Carnduff
10 suites and a medical/health services addition to Sunset Haven in Carnduff is being planned for the betterment of the community and surrounding area.  The Border-Line Housing Company will be actively fundraising in 2008 for the $2.8 million project.  (The Oxbow Herald, January 28, 2008)

Carlyle
Carlyle Motor Products has opened a new 5,000 sq. ft. shop.  (The Carlyle Observer, February 1, 2008)

Estevan
The new St. Joseph's medical clinic is expected to open as early as March 1^st.  (The Estevan Mercury, February 6, 2008)

Plans are for a campground expansion for Woodlawn Park.  The popular campground currently has 150 sites.  (The Estevan Mercury, February 6, 2008)

Radville
Dave and Irene MacDonald have opened a custom woodworking business, D & I Woodworking, in Radville.  (Radville Star, February 8, 2008).

Redvers
Redvers farm woman Marge Garnier makes earmuffs for newborn calves.  She has made 30,000 ear muffs since 1993.  www.margesmuffs.com (Regina Leader-Post, January 30, 2008)

Weyburn
A fundraising campaign has begun for the Colosseum Renovation Program in the City of Weyburn.  (The Weyburn Review, January 30, 2008)

Sunrise Community Futures has hired Michelle Howse to the corporate team.  She had taken on Sunrise's business analyst position at their head office in Weyburn and she will also provide services to Estevan.  (The Weyburn Review, January 30, 2008)

Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw Co op is undergoing a $1 5 million upgrade to the Marketplace Food Store.  A new and expanded deli, a self serve salad bar, as well as new flooring paint and general upgrades.  The exterior will also be re-done.  Work is to begin immediately and be complete by the end of spring.  (http://www.discovermoosejaw.com/, February 6, 2008)

Battleford
Crazy Daisy Flowers in Battleford is closing January 31^st.  The business has served the Battlefords for the past five years.  (CJNB Radio, January 30, 2008)

Lloydminster
The drive-thru McDonalds at the Wal-Mart has been permanently closed to make way for the new Wal-Mart Supercentre coming soon.  No further details are currently available.  (Lloydminster Meridian Booster, January 28, 2008)

Maidstone
The Maidstone Integrated Health Complex has been completed on budget although it is a few months behind schedule.  There will be an official opening later this year.  (News Optimist, February 6, 2008)

Meadow Lake
The Meadow Lake Business Excellence Awards will be held February 13^th.  (Northern Pride, February 5, 2008)

North Battleford
Kelly Bahrey of First Rate Financial is heading up the fund raising committee for the proposed multi-purpose facility.  They are currently preparing fundraising plans to present to the public.  (Regional Optimist, January 25, 2008)

City council approved a letter of understanding with Winport Acquisition Corp. who is planning to construct a 4-story hotel complex on 1.9 acres on Territorial Drive opposite the Wal-Mart.  The facility will be an "extended-stay" facility according to Dennis LaVertu, Director of Economic Development with the city.  Winport is planning to build 25 hotels across Canada in strategic locations and sees North Battleford as one of those.  (Powerflyers Daily News Online, January 30, 2008)

City of North Battleford will undertake a $3.8 million two-year project to replace a main trunk storm sewer line affecting drainage issues in the Kinsmen Park area.  The project should start this year and be completed by 2009.  (News Optimist, January 30, 2008)

Great Wall Express, North Battlefords newest Chinese restaurant, celebrates its grand opening on February 2^nd.  (News Optimist, January 30, 2008)

The Battlefords has received in excess of $1.2 million in funding for projects under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).  Some of the funding will be used toward a Biodiesel Production Plant in the area; and in Battleford money is designated toward phase 1 restoration of the Opera House.  (Powerflyers Daily News, February 4, 2008)

St. Walburg
The Blueberry Inn is now opened in the old hospital building.  Owners Brian and Kathleen Hantke purchased the vacant hospital in the summer of 2007.  The renovated facility offers 12 rooms with amenities.  Future plans to expand to include convention facilities are in the works.  (St. Walburg and Area Gazette, January 30, 2008)

Unity
Dr. Lyle Williams from South Africa has relocated to Unity and is working at the Unity Medical Clinic.  Dr. Williams and his wife arrived January 17^th.  (Wilkie Press, January 28, 2008)

Wilkie
E & L Contractors of Macklin have approached the Town of Wilkie with plans to construct a six-plex condo unit on three lots in the soon to be created new subdivision.  The units would be approx 1,200 sq. ft and would sell in the $170,000 price range.  (Wilkie Press, February 4, 2008)

Birch Hills
The Oxford Dental Clinic in Birch Hills shut their doors for the final time in late December.  After 17 months in business, the lack of local support made it financially impossible to keep the dental clinic in town.  (The Post-Gazette, January 9, 2008)

Carrot River
Sing's Café at Carrot River has been sold to Kim Hangip and Wing Han Ng. (Kim and Sam) of Saskatoon.  Previous owners, Albert and Betty Chan have owned and operated the restaurant for the last 27 years and are leaving the business.  (The Nipawin Journal, February 6, 2008)

Fort a la Corne
The diamond exploration camp in the Fort a la Corne forest should continue to be a beehive of activity this year with the decision by Shore Gold Inc. and its partner to spend nearly $95 million on assessing its diamond-bearing kimberlites in Saskatchewan.  The bulk of the money, $86.8 million, will be spent on the Fort a la Corne joint venture where its partner, Newmont Mining Corp. of Canada Ltd., will supply 40% of the funds or $35.5 million.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 23, 2008)

Melfort
The City of Melfort will receive $35,500 from the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund.  The money will go towards a $71,000 project adding permanent washrooms and a new picnic shelter for barbecues and other events at the Spruce Haven Park.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 16, 2008)

The City of Melfort granted nearly four times as many new residential building permits in 2007 compared to 2006.  In total, including commercial permits, there were 83 building permits representing $5,448.889 in value in 2007 compared to 81 permits representing $2,082,502 in value in 2006.  (The Melfort Journal, February 5, 2008)

The City of Melfort received a Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) grant to enhance or expand their walking trail.  The STA Trail Building Grant Program provides up to 60%, to a maximum of $6,500, of total costs to either build new or enhance exiting trails in Saskatchewan.  (The Melfort Journal, January 15, 2008)

Nipawin
The Town of Nipawin will spend $418,875 along with the $250,000 coming from the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the Evergreen Leisure Centre.  The Evergreen Centre is a 25-year old facility and will receive upgrades to its heat and lighting systems, roof, and ice plant.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 16, 2008)

The Nipawin Biomass Ethanol New Generation Co-operative (NBEC) held an informational meeting on January 16^th and also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Saskatchewan Forest Centre.  The MOU will see them collaborate in specific areas where joint benefits can be derived.  The MOU will focus on establishing a wood fibre biomass supply that enhances production of energy for the future plant in Nipawin.  (The Nipawin Journal, January 23, 2008)

Prince Albert
The City of Prince Albert had 148 new homes under construction in 2007, an increase of 88 homes from the previous year and putting the city fifth in the province for housing starts.  (Prince Albert Daily Herald, January 12, 2008)

Robert Cotterill will be the City of Prince Albert's new city manager.  He starts this position February 22^nd.  The city manager position was vacated in December 2007 when manager, Roman Martiuk, moved to Hamilton, Ontario to act as city manager.  (Prince Albert Daily Herald, January 16, 2008)

Prince Albert city council approved a group home at 947-949 Seventh St. E.  The properties are to be converted from a 10 bed-residence for adults with intellectual disabilities into a four to six-bed dwelling, short term care facility for boys (ages 12 - 15) who have been removed from their homes for their own protection.  (Prince Albert Daily Herald, January 17, 2008)

Montreal Lake Cree Nation paid $1.4 million for two-thirds majority share in Prince Albert Northern Bus Lines Ltd.  Harvey Clark, current manager of the P.A. Northern Bus Lines, and Stacey Peterman, long time employees of the bus line bought the other third of the company.  P.A. Northern is one of the largest bus companies in Saskatchewan, specializing in charter services throughout Saskatchewan.  Steve Ruznisky, the former owner of the bus line, celebrated his 90^th birthday and put the business up for sale.  Ruznisky started the business in 1953. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, January 17, 2008 and Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 17, 2008)

Dolly's Fun House, owned and operated by Rod and Debbie Dallman, opened for business January 28^th.  The family fun centre features a restaurant, laser-tag arena, and a multi-level indoor playground.  They also bought out the Prince Albert Ruckers and moved many of the arcade games to the new business location at 300 Marquis Road in Prince Albert.  Aside from walk-in traffic, their plan is to cater to birthday parties, sports windups, and youth groups.  (The Prince Albert Daily Herald, January 28, 2008)

Prince Albert will soon be home to a school for diamond handling, cutting, and polishing.  Embee Diamond Technologies and the Muskoday First Nation have worked together to establish the Canadian Diamond Academy in Prince Albert.  Mike Botha of Embee Diamond Technologies will provide instruction. Botha brings nearly 40 years of diamond cutting valuation, polishing, and training experience to the school.  The courses are slated to begin this spring.  (Prince Albert Daily Herald, January 30, 2008)

Bikini Boot Camp a women's only fitness company, has started business in Prince

Albert.  The founder of the company is Dr. Lindsay Nealson and the instructor in Prince Albert is Melanie Shatula.  All the fitness training is done outdoors, in various parks around the city, for example, they may use picnic tables for stretching, or monkey bars for chin-ups.  (Prince Albert Daily Herald, February 4, 2008)

Tisdale
The Town of Tisdale will receive approximately $214,000 of the estimated cost of $428,000 from the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund to upgrade Tisdale's RECplex.  The upgrades will include cost of replacing ceramic tiles to meet Saskatchewan Health regulations, and install solar pool heating and salt chlorination systems.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 15, 2008)

Arlington Beach
A new water treatment plant was commissioned on January 23, 2008.  As part of this water treatment system improvement, a new well was drilled, a new building constructed, new water storage put in place, and two reverse osmosis units installed.  (Last Mountain Times, January 29, 2008)

Foam Lake
A local group is hoping to open a non-profit daycare governed by a parent volunteer board or co-operative that would be eligible for funding in the form of government grants and subsidies.  A feasibility study and research is currently underway.  (Foam Lake Review, January 28, 2008)

Regina
The board of directors of Consumer's Co-operative Refineries has approved a $1.9 billion expansion project at its refinery in Regina.  The refinery, which is owned by Federated Co-operatives Ltd., will increase its processing capacity from 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day to 130,000.  The project is scheduled to be finished in 2012 and is expected to create 75 - 90 full-time jobs.  The expansion must be approved by the provincial environment department.  (CBC News Release, January 25, 2008 and Regina Leader-Post, January 25, 2008)

Ozonator Industries Ltd. has just announced the shipping of their first OZONATOR NG-1000 unit.  The unit has been shipped to Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana, in the United States for immediate installation.  Ozonator Industries Ltd. is a privately held Canadian company that manufactures a revolutionary new technology for the sterilization of bio-hazardous waste.  Their patent-pending technology provides sterilization of bio-hazardous waste with no emissions and up to a 90% reduction in volume.  (Ozonator Industries News Release, January 30, 2008)

Business leaders in the Ross Industrial Park area are looking at ways to increase profits while saving the environment at the same time.  Four proposals were considered at a meeting organized by the Regina Eco-Industrial Network Association (REINA) in conjunction with a focus group from the Ross Industrial Park area.  The proposed Ross Eco-Industrial Park project would encompass about 425 businesses in the area now known as Ross Industrial Park.  The goal is to improve both the economic and environmental efficiency.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 1, 2008)

Saskatchewan Waste Electronic Equipment Program (SWEEP) is celebrating their one year anniversary.  Since February 2007, the program has collected 32,500 computers, 22,500 printers, 46,500 keyboards and mice, 1,000 laptops, 40,000 monitors and 15,500 televisions.  The next stage of the program includes expanding the product list to include items such as DVD players, VCRs, stereos, speakers, phones, cell phones, large fax machines, and photocopiers.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 2, 2008)

Regina housing sales had a record start in January by toppling previous monthly highs in most key categories, according to the Association of Regina Realtors.  More than $49 million worth of homes were sold in January, which broke the previous record of $20 million set in 2007.  There were a record 250 residential properties sold, more than the previous record of 202 sold in 2002.  The average price of residential homes was another record - more than $198,000 - considerably more than the $117,000 in 2006.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 5, 2008)

Building permits took a sharp drop in January, with only $7.6 million worth of permits issued last month, compared with $25.8 million in January 2007, mainly due to the absence of any large or commercial building projects over $1 million.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 6, 2008)

The University of Regina student employment services hosted two career fairs on February 6^th, one for the faculty of Kinesiology and Heath Studies and the other for any students looking for summer work.  More than 60 exhibitors were in attendance such as Crown corporations, police services, care and rehabilitation homes, and construction and painting companies.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 7, 2008)

The new $1.05 million Simulation Learning Centre which allows nursing, paramedic and continuing care students to practice health-care and critical thinking skills in a risk free, near to real environment was recently opened at SIAST'S Wascana Campus.  (Last Mountain Times, February 5, 2008)

Speers Funeral Chapel is celebrating their 100^th year in business.  (Regina Chamber of Commerce ChamberLink Magazine, February 2008)

Campion College at the University of Regina is celebrating their 90^th anniversary.  (Regina Chamber of Commerce ChamberLink Magazine, February 2008)

Bazaar & Novelty is celebrating their 30^th anniversary.  (Regina Chamber of Commerce ChamberLink Magazine, February 2008)

Strasbourg
The Town of Strasbourg's recreation centre will soon have a new roof, thanks to funding made available through the Canada-Saskatchewan Municipal Infrastructure Fund.  (Last Mountain Times, January 29, 2008)

Wadena
The Wadena and District Search and Rescue organization, in conjunction with the Town of Wadena, will be hosting a "What is there to do in Wadena" information fair.  The fair will provide an opportunity for folks to see exactly what there is to do and for all the organizations to explain about what they do in and around Wadena.  (Wadena News, January 23, 2008)

Watrous
The students and staff of the licensed practical nursing program will soon enjoy spacious new surroundings at the former Long Lake REDA office.  Renovations are underway at the office and are anticipated to be complete by early February.  (The Watrous Manitou, January 28, 2008)

Craik
The town of Craik will be the site of a new manufacturing plant that will make environmentally friendly products from hemp.  When the plant is finished, it will have approximately 20 full-time workers, making it one of Craik's biggest employers, according to Mayor Rod Haugerud.  Naturally Advanced Technologies (NAT) is the Vancouver-based company that will operate the plant.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 29, 2008)

Grasswood
Preliminary plans for residential and commercial/industrial developments in the Grasswood area were presented to the Corman Park council.  The proposal comes from Zmanix Corporation, comprised of a group of Alberta investors who foresee strong demand for lots in both residential and commercial developments.  (Country Press, January 23, 2008)

Humboldt
The board of directors of Big Sky Farms Inc. has created a new position for company founder Florian Possberg.  The company announced Possberg would move from his job as president and CEO of the pork production company to take on the post of deputy chair, while continuing on the company's board of directors.  Big Sky's board says the change represents an expansion of the senior management team.  A media release says Possberg is being asked to shift attention from day-to-day operations to pursue growth opportunities at regional, national, or international levels.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 8, 2008)

The Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon to discuss the future Athabasca Potash Inc. mine near Burr.  Once the geological exploration is complete, company officials believe that construction of the mine will take approximately three and a half to four years.  The mine will likely employ approximately 300 workers.  (Humboldt Journal, February 6, 2008)

Outlook
Riverbend Co-operative is building a new 28,000 sq. ft. food store in Outlook.  The $4.5 million project should be completed by November 2008.  (Federated Co-operatives Limited, February 4, 2008)

Saskatoon
Saskatoon's strong economy created thousands of new jobs last year, according to a Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) report.  Between the fourth quarter of 2006 and the fourth quarter of 2007, Saskatoon's economy created 5,900 new positions, data from SREDA's Fourth Quarter Economic Report shows.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 26, 2008)

One Saskatoon school and one city business will receive a portion of $157 million in contracts handed out in western Canada by The Boeing Co.  Communications company, SED Systems received a contract from the aerospace company for feeder link Earth stations and telemetry as well as tracking and control systems, according to a Boeing news release.  The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology (SIIT) received a company investment for the establishment of an aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) program.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 26, 2008)

Proposed changes to rules for residential acreage developments around Saskatoon won't open the floodgate to high-density housing, said the RM of Corman Park's head of planning, Glen Grismer.  At present, any multi-parcel residential development must be built at least 1.6 kilometres from other such developments.  The RM council is considering doing away with the 1.6 kilometre buffer and allowing acreages as small as one acre, as long as the average size within the development is 2.47 acres.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 28, 2008)

Truffles Bistro, a high-end bistro serving classic French food, has relocated to the Birks Building on 21^st Street.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 2, 2008)

Saskatoon-based Cameco Corporation reported $61 million in net revenue in the fourth quarter, a figure 52% higher than the same period of 2006.  The increase is mainly due to higher earnings in uranium and Cameco's gold business.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 7, 2008)

Plans for at least one, and possibly two, new office buildings downtown should be announced by the end of 2008, a commercial real estate expert forecast.  If the forecast is accurate, it would take between two and four years to build each tower after plans are announced.  Tenants for the buildings are yet to be confirmed.  Lake Placid Development's project at River Landing was announced in September.  Possible sites for an office building could include the lot beside the Galaxy Theatre.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 8, 2008)

A landmark year for industrial property is predicted with the city releasing 140 acres on the northern outskirts of Saskatoon.  The first release of about 40 acres will happen in late February or early March.  A further 300 acres of serviced industrial lots are for sale in the new, privately owned BizHub Development in the RM of Corman Park, beside Highway 16 just north of Saskatoon's airport.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 8, 2008)

New Businesses:  Dinner Rush, Owners: Kathryn Sadler and Krista Koller-Klimosko; Color Bar, Owners: Jill Cook, Debbie Cook, and Cara Fitzsimmons; Personal Hearing Services, New Owners: Doug Graham and Ryan Douglas.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 26, 2008)

Wakaw
The new SARCAN building on 1^st Street South opened for business on January 23^rd.  (The Wakaw Recorder, January 30, 2008)

Warman
A new Shop-Easy Foods store is currently under construction.  The store will be 16,000 sq. ft. and will be located on the southwest corner of the Warman Plaza.  The store is expected to be open for business in mid to late-May.  (The Saskatchewan Valley News, January 30, 2008)

Eston
The Town of Eston is looking at developing residential lots on vacant town property along Second Avenue SW.  It could produce as many as nine large residential lots if developed, according to initial estimates.  (Eston Press Review, January 29, 2008)

Gull Lake
The Co-op Farm Centre celebrated the grand opening of their new facility on January 30^th.  (Gull Lake Advance, February 5, 2008)

Kindersley
Kindersley's progress toward several goals outlined in a 2004 community development study is evident; except in the area of tourism.  Approximately twenty people attending a Friday morning breakfast at the Kindersley Inn learned that this is one tangible component of the plan the town and surrounding area could still be doing better to enhance.  But much progress can be seen regarding other key recommendations of the study, which outlined four other key components:  "Kindersley as hub," energy and manufacturing, value-added agriculture, and youth.  (The Clarion, January 30, 2008)

From the Town of Kindersley for January 2008:

• 12 residential lots available; 35 commercial;
• Warehouse One expected to open in Mall soon;
• New subdivision in Rosedale community starting construction to accommodate growing population;
• Seniors housing (townhouses & condos) ground breaking and construction has begun.

Maple Creek
Len Wong is planning to open a motel and an A & W franchise on Harder Street.  Wong hopes the motel and fast-food outlet will be open in 2008.  (Maple Creek News-Times, February 5, 2008)

Rosetown
Two local businesses changed hands recently.  Jack and Brenda Hamilton sold Nickells & Diamonds to another Rosetown couple, Cheryl and Murray Clarke.  Kathi Sigstad of Harris bought Fresh Ground Coffee House from Paul and Julia Billett of Rosetown.  (The Rosetown Eagle, February 4, 2008)

Shaunavon
Shaunavon Chamber of Commerce is proudly presenting the 2008 Shaunavon Citizen of the Year Award on March 29, 2008.  (Shaunavon Standard, February 5, 2008)

Great Western Railway is on track for some big changes in 2008.  Not the least of which is the addition of two new engines for the local company, joining a fleet that already includes another three units.  The expanded fleet is needed to keep up with Great Western Railway's increasing workload, which has seen traffic along the line jump significantly in recent years.  (The Shaunavon Standard, January 29, 2008)

A conference looking at the issues at the forefront of agriculture today will be held February 13^th at Shaunavon Catholic Hall.  The full-day event aims to educate and assist producers as they continue to grow and improve their agricultural business.  The initiative is a partnership between Cypress Hills REDA, Southwest REDA, Wheatland Conservation Area Inc., the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal Department of Agriculture.  It's the fifth year the conference has been held, and Keleah Herron of Southwest REDA says that each year, the conference has had a different target focus group.  (Prairie Post, February 8, 2008)

Southwest
How is Saskatchewan going to create long-term prosperity out of our current economic success?  That is the question that businesses and organizations across the southwest will be looking to address at a network lunch planned for February 28^th at the Cypress Hills College.  (Leader News, February 6, 2008)

Swift Current
For the past few months, southwest Saskatchewan Grade 11 students have had the opportunity to give their input about the direction they feel the province should take as it begins to grow, as part of the provincial Ask Youth Project.  An entrepreneurial competition between the Grade 11 students from Maple Creek, Kyle, Swift Current, Hodgeville, and Vanguard, will see the students and their teams use the skills and advice they have learned over the past few months to compete for cash prizes in a friendly challenge known as "the lemonade game."  "There will be 10 teams and close to 80 students competing that will be judged by a panel of celebrity judges," says Keleah Herron of Southwest REDA, who has been working with the team leaders on the Ask Youth project since September.  (Prairie Post, February 8, 2008)

The South West Centre for Entrepreneurial Development will host a Customs Information Seminar for those whose businesses either now or in the future, will require them to import/export commercial goods.  As well as providing general customs information, the seminar providers will be available to answer business-specific questions as to how the procedures relate to individual business.  The seminar will be held February 27^th at the Entrepreneurial Center.  (Prairie Post, February 8, 2008)

The sixth annual Rural Women's Day Conference, to be held February 14^th at the Swift Current Art Gallery, aims to celebrate rural women with support, resources, and friendships.  "Some of the women that have attended in the past are looking for ways they can get involved in their community development, and some are just looking for new ideas to help them continue that development," says Keleah Herron of Southwest REDA, "The speakers we have chosen for this year's conference are success stories from both a business and community development perspective, that can act as prime examples." (Prairie Post, February 8, 2008)

Duane Smith of Jay Dee Equipment Ltd. has been elected President of the Canada West Equipment Dealers Association.  Smith was elected to the one-year position at the Association's annual meeting in Edmonton on January 25^th.  (The Southwest Booster, February 7, 2008)

The Swift Current Comprehensive High School (SCCHS) and a number of interested stakeholders have embarked on an ambitious course of action that they hope will result in a new sporting venue for Swift Current and the Southwest athletic community.  "We would like to get an all-weather track, and we would like to get a facility where we could host school sponsored activities such as soccer and football," explained Bryan Braun Principal of SCCHS.  "So we are looking at a soccer/football field either combined or if we have enough space, some models have the soccer pits inside the track and then a separate football field."  Braun also believes that such a facility would reflect well upon Swift Current.  (The Southwest Booster, February 7, 2008)

With several southwest companies hiring out of the country to address the labour shortage, Cypress Hills College is aiming to make these newcomers feel welcome in Canada.  Anika Henderson is the Immigrant Settlement Coordinator for Cypress Hills College, and says the newly-initiated host program will be used to primarily help newcomers adjust to living in a community such as Swift Current, through the help of volunteers.  (http://www.swiftcurrentonline.com/, February 7, 2008)

A new president will take the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce into their Centennial year.  Shauna Fjaagesund was appointed as the new President at the Annual General Meeting on February 5^th.  (http://www.swiftcurrentonline.com/, February 6, 2008)

Golden West Radio has been honoured with a prestigious award from Canadian Women in Communications (CWC).  Lisa Vanderlip, CWC Communications Manager, says the Employer of the Year award recognizes businesses who promote the advancement of women in management positions.  Vanderlip adds that Golden West is a great role model for the rest of the industry in promoting and advancing women in management roles.  (http://www.swiftcurrentonline.com/, February 1, 2008)

The City has approved the sub-division of a lot on McIntosh Street East for the development of 36 new condominium sites.  The Calgary company that will be developing the condominiums is expected to work on the units for the entire year.  (http://www.swiftcurrentonline.com/, January 31, 2008)

From the City of Swift Current for January 2008:

• 10 building permits issued for a value of $3,608,815 (up from 5 issued during the same time last year)
• 12 new businesses were issued occupancy permits with 34 occupancy permits issued to businesses either changing owners, names and/or locations.

Wiseton
Micky's Bar and Grill has opened in the hotel.  (Town of Wiseton)

Canora
Ryan Lynden of Wynyard has purchased Canora AG Foods from Gerald and Linda Jendrasheske.  The franchise store will become Canora Shop Easy.  (The Canora Courier, January 30, 2008)

A government subsidized licensed daycare facility is expected to be in operation within the next two months.  Canora Child Care Centre was approved for 25 spots for children ranging in age from one year to public school age.  (The Canora Courier, February 6, 2008)

Grenfell
A group of local investors, Aspen Grove Shareholders, are in the process of converting the old Prairie Valley School Division building into a personal care home.  The Aspen Grove Care Home facility will have ten rooms, with one suite available for a married couple.  The renovations are expected to be completed in April 2008.  (The Broadview Express, January 29, 2008)

Langenburg
Creekside Market, a gift, gallery, and antiques shop is closing their doors.  (The Four-Town Journal, Langenburg/Churchbridge, February 6, 2008)

Wapella
George and Wendy Holloway have reopened Wendy's Place Restaurant and expanded it to include a lounge.  After renting it out for several years, they have decided to once again run it themselves.  The business is now known as Wendy's Place Restaurant and Lounge.  (The World-Spectator, February 4, 2008)

Whitewood
The Whitewood Co-operative held the grand reopening of its newly renovated food store on November 27^th.  Some of the upgrades included new refrigeration, a completely redone meat room with sausage kitchen, an expanded warehouse/receiving area, and new décor and retail theatre.  (Federated Co-operatives Limited, February 4, 2008)

Windthorst
In November Monsanto hog barn sold its swine breeding division, including the Windthorst plant, to Newsham Genetics.  The new owners gave notice on January 14^th that they intend to shut the local barn by April 14^th.  The closure will affect approximately 12 employees.  (The Kipling Citizen, February 1, 2008)

Yorkton
Yorkton will be getting 50 more daycare spaces, with 36 being subsidized, at a new facility.  Renovations are taking place, with an expected opening of the facility in the spring.  (Yorkton This Week, February 6, 2008)

Saskatchewan saw its 12-month inflation rate decline to 3.7% in December from 4% in November the second largest decline next to Alberta-according to Statistics Canada.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 26, 2008)

According to a Statistics Canada report, Saskatchewan enjoyed more income growth than any other province during the 12 month period from November 2006 to November 2007.  The report shows a 6.9% income hike during the period which easily outpaces the second and third place finishers, Manitoba and Alberta, which saw their incomes climb by 5.8 and 5.6%.  (Regina Leader-Post and Saskatoon Star Phoenix, January 29, 2008)

According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Saskatchewan housing price increases are the highest in Canada and will continue to lead the nation in 2008.  The cost of buying a resale home in Saskatchewan is projected to increase 26% and a further 8% in 2009.  In 2007, Saskatchewan's average resale price jumped 32 per cent.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 5, 2008)

The Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership delivered a message to help induce international trade for Saskatchewan business at a recent workshop.  Graham Rush, consul and senior trade commissioner for the Consulate General of Canada, outlined some of the steps needed for a successful exporting business and tips were provided to help Canadian Businesses in the process of getting started.  (Regina Leader-Post, February 6, 2008)

Saskatchewan led all provinces in residential and overall construction growth in 2007.  Overall construction growth rose 42% to $1.6 billion last year.  Residential construction growth was up 74% to $859.5 million, while non-residential construction increased approximately 18% to $760.6 million last year.  (Regina Leader-Post and Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 7, 2008)

Several revised economic forecasts are projecting Saskatchewan will lead the nation in economic and job growth in 2008, while tying Alberta for the lowest unemployment rate.  RBC Financial Group recently updated its economic forecast for the provinces in light of lower growth forecasts for the Canadian and U.S. economies in 2008.  (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, February 8, 2008)