Deep Sky committed to having a dialogue

Communities across southwestern Manitoba take pride in their land, their water, their homes and their way of life — and they have every reason to. When questions or uncertainty arise about projects that could affect those things, people deserve space to speak openly, ask hard questions and hear clear, honest information.

That’s the spirit in which Deep Sky wants to engage. While last week’s event in Pipestone wasn’t designed for open dialogue — and Deep Sky wasn’t included on the formal program — our team attended because listening matters. We came early, stayed late and spoke with anyone who wanted to talk. For us, showing up isn’t a PR exercise. It’s what being a good neighbour looks like.

Pipestone is a community with many voices. Some residents are hopeful about the economic opportunity a project like ours could bring. Others want more information. And many have important questions about water safety, potential impacts on property values and lifestyle, and the long-term costs and benefits to their community.

These questions deserve honest answers — not assumptions about “unanimous” opposition or support. We’ve heard from residents interested in jobs, local businesses wanting to participate and even other Manitoba municipalities asking us to consider their region. We’ve also heard real concerns, and we take every one of them seriously.

If this project proceeds, it would represent one of the largest private investments rural Manitoba has seen in years. It has the potential to bring:

• Hundreds of construction jobs;

• Long-term operations and technical roles;

• Millions in contracts for local trades and businesses;

• Increased activity for local housing, retail, restaurants and accommodations;

• New municipal tax revenue;

• Opportunities for Indigenous participation, training and long-term partnership.

We know major projects can also place new pressures on community infrastructure and services. That’s why we are committed to planning together — with the RM, with local businesses and with community organizations — to ensure growth is responsible and supports the needs and values of the region.

Our neighbours in Alberta have been safely capturing and storing C02 since the 1980s, and while what we are doing isn’t new, it is understandable that many people want more information. We look forward to sharing more, especially about geology, water protection and what this technology could mean for their land and future. Those are fair questions — and ones we will continue to provide answers to.

From the outset, Deep Sky made a deliberate choice to engage early, even before all the answers were available. Our first open house took place in September 2025, well before we had results from Manitoba Hydro or geological certainty. We believed — and still believe — that transparency means sharing what we know when we know it, not waiting until every detail is finalized.

We’ve been updating our FAQs in real time, responding to emails promptly, and meeting with landowners, neighbouring RMs, Indigenous Nations, local businesses and community groups. We will continue to hold public meetings to share the findings openly and answer questions directly.

People here care deeply about their community. So do we. Our job is not to tell residents how to feel — it’s to listen, to share information clearly and to make sure this project only moves forward if it aligns with the community’s values, priorities, and long-term well-being.

Our communication channels remain wide open at manitoba@deepskyclimate.com. We will continue to be available, to listen and to engage respectfully with anyone who wants to talk — whether they are excited, uncertain or concerned.

Big decisions deserve balanced, fact-based conversations. We are committed to being part of that dialogue, every step of the way.

ALEX PETRE

CEO, Deep Sky