saskatchewan and Canada,” said Bill Huber, SARM President.
In the spring of 2025, WSA also announced they are proactively self-declaring the WIRP for a provincial environmental assessment, which is underway now. Ensuring the environment is considered and protected is a key element of this project.
Consulting with rights holders and engaging stakeholders is essential as the project develops. Over the next year, WSA is committed to ensuring all rights holders and stakeholders are consulted and heard, their input into the project will be incorporated as it moves forward.
For more information, contact:
WSA Communications
comm@wsask.ca
1.866.727.5420
Read the full report here.