Alida
Newalta, Canada's leading industrial waste management and environmental services company opened a waste processing facility near the community. This facility will provide services of cleaning and disposing of wastes and spills in the oil field. (Redvers Optimist, April 12, 2008)

Carlyle
Winalta Inc., based out of Spruce Grove, Alberta, has set up seven new homes in the town. The company builds and sells ready-to-move and modular homes. They have been attracted to southeast Saskatchewan because of the vast oil activity and the increased need for housing. They are looking at setting up a company base as well. The company also purchased property in the city of Estevan. (Carlyle Observer, April 11, 2008)

Estevan
Estevan Landscaping opened for business. Some of the services provided include installation of underground sprinklers, topsoil, and sod. (Estevan Mercury, April 9, 2008)

Thunder City Power and Leisure, a sports and leisure store, is closing their business. (Estevan Mercury, April 9, 2008)

Construction on the Prairie Meadow Power Centre, a strip mall, has started. The 11,880 sq. ft. development will provide nine commercial outlets. It will be ready for occupancy this summer. (Estevan Lifestyles, April 4, 2008)

Redvers
The Country Corral Office Ltd. is holding a grand opening. The business provides commercial office rental space. (Redvers Optimist, April 12, 2008)

Weyburn
Sunrise Community Futures held two business training sessions and has posted them on their website, www.sunrisecommunityfutures.com. The sessions focus on self employment and how to plan for a successful business. Future sessions will also be posted on line.

The Weyburn Co-op was presented with a Certificate of Recognition for winning the Corporate Leadership for Waste Minimization Award from the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council. (Weyburn Review, April 16, 2008)

The City of Weyburn is seeing a high rate of growth. Only 15 lots are left in the city inventory. Plans are to develop as many as 75 new lots which should be ready this fall. (Weyburn Review, April 16, 2008)

Southeast Saskatchewan
Estevan and Weyburn led the sales of Crown oil and gas rights with $207 million in bids based on the strength of the Bakken oil play. (Weyburn Review, April 16, 2008)

Belle Plaine
Mosaic Potash at Belle Plaine plans to increase capacity by two million tones annually by 2017. This could mean 250 more jobs in the Moose Jaw region over the next decade. The expansion is slated to begin this spring. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, April 5, 2008)

Brownlee
A fire has claimed the privately owned Brownlee grain elevator. The elevator was used to store grain and load rail cars by the Dougherty family. (www.discovermoosejaw.com, April 16, 2008)

Moose Jaw
City council has passed a 3.6% tax increase allowing the city to maintain a status quo budget. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, April 8, 2008)

Cranberry Rose Boutique has moved from its location across from Crescent Park to Main Street. The new location has an expanded ladies wear selection and continues to offer giftware. Owner Liz Craigen has already noticed an increase in walk-in traffic. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, April 11, 2008)

Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority closed the South Hill Liquor Store with no notice. One full-time and two part-time employees have the option to move to the Station Centre Liquor Store in downtown Moose Jaw. Neighbouring businesses have said that the closing will have a negative impact for their businesses. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, April 5, 2008)

The value of construction permits in the city is up nearly $5 million from March 2007. As of March 31, 2008, the city had issued 44 permits, totalling more than $10 million. (Moose Jaw Regional Office)

The 26th annual Focus on Trade tradeshow will be held on April 26th and 27th. The event has been sold out for the second year in a row and over half the businesses attending are new to the trade show. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, April 15, 2008)

Casino Moose Jaw in conjunction with Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation has been nominated for two awards at the Tourism Saskatchewan Awards of Excellence. The awards include Business of the Year and Service Excellence. (www.discovermoosejaw.com, April 14, 2008)

Entrepreneurship students from Peacock Collegiate in Moose Jaw won five awards at the 2008 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame banquet held in Regina recently. The class which created a company called Chug-a-Lug-Mug sold 1,070 units of its product, setting a new record in southern Saskatchewan. The mugs contained a package with a choice of coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider or tea and an assortment of candies and chocolates. Mugs sold for $8 or three for $20. In addition to winning Company of the Year, Peacock students also finished first in the IT initiative and Development category. (Moose Jaw Times Herald, April 12, 2008)

The 7th Annual Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards will be held on April 30th. (Moose Jaw Regional Office)

Ogema
The Ogema Trade Show was held on April 18th and 19th at the Ogema Rink Complex. 100 exhibitors participated as well as guest speakers and entertainment. (Moose Jaw Regional Office)

Battleford
Council approved the expansion of the local water treatment plant. Catterall & Wright of Saskatoon will design the expansion. (Daily News Online, April 10, 2008)

Lashburn
Lashburn Golf & Country Club held the grand opening of their new addition on April 6th. (Meridian Booster, April 2, 2008)

Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake Co-op Service Centre will hold their grand opening on April 25th. (Northern Pride, April 15, 2008)

North Battleford
Kramer Auction Services has been awarded the Heritage Award in the annual BBEX. Winners in other business categories will be announced at the BBEX award ceremonies to be held May 6th. (CJNB Radio, April 10, 2008)

Northwest Radio Partnership launched a third radio station in North Battleford. The Rock, 93.3 FM hit the airwaves April 11th and plays classic and new rock music. The station joins country station CJNB and Q98 FM contemporary radio. (Daily News Online, April 16, 2008)

Salon Rose has relocated from the 1400 to the 1200 block of 100th Street. (North Battleford Regional Office, April 16, 2008)

The City has announced a lot draw for 27 lots in the new Phase II subdivision of Fairview Heights. The lot lottery will take place April 22nd. Information packages are available this week. (Daily News Online/News Optimist, April 16, 2008)

Rabbit Lake
The Whistle Stop Coffee Shop, coffee shop and store combination opened March 28th in Rabbit Lake. The owners are Alan and Shelly Laughlin and Claus and Cyndy Spielmann. (Regional Optimist, April 11, 2008)

Construction continues on an open-pit uranium mine near the McClean Lake Mill in northern Saskatchewan. About $435 million will be spent on the project - $50 million in 2008, with the balance spent in 2009 and 2010. The site construction -- including a dedicated haul road, water treatment plant and other facilities - is expected to begin mid 2009, subject to regulatory approvals. In the meantime, contracts for the design, supply and installation of the water treatment plant as well as for engineering, procurement, and construction management are being worked on. Ore extracted from the mine will be trucked to the McClean Lake mill for processing. Partners in the Midwest Uranium Project include AREVA Resources Canada Inc. Denison Mines, and OURD (Canada) Co. Ltd. (Service Canada Labour Market Bulletin, April 2008)

Triple Five Energy has signed joint venture agreements with seven First Nations regarding oil, gas, and uranium exploration in northern Saskatchewan. These include a joint venture agreement between the English River First Nation and Triple Five Energy for significant exploration and uranium development on the band's territorial lands at Slush Lake. This agreement could bring many economic benefits for the 1,300 residents in that community. Geologists and Triple Five Energy staff are expected to begin work in the area, which is located on the eastern edge of the Athabasca Basin and close to Cameco's millennium uranium project, in the near future. (Service Canada Labour Market Bulletin, April 2008)

GLR Resources is continuing efforts to bring its open-pit Goldfields Project into production in 2009. The project consists of two open-pitable gold deposits near Uranium City - The Box and The Athona. GLR Resources is also funding a $1.2 million renovation in Uranium City to fit an abandoned government office building with dormitory rooms, offices, a large kitchen, and a dining hall. GLR Resources has employed men and women from the Uranium City area on servicing jobs but has had to hire drill workers from abroad. (Service Canada Labour Market Bulletin, April 2008)

Carrot River
Carrot River Co-op celebrated the grand re-opening of their store on April 2nd. The store went through an extensive six-month renovation at a cost of $920,000. (Nipawin Journal, April 9, 2008)

Melfort
Kendra Campbell is receiving the "I Am Melfort Civic Pride Award" and Wayne Garinger is receiving the "Citizen of the Year Award" at this year's Annual MelBex awards being handed out on April 19th. (Melfort Journal, April 8, 2008)

Prince Albert
The annual Samuel McLeod Prince Albert Business Awards were celebrated April 9th. The winners in the various categories were:

Legacy Award: Dmyterko Enterprises
Community Involvement: Prince Albert Downtown Improvement District Association
Investment: Riverside Hyundai
New Venture: Riverside Hyundai
New Product/Service: Solid Innovation Inc.
Job Creation: Riverside Hyundai
Service Industry: Pronto Airways
Tourism: Prince Albert and District Tourism
Marketing: Advantage Real Estate
Business of the Year: Tru-North RV and Marine Sales Inc. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, April 10, 2008)

The R.M. of Buckland has decided not to renew its membership with the Prince Albert Regional Economic Development Authority citing rising membership costs. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, April 8, 2008)

A major fire destroyed a mechanics' shop building at Malenfant Enterprises Ltd. a trucking company on North Industrial Drive. The estimate cost of damages is $2 million. Services to customers will be continued from their other facilities and will not be affected. The company employs 12 to 14 people and doesn't anticipate any loss of employees. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, April 4, 2008)

North Central Saskatchewan Waste Management Corporation, one of the 16 regional waste management providers, will receive $70,000 out of the $835,000 grant provided by the Ministry of Environment. The corporation deals with waste from the rural municipalities of Buckland, Albertville, Weirdale, Meath Park, and Paddockwood, the City of Prince Albert, and the Prince Albert National Park. An additional $50,000 is going to the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities. (Prince Albert Daily herald, April 5, 2008)

A recent economic impact survey conducted by Insightrix Research Services Inc. suggested that the Forest Centre in Prince Albert generated $12.1 million in the Prince Albert economy and approximately $25.1 million in the provincial economy in 2007. The survey also suggested that about 226 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs in Prince Albert and 260 FTE jobs in Saskatchewan can be attributed to the Forest Centre. (Service Canada Labour Market Bulletin, April 2008)

Fort Qu'Appelle
Manny's Donair and Ice Cream shop opened its doors on April 2nd. The new owners are Debbie Booth and Darren Stanley. (The Fort Qu'Appelle Times, April 8, 2008)

Sarcan opened their new location in the former Lakeview building on April 11th. (The Fort Qu'Appelle Times, April 15, 2008)

Indian Head
Ashley Nemeth has opened the doors to her new business venture - Child's Play Clothing and Accessories, located on Grand Avenue. (Indian Head-Wolseley News, April 15, 2008)

Ituna
Following a change of hands and subsequent closure, St. Anne's Care Home is now back in business. (Ituna News, April 14, 2008)

McLean
Canadian Green Fuels plans to build a new bio-diesel processing plant at a proposed site near McLean and plans to upgrade the existing plant located on 1620 McAra Street in Regina. Construction on the estimated $50 million project is set to begin in the next six to eight weeks and will take 12 months to complete. The expanded plant would create approximately 55 to 60 new full-time jobs and would require approximately 460,000 tonnes of oilseed input, which is anticipated to come from contracts with Saskatchewan and other Western Canadian producers. (Regina Leader-Post, April 5, 2008)

Regina
After 55 years of ownership by the Ast family, Hill Avenue Drugs has been sold to Andrew Gilbertson. (Regina Leader-Post, April 5, 2008)

Victoria Jewellers Ltd., located at 2591 Quance Street East, is celebrating their 3rd anniversary. (Regina Leader-Post, April 5, 2008)

Regina building permits soared to nearly $70 million in the first quarter of 2008, well ahead of the $53.5 million during the same period last year. The largest single permit issued in March was $14.5 million, which was issued to Dominion Construction for a new food services building at the RCMP Training Academy. (Regina Leader-Post, April 5, 2008)

A total of 285 housing units were started to date this year, up 10.5% from this time last year, according to recent statistics from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. (Regina Leader-Post, April 9, 2008)

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Capital Ford Lincoln, located at 1201 Pasqua Street North, will take place on April 17th. Capital Ford Lincoln's new facility is 50,000 sq. ft. and includes a movie theatre, a customer cafeteria, and a granite fireplace in the customer lounge. (Regina Leader-Post, April 10, 2008)

A handful of local entrepreneurs had the chance to pitch their business ideas in Regina on April 9th during auditions for the third season of the CBC reality show Dragon's Den. (Regina Leader-Post, April 10, 2008)

No Coast Coffee House will be opening soon at their new location on Rochdale Boulevard. (Regina Leader-Post, April 12, 2008)

According to Statistics Canada, prices for new homes in the Regina area, increased by 7% in just one month (January to February 2008). (Regina Leader-Post, April 12, 2008)

Ten students recently graduated from the health careers entrance program. During the 10 week program, students receive training in areas such as First Aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), housekeeping practices, and patient transfer and repositioning, as well as life skills that prepare the students for the workplace. (Regina Leader-Post, April 12, 2008)

The City of Regina is partnering with the business community to present the second "Think Regina" event in Alberta. The trade show at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton takes place on April 23rd and is intended to showcase Regina's business, investment, and career opportunities. (Regina Leader-Post, April 15, 2008)

Regina is expected to post economic growth of 3.5% in 2008, according to the latest forecast from the Conference Board of Canada. (Regina Leader-Post, April 15, 2008)

Elana Anderson recently opened The Candy Shoppe on Quance Street East. (Regina & District Chamber of Commerce ChamberLink, April 2008)

National Print-It Centres is celebrating their 20th anniversary. (Regina & District Chamber of Commerce ChamberLink, April 2008)

Chakari Spa, located on Victoria Avenue East is celebrating their 1st anniversary. (Regina & District Chamber of Commerce ChamberLink, April 2008)

Regina Beach
Butler's Fish and Chips has been sold. The new owners are Glen and Veronica Lucas and the new name of the establishment will be Blue Bird Café. (Regina Leader-Post, April 11, 2008)

Wadena
Steve and Wendy Moulding are the new owners of Wadena Insurance (formerly Mainline Insurance). (Wadena News, April 9, 2008)

Watrous
Watrous WNH New Holland, formerly Henry Kelly Tractor, opened on April 1st. (The Watrous Manitou, April 7, 2008)

Dalmeny
A million dollar infrastructure project is underway in Dalmeny. Crews are currently installing an eight-inch pipe ten feet below the surface - the $370,000 contract should be complete by the end of April. The next stage of the infrastructure project will see the installation of a $608,000 lift station that will pump effluent through the new pipe to a new sewage lagoon still to be constructed. The project will see the capacity of the sewer system double. (Country Press, April 9, 2008)

Humboldt
Humboldt city council was informed that Golden West Broad Ltd. has applied to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to open an FM community service radio station in the city. The CRTC will hear the application in May in Gatineau, Quebec and a decision is expected within 45 to 90 days following the hearing. Golden West's proposal says the new station would have a country music format with local news. (The Humboldt Journal, April 2, 2008)

The Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC) held its 2008 board of directors' re-organization meeting on March 27th, following the election of new directors at their annual general meeting on March 19th. Bonnie Classen of Discovery Ford was elected as the 2008-2009 president. (The Humboldt Journal, April 2, 2008)

The City of Humboldt is continuing negotiations with a Calgary-based developer surrounding the commercial development on the west side of the city. The property is just less than 40 acres and is located directly west of the Humboldt Uniplex. The area is zoned C2, which allows for multiple, large, stand alone commercial buildings. A contract zoning designation enables the city to detail specific requirements of the development. (City of Humboldt, March 20, 2008)

Laird
The mini housing boom in the Village of Laird is expected to continue. Village council is looking at making more land available for residential development later this year. (The Saskatchewan Valley News, April 9, 2008)

Outlook
Concerned Outlook residents, landowners, and town council members gathered for a meeting hosted by the National Energy Board. The focus of the night was to hear questions and voice opinions on pipeline issues, including the abandonment of old pipelines and improving company interactions with landowners. (The Outlook, April 7, 2008)

Rosthern
Council of the RM of Rosthern has allocated $150,000 to the Sask Valley Rural Water Utility for the purpose of expanding the utility's water line from the Hamlet of Neunlage to the Gruenthal-Chortitz area to the west. Council is considering targeting Blumenthal next. (The Saskatchewan Valley News, April 9, 2008)

Saskatoon
Without debate, city council voted unanimously to issue a request for proposals to local homebuilders to construct about 42 housing units on two parcels of newly cleared residential land near St. Mary's School - with all the risk born by the city, instead of the builders. The builders would have to construct homes that conform to the concept plan for the site and offer up to half of the units for sale to the four non-profit groups who answered the city's earlier call for expressions of interest. If none of those groups are interested in buying the completed units, they will be "offered to the marketplace," along with the other half of the units, by the homebuilders. Any remaining units after that would be offered to Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. If any units remain unsold in the end, they will be purchased by the city and rented out as "entry-level leases" to low and moderate income households. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 8, 2008)

The City of Saskatoon has purchased 160 acres of farmland in the city's northeast. City council voted to approve the $3.99 million purchase for future neighbourhood development from the current owner of the land, Anderson Ventures Inc. Located north of Agra Road and about three kilometres east of Central Avenue, the land is expected to be sold after the remaining lots in the nearby new suburb of Willowgrove have been absorbed, which will probably happen during the next two years. The new neighbourhood, which has not yet been named, is expected to take between 10 and 15 years to complete. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 8, 2008)

City Council has approved Saskatoon's first fireworks festival. The fireworks will be launched from the Traffic Bridge, which will be closed for three days to allow for the set-up and take-down of the pyrotechnics. The free event will take place during the Labour Day long weekend. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 8, 2008)

The styling team from Quinn's World in Saskatoon was named the Saskatchewan Salon Team of the Year at the 14th annual Canadian Hairdresser magazine's Mirror Awards in Toronto. Several individual awards were also handed out. The winning team from Saskatoon included stylists Lois Ecker and Oluwasola Olorunleke; and Caty Williams, makeup. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 8, 2008)

The market for industrial land in and around Saskatoon keeps rising, along with the cost for a serviced lot. According to a recent Colliers McClocklin first quarter industrial market report, the average price for an acre of fully serviced industrial land within city limits hit $275,000 in the first three months of 2008. In the Marquis Industrial area, some lots were listed as high as $290,000 per acre and sold at an average of $294,000 per acre - seven per cent more than asking price. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 8, 2008)

The Saskatoon and Region Home Builders' Association and its CEO, Alan Thomarat, both brought awards back to the city from a national conference. For the third time in four years, the association received the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) Colonel Boss Award, which is presented to the association making the greatest progress and achievement in the previous year. Thomarat was presented with the Ken McKinlay Award for excellence in communication with members. The local association corresponds with members through newsletters, websites, and media releases to address issues that affect housing affordability and choice. The announcement was made at the CHBA conference in Whistler, B.C. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 8, 2008)

The value of Saskatoon building permits issued in February dropped nearly 27% from January due to lower non-residential construction plans, Statistics Canada said. In its report, the federal agency said the value of building permits in the city dropped by 26.9% to $39.2 million in February from $53.7 million in January. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 8, 2008)

Statistics Canada figures on non-residential construction reported Saskatoon had the second-best quarterly improvement in the value of non-residential construction among Canadian cities. The Conference Board of Canada has updated its 2007 final report on Saskatoon and now forecasts the city's housing starts in 2008 will at least match 2007 numbers. The board is also predicting employment in construction in Saskatoon will rise six per cent this year. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 15, 2008)

The Canadian Light Source (CLS) in Saskatoon will benefit from $1.196 million in federal funding to acquire new equipment that will further solidify the CLS's reputation as a world leader in synchrotron technology. (Canadian Light Source, February 22, 2008)

Hatch Ltd. will be establishing a significant presence in Innovation Place in Saskatoon with plans to employ up to 200 people. Hatch is a Canadian-based consulting, engineering, technologies, information systems, and project and construction management firm. Its focuses include the mining, metals, energy, and infrastructure sectors. (Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation News Release, March 6, 2008)

Saskatoon has been ranked most competitive amongst western Canadian locations in the 2008 edition of the Competitive Alternatives: KPMG's Guide to International Business Locations. The study compares business costs in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The study is considered a valuable tool for companies when comparing international locations to do business. (Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority, March 27, 2008)

A 50,000 sq. ft. office building, to be built and owned by North Prairie Developments Ltd., will be constructed on the site of the former Extra Foods store on Third Avenue. Graham Construction has been chosen as the contractor for the $16 million, glass-faced building. The structure will meet LEED certification standards for energy efficiency and was designed by the Stantec architectural group. The building should be ready for occupancy by June 2009. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 16, 2008)

The Saskatoon Airport Authority (SAA) is set to begin a $16 million project. The rehabilitation of the airport's main runway will be the major focus, while the installation of high-intensity approach lighting and a restoration of taxiway Foxtrot and a portion of taxiway Alpha will also be included. Graham Construction has been awarded the rehabilitation contract. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 16, 2008)

New Businesses: Eye of the Needle, New Owner: Bailie Fruson; Madina Food and Halal Meat, Owners: Saira Ranna and Tariq Mahmood; Maaco Collision Repair and Autobody, New Owners: Russell Neufeld, Gary Fehr and Jason Clark; Taco Del Mar, Owner: Henry Ravichander. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 5 & 12, 2008)

Wakaw
The latest development at Wakaw Lake is open. Wakonda Ridge Estates includes 48 lots which are serviced with water, sewer, natural gas, and power. There is an introductory price of $94,000 on a limited number of lots and then prices range from $109,000 to $169,000. (The Wakaw Recorder, April 9, 2008)

Whitecap Dakota First Nation
After an absence of almost 24 years, the 2008 Saskatchewan Open will be held at the Dakota Dunes Golf Links from June 30th to July 6th with a purse of $150,000. (Canadian Professional Golf Tour, February 28, 2008)

Eatonia
It may not qualify as a boom yet, but residential development in Eatonia is on the rise just the same as in other west central communities. With lots available for $100 and municipal tax incentives on top, the town is trying to capitalize on renewed interest in Saskatchewan and the particular benefits of life in Eatonia. In recent months, four lots have been sold in one of the town's newest subdivisions, leaving approximately ten left in that area near Eaton School. Three more developments have also started up within the core residential areas. (The Clarion, April 16, 2008)

Herbert
The 76th annual meeting of the Herbert Co-op was held on April 1st. For the sixth year in a row the co-op again had record sales - $7,553,115. Sales in 2006 totalled $6,686,846. (The Herald, April 8, 2008)

Kindersley
Progress is in the works for Kindersley's new water tower. Director of Engineering services Ed Haubrich said the ground work for the $2.7 million water tower began in Baker Park on Tuesday and will progress until the fall with the tower expected to be in operation in December. (The Clarion, April 9, 2008)

After a year of preparation, the Kindersley and District Co-op is ready to break ground for its new convenience store, gas bar, and touchless car wash. (The Clarion, April 9, 2008)

K-Town Energy Ltd. is joining forces with the former Real Resources team lead by Lowell Jackson. All K-Town employees will be joining the new team, going under the name of Westfire Energy Ltd. (West Central Crossroads, April 14, 2008)

Luseland
More than 60 residents attended a Strategic Planning meeting in Luseland on April 7th to discuss the future of their community. Judy Penner from Community Futures and Brenda Burton from West Central Regional Economic Development Authority were present to guide the residents through a discussion process. Jean Halliday, Chairperson of the Luseland Community Development Committee said there were several topics covered including ways of having a subdivision started, reopening the paddling pool, ways to maintain the businesses that are currently in town, and the need for a daycare. The next step is following through on the ideas. This will involve getting locals to help develop these projects, which Halliday said should not be a problem as the development committee has always had good support from the community. However, finding the funds to back the projects is an issue. (Kerrobert Citizen/Luseland Dispatch, April 16, 2008)

Maple Creek
The new residential development is closer to becoming reality, with housing construction slated to begin in the fall of this year. The application to zone the 32 lots was given the go-ahead by the Town of Maple Creek on April 4th. It will take about 90 days, but detailed design will start before the approval comes back, said Mark Caswell, town administrator. (Maple Creek News-Times, April 8, 2008)
The Star Café and Grill has gained province-wide recognition, much to the delight of owners Barry Weiss, Tina Cresswell and Dave Turner. The upscale restaurant was recently profiled on mysask.com under the "On the Menu" heading and will also be featured in a half-hour segment to be aired twice on the SCN program "Middle of Somewhere." (Maple Creek News-Times, April 8, 2008)

Piapot
Glenn Bonnet and Nicole Spooner purchased the Piapot Hotel on March 1st facility and have renovating in order to open this spring. They have renamed the business The Piapot Inn, Guesthouse and Saloon. (Maple Creek News-Times, April 8, 2008)

Rosetown
Rosetown Chamber of Commerce held their "Celebrate Success" Business Award Recipients:
Entrepreneur of the Year - Sherry Hill (Owner of Flair Fashions and Urban Flair)
Business of the Year - Mid-Tech Mechanical
Employee of the Year - Brenda Peters (Rosetown Civic Centre)
High School Student Employee of the Year - Kitena Hill (Pharmasave)
Community Event of the Year - Rider Tail-Gate Party
Citizen of the Year - Barry Churchman (From E-2000 REDA, April 10, 2008)

The Sun West School Division is hosting a career fair in Rosetown on April 17th that will introduce approximately 1,200 grade 10 to 12 students to various colleges, trades, and other post secondary opportunities available in the prairies. There will be approximately 50 displays set up in the Rosetown rink with sessions also being held at the Rosetown Central High School. (West Central Crossroads, April 14, 2008)

Shaunavon
Shaunavon Credit Union saw its assets increase by 6.4 million in 2007 to $92.1 million. Loans meanwhile, decreased by $3.8 million to be at $53.5 million. Member deposits increased by $6 million to $82.8 million. The Credit Union's total revenue was also up $402,000 to $5.2 million in 2007 due to increased loan and investment revenue. (The Shaunavon Credit Union, April 15, 2008)

Southwest
Municipal leaders from the Southwest met with their counterparts from Montana last week to discuss efforts to extend the hours of operation at the Climax border crossing to become a 24-hour commercial port. Among those attending the meeting were representatives of the communities of Eastend, Climax, Frontier, Gull Lake, Shaunavon, RM of Lone Tree, Cypress Hills REDA, and Cypress Agri Energy, as well as town council members from Harlem, Montana and commissioner of Blaine County and citizens from Turner. (The Shaunavon Standard, April 15, 2008)

Swift Current
Swift Current's 2008 City Budget has been approved at $50.4 million, which is an increase of $10 million over last year's budget. Highlights of the budget include $8.3 million for property development and $16.1 million over five years for upgrades to the water treatment plant. (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, April 8, 2008)

An opportunity to hear the most up-to-date information on what is happening in the city is being hosted by the Swift Current Downtown Business Association on April 22nd. Marty Salberg, Economic Development Officer for the City of Swift Current, will address the business owners to share information and updates on the City's development and downtown core area. Also on hand will be a representative from the Chamber of Commerce to provide information on their activities and future plans. (The Southwest Booster, April 10, 2008)

The Business Excellence Awards sponsored by the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce and Innovation Credit Union are once again open for nominations from the business community and the community at large. An annual tradition since 1997, the awards recognize businesses for their achievements in a number of different categories including awards for New Business, Young Entrepreneur, Customer Service, Southwest and Community Involvement. New to this year's awards are two additional categories: Growth and Expansion and Export/Import Achievement. The winners will be announced at the Awards Gala to be held May 13th. (Prairie Post, April 11, 2008)

McEachnie's Pub & Grill (formerly Silver Café) opened for business on April 12th. (Southwest Booster, April 11, 2008)

Innovation Credit Union held its first Annual Meeting in Swift Current at the Legion Hall on April 8th and an information meeting in North Battleford on April 7th. Innovation Credit Union saw asset growth in excess of 11%, which equates to more than $100 million. In addition, the wealth management division grew by 21% or $50 million. The Board of Innovation Credit Union was also pleased to announce that, because of the positive results in 2007, there will be more than $1.6 million paid this year through the member equity program including a 6% cash disbursement from member equity accounts. (Gull Lake Advance, April 15, 2008)

By mid-summer, Swift Current City Council expects to have a proposal as to what type of residential development will occupy the old hospital site. The 8.64 acre lot is zoned Parkway and R2 to R3 which leaves room for low to high-density multi-unit zoning. Councillor Tim Keene says they will be accepting proposals from the public as to what type of development they would like to see. (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, April 17, 2008)

Modus will be holding the grand opening of their new facilities in Swift Current on April 25th. (Prairie Post, April 18, 2008)

Modus Inc., best known for their modular structures, will now be entering the window market following the purchase of Clear Choice Windows. The transaction includes all assets and goodwill of the company including equipment, existing clients and contracts, and employees in Swift Current. Modus will own and operate 100% of the company and its facilities, incorporating Clear Choice Windows into the growing Modus family of companies under the name Modus Windows. (The Southwest Booster, April 17, 2008)

Broadview
After being destroyed by fire in January 2008, the construction of the new Broadview Auto Body is now taking place. The auto body shop will be a little bigger in size, and will be comprised of the same number of employees. It is expected to be opened for business at the end of July 2008. (The Grenfell Sun, April 15, 2008)

Broadview Co-op members will now have 24-hour access to regular, diesel, and farm diesel. The new card-lock facility is located just east of the present C-Store location by the Trans Canada Highway. The card can also be used anywhere in Western Canada at any Co-op card-lock facility. (The Broadview Express, April 15, 2008)

Canora
Lorie Regehr has expanded The Canora Dari Bar. She purchased a building beside the existing business and renovated it, adding on a large deck, and an expansion of her soft ice cream business. Although the building, which enables her to rent space to various organizations, will remain open year round, the ice cream business is only seasonal. (The Canora Courier, April 16, 2008)

Esterhazy
A $1.7 billion expansion has been announced for the Mosaic Esterhazy mines. The expansions are projected to occur over the next 12 years, with the first phase coming on line in 2009. (The Miner-Journal, Esterhazy, April 9, 2008)

Kamsack
Eaglestone Lodge, with a staff of 32, has been informed by the board that it is slated to close in 60 days, due to finances. There are approximately 36 residents in the care home, which would be celebrating their 50th anniversary in October. Eaglestone is the only non-profit, privately-owned home in the province. With an indication that there are persons willing to purchase the facility, the three-person board will be considering removing the 60-day notice, and additional persons would be nominated to sit on the board, then the new board would decide if the facility would still be for sale. Meanwhile a "Help Save Eaglestone Lodge" petition is being circulated with more than 500 signatures to date. (News-Review Extra, Yorkton, April 12, 2008 and The Kamsack Times, April 17, 2008)

Kipling
Kipling and District Chamber of Commerce Spring Home & Agro Show took place on April 18th and 19th. (The Kipling Citizen, April 11, 2008)

Melville
Rail City Industries, a non-profit society which provides services to mentally and physically handicapped clients, will be expanding both its workforce and services by establishing a group home for high-needs, behaviour, and medical clients. The provincially funded group home will house five new residents, and will employ 10 ½ permanent and five casual employees to support the group home. It is expected to open later this year. (The Melville Advance, April 9, 2008)

Moosomin
Enchanted Touch Day Spa has expanded both its location and services. The spa has expanded into the back of its building, adding four new rooms, a new staff member, and the spa will also be adding two new services in the near future. A grand reopening was held on April 3rd. (The World-Spectator, Moosomin, April 7, 2008)

A public open house for a wind energy generating project was held on April 8th. As part of the proposed development, TetrES Consultants is initiating an environmental review of the project. The open house was held to discuss the project, review the process, and provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide input. (The World-Spectator, Moosomin, April 7, 2008)

Moosomin Farm, Home & Leisure Show 2008 took place on April 18th and 19th. (The World Spectator, Moosomin, April 7, 2008)

Debra and Darcy Reid held a grand opening of Sweet Pea's Tea House Gift Shop & Restaurant on April 22nd. (The World-Spectator, Moosomin, April 14, 2008)

Norquay
Plans for a new Norquay Co-op Store have been approved, and construction is expected to being this spring. The building will be a 6,700 sq. ft. structure, including offices, staff room, confectionery and a larger store area. A card-lock full-service diesel and gas station is also planned. The new facility is expected to be completed in late October. (The Norquay North Star, April 9, 2008)

Rocanville
Randy and Tanis Stanhope of Randy's Auto purchased Brigg's Enterprises, a former automotive service business, in order to expand their current location. A grand opening of Randy's Auto expansion took place on April 4th. (The World-Spectator, March 31 and April 14, 2008)

Whitewood
Greyhound Canada is attempting to reduce bus services along the TransCanada Highway by eliminating two key bus routes that pass through Whitewood every day. Greyhound has applied to the Saskatchewan Highway Traffic Board to have one of the daily east bound routes eliminated as well as one of the west bound routes. Removing the two routes would not only be bad for passengers, but also for local business using Greyhound for shipping. Whitewood Town Council will be raising their concerns to the Saskatchewan Highway Traffic Board. (The Whitewood Herald, April 14, 2008)

Yorkton
Yorkton's Solid Waste Management Committee has earned a provincial award recognizing the community partnerships involved with the group. They were presented the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council's Partnership award, which recognizes projects or programs that demonstrate the benefits of co-operation. The SWRC hosted Saskatchewan's 12th Waste Minimization Awards ceremony in Regina on April 3rd. (Yorkton This Week, April 9, 2008)

Spring Expo 2008 was held from April 11th - 13th. The event is sponsored by the Lion's and Yorkton Exhibition Association. (Yorkton This Week, April 2, 2008)

Regional
The Last Cattle Frontier (LCF) initiative involving the Yellowhead, Good Spirit, South Parkland, and Gateway REDAs, as well as the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Ducks Unlimited, recently set up a display at the Canadian International Farm Equipment Show in Toronto, Ontario. After several visits to Alberta, over the past five years, it was the first venture into Ontario. The trip was considered very successful. (The Four-Town Journal, Churchbridge/Langenburg, April 16, 2008 and The News Review, Yorkton, February 28, 2008)

Approximately 35 business leaders and human resource professionals gathered in Regina to learn more about the new partnership between CMI Campbell McLeod Consulting Inc. and HiringSmart. The HiringSmart system allows employers to learn about the ‘how' factors, such as how employees communicate and interact with others, as well as the ‘who' factors, such as who applicants are as individuals. (Regina Leader-Post, April 4, 2008)

RBC's economic forecast is projecting a 3.6% increase in real gross domestic product (GDP) for Saskatchewan this year, which would be top among the provinces. (Regina Leader-Post, April 4, 2008)

Mosaic Co. will expand its three potash operations in Saskatchewan by five million tones during the next 12 years at a cost of $3.15 billion US. The expansion is expected to create 700 permanent jobs in Belle Plaine, Esterhazy, and Colonsay, as well as 4,500 positions during the construction phase. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 5, 2008)
The average value of Saskatchewan farmland increased by 7.8% in the second half of 2007 and close to 11% for the year, according to Farm Credit Canada (FCC). The increases are the largest in a decade and probably the strongest since the 1970s. (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 15, 2008)