Affordable
Commercial Space for Lease in Booming Southern Saskatchewan
Limerick Opportunity Centre
We are converting the
Limrick public school into a convenient commercial mall. We provide
affordable commercial rental space in Southern Saskatchewan.
Contact Lorelei M. Rogers,
Interim Operations Manager
P.O. Box 174, Limerick, SK. S0H 2P0
For more information please call 306-263-2111
More Great Economic News from the Sask Gov`t!
Economic News -- April 4, 2008
Estevan Region
Weyburn
Studio 7, a new hair salon, has opened for business. Melissa Bernard
and Andrea Morrice are partners in the salon. (Weyburn Review, April
2, 2008)
The City of Weyburn has decided against setting up a public transit system. A consultants report indicated a system could be set up but it would require the City to cover yearly operating deficits that the City felt could not be justified at present population levels. (Weyburn Review, April 2, 2008)
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Moose Jaw Region
Coronach
Sask Power has decided to invest $140 million to upgrade the Poplar
River Power Station near Coronach. The 100 day shut down of the plant,
which is required to complete the work, will begin on March 1st. (Assiniboia
Times, March 21, 2008)
Davidson
Gardner Dam Agri-Energy's proposed plan to construct a $119 million
ethanol plant in Strongfield has been cancelled. There was not enough
interest in the community share offering likely due to the uncertainty
of strong grain prices. (Davidson Leader, March 31, 2008)
Gravelbourg
The Gravelbourg Economic Development Committee recently won the Outstanding
Economic Development Initiative of the Year (2007) Award for their work
that helped launch Mustard Capital Inc. - a mustard processing mill
unique not only to Saskatchewan but to Canada and across the world.
(Gravelbourg Tribune, March 24, 2008)
Limerick
The Limerick Co-op is building a new 4,400 sq. ft. agro/service centre.
The $600,000 project should be completed in November 2008. (Federated
Co-operatives Ltd., April 2, 2008)
Moose Jaw
The 7th Annual Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence
Awards will be held on April 30th. 35 businesses have been nominated
in 10 categories. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, April 1, 2008)
Mortlach
The Village of Mortlach has seen major development in the last 10 years.
The latest development projects include: a new group of residential
lots and location of a branch plant by an Ontario trailer manufacturer.
14 jobs will be created.
The Mortlach Riding Arena Association will operate in the rink for nine months of the year and will offer riding lessons for young people who may not own a horse.
An entrepreneur is setting up a rock and fossil shop.
A tea shop and hairdressing shop is being opened.
A 92 sq. ft. art gallery, devoted to children's creations,
is opening in May.
(Moose Jaw Times Herald - This Week, March 16, 2008)
Wood Mountain
Whitemud Resources' $50 million metakaolin plant near Wood Mountain
is nearing completion. Production of the industrial mineral is expected
to begin in a few weeks. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, March 25, 2008)
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North Battleford Region
Battleford
Figures Fitness Centre celebrated their grand opening in Battleford
on March 29th. (Battlefords Daily News, March 26, 2008)
River Valley Fine Meats won a provincial award from the Saskatchewan Meat Processors at a competition held in Saskatoon recently. The business was awarded 3rd place for non-tumbled ham. Owner Alex Ronchin says they were quite excited about the win since they were competing against businesses with over 25 years experience. (News Optimist, March 26, 2008)
Meadow Lake
Tax breaks for property owners building new homes or stores in Meadow
Lake have disappeared as Town Council decided not to extend the program.
(Northern Pride, March 18, 2008)
Effective April 1st Track ‘N Trail Sports will be known as Renegade Recreation. The dealership has changed hands. New general manager is Danial Prete who relocated to the community from Fort McMurray in 2004. (Northern Pride, April 1, 2008)
North Battleford
Tagg Storage Facility is adding another series of mini-storage units
at the north end of North Battleford. This is the fourth one for Tagg
Storage. (Regional Optimist, March 21, 2008)
The former Allan Apartments in downtown are being refurbished into 14 condo units ranging in size from 400 - 750 sq. ft and selling from $79,000- $140,000. About half the units are sold. Work is being completed by a Vancouver based company. (News Optimist, March 26, 2008)
The Super 8 Motel is undergoing expansion to nearly double its size from 39 to 70 rooms. A meeting room and breakfast area is also being added. Renovations should be completed by July 2008 with a grand opening planned for August this year. (News Optimist, March 26, 2008)
Café on Railway has closed. (North Battleford Regional Office)
City Council has approved a lease deal with McDiarmid Lumber, a Winnipeg-based firm that makes ready-to-move homes, to locate on Territorial Drive next to the Department of Highways yards. The deal is a 5-year lease with option to purchase. It is anticipated the business will employ more than 20 people. (Battlefords Daily News, April 2, 2008)
Unity
Schaefer's Health Centre (2007) Ltd. held their grand opening on March
27th. The owner is Debi Volk. (Unity Herald, March 24, 2008)
Wilkie
Larry Strouzas and Kathy Brown held the grand opening of Zante's Restaurant
on April 4th. (Wilkie Press, March 31st, 2008)
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Northern Saskatchewan
CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. is continuing its close relationship with First
Nations communities in northern Saskatchewan by naming former Fond du
Lac chief Victor Fern to its board of directors. Fern, who works in
the uranium industry, helped negotiate a unique agreement between the
community and the company that would create an economic windfall for
the area if the Vancouver-based explorers make their expected discovery.
(Saskatoon Star Phoenix, March 26, 2008)
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Prince Albert Region
Birch Hills
A long-awaited western Canadian cellulose ethanol project is gaining
momentum and the choice of its location has narrowed down. Sustainable
Development Technology Canada said Iogen Corp. has been declared the
first eligible applicant for a loan from a $500 million federal fund
to encourage the construction of second generation biofuel plants. They
say they are not looking outside Saskatchewan at the moment. Possible
Canadian locations mentioned by company officials over the years were
Birch Hills, SK and Vegreville, AB. One of those names has been removed
from the list, but they refuse to confirm or deny that Birch Hills is
the successful candidate. (The Western Producer, March 20, 2008)
Fort a la Corne
Members of the James Smith Cree Nations including the Chakastaypasin
band, the James Smith band and Peter Chapman band are looking into the
possibility of developing a hydrodam at Fort a la Corne, namely The
Fort a la Corne Hydro Project. The project proposal is for a hydro dam
between 200 and 250 megawatts in size. The City of Melfort and Town
of Kinistino hosted a meeting of 27 municipalities throughout the region
and James Smith Cree Nations members. A resolution was presented in
support of the project at the meeting. The resolution passed unanimously
and the municipalities at the meeting will take the resolution back
to their respective councils for a vote. The project is expected to
be around the $1 billion mark and create jobs for 1,500 to 2,500 people.
The partners in the project include Peter Kiewit Sons and Brookfield
Power. An updated environmental study on the watershed and the impact
on provincial lands needs to take place as well. (The Melfort Journal,
March 11 and April 1, 2008; The Post Gazette, March 26 and April 2,
2008)
Hudson Bay
Chris Groat is the new owner of Prairie River General Supply store which
opened its doors for business March 17th. The store offers food, auto
parts, supplies, oil filters, farm parts, dairy, bits of hardware, confectionary
items, etc. There are two employees plus manager Cathy Murray. They
plan on a grand opening sometime this spring. (Hudson Bay Post Gazette,
April 2, 2008)
Weyerhaeuser announced that it is shutting down operations at its oriented strand board (OSB) plant in Hudson Bay, largely due to a slump in the U.S. housing market. The move will take effect by early July, 170 workers will be affected. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, April 3, 2008)
Melfort
Bygones and Berries held their official opening on March 6th. Jade and
Kurtis Kotyk are the new owners. (The Melfort Journal, March 11, 2008)
The Kelsey Trail Health Region (KTHR) is receiving funding of more than $750,000 from the provincial government for safety equipment and training. The funding will also be used for improvements to hospital surgical equipment. The funding for the KTHR is part of $18 million being distributed to all health regions, of which $13 million will be used for safety equipment and training to reduce workplace injuries. (The Melfort Journal, March 11, 2008)
Prince Albert
Darryl Derksen, Bryce Floer, Don Park, and Garth Hettrick have purchased
Glenmor Grain Systems Ltd. from Glen Denham and Morris Sawchuk. Transitioning
of ownership was made possible through a private equity investment put
forth from the Saskatchewan Entrepreneurial Fund, a Private Equity Fund
managed by PFM Capital of Regina. The agricultural dealership has seen
continual growth since opening in 1982. (Entrepreneurial Foundation
of Saskatchewan News Release, March 2008)
Work has started to remove the paper machine at the Prince Albert Pulp and Paper Mill. The process was started to move the machine, in pieces, in early March and should take about six months. The mill was closed by Weyerhaeuser in 2006. Domtar acquired it last year in its merger with Weyerhaeuser's fine paper assets. Removing the machine was in Domtar's original plans when it took over in March of 2007. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, March 26, 2008)
Apesland & Associates Inc is a new consulting company in Prince Albert that specializes in immigration services. The company seeks to guide immigration clients through the often-complicated process of Canadian immigration. They will be working closely with the provincial government's Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominees Program. (Prince Albert Regional Office)
Photique Photography and framing business owner and photographer Herman Kepler is closing his doors after 35 years in the business. The business is for sale and Kepler is not planning on completely retiring. He will occasionally be available for photography work locally. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, March 17, 2008)
The Caleb Group of Companies announced it's close to finalizing plans for a large seniors' independent living residence in Prince Albert. The complex will feature a mix of more than 100 rental suites and condo units. Construction is tentatively set to begin this fall and be completed in the fall of 2009. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, Mar 22, 2008)
Prince Albert City Council has given approval for a 26 2-storey suite condo. The condo will be located at 658 River Street. At least half of the suites will be for senior citizens; the other half has not yet been decided. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, March 27, 2008)
Leon's Furniture in Prince Albert is expanding its present facility with a new warehouse. The new four-storey warehouse addition will boast more than 75,000 sq. ft. of space - 30,000 of that will be devoted to display area. The addition is expected to be completed by mid-May, 2008. They plan on hiring several more staff. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, March 31, 2008)
The Prince Albert Co-op is building a new convenience store/gas bar/car wash at 15th Street East. The $4.5 million project should be completed in fall 2008. (Federated Co-operatives Ltd., April 2, 2008)
Tisdale
Tisdale and District Chamber of Commerce celebrated its annual community
business leader awards. The winners were:
Pioneer Business Award: Groat's Supply Ltd.
Citizen Honours Award: Ernie and Irene Markwart
2007 Business of the Year Award: Wood Country
2007 Citizen of the Year: Harvey Weber
2007 Group of the Year: Tisdale Air Cadet Squadron #624
(The Tisdale Recorder, April 2, 2008)
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Regina Region
Foam Lake
Shamrock Greenhouse and Nursery has a new owner, Barb Curvollo, and
is now located on 620 Railway Avenue West. (Foam Lake Review, March
24, 2008)
Willy's Tavern and Hotel has been short listed in the Saskatchewan Tourism Excellence Awards and is one of the finalists in the Rookie of the Year category. (Foam Lake Review, March 24, 2008)
The Foam Lake Credit Union engaged an architectural firm to begin the process of planning a new facility that would be located on the corner of Main and Bray Street. Work on the building is expected to begin this spring. (Foam Lake Review, March 31, 2008)
Fort Qu'Appelle
The "Takin' Care of Business" trade show and sale is taking
place on April 19th and 20th. (The Fort Qu'Appelle Times, March 25,
2008)
Last Mountain Lake
Sun Dale, a joint venture project headed by Regina lawyer Monte Stewart
and businessman Mark Lemmerick, is a 350 unit housing development proposed
for Last Mountain Lake offering resort-like amenities in an environmentally
friendly way - at a starting price of $450,000 to $550,000 per unit.
Sun Dale will be located between Sunset Cove and Pelican Point. The
developers plan to spend $12 million on infrastructure in the first
phase of the project. Construction is expected to begin in the spring
and the first condos should be completed by December 2008. (Regina Leader-Post,
March 28, 2008)
Regina
Evraz Group SA agreed to pay $4.03 billion for the Canadian plate and
pipe business and the US tube business of SSAB's Ipsco unit. (Regina
Leader-Post, March 15, 2008)
CAA Saskatchewan is making plans to expand its travel and insurance business as well as move into new areas such as a car loan brokerage, which would assist customers in getting the best possible terms on a loan. As a result CAA Saskatchewan will be moving from their current location at 200 Albert Street, to a few blocks north, also on Albert Street. (Regina Leader-Post, March 15, 2008)
A $1.4 billion clean coal project at Boundary Dam power station will use carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology developed over the last couple of decades at the University of Regina by a Regina Based Company - HTC Purenergy. (Regina Leader-Post, March 25, 2008)
The Piapot First Nation has received reserve designation for the land it purchased on the 1100 block of Angus Street - and Regina has its first urban reserve. (Regina Leader-Post, March 25, 2008)
Uponor Canada Inc. is relocating its head office from Regina to Toronto. The relocation affects about 12 jobs in finance, administration, and IT departments. However, the company will retain its design and distribution operations, along with about 20 staff, in Regina. Uponor, a Finnish company, with approximately 4,100 employees world wide, supplies plastic tubing products for plumbing, fire safety, radiant heating, and cooling markets. (Service Canada, Labour Market Bulletin, March 2008)
The Kanosis Business Development Corporation has plans for residential and commercial development in East Regina. If Kanosis receives approval from city council, its plan is to develop the 28 acres for commercial and multi-family residential - such as condos, apartments, or townhouses. The centerpiece of the development proposal will be a $10 million health centre of excellence that will house a medical clinic with an MRI diagnostic unit, as well as dental and optical services, a state-of-the-art laboratory, and a pharmacy. (Regina Leader-Post, March 28, 2008)
Security Key and Lock Service is celebrating their 35th anniversary. (Regina and District Chamber of Commerce ChamberLink, March 2008)
Glencairn Child Care Centre is celebrating 25 years in business. (Regina and District Chamber of Commerce ChamberLink, March 2008)
Winners of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce's
Paragon Business Excellence Awards, held on April 3rd, were:
Young Entrepreneur - Rachel Mielke, Hillberg & Berk
Community Involvement - Sun Life Financial
Community Alliance - Jack FM - Bike a Day in May
Marketing and Promotional Achievement - The Saskatchewan Roughriders
Football Club
Export Achievement - Power Pin Inc.
Customer Service Excellence - Microage
Diversity - Employment Network Canada Inc.
New Business Venture - Trino's Men's Wear
Business of the Year - Dutch Growers Garden Centre
Watrous
The 9th Annual Long Lake REDA trade show is taking place on April 4th
and 5th. (Last Mountain Times, March 25, 2008)
Wynyard
The newly constructed Wynyard Carwash opened its doors for business
on March 24th. (The Advance Gazette, March 31, 2008)
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Saskatoon Region
Beechy
Sequoia Energy held a public open house on March 19th in regard to a
wind energy project being proposed for the area. The open house was
attended by several dozen area residents and included a tour, displays,
and a question and answer session. TetrES Consultants is conducting
an environmental review of the project. (The Outlook, March 10 &
31, 2008)
Langham
The industrial project in Langham has finally been detailed by Saskatoon
businessman Laurie Bradley. The first phase of the venture, which began
in the fall, will be a 30-acre highway commercial project on a parcel
of land located between Highway #16 and the service road, west of the
campground and main entrance. The second phase will be a commercial
development that is located west of the new Highway #16. Phase three
is north of the old Highway #16 and will include a secondary commercial
project with a light industrial component and possibly a residential
component. (The Saskatchewan Valley News, March 19, 2008)
Pike Lake
Suncatcher Solar Homes, a Pike Lake company, installed 40 solar panels
on the roof of the Confederation Inn (Saskatoon), creating Saskatchewan's
biggest solar-powered hot water system. (Country Press, March 19, 2008)
Saskatoon
Jim Engdahl, president and CEO of Great Western Minerals Group Ltd.
(GWMG), the only North American company working on the primary production
of rare earth elements, says there is great interest in the elements,
and that nearly every Japanese firm involved in metals has made contact
with the Saskatoon-based junior mining group in preparation of the company's
estimated production date of 2011. GWMG's wholly owned rare earth project
at Hoidas Lake in northern Saskatchewan is expected to be one of only
three new primary production element mines in the world by 2012, the
CEO explained. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, March 22, 2008)
The First Nations Bank of Canada reported record earnings for its 2007 fiscal year, which ended Oct. 31st. The bank, which has its executive offices in Saskatoon, earned $1.66 million in fiscal 2007, an increase of 19.7% over 2006. Total deposits grew by $21.6 million, or 16.9%, over the previous year to reach a new high of $149.2 million, says a bank news release. Total assets grew by 24.8% in the 12-month period to $226.3 million as the value of loans and mortgages increased by 9.5% to $139.4 million. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, March 22, 2008)
Construction of a neighbourhood-style restaurant and bar, Original Joe's, is underway. The restaurant will occupy the former Burger King site in Cumberland Square on Eighth Street. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, March 25, 2008)
A new deal has been concluded with an unnamed Calgary company that will see the conversion of McNab Park to a 50-acre business park that would include office space and a hotel. Based on current construction costs of $250 per sq. ft. or more, and the fact the conceptual plan calls for a business park with office space of 1.8 million sq. ft., McNab Park could easily be a project with $300 to $400 million of investment over time. McNab Park was sold last summer to an Edmonton buyer who developed the conceptual plan but required investors. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, March 29, 2008)
Cameco, a Saskatoon-based uranium company, won three awards at the 2008 Investor Relations (IR) global rankings for North America and each of the awards was related to the company's online IR presence. Cameco's online annual report was named the best in North America. Zu.com, a Saskatoon-based web design supplier, designed the online report. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 1, 2008)
New Businesses: 2nd Nature, Owner: Shawn Siba; Consignment Café, Owners: Linda Boldt and Suzanne Penner; Spa Academy, Owners: Jill Gormley and Tyler Gould; Jason Bantle Gallery, Owner: Jason Bantle. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, March 22 & 29, 2008)
Warman
Construction of Phase I of the Warman Sport and Cultural Village project
will begin in May. The Warman Multi-Purpose Facility Committee Inc.
announced that it had awarded a $3.61 million construction contract
to Dominion Construction for the facility shell and foundation. Phase
I of the three-phase project, which is expected to be fully operational
by September 2009, will include a major indoor ice skating arena, two
multi-purpose indoor sports fields, concession area, administrative
support facilities, and fitness room. The overall project is estimated
at upwards of $11 million. (The Saskatchewan Valley News, March 27,
2008)
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Swift Current Region
Frontier
From the Village of Frontier:
• Frontier Farm Suppliers Co-op has joined the Pioneer Co-op. Besides
renovating the old Prime Pro/NAPA building, they will also be building
a new card lock.
• There are 24 residential lots and 4 commercial properties available.
Gull Lake
German Entrepreneur, Klaus Moeller, has set up a canola press at Gull
Lake. The canola is pressed twice. The first press yields a very high-quality
cooking oil for use in kitchens, which he will promote as a special
product from sun-kissed southwestern Saskatchewan. The yield from the
second press has a higher phosphorus content along with other qualities
which make it unsuitable for culinary use. This second yield is what
will be used as bio-fuel for machinery. One press can produce 60,000
litres of oil a year and can be converted to run on regular power available
on farms. Mr. Moeller had much help and encouragement from the people
in Gull Lake, the surrounding area, Swift Current, and the REDA. He
is planning to visit Gull Lake at the beginning of May. The canola press
is scheduled to open for operation later this summer. (Maple Creek News-Times,
March 25 2008)
Kindersley
Namraw Lumber is holding their 28th anniversary from April 10th to 12th.
(West Central Crossroads, March 31, 2008)
Maple Creek
Southwest Co-op enjoyed a record-shattering year in 2007, breaking the
$20 million sales mark for the first time in the company's history.
Members at the March 18th annual general meeting learned their co-operative
realized net sales of $20.9 million in a sixth consecutive record-breaking
year. (Maple Creek News-Times, March 20, 2008)
Joe and Kathy Schneider of Maple Creek have founded JK Publishing, a home-based printing company that designs and prints books for its customers. They will soon offer their clientele the opportunity to create books on-line. According to the Schneiders, JK is the only company in Canada that will offer this type of Internet-based printing service. (Maple Creek News-Times, April 1, 2008)
One of Maple Creeks newest businesses will soon be up and running. Daryl Bascom, owner of the Heritage Car and Truck Wash, explained his enterprise will be ready for a trial run by the end of the week. (Maple Creek News-Times, April 1, 2008)
Cypress Park Resort Inn Ltd. is celebrating their 20th anniversary on April 12th. (Maple Creek News-Times, April 3, 2008)
If all goes well, the Murray Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC Maple Creek dealership will have a new home sometime this summer. (Maple Creek Times-News, April 3, 2008)
Rosetown
Rosetown Co-op is building a new 28,000 sq. ft. food store. The $6.9
million project should be completed in March 2009. (Federated Co-operatives
Ltd., April 2, 2008)
Shaunavon
It was another record-breaking year for the Shaunavon Co-op Association.
At the organization's annual meeting on April 21st, the Co-op announced
overall sales of $24,489,306 for 2007. That topped the previous year's
total by over $1.8 million. (The Shaunavon Standard, March 25, 2008)
Ground is expected to break by early May in preparation for a new and larger Guy's Furniture and Appliance store. The new retail facility will combine their retail and warehouse under one roof, said project manager Randy Meyer of Kindersley-based Pro-Bilt. If construction occurs on schedule, Meyer anticipates the building should be complete by August. (The Clarion, March 26, 2008)
Vacant lots continue to be a hot property in Shaunavon. The town is in the process of finalizing deals that could see seven more lots sold to prospective buyers. The town is getting inquiries from Alberta and British Columbia, but is also seeing interest from people as far away as Yukon and Ontario. (Shaunavon Standard, April 1, 2008)
Swift Current
Two long-time southwest businesses will be joining forces next month.
Brian Manula, CEO of Innovation Credit Union, says they have acquired
Dickson Agencies, and it will become the Credit Union's new insurance
subsidiary starting April 1st. (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, March 27,
2008)
The City of Swift Current has renewed its agreement with the Southwest Regional Economic Development Authority. Marty Salberg, Director of Business Development, says the City has entered into this agreement for the past eight years, and it has been beneficial for both parties. (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, March 27, 2008)
As Swift Current watches the Living Sky Casino go up in its northeast corner, much is going on behind the scenes, as well. At an information session at the Entrepreneurial Center on March 20th, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) informed approximately 100 people about how businesses can service the casino, and the benefits of working for the newest SIGA facility. (Prairie Post, March 28, 2008)
The Swift Current Business Excellence Awards are coming up, with the nomination deadline of April 21st set by the local Chamber of Commerce. The gala presentation is scheduled for the evening of May 13th at the Credit Union iplex. (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, March 30, 2008)
From the City of Swift Current for March 2008:
• Building Permits - 17 issued for a total value of $2,576,415.
• Occupancy (Business) Permits - 9 new businesses.
Approval has been given by Swift Current City Council to proceed with the final phase of the Highland Residential sub-division. Councillors voted unanimously to go ahead with the project, which will see a number of new lots developed for eventual new homes. With that project nearly done, their next focus will be on the area near the new hospital. (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, April 1, 2008)
Sales growth of $28.7 million and other positives were reasons for Pioneer Co-op members to smile during 2007. Sales for 2007 were $166.9 million up from 2006 sales of $138.2 million. The patronage refund to the members was $8,372.502. (Southwest Booster, April 3, 2008)
"Saskatchewan is truly on a roll," Premier Brad Wall told a hometown crowd March 28th, at the first-ever Premier's and Mayor's budget luncheon. The luncheon was sponsored by the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce, at the Credit Union iplex. Swift Current Mayor Sandy Larson gave a preview of the City budget. Though the budget will be released April 8th, Larson told the event's audience that $8.3 million will be put toward infrastructure, to complete the servicing of residential lots in Highland subdivision, that $400,000 will be put toward Phase 1 of the new landfill, $1 million will be invested in streets and sidewalks and $2.6 million will go toward upgrades to the water treatment plant. In total the City plans to release a budget with $33.5 million in operating expenses and $16.9 million in capital spending. (Prairie Post, April 4, 2008)
The Brick Swift Current will be holding their grand opening on April 10th. (Prairie Post Insert, April 4, 2008)
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Yorkton Region
Broadview
James Stibbs has opened Stibbs Homes Ltd., an RTM or custom builder.
(The Broadview Express, March 25, 2008)
Esterhazy
Town Council has accepted a recommendation of the Economic Development
Committee to implement a business registration program, whereby anyone
providing goods and/or services and/or anyone advertising their business
in any manner (i.e. business cards, flyers, signage, or trade shows)
will be required to pay the annual fee. This fee will be effective July
1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. (The Miner-Journal, Esterhazy, March 31, 2008)
Grenfell
Danean Schutz has been hired as the new recreation and economic development
manager for the Town of Grenfell. (The Grenfell Sun, March 25, 2008)
Kamsack
The 2nd Annual Kamsack Spring Trade Show, featuring 42 booths, took
place on April 5th and 6th. (Kamsack Times, February 28, 2008 and April
3, 2008)
KamKids Daycare held their official opening on March 31st. (The Kamsack Times, April 3, 2008)
On April 4th Al and Carol Todd held a 30th anniversary celebration of Todd Chrysler auto dealership, which also now includes a recreation vehicle division and a second branch outlet in Swan River, Manitoba. (The Kamsack Times, April 3, 2008)
Moosomin
Velma and Randy Pegoski have purchased Wiebe's Restaurant from Lana
and Myron Wiebe. The Wiebes will remain on as mentors for the time being;
therefore the restaurant name will not change at this time. (The World-Spectator,
Moosomin, March 24, 2008)
Norquay
The Norquay and District 16th Annual Chamber of Commerce Trade Show
was held on March 14th and 15th. (The Norquay North Star, March 26,
2008)
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Saskatchewan
A housing affordability report released by RBC Economics indicates that Saskatchewan led the country in growth in housing starts, house prices, residential building permits, and activity in the resale market in 2007. Saskatchewan has replaced Alberta as the province with the hottest real estate market. (Regina Leader-Post, March 15, 2008)
Saskatchewan posted the second-highest increase in inflation in the last 12 months, with a 3.4% increase in the consumer price index (CPI) from February 2007 - February 2008. (Regina Leader-Post, March 19, 2008)
The province's population grew by 16,492 people in 2007 to an estimated 1,006,644, based on Statistics Canada data. (Regina Leader-Post, March 28, 2008)
Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCCs) participating in the Invest in Saskatchewan Program are reporting their best year ever thanks to significantly higher investor confidence in the province. For the 2007 tax year, the program recorded sales of $47.8 million from 12,300 purchasers, up from $33.6 million and 10,200 purchasers for the previous year. This represents an increase of approximately 42% in the value of capital raised and available for investment through the program into developing and expanding small businesses in Saskatchewan. The two Saskatchewan LSVCC funds - SaskWorks Venture Fund Inc. in Regina and Golden Opportunities Fund Inc. in Saskatoon - have invested a total of $167.3 million in 117 companies or businesses to date. (Enterprise and Innovation News Release, March 25, 2008)