Estevan Region | Moose Jaw Region | North Battleford Region | Northern Saskatchewan | Prince Albert Region | Regina Region | Saskatoon Region | Swift Current Region | Yorkton Region | Saskatchewan

Estevan Region

Radville

Nelson Motors and Equipment are expanding their John Deere operation.  Currently they operate in Radville and Avonlea.  Now they have purchased Prosper Tractor in Estevan.  (Radville Star, July 26, 2007)

Moose Jaw Region

Briercrest

Shareholders in the farmer-owned Briercrest Grain (BGL) have experienced another record year for grain handling.  400 producer car loads are expected to be handled by the company this year.  (Moose Jaw Times Herald, July 19, 2007)

Moose Jaw

Harry Watson co-owner of South Hill Fine Foods and Triple 4 Advertising has been awarded the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) Life Member Designation Award for 2007.  This is the highest award of the CFIG.  Mr. Watson will travel to Toronto on October 29, 2007 for the presentation.  (Moose Jaw Times Herald, July 21, 2007)

The provincial government, thru the Building Communities Program has announced a commitment of more than $8.5 million towards the Multiplex facility in Moose Jaw.  The building committee still awaits word from the federal government regarding any funding commitments.  (Moose Jaw Times Herald, July 19, 2007)

North Battleford Region

Biggar

Feudal Co-op Convenience Store held a grand re-opening following recent expansion and renovations. (Biggar Independent, July 23, 2007)

Maidstone

Petro-Canada’s Hancock Petroleum Inc celebrated the grand opening of their new facility at the junction of Highways 16 & 21 in Maidstone.  (News Optimist, July 18, 2007)

Meadow Lake

Kevin and Lezlie Lajeunesse recently purchased the former Boot & Shoe Repair building in Meadow Lake and plan to renovate the property to accommodate a small eatery.  Town Council has approved the development permit.  (Northern Pride, July 24, 2007)

North Battleford

Dynasty Theatres reopened after recent renovations to convert the single screen facility to a dual screen theatre.  Renovation expenses were in excess of $50,000 and Dynasty Theatre owner Ken Pereyama indicates that there are still plans to construct a new multi-screen theatre on Highway #4N in the future.  (Regional Optimist, July 13, 2007)

Rignato’s Steak & Rib opened July 5th.  Owners are Albert and Gloria Katseri, who relocated to the Battlefords from Saskatoon.  (News Optimist, July 18, 2007)

The New Primary Health Centre, a $2.5M renovation at the Frontier Mall, is slated to open on July 23rd.  The new facility integrates physicians, nurse-practitioners, and community/public health and lab services. The lab won’t be open until sometime in August due to equipment delays.  (Regional Optimist, July 20, 2007)

The Shell Bulk Retail Facility on Railway Avenue has closed.  Two employees were affected.  (News Optimist, July 25, 2007)

Murphy Oil gas station located next to Wal-Mart will be closing August 16th.  Murphy Oil has decided not to purchase the property currently leased from Wal-Mart.  (North Battleford Regional Office)

Tramping Lake

The Co-op store in Tramping Lake closed its doors July 11th.  The fuel keylock will be closed at the end of October.  (Unity Herald, July 23, 2007)

Unity

Ilene’s Quilting will be opening soon in Unity.  (Unity Herald, July 23, 2007)

Northern Saskatchewan

Oilsands Quest Inc.’s president and CEO, Chris Hopkins, estimates it has total resource potential of 10 billion barrels of bitumen on its oilsands exploration lands in northwest Saskatchewan and northern Alberta.  According to Chris Hopkins, they believe they have identified a commercial project.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 14, 2007)

La Ronge

In 2005, The Conseil de la Cooperation de la Saskatchewan (CCS) presented Jean Poirier and family, owners of Eagle Point Resort, with the first Bravo Award for their success in the tourism industry.  The Poirier family has again received a Bravo Award for 2007 for their Regional Services.  Mr. Poirier will now be representing Saskatchewan at the National CCS Awards in Ottawa on November 10, 2007.  The CCS is a federal and provincial Canadian institution dedicated to recognizing successful economic and community development by French business people outside of Quebec.  (The La Ronge Northerner, http://www.townoflaronge.ca/TheNortherner)

The community of La Ronge will host the Western Canadian Cross Country Ski Championships from February 21st to 24th, 2008.  The Westerns will bring in anywhere from 130 to 200 skiers into La Ronge from the four most westerly provinces and the two most westerly territories.  (The La Ronge Northerner, http://www.townoflaronge.ca/TheNortherner)

Prince Albert Region

Carrot River

The Carrot River Co-op is undergoing an $800,000 upgrade to its 17,267 sq. ft. food store.  The project is expected to be completed in September 2007.  (Regional Economic & Co-operative Development)

Leask

Claude Robin has set up a RTM operation from his previous operation, Leask Building Supplies. Recognizing an opportunity in the housing market, all houses sold will be located in the Shell Lake, Martinsville, and Prince Albert areas.  The firm expects to build 36 houses a year with as many as three homes shipped per month.  Local tradespersons will be used.  (Shellbrook Chronicle, July 13, 2007)

Melfort

Cheyenne Chev-Pontiac-Buick-GMC in Melfort was purchased by Ron Bowditch and son Curtis from Tisdale.  The Bowditches own and operate the Tisdale GM dealership.  The takeover date was July 2nd and most existing staff will be retained.  (Melfort Journal, July 17, 2007)

Prince Albert

Fort a la Corne Development Corporation (James Smith Cree Nation), have opened a diamond liaison office in the Forestry Centre in Prince Albert.  The office will help aboriginal and non-aboriginal people by matching potential workers with diamond industry representatives and by bidding on tenders.  An economic development officer will be hired to carry out the office's mandate.  (Prince Albert Herald, July 26, 2007)

Chicken Chef, a new franchise operation, opened for business in Prince Albert.  The business is a family restaurant which offers chicken, pizza, and other entrees.  (Prince Albert Herald, July 23, 2007)

Great Western Coffee Company opened for business on June 28th.  The coffee beans are roasted, brewed, and served on site.  Their premises hold 60 persons and business has been brisk since their opening.  (Prince Albert Herald, July 16, 2007)

Shellbrook

The BIGWAY grocery store in Shellbrook was purchased by Lawrence Lanovaz and sons Jody and Jason.  The Lanovaz family owns the IGA in Duck Lake.  The family took possession of the Shellbrook facility on July 10th after a full and thorough renovation.  (Shellbrook Chronicle, July 20, 2007)

Prince Albert-based RTM builder Kimberlite Kountry Homes has purchased 9 lots in Shellbrook with the purpose of selling ready-to-move homes to place on them.  The business will build and deliver their first home to the Shellbrook site in three to four months.  (Shellbrook Chronicle, July 20, 2007)

Tisdale

Northern Steel Industries are bringing another 12 new Ukrainian workers to Tisdale this fall.  To date this project has seen 42 workers arrive in town to be employed at Northern Steel as welders.  (Tisdale Recorder, July 25, 2007)

Regina Region

Foam Lake

Cindy Hanson and Pam Norman, the new owners of the Burger Pit 2007, officially opened their business during grand opening celebrations on July 15th.  (Foam Lake Review, July 23, 2007)

Katepwa

The District of Katepwa officially opened their new cultural center on July 21, 2007.  (Indian Head-Wolseley News, July 24, 2007)

Kelliher

July 20th marks the grand opening of Jilly’s Nightclub, located at 105 Main Street.  Owners Jilly Moroziuk, Bob Roth, and Larry Will have some exciting plans for the business as they also own the building to the south as well as the empty lots to the north and east of the bar.  (Ituna News, July 16, 2007)

Regina

Regina is now home to the largest, free Wi-Fi (wireless local area network) service area in Canada.  The entire project cost $1.3 million and will have an annual cost of almost $340,000 but officials believe the cost is worth it.  Saskatchewan! Connected is the name of the program that was born during a youth conference in February.  (Regina Leader Post, July 13, 2007)

Officials announced a $3.7 million hydrogen production plant is being built at the University of Regina.  The plant will provide scientists the opportunity to do biofuel research on a large scale, while allowing investors to see the profit potential.  The plant will be located in the Greenhouse Gas Technology Centre at the University of Regina.  (Regina Leader Post, July 14, 2007)

At a special meeting of Ipsco Inc. shareholders held in Toronto on July 16th, shareholders voted to approve the Svenskt Stal AB (SSAB) bid to acquire the North American steelmaker.  Approximately 99% of the votes cast by shareholders were in favour of the transaction.  (Regina Leader Post, July 17, 2007)

Svenskt Stal AB (SSAB) announced on July 18th that the acquisition of Ipsco Inc. has been successfully completed for $160 US per share and that John Tulloch, Executive Vice-President of Steel and Chief Commercial Officer for Ipsco Inc., has been appointed president of Ipsco Inc., a subsidiary of SSAB, and Executive Vice-President of SSAB.  (Regina Leader Post, July 19, 2007)

Avison Young, a Regina based commercial real estate company, has organized a client-based real estate and economic development conference to take place on September 20th.  (Regina Leader Post, July 19, 2007)

A phased development plan for Ross Industrial Park may be expedited due to a drastic increase in land demand.  The City of Regina’s executive committee voted in favour of providing advanced approval of $3.4 million in 2008 capital funding in order to tender the entire Ross Industrial Park construction project.  The project, expected to be completed in 2008, will develop 88.75 acres of land in the area south of Turvey Road and north of the storm channel, located between the railroad tracks and Fleet Street.  There will be 67.63 acres of serviced lots.  The proposal will go to city council on July 23rd for final approval.  (Regina Leader Post, July 19, 2007)

The provincial government has given IPSCO Place $17.45 million for a new multi-purpose arena complex.  The funding will go towards the construction of five multi-purpose arenas and one show arena, as well as the refurbishment and expansion of the Brandt Centre, including the addition of 1,600 fixed seats.  The entire revitalization project is estimated to cost $172 million and won’t be complete for several years.  (Regina Leader Post, July 20, 2007)

The Conexus Arts Centre is getting a major overhaul, with all 2,000 seats being replaced, along with repairs and a new paint job.  Renovations are scheduled to be complete by August 16th.  (Regina Leader Post, July 20, 2007)

The extension to Innovation Place at 2 Research Drive will have the capacity to house 270 employees.  At present, Innovation Place Regina tenants employ more than 1,000 people and generate $269 million in direct and indirect economic impact to the province annually.  With the new addition to the park, the economic impact is predicted to exceed $315 million annually.  The $17.3 million, three storey expansion was financed by the Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation (SOCO).  (Regina Leader Post, July 21, 2007)

The registered head office of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool (after its integration with Agricore United) will remain in Regina, but key functions will be spread among the major cities in the three provinces where the Pool has significant operations.  (Regina Leader Post, July 21, 2007)

City council approved the concept plan for a residential development at the former Campion College High School site, located south of 23rd Avenue and east of Albert Street.  The first phase of the development calls for a mix of residential dwellings including 16 single-detached homes that would back up to the existing homes on Calder Crescent, as well as an apartment building and 22 townhouse units. (Regina Leader Post, July 24, 2007)

City Council voted to advertise changes to the concept plan and related zoning of Harbour Landing, which are slated to come before council for final approval on August 20th.  Harbour Landing is a proposed $1 billion housing and commercial development south of the Regina International Airport which is expected to ultimately be the home to about 10,000 people as well as major shopping complexes.  (Regina Leader Post, July 26, 2007)

Saskatoon Region

Cudworth

R&D Confectionery recently celebrated its official grand opening.  (The Wakaw Recorder, July 5, 2007)

Duck Lake

“Rabbit Fall”, a new Canadian cable television series, produced by Saskatoon-based motion picture company Angel Entertainment, had part of its opening season production work shot in and around Duck Lake.  Saskatchewan entertainer, Andrea Menard plays the role of a cop in a male-dominated world.  Funding for the production came from SaskFilm and the Canadian Television Fund.  Angel Entertainment is also using this production as a training program for aboriginals working on the project.  (Rosthern Valley News, July 18, 2007)

Saskatoon

The Delta Bessborough has been sold in a transaction that involves the purchase of many of Canada’s historic hotels by two investment trust companies.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 14, 2007)

According to Colliers McClocklin Real Estate Corporation, building of a new office tower in downtown Saskatoon is unlikely due to the current soaring real estate prices and the overall lease rates.  With a vacancy rate of five percent downtown, even the best space in Saskatoon is only about $14 per square foot for a year’s lease.  Rental rates would have to double to around the $30 per square foot yearly to justify a new office tower.  However, without new construction, McClocklin says it is possible a situation could occur in the next few years where demand exceeds supply and leads to a dramatic rent increase.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 17, 2007)

The Muskeg Lake Cree Nation unveiled plans to open a wellness and diabetes centre on the southeast corner of McKercher Drive and 105th Street East.  The centre will be open by the summer of 2008.  Construction costs are estimated at $5.5 million.  The centre will provide Saskatoon residents all the services of a walk-in clinic.  The state-of-the-art diabetes centre will include a research department as well as offer health and wellness programs.  The contractor has already been awarded the job and construction will begin October 1, 2007.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 18, 2007)

Construction of an Olympic-sized pool on the western outskirts of Saskatoon has exceeded its budget.  Faced with the alternative of delaying the Shaw Centre Phase 2 project in hope of attracting a better price, City Councillors agreed to a proposal by which $5 million of the added cost will be debt-financed and the debt payments applied to the mill rate.  Three bids received recently from local construction companies in response to the City's tender for the project are 23% higher than the estimated cost of the project just a few months ago.  The world-class pool facility the City intends to construct between two new high schools in the Blairmore neighbourhood was expected to cost between $23 million and $25 million about two years ago.  The last estimate, provided to council on May 28th, pegged the cost at $29.6 million.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 21, 2007)

Saskatoon hosted the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) from July 15th – 20th.  The IBO is an annual event celebrating some of the world's foremost secondary biology students.  Each participating country may select up to four of its top secondary biology students to compete for prestigious medals.  During the week-long event, the youth engaged each other in a variety of social activities, explored the diversity of the province, and took intensive theory and practical biology examinations that were facilitated by a panel of international experts.  This year’s Olympiad hosted approximately 200 students and 162 professors, teachers, and government officials from 49 countries.  It was the first time the Olympiad was held in North America.  The U of S and SIAST were the home bases for the group.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 23, 2007)

Total air passenger traffic from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007 is 999,765.  The rolling 12 month passenger volume has been increasing for 42 consecutive months, starting in January 2004 at 759,418.  The growth rate over the past 3 years is in excess of 30%.  (June Air Passenger Statistics)

In April, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) twice-annual report on rental market vacancy rates showed a city-wide average of 3%; a drop from 3.2% in October.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 24, 2007)

The 237 acres of Hyde Wetlands greenspace, in southwest Saskatoon, are destined to become a focal point for environmental education, a recreational hub, and a natural storm water drainage solution in the burgeoning area of the city.  Community consultations have altered the design since it first went to City Council, adding such amenities as an off-leash dog park.  The current plan for this multi-million-dollar project also includes five ponds, numerous walking trails, a toboggan hill, a Frisbee practice area, two ball diamonds and two soccer fields.  An interpretive centre will also be built to educate the public about the wetlands.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 24, 2007)

The Government of Saskatchewan will contribute more than $4 million to the Mendel Art Gallery's expansion plans.  The $4,092,877 contribution to the Mendel's $18-million expansion is derived from the province's Building Communities program, a three-year, $100 million fund for cultural and recreational infrastructure serving regional populations all over Saskatchewan.  The Mendel's expansion campaign now has two levels of government funding, since the City has already agreed to spend $4.5 million.  About half of the estimated price tag still remains to be raised.  The Mendel board is hoping the federal government will kick in approximately $4.5 million, roughly a quarter of the total projected cost.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 19, 2007)

A University of Saskatchewan college of commerce alumnus who parlayed his undergraduate degree into a successful career in the western Canadian oilpatch is paying back his alma mater for that start in business.  Murray Edwards, a Regina native who graduated from the U of S in 1982, has donated $11 million to the university.  As a result, the college of commerce is now the N. Murray Edwards School of Business and 40 students per year will have their business school education paid for by Edwards' endowment.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 25, 2007)

New Businesses:  Fresh Bistro On Early Drive, Owners:  Marty Peters and Tiffany Parker; EE Burritos on Eighth Street, Owner:  Ernesto Hernandez.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 14 & 21, 2007)

Swift Current Region

Burstall

On July 16th, Burstall saw the arrival of 19 students from Korea along with a few chaperones.  “The idea came about eight months to a year ago and the Burstall Economic Development Committee has been working diligently and very hard and like wow here we are today,” said Town Mayor, Ken Hook.  “We think this is just a small seed that has been planted.  The things in Burstall and the Southwest have just blossomed by just bringing in these students just for these two weeks, as far as tourism goes, we are looking forward to it,” said Hook.  (The Southwest Booster, July 19, 2007)

Coleville

Coleville’s bid to attract residents has resulted in the sale of at least six lots.  The village has lots for sale, including some in a new development, for $10 apiece.  Coleville also provides a year’s tax holiday for building or installing new homes on the lots.  Current building incentives, based on building or moving in a home within a year, include paying no municipal taxes for the first year and six months free water service.  (The Clarion, July 18, 2007)

Kindersley

As of July 17th future tenants of the retirement community have made their bid to rent or purchase 75 of the 94 suites available.  Caleb Village consultant Ron Folstad said his concern is no longer whether Kindersley’s proposed retirement community will fill up, but rather how many people will be on the waiting list.  The developer is hoping to break ground on the project by October.  (The Clarion, July 18, 2007)

Luseland

The Luseland Museum is celebrating its 15th anniversary.  (Kerrobert Citizen, July 18, 2007)

Rosetown

The Rosetown and District Museum officially opened its doors on July 22nd.  The renovation to the catalogue house is complete on the main floor and volunteers will now be setting their sights on the restoration of the second level.  The museum also offers tea, coffee, and pie and ice cream.  (The Rosetown Eagle, July 16, 2007)

The Rosetown Co-operative Ltd., are celebrating their 70th anniversary.  (The Rosetown Eagle, July 16, 2007)

The Town of Rosetown is hoping a provincial grant for airports will be its first step in beginning upgrades to the Rosetown Airport.  “We have Stacey (Sauer) at Entrepreneurs 2000 putting in an application for funding from the Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program.  There isn’t a lot of money available through the program this year, but we are hoping to get enough to upgrade the runway lights,” said Rosetown Mayor Brian Gerow.  (The Rosetown Eagle, July 23, 2007)

The Town of Rosetown is expanding its boundaries to the west to include the area of Little Banff and the lagoons.  Town Council approved the expansion at its regular council meeting on Monday after receiving a letter from the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews which indicated its approval for the boundary change.  (The Rosetown Eagle, July 23, 2007)

Shaunavon

Sandra Morin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Recreation was in Shaunavon to announce a contribution of $984,6000 through the building communities program for the construction of Shaunavon’s new recreation complex.  (http://www.swiftcurrentonlin.com/, July 20, 2007)

Swift Current

The City of Swift Current and the local airport authority are applying for a portion of $500,000 set aside to help improve infrastructure at a number of the province’s airports.  The City of Swift Current and Southwest Community Futures worked together to apply for up to $200,000 in funding to improve the airport infrastructure.  (http://www.swiftcurrentonline.com/, July 17, 2007)

La Diva Salon owned by John and Connie Wiebe will open to offer a full-service salon in downtown Swift Current.  (The Southwest Booster, July 19, 2007)

Quinn Pumps, an Alberta based supplier of conventional pump equipment, has purchased the assets of locally owned Erwin Industries and is currently in the process of setting up their progressive Cavity Pump manufacturing facility that will supply PC pumps and top drive equipment to all their stores in Canada and the United States.  Quinn Pumps is operating out of the former TS Metals shop.  (The Southwest Booster, July 19, 2007)

Recent statistics from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation show close to a 100% increase in housing starts in Swift Current.  Richard Coriveau, Regional Economist for the prairie region with CMHC, says single detached units have increased by 93% while multiple family units have gone up 100%.  He says the increase in multi-family starts isn’t expected to continue to year end.  (http://www.swiftcurrentonline.com/, July 19, 2007)

Homes are in such demand in Swift Current this year the city has sold its entire inventory of residential lots, and is working to get more than 100 serviced by fall 2008.  City Council approved the subdivision of 81 lots in the Highland area, and six large parcels in the Saskatchewan Valley subdivision adjacent to the new regional hospital that will hold multi-family residences.  (Prairie Post, July 20, 2007)

Robertson Rentals is now open.  The store (a division of Robertson Implements) will rent a variety of items such as yard tools, construction tools, etc.  (The Southwest Booster, July 26, 2007)

Li’l Chic Boutique is celebrating their 4th anniversary.  (The Southwest Booster, July 26, 2007)

The Honourable Jack Wiebe Habitat for Healthcare building was dedicated on July 19th.  (The Southwest Booster, July 26, 2007)

Yorkton Region

Broadview

The Broadview Co-operative’s Board of Directors have approved a new key lock station for Broadview.  The Broadview Co-op C-Store will expand by adding new tanks to their location.  The old Broadview Co-op Service Centre closed on June 15th.  (The Broadview Express, July 17, 2007)

Canora

The Town of Canora is experiencing a hot housing market, and because the market dictates property values, the increased demand translates into rising housing prices.  Within the last year, the value of residential property has increased about 20 – 25%.  New residents are coming from Alberta, British Columbia, and other parts of Saskatchewan and across Canada.  (The Canora Courier, July 11, 2007)

An informational meeting was held on July 18th on plans for the credit union to go through a restructuring process involving the credit unions in Wadena and Preeceville, which would include a name change.  (The Canora Courier, July 25, 2007)

Esterhazy

The Shell Bulk Plant officially closed their doors on July 20th.  The Shell Bulk Plant originally opened in 1968.  Currently, there is a company bidding on the majority of these sites.  (The Miner-Journal, Esterhazy, July 23, 2007)

Fleming

Fleming’s Lake of the Woods elevator was built in 1895, and is the oldest elevator in Canada.  The Fleming Historical Preservation Society has been working on restoring the elevator for several years.  The elevator has been declared a provincial heritage site, and the committee is working on national heritage designation.  The elevator will be used as a tourist attraction, with plans to use it as a visitor centre and gift shop.  (The World-Spectator, July 16, 2007)

Kamsack

Construction has begun on Kamsack’s new water treatment plant.  It is expected the plant will be up and running by late 2008 or early 2009.  (The Kamsack Times, July 12, 2007)

Liz Hornby and Rick Purtill have purchased the Arrow Diner.  After extensive renovations, the Ontario couple opened “John Doe’s”, a full-service restaurant on July 15th.  (Kamsack Times, July 19, 2007)

Langbank

Seed Hawk Inc. has released the world’s largest air seeder.  The project has been several months in the making.  (The World-Spectator, July 23, 2007)

Melville

Micheal Halyk, Economic Development Officer, has been included in the BizPal team, which will receive an honourable mention for the Premier’s Award for Excellence in the Public Service for 2007 during a ceremony in Regina on October 3, 2007.  (The Melville Advance, July 11, 2007)

The City of Melville is experiencing an active real estate market, necessitating Canada Post to install more permanent post office boxes.  (The Melville Advance, July 25, 2007)

The Shell Bulk Station in Melville closed effective July 20th.  (Regina Leader-Post, July 20, 2007)

Moosomin

The Moosomin Dollar Store held their grand opening on July 7th.  (The World-Spectator, July 16, 2007)

Neudorf

Unnamed sources have indicated that Natural Valley Farms will begin slaughtering horses at their Neudorf facility on July 31, 2007.  The plant has a contract to slaughter 500 horses a week, which will be shipped to Europe where there is a market for horse meat.  Sources say that some employees have quit over the switch to slaughtering horses.  (The Broadview Express, July 24, 2007)

Theodore

The Village of Theodore celebrated their 100th anniversary from July 13th – 15th.  (Yorkton This Week, July 18, 2007)

Whitewood

After numerous delays due to rain, construction has resumed on the Whitewood Co-op Grocery Store.  The entire project will cost $615,000.  Originally planned to be completed by the end of June, a new completion date of late July or early August is expected.  (The Whitewood Herald, July 9, 2007)

Windthorst

The Village of Windthorst has purchased the Windthorst School for $1.00, effective June 30, 2007.  Some of the ideas they are looking at is converting classrooms into rental properties or seniors’ housing units, a community fitness centre, and possibly moving village offices there.  They are also meeting with people who have business ideas.  (The Broadview Express, July 10, 2007)

Saskatchewan

Statistics Canada figures indicate car sales were up 20.1% year over year, with 4,624 units sold compared to 3,849 in May 2006.  From January to the end of May, Saskatchewan auto dealers sold 2,700 more vehicles than they did in the same five-month period of 2006, according to Saskatchewan Auto Dealers Association’s (SADA) figures.  There are also 135 new car franchises across the province.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 17, 2007)

According to 2006 census data, Saskatchewan has the highest proportion of seniors among all Canadian provinces and territories, with those 65 and over making up 15.4% of the population – including 255 people over the age of 100 and 14 over the age of 105.  Saskatchewan also has the second-highest percentage of children under 15, at nearly 20% of the population.  Meanwhile, many working-age residents are nearing retirement as baby boomers close in on 65.  In many small towns, especially those not situated near a major centre, the population is getting increasingly older, but the province’s aboriginal population is still booming.  For more information on the 2006 Census please go to: http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/release/release_agesex.cfm  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 17, 2007)

The commitment of an additional 112 new training positions for health professionals - an $18.4 million annual investment in training along with an immediate $2.4 million investment in startup costs - is set to build upon the 164 additional positions the Government of Saskatchewan committed to in the 2007-08 budget.  The increased training capacity – 70 seats for nursing training; 16 seats for doctor training, 14 seats for psychiatric nursing training, and 12 for medical diagnostic training - will be shared between the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) in Regina and Saskatoon.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 20, 2007)

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. intends to more than double its potash production in New Brunswick to serve the fast-expanding market for fertilizer in Latin America.  The company is spending $1.6 billion US on a four-year construction program to develop new underground workings adjacent to an existing mine near the town of Sussex.  The mine's underground workings have experienced water problems since the late 1990s, but it still produces 800,000 tonnes of potash annually.  When completed, the new mine and an expanded existing milling operation at surface will produce annually two million tonnes of potash, a source of potassium. There will be 140 new permanent jobs added to the 330 that exist at the potash operation.  (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, July 21, 2007)