A number of short and long-term projects are in the works to prepare Weyburn for the upcoming tourism season.

One of the plans includes Weyburn becoming part of the Saskatchewan Birding Trail System, according to Donna Hastings, coordinator of tourism projects for the City of Weyburn.

Weyburn will appear on a map along with other cities and towns in the province so bird watchers are aware of prime locations to spot winged-wildlife.

Working on the project in conjunction with the Weyburn Nature Society, the city will continue to develop information on the map and suggest "more specific places to go in our area," to watch birds, Hastings said.

This is a great idea for Weyburn, according to Greg Bobbitt, who is with the Nature Society.

"Weyburn is actually blessed with a variety of wildlife," he said, noting rare birds are often spotted in the surrounding area.

"Spring migration is an unbelievable thing because we are on two flyways," he added.

The whole idea of "eco-tourism is becoming a bigger and bigger thing," around the province he said, because it is "a very cheap way of drawing in tourists."

By adapting tourism this way, communities can "use something common to the area to lure tourists that doesn't cost anything to develop," Bobbitt said.

"If Weyburn has the desire and the interest, this can become an eco-tourist spot," he said, noting the city is "very well set out for this."

Also on the go for tourism related projects is a "CD self-guided tour of the city," Hastings said.

A voice on the CD will direct visitors to various points of interest in the city, as well as providing a history of the locations.

The tourism committee hopes to have the CDs available for the summer months so "people can just take one and away they go," Hastings said.

Another project has the City and the Chamber of Commerce "cooperatively working on a visitor's guide," she added.

An event happening in Regina this fall is beginning to stir up questions of how Weyburn will get involved. The upcoming Grey Cup has made accommodations scarce in Regina and Moose Jaw, and Hastings said calls are being received as to the availability of space in Weyburn.

Whether the city will pursue anything is uncertain but Hastings said they are keeping the situation in mind.

Planning for major annual events is also continuing, Hastings noted, including the Crocus Spring Festival on Sunday, May 25, Weyburn Wheat Festival on the weekend of August 8 and 9 and the Weyburn Rodeo on Aug. 9 and 10.

Keeping their eyes open for new ideas is a part of organizing the events, Hastings said, adding "we always try and do something a little different."