The Southeast Sask Economic Partnership (SSEP) is a forward-thinking initiative that brings together the Rural Municipalities of Coalfields and Estevan, along with the Town of Bienfait, to build a sustainable and vibrant economic future for Southeast Saskatchewan.
This partnership emerged as a proactive response to the Canada Coal Transition Initiative, which is expected to dramatically affect the region’s coal-based industries.
Recognizing the need to diversify their economy and mitigate the effects of coal plant closures, the SSEP was established to identify new avenues for economic growth, leveraging the region’s assets, workforce, and resources.
How KBSL Helped Bring SSEP to Life
KBSL played a pivotal role in bringing the SSEP to life by providing critical strategic guidance and project management expertise to shape the partnership’s goals and implementation. By applying our proprietary tools such as the Rural Navigator, KBSL helped conduct a comprehensive analysis of the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. We facilitated the identification of six key development pillars — Value-added Agricultural Processing, Logistics & Distribution, Water for Economic Development, Destination Tourism, Resource Innovation, and Municipal Infrastructure for Economic Development — which serve as the foundation for SSEP’s economic development strategies.
KBSL worked closely with community leaders and stakeholders to develop customized strategies aligned with these pillars. For example, we helped define opportunities in value-added agricultural processing and logistics hubs by conducting feasibility studies and mapping out pathways to capitalize on the region’s abundant natural resources, skilled labor, and transportation infrastructure. KBSL’s project management expertise ensured that each pillar was developed with a clear, actionable plan, complete with timelines, resource allocations, and defined outcomes.
Through KBSL’s tailored consulting services, SSEP launched impactful initiatives such as ExploreSSEP, an online directory showcasing the region’s attractions and opportunities, and SSEPConnect, which links local entrepreneurs with investors. These initiatives, combined with strategic efforts in infrastructure development and resource innovation, position Southeast Saskatchewan as a dynamic and competitive region for future investment and growth.
Supporting Sustainable Growth
KBSL’s involvement with SSEP is a testament to our commitment to fostering long-term, sustainable economic development in rural and transitioning communities. From the early stages of conceptualizing SSEP to the execution of development projects, KBSL has provided the strategic direction, planning, and support necessary to turn the vision of a diversified Southeast Saskatchewan economy into a reality.
SSEP is a shining example of how collaborative partnerships and expert guidance can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.
