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Western Canada’s Real Estate Boom Hitting Saskatoon
June 4th, 2007 | Housing bubble, real estate indicators, Real Estate Sales

We have covered the real estate boom in western Canada over the past 2 years as oil revenue and demand has blown out the housing inventory in Calgary and Edmonton. Now the high prices in these large cities have started to drive up housing costs in the second tier cities such as Saskatoon.

Pertrol revenue from the sand fields have been a major part of the boom in western Canadian real estate, but the prices in Calgary and Edmonton are creating a great deal of wealth for folks in those cities that want to return home to their birth cities. So the young family that moved to Calgary for work from Saskatoon can now return with a pocket load of money to invest in a home in Saskatoon.

Also, the changing nature of the Calgary’s and Edmonton’s will make folks who do not want to live in a boom town head back home. It is interesting to watch the demographic trends of what is essentially a rural region such as Western Canada as they will shed light onto what is happening down here in the United States.

Their return is fuelling a real estate boom in Saskatchewan the likes of which no one has seen, particularly in Saskatoon.
“The only way to describe it would be that we’re in uncharted waters,” says Harry Janzen, executive officer of the Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors. “We’ve never had a market as active as we’ve had now.”

Association numbers show the average selling price for a Saskatoon home was $233,917 last month, up 44% from a year earlier. Janzen says multiple offers and bidding wars are now the norm. He recalls one house drawing 31 offers. Homes are selling at tens of thousands of dollars above the asking price and million-dollar homes are selling in days instead of months.

“There’s so many young couples and so many expatriates,” says Janzen. “We knew that they were going to be moving back to Saskatchewan — we just didn’t know it would be as quickly and to this degree.” Part of what’s luring them back home is the fact that they can sell their homes in Calgary and Edmonton and use the profits to buy a home in Saskatchewan. via edmontonsun.com

Sask Construction industry wooing tradespeople; Program hopes to attract more Aboriginal involvement

By Bill Armstrong - Business Edge
Published: 05/04/2007 - Vol. 3, No. 9

Homebuilders in Saskatchewan are grappling with a relatively new problem: How to build enough homes to meet the demand in the marketplace.

New homes in larger centres are being snapped up quickly, and the average price for resale homes in Regina and Saskatoon is rising in double digits on a yearly basis.

That may be old news in the country's hottest housing markets, but after more than a decade of slow growth, it's a novel experience in Saskatchewan.

You have to go back to the years prior to the First World War to find a bigger boom in Saskatoon and Regina.

For Saskatchewan contractors the scarcity of qualified tradespeople is magnified by proximity to the job magnet called Alberta.

To help alleviate the problem a variety of homebuilder associations, educational institutions and social agencies are working to attract more people into the construction trades.

As a side benefit, they hope to attract into the industry people - mostly Aboriginals - who have been on the margins of the province's labour market.

They would benefit if they could land steady jobs and build careers in the industry.

The province's population numbers would also benefit, as surveys consistently show that Aboriginals are most likely to stay in Saskatchewan rather than move out of province.

For several years the Regina and Region Homebuilders' Association has employed a career-development officer to promote its Careers for Life program. Careers for Life outlines the skills and knowledge required to design, engineer, build and market new homes.

It also provides information about careers in the burgeoning renovation industry and for those who may be thinking about starting their own construction-related businesses.

Now, the association is using a literacy grant to reach a different demographic; prospective workers - mostly Aboriginal - with lower levels of literacy. The program will be linked to the Community Services Village at the local food bank.

One of the key players in the effort to bring more Aboriginals into the construction industry is the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT).

Guy Poncelet, who is dean of trades and industry for SIIT, believes the apprenticeship model used in the skilled trades is a good fit for Aboriginals, who are familiar with learning skills from more experienced mentors.

In its information materials SIIT stresses the "earning while learning" benefit of apprenticeship, which generally requires only seven to 12 weeks of classroom training per year. This is particularly attractive to people who often experience long periods of unemployment between jobs.

At any one time SIIT has between 1,000 and 1,500 clients enrolled in construction career centres in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. (A northern industry career centre will soon open in La Ronge, to serve clients in northern Saskatchewan).

Poncelet stresses that the construction career centres are industry-driven partnerships. "They came up with the idea; we provide the administrative and management support," he says. "The partnerships help to overcome barriers and eliminate misunderstandings, so we can place people in the industry."

Once clients have signed up at a construction career centre, a job coach helps them find a job. After they've gained some experience and found out what specific trade they would like to pursue, the job coach arranges to get them into the right training programs.

Training is provided by SIIT or through the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, including apprenticeships. (Minimum educational requirements for apprenticeships vary from Grade 10 to 12, depending on the trade. Clients work for about six months before being inducted into an apprenticeship program).

The tight labour market is reflected in the clients coming to the centres, compared to a few years ago. "Eight or nine years ago, most of the people coming to us were work-ready," Poncelet says. "Now, many of them are not, so we have to do more skills-development work right off the bat."

Mark Gettle, manager of the construction career centre in Regina, agrees. "Besides things like basic math, some people need to work on soft skills like being at work on time and being a reliable worker."

"So, we ladder them through the system. We also help them make good decisions," Gettle continues. "We tell them: 'Get your journeyperson status, get good references and you will be employed.' "If they're working in the plumbing, electrical or carpentry trades, they'll likely have their pick of jobs."

Gettle recalls that, in the 1970s, his father was one of the first contractors in Regina to hire Aboriginal workers, people who were usually shut out of work.

"Now we have an opportunity," he says. "We can say to people: 'Let's put you to work', knowing that they make real careers in the industry and maybe start their own businesses some day."

(Bill Armstrong can be reached at barmstrong@businessedge.ca)

Running back to Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Regina ... Saskatchewan lures Albertans Mike Sadava, The Edmonton Journal; Friday, March 30, 2007

EDMONTON - Albertans are starting to be Saskatchewan-bound in growing numbers.

For the first time since 1996, more people are moving from Alberta to Saskatchewan than the other way around. It's part of a slight slowdown in Alberta's population growth, which is still increasing at four times the rest of the country.

According to Statistics Canada, 128 more Albertans moved one province east in the last three months of 2006.

That is not a huge number, but it is creating smiles in Regina.

"This is a good batch of numbers," said Roy Schneider, spokesman for Saskatchewan Industry and Resources. "We were bleeding so many people to Alberta for such a long time I'd be happy to see (a net increase from Alberta of) two.

For years, between 2,000 and 4,000 Saskatchewan residents per quarter would head out to Alberta in search of the good life.

Even in the third quarter of 2006, Saskatchewan experienced a net loss of 994 people to Alberta, and the province launched an ad campaign, extolling the better life of Saskatchewan in billboards popping up around Edmonton.

Statistics Canada hasn't tracked who these people are, but Crystal and Cam Hamilton, who moved back to Regina at the beginning of the year, might be typical.

Cam moved here eight years ago to take a course in architectural drafting.

There were no jobs in Regina in his field, so he stayed in Edmonton to work. Crystal followed him here and they married, eventually buying a house in Lymburn in southwest Edmonton.

After having their son Brady, who is now 11 months old, they decided it would be nice to be back in Regina with family, and that became possible.

"Because the economy is so much bigger in Saskatchewan now, there are jobs again," Crystal Hamilton said.

They ended up with a tidy nest egg from the move and managed to pay off their debts. The Edmonton house they bought two years ago for $157,000 got them $306,000, and they built a new, larger home in Regina for $190,000.

"We're financially set now," she said. "It was perfect timing and turned out to be good idea in many ways."

She said they liked Edmonton, other than the traffic, and made a lot of friends here who they will miss.

"It was sad to move, but it's also good to be back."

Vicki Delnea and her husband Rod had similar reasons for moving to Regina from Calgary -- the difference in the cost of housing enabled them to pay off their mortgage.

"In the end you have to figure out your priorities, and for us it was not being on the hamster wheel," she said.

While she is from London, England, Rod was originally from Regina, and it will be great for her three-year-old, Joshua, to know his grandparents, she said.

Rod, who works in marketing, was able to keep his job and is working out of a home office, which saves him a 40-minute commute.

"Everybody thought we were crazy moving here because there is a stigma against Saskatchewan. When we told them Regina, they said: 'Why?' We said: 'Why not?' "

So far Delnea loves the city, finding her neighbours friendly and not missing the traffic of Calgary.

Frank Trovato, a demographer in the sociology department at the University of Alberta, said it's not surprising to see more people moving to Saskatchewan after such a long period of net outflow of people to Alberta.

"When you see there's a lot of people moving to a place, there's also a countercurrent back," Trovato said.

There are likely a number of factors at play, including the lower cost of housing and greater economic opportunities back in Saskatchewan, but there were probably a number of people who found that Edmonton didn't provide the opportunities they were hoping for, he said.

"Not everyone who moves to a province is there permanently," Trovato said.

Terry Hincks, a Regina city councillor and realtor, said Albertans are buying a lot of homes in Regina, either as revenue property or to eventually be their place of residence.

"It seems that every time I pick up the phone it's either 780 or 403 (area codes)."

Real estate prices are still much lower than Edmonton -- $130,000 to $150,000 can still get you a decent three-bedroom home -- but are starting to rise. February set a new record in Regina, with 250 houses sold.

msadava@thejournal.canwest.com

AGAINST THE TIDE

No. of people moving from Alberta to Saskatchewan: 2,838

No. of people moving from Saskatchewan to Alberta: 2,710

Net loss for Alberta: 128

Net inflow of migrants to Alberta from the rest of Canada: 11,800

Net inflow of migrants in the fourth quarter 2005: 17,100

Population growth Alberta: 0.65 per cent

Population growth for Sask.: 0.21 per cent

Population growth for all of Canada: 0.14 per cent

Source: Statistics Canada figures for fourth quarter, 2006, © The Edmonton Journal 2007

SASKATCHEWAN CITIES RANKED HIGHLY IN COMPETITIVENESS SURVEY

Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw all scored well in a survey on the cost of doing business in cities across North America and around the world.

KPMG released a study March 21st comparing the cost of doing business in a total of 128 cities in nine countries. Included in this year's study were cities from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, the United States and Canada.

Saskatoon was ranked the lowest cost jurisdiction among 21 featured cities from the North American Midwest, moving up from a second-place ranking in the previous survey (2004) and relegating Edmonton to second. Saskatoon offered the lowest costs for biomedical research and development among the 21 Midwest cities, the lowest costs on web and multi-media businesses, the lowest cost location for call centres, and the third lowest cost environment for agri-food businesses.

Canadian cities overall remained good places to do business, remaining the most cost-competitive locations for business among the G7 countries. Among all countries, Singapore came in at number one in the 2006 survey.

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said the KPMG survey underlines the progress being made in improving Saskatchewan's climate for economic growth. "Our four major cities went nose to nose against cities around the world and measured up very well," Cline said. "I note with interest that Moose Jaw and Prince Albert ranked 6th and 7th respectively out of all 128 cities studied by KPMG. Saskatoon and Regina were also in the top one quarter. That's certainly positive.

"We've worked hard to make Saskatchewan a better place to live, work, and do business. Today's KPMG findings reinforce that solid progress is being made. I weigh this in conjunction with the views of independent analysts that Saskatchewan has had one of the fastest growing economies in Canada over the past three years, with solid growth also expected for this year. According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan will have the third highest growth rate on private sector investment in Canada in 2006. These are solid reasons for Saskatchewan businesses to feel positive about our province's future."

In a comparison with all 98 North American cities Moose Jaw placed fifth, Prince Albert sixth, Saskatoon 21st, and Regina 28th. KPMG ranked all cities on the basis of costs for labour, taxation, facilities (land, construction, leasing rates), transportation, utilities, depreciation and financing.

KPMG's survey was completed in conjunction with Investment Partnerships Canada, along with various provincial and civic governments. The 2006 survey is the fifth such review done by KPMG. The previous one was in 2004. The 2006 version examined more cities (128 rather than 121 in 2004), and also added Singapore to the countries examined in 2004. Three countries (Australia, Iceland and Luxembourg) reviewed in 2004 were not included in the 2006 survey.

The full report can be accessed at www.competitivealternatives.com.

Please Note: Minister Cline will be available to speak to reporters following Question Period on Wednesday, March 22nd, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Rotunda, Legislative Building, Regina.

Saskatchewan: Moose Jaw, Doing the Waters.

Traveling with a teen, one-on-one, can be both rewarding and challenging. Add a spa stay and the outcome is anyone’s guess. Temple Gardens Mineral Spa is a retreat that works for all generations.

We arrived feeling exhausted from our travels. For sure I did not need to make decisions. The pleasant, efficient receptionist knew, before I asked, just what to say. After inquiring about our day and explaining the basics of the facility she encouraged us to get settled and then experience “The Waters” before beginning our evening. It was excellent advice.

Our room was pleasant and soothing. J.Kirstan’s immediate action, after losing her shoes, was to read the spa menu and squeeze the yellow rubber ducky nested on the spa tub. Soft robes greeted us and our mother/daughter spa adventure began. I stretched out under an herbal eye pillow hoping to escape reality for a few minutes.

“Mom, I think we have to go out, now. There is a pool and the waters will give you energy. We can walk there it is in the building. You can wear this great robe. Do you hear me? We can have pizza later,“ she spoke as she dug through her suitcase. She was in action mode and growing impatient.

When traveling with a teen the key is to stay in motion and take advantage of positive vibes. Following her lead we took the back way upstairs to the pool. Easy. The pool has two parts, one under glass and the other under the sky. There is a channel between the two. We had been advised that to really experience "taking of the waters" it is best to start slowly. True in this case. The mineral pool water temperature is hot and the moisture rich interior air is filled with the aroma is of minerals. The water for the pool originates from the porous rock of ancient seabeds located more than 1350 meters (4500 ft.) below the spa.

We entered the pool gradually letting our bodies grow accustom to the heat. There was even a slight prickling sensation as my skin encountered the mineral rich water. It was very easy to float in this water and the feeling was quite relaxing. I felt my neck tension release and my tired leg muscles disappear, all this without a massage. So this is what the Egyptians loved to do …soak.

Temple Gardens is also a day spa so local residents may also enjoy the waters. Once we ventured through the water passage to the outside pool we met others also doing the water thing. It was then that we got our insider tips. On the list of not-to-be missed Yvette Moore’s place and The Tunnels. J.Kirstan met two teens from Toronto that were traveling with their grandparents to the Calgary Stampede. She heard firsthand that The Tunnels were awesome and that pizza can be delivered to the room.

As we hung motionless floating as the water massaged our bodies. The cloudless sky and the amiable conversation provided the perfect introduction to The Waters of Temple Gardens. The pool is bliss. The most logical thing to do after the mineral pool is nap but we were on a schedule. Taking advantage of the nature of a relaxed teen I negotiated diner at the Oasis Café in lieu of pizza.

Later in the evening I spoke with one of the staff members at the spa. Why are people attracted to the idea of soaking with others in these mineral waters? The reasons are many and unique to each individual but basically soaking and floating in the pool, or “Taking the Waters” a more glamorous phrase, makes one feel better, no matter the age. It increases metabolism while it also relaxes and refreshes muscles. The warmth of the water improves blood circulation and has a detoxifying effect on the body’s lymphatic system.

Too serious for me, “Taking the Waters” felt wonderful and it was easy to do at this spa. That alone is reason stay at Temple Gardens Spa but the bonus for families; the staff was not stuffy or intimidating instead they are both friendly and welcoming. There is no question too dumb to ask. However I found they gave answers before I knew that I had a question, a nice touch for the spa-dumb.

When introducing a teen to a spa regime it is essential that the atmosphere be non threatening. Some spas do not welcome teens. Temple Gardens is a comfortable spa with a family friendly attitude. The front desk at the spa seemed like a central command post yet their comforting stress free tone made all that entered feel at ease. Everything was explained softly and with care.

For J.Kirstan’s first spa encounter we chose the Temple Gardens’ “Signature” facial. As we sat in the reception salon she whispered, “Do they know we are doing this together?”

Before I could respond she had her answer. “Welcome to Temple Gardens, my name is Brenda and you must be J.Kirstan? I see that you will be together. Is this your first time with us?” Brenda’s voice was barely above a whisper and her manner relaxing, her smile prairie friendly. She led us to a rectangular room with walls the color of summer squash. J.Kirstan took her place on the massage table over a warmed mineral pillow and under a soft spa towel. Intermittent new age music provided a sound cushion.

Brenda explained each step; “I want you to relax. I will explain each process as we go. You may ask me as many questions as you wish.” Her voice tone truly comforting she continued, “The first thing I am going to do is for deep cleansing, then I will apply toning and massage cream to exfoliate.” Lulled by the low light and the softening atmosphere J.Kirstan’s anxiety about spas was disappearing.

Brenda connected a clinical looking machine that provided steam to open the pores. All the while the distant murmur of music provided comfort. Using a small lamp and more clinical looking tools Brenda closely inspected J.Kirstan’s face and talked softly about troubled areas and skin care. She applied a specialized mask based on her evaluation of skin type. While the mask did its magic Brenda provided a re-hydrating hand massage as well as a gentle massage to scalp, neck and shoulders. By that time J.Kirstan was in a relaxation trance. The whole process lasted about 90 minutes.

Teen comments. I was worried about lots of things before we went. As it turned out the people at the spa knew what questions to answer before I asked them. Getting a facial was really very nice. It was not embarrassing to have another person inspecting my face. My skin felt really smooth and soft but never really saw the glow. Brenda explained about skin care and gave me tips on ways to avoid blemishes. I did not learn anything new but coming from Brenda, an expert, it seemed more important. It was relaxing, not creepy to have my neck and scalp massaged. My mom called it pampering but whatever…I can’t wait to do it again with my sister or one of my friends.

Resort Details.

Temple Gardens Mineral Spa. The room rates are based on 1or 2 adults in a room with each additional adult charged $10.00. Children 16 years of age or less may stay free in same room with parents. The property does not have connecting rooms. Staying at the resort includes access to spa mineral pool, fitness centre and steam room. Special Note: The "Oasis" Spa Treatment Centre is very popular. Services are often booked three months in advance so it is essential to make appointments at the same time as reserving the room.
For the Spa 1(306) 694-5055, ext. 615,
1-800-718-SPAS (7727)
info@templegardens.sk.ca or www.templegardens.sk.ca

As of this posting Temple Gardens has undergone an expansion that includes an addition of 86 more rooms. The new addition is part of the expansion property that includes Casino Moose Jaw - very similar to the casino in Regina. The expansion and casino are part of Project Moose Jaw more details at
www.mjreda.com/pages/facts.htm

Project Moose Jaw continues to evolve. The project includes Culture Centre, Temple Gardens Mineral Spa expansion, Tunnels of Moose Jaw expansion, River Street revitalization, Downtown Casino, Tourism Information Centre, Moose Jaw- Regina Tourism Corridor Historic Train Connection, Walkways, Parkade, and Condo Development. Projections to increase visitors by 150,000 per year.

MORE MOOSE JAW

The Tunnels of Moose Jaw. Worth the drive, The Tunnels of Moose Jaw is an A+ activity for families with school aged children. Each tour provides a living history lesson. The result will be conversations with the kids about real topics that still impact our lives today. The Passage of Fortune tour is based on events that occurred in that time period in Canada, some in Moose Jaw but much of it is representative of Canadian history on a whole. The Chicago Connection tour is based on fact and fiction or at least rumors about the gangster era in North America.

So just how good is the interactive experience? J.Kirstan and I agree it is as good as Kingslanding even though it is shorter in time. It is certainly as well done as the programs in Historic Williamsburg, Virginia and on a par with the interactive programs at Hampton Court just outside London, England. On a rating scale of ten this is ten plus ten because it is both fun and educational. Located at 18 Main Street, 1(306) 693-5261, info@tunnelsofmoosejaw.com log on to their clever interactive Website complete with a time travel video. www.tunnelsofmoosejaw.com

Eating Places

Oasis Garden Café. Located within the resort building this small spa café is adjacent to the roof top pool and mineral pool this is a very convenient place to eat. The staff will concoct custom fruit smoothies and assemble personal choice sandwiches. My favorite the sun-dried tomato wraps and lemonade. Sadly, Saskatoon berry pie is not on the menu of choices.

Yvette Moore Fine Art Gallery and Copper Café. This is a find on the prairie. Yvette Moore, an author and long time Moose Jaw resident bought the Land Titles Building. The gift gallery is quite exceptional. There are rare artifacts and memorable sculptures. For young children there are unique toys and books. Two of Yvette Moore’s beautiful children’s books are available for sale. Ask for A Prairie Year and A Prairie Alphabet. She received a Canadian Children’s Book Award for the later. Her books are available from www.tundrabooks.com or by calling 1(306) ....

The Copper Café is located in the back of the magnificent old building. It is simply the best not just on the prairie. The menu provides many tempting choices with clever names like Chuckwagon Beef Meatloaf and Prairie Alphabet Hamburger Soup. They serve Prairie Fog, a tea brewed with milk and vanilla. Ideal for children, they serve Italian sodas topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. My personal favorite, Saskatoon Iced Tea, a combination of red and black currents, blueberries, hibiscus, Seneca root and divine Saskatoon berries. Hint: They are known for Saskatoon berry pie. Located in the old Land Titles Building on 1st Ave at Fairford St. 1(306) 693-7600.

Teen’s note:

FYI. There is a time travel fiction book for young adults that uses the tunnels of Moose Jaw and Al Capone’s time. I highly recommend this book. It was really cool especially because I have been in those tunnels. The book is called Tunnels of Time, A Moose Jaw Adventure, by Mary Harelkin Bishop.

For younger children Yvette Moore has two beautiful children’s books. When I was very young I loved books like this. Look for A Prairie Year and A Prairie Alphabet. She received a Canadian Children’s Book Award for the later. Books are available from www.tundrabooks.com or by calling 1(306) ....

AGAINST THE TIDE

No. of people moving from Alberta to Saskatchewan: 2,838

No. of people moving from Saskatchewan to Alberta: 2,710

Net loss for Alberta: 128

Net inflow of migrants to Alberta from the rest of Canada: 11,800

Net inflow of migrants in the fourth quarter 2005: 17,100

Population growth Alberta: 0.65 per cent

Population growth for Sask.: 0.21 per cent

Population growth for all of Canada: 0.14 per cent

Source: Statistics Canada figures for fourth quarter, 2006, © The Edmonton Journal 2007

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Premier takes credit for home price surge; Premier Lorne Calvert is taking credit for the hot housing market in Saskatoon as he unabashedly promotes the province's lower housing costs.

"I take great pride in it," Calvert said in an interview.

"I travel all over the country, telling people to move to Saskatchewan. I make no apologies."

Not everyone agrees with the premier's strategy.

"It's almost time for the province to discontinue its advertising campaign," said Norm Fisher, sales manager at Royal LePage Saskatoon Real Estate.

In February, Calvert and his NDP government launched a billboard campaign in Calgary promoting Saskatchewan job opportunities. At the time, he said he was also there as a real estate salesperson.

"If you have any home ownership in Calgary these days, you can sell here, buy in Saskatchewan and be free and clear with your mortgage, likely own a cottage and maybe one or two rental properties," he told reporters.

Since then, Edmonton and southwestern Ontario have also been the targets of the marketing campaign, and housing prices in Saskatoon have skyrocketed. At the end of 2006, house prices in Saskatoon averaged $175,301, according to the Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors. Three months later, the average house price was $200,938, topping the $200,000 mark for the first time.

"I know this is a consequence of success," Calvert said. "If I have to choose a problem, I will choose this problem (over) the problem of vast numbers of houses for sale in a slow economy. I think a strong economy, even with the challenges it presents, is the better of the two for us to deal with."

The surge in house prices is even more dramatic when comparing the average price of single-family detached houses year to year. In March and so far in April, the average price was $220,426, up from $168,952 one year earlier. That translates into a mortgage payment increase of $300 per month, says Fisher.

"When house prices increase so much more rapidly than incomes do, it doesn't take a mathematician to figure out that people are getting shut out of the market.

"There is no doubt that there are people who, six months ago, had decided that they were going to buy themselves a home who are no longer able to do that," he said.

Calvert dismisses the idea that young, first-time home buyers are being shut out of the market because they can't afford the purchase.

"Many of them can, because they too are part of this new economy," he said. "The opportunities are here for our kids who haven't left the province."

Calvert points to his own son, who is working as a carpenter and planning on a buying a fixer-upper for his first home.

"Five years ago, I don't believe my son would have had that opportunity. I believe he would have been looking outside the province. That's no longer the case. The opportunities are here for those of us who are here in equal measure as those who will come."

Calvert says when he became premier, he set out to revitalize the economy.

"I am still of the view that our future, both economically and socially, is tied to keeping a strong economy. It's tied to getting people here. It's tied to seeing our population grow," said Calvert.

But many potential buyers of a home in Saskatoon are not planning to move to Saskatchewan, says Fisher.

"A lot of what's coming out of the West that's driving this market is investment speculation, too. There's people calling and e-mailing every day that want to buy a property that they can hold for six months and re-sell," he said, adding that he doesn't deal for investors because there are plenty of people living in Saskatoon who are looking for homes.

The influx from the West may not be over yet. The province is gearing up for another blitz in Alberta, with more billboards and other advertising. The government may also sponsor traffic reports on Edmonton and Calgary radio stations. For four weeks this winter, commuters were told that if they were living in Saskatoon or Regina, they would be home for supper instead of sitting in traffic.

Sask Cheap Real Estate Links
Cheap house Sask Videos
Cheap House Map in Sask
Housing in Moose Jaw Sask
Moose Jaw Casino
Assiniboia Saskatchewan site
Mossbank Saskatchewan site
More cheap housing in Sask
Tourism features in SK
Saskatchewan Rough Riders
Toronto Star on Moose Jaw

SASKATCHEWAN CITIES RANKED HIGHLY IN COMPETITIVENESS SURVEY

Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw all scored well in a survey on the cost of doing business in cities across North America and around the world.

KPMG released a study March 21st comparing the cost of doing business in a total of 128 cities in nine countries. Included in this year's study were cities from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, the United States and Canada.

Saskatoon was ranked the lowest cost jurisdiction among 21 featured cities from the North American Midwest, moving up from a second-place ranking in the previous survey (2004) and relegating Edmonton to second. Saskatoon offered the lowest costs for biomedical research and development among the 21 Midwest cities, the lowest costs on web and multi-media businesses, the lowest cost location for call centres, and the third lowest cost environment for agri-food businesses.

Canadian cities overall remained good places to do business, remaining the most cost-competitive locations for business among the G7 countries. Among all countries, Singapore came in at number one in the 2006 survey.

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said the KPMG survey underlines the progress being made in improving Saskatchewan's climate for economic growth. "Our four major cities went nose to nose against cities around the world and measured up very well," Cline said. "I note with interest that Moose Jaw and Prince Albert ranked 6th and 7th respectively out of all 128 cities studied by KPMG. Saskatoon and Regina were also in the top one quarter. That's certainly positive.

"We've worked hard to make Saskatchewan a better place to live, work, and do business. Today's KPMG findings reinforce that solid progress is being made. I weigh this in conjunction with the views of independent analysts that Saskatchewan has had one of the fastest growing economies in Canada over the past three years, with solid growth also expected for this year. According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan will have the third highest growth rate on private sector investment in Canada in 2006. These are solid reasons for Saskatchewan businesses to feel positive about our province's future."

In a comparison with all 98 North American cities Moose Jaw placed fifth, Prince Albert sixth, Saskatoon 21st, and Regina 28th. KPMG ranked all cities on the basis of costs for labour, taxation, facilities (land, construction, leasing rates), transportation, utilities, depreciation and financing.

KPMG's survey was completed in conjunction with Investment Partnerships Canada, along with various provincial and civic governments. The 2006 survey is the fifth such review done by KPMG. The previous one was in 2004. The 2006 version examined more cities (128 rather than 121 in 2004), and also added Singapore to the countries examined in 2004. Three countries (Australia, Iceland and Luxembourg) reviewed in 2004 were not included in the 2006 survey.

The full report can be accessed at www.competitivealternatives.com.

Please Note: Minister Cline will be available to speak to reporters following Question Period on Wednesday, March 22nd, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Rotunda, Legislative Building, Regina.

E-Mail zen@zenwaiter.com
Call Jerry at 306-354-2216

---------------------------------

News Release - February 26, 2007

STRONG Sask ECONOMY FUNDS PRIORITY INITIATIVES IN THIRD QUARTER

The Province released its Third Quarter Report today, demonstrating further financial improvement since mid-year and increased spending on priorities including affordable housing, education and training.

Overall, provincial revenue is up $195 million from mid-year. The improvement is mainly due to higher tax revenue; primarily corporate tax revenue.

“Saskatchewan’s strong economy is enabling us to address priority issues and build a better future,” Finance Minister Andrew Thomson said.

Spending is forecast at $7.68 billion, an increase of $206.3 million from mid-year. Spending increases over mid-year primarily address priority areas and pressures:

Community Resources - $60.7 million to fund an affordable housing initiative through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and a capital grant for an on-reserve First Nations group home.
Advanced Education and Employment - $17 million to redevelop part of Saskatoon’s Mount Royal Collegiate into a post-secondary training facility in partnership with the school board and several training institutions.
Health - $8 million to fund a community service centre in Saskatoon, Station 20 West, and $9 million for Regional Health Authorities operating pressures.

Learning - $15.2 million due to grant funding to work with multiple partners to develop a multi-service community centre and training facility in North Central Regina and to develop a new model to better engage youth in the labour market.
Agriculture and Food - $37.4 million due to additional funding under the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) agreement and funding the Saskatchewan Specified Risk Material Management program.
Teachers’ Pensions and Benefits - $24 million in increased Government contributions to pension plans, due to fewer teachers retiring than projected.

Corrections and Public Safety - $20.2 million primarily due to the estimated cost of maintaining services at correctional centres during the SGEU strike, partially offset by salary savings – (net cost, about $13 million).
As a result of these changes, the forecast GRF surplus is reduced by $29.2 million from mid-year to $5.3 million.

Government debt is now forecast to be $7.3 billion at year-end. However, the debt-to-GDP ratio continues to decline, falling to 16.1 per cent in 2006-07. This is down from 16.8 per cent the previous year, and represents the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in two decades.

“As we prepare the 2007-08 Provincial Budget, we will continue to carefully balance the needs and priorities of Saskatchewan people to ensure they benefit from the province’s strong and growing economy,” Thomson said.

News Release - February 28, 2007;MINIMUM WAGE GOES UP TOMORROW

Saskatchewan’s minimum wage will increase by 40 cents an hour March 1, 2007.

The increase moves the provincial minimum wage from $7.55 an hour to $7.95 an hour and is the third and final stage of a three-stage increase announced in June 2005.

“As our economy grows and prospers, it is important that all Saskatchewan residents benefit,” Labour Minister David Forbes said. “This increase to the minimum wage helps minimum wage earners build better futures by providing them a greater share in the growing economy they have helped to build.”

News Release - March 6, 2006

MINERAL EXPLORATION BOOM CONTINUES
Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline is promoting Saskatchewan's new unprecedented level of mineral exploration at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto, March 5th – 8th.

PDAC is the premier event of the year for the mineral industry, attracting over 12,000 delegates.

In a series of special receptions and industry meetings, Cline is addressing opportunities to develop new mineral deposits as well as how government and industry can work together to ensure that mineral sector services and processes keep pace with record high activity levels and opportunities.

Preliminary estimates for the value of exploration in Saskatchewan for 2006 are at a record high of $194 million. Exploration has risen from $31 million in 2003, to $60 million in 2004, to $150 million for 2005.

"Unprecedented activity in exploration coupled with the high demand for workers is creating opportunities for Saskatchewan residents and businesses," Cline said. "We are encouraging dialogue between employers looking for local services and communities and businesses looking to benefit from the increased activity. We are examining new policies, streamlining processes, and working with the Saskatchewan Mining Association on projects like the Best Management Practice for Community Relations in partnership and training programs."

Mining is Saskatchewan's third largest industry after oil and natural gas, and agriculture. Mining represents six per cent of the province's GDP. The value of mineral sales in 2005 was a record $3.5 billion, including a record $2.6 billion for the value of potash sales alone.

The mineral sector is vital to Saskatchewan's economy, contributing over $200 million each year in Crown revenues used to support important social programs. It supports 20,000 jobs, including almost 2,000 direct jobs in northern Saskatchewan, and contributes over $2 billion annually in wages, goods and services.

Real Estate in Saskatchewan is among the most affordable in Canada. Farmland can go for less than $200 per acre in prime agricultural areas, and even home building lots in urban areas can be had for less than $1000. In larger centers such as Saskatoon and Regina real estate is more expensive, but still staying well below prices in boom Provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia.

Cheap house Boom in Saskatchewan
Bathroom & Kitchen Photos
I have repainted the kitchen walls, re-plastered the ceilings and painted the cupboards. Photos taken June22 2007|
I painted the cabinets inside and out with a durable tough coat enamel latex- had to do 5 coats on the exterior. Sure, you may want to buy oak cabinets one day, but till then, these are now super clean inside and out.

Abbey (village)
Aberdeen (town)
Aberdeen No. 373
Abernethy (village)
Abernethy No. 186
Admiral (village)
Air Ronge (village)
Alameda (town)
Albertville (village)
Alice Beach (village)
Alida (village)
Allan (town)
Alsask (village)
Alta Vista
Alticane
Alvena (village)
Amazon
Amsterdam
Amulet
Aneroid (village)
Annaheim (village)
Antelope Park No. 322
Antler (village)
Aquadeo (village)
Arborfield (town)
Archerwill (village)
Archive
Arcola (town)
Ardill
Arelee (village)
Arlington Beach
Armit
Armley
Arran (village)
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Aylesbury (village)
Aylsham (village)
B-Say-Tah (village)
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Baljennie
Balone Beach
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Bankend
Barrier Ford
Barvas
Bateman
Battle Creek
Battleford (town)
Bay Trail
Bayard
Bayview Heights
Beacon Hill
Bear Creek
Beatty (village)
Beaubier
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Beaver Creek
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Beechy (village)
Belanger
Belbutte
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Bellegarde
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Benson (village)
Bethune (village)
Bienfait (town)
Big Beaver
Big River (town)
Big Shell (village)
Biggar (town)
Birch Hills (town)
Bird's Point (village)
Birsay (village)
Bjorkdale (village)
Black Point
Bladworth (village)
Blaine Lake (town)
Blucher
Blumenthal
Bodmin
Boharm
Borden (village)
Brabant
Bracken (village)
Bradwell (village)
Brancepeth
Bredenbury (town)
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Broadacres
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Broderick (village)
Bromhead
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Brownlee (village)
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Buchanan (village)
Buena Vista (village)
Buffalo Narrows (village)
Bulyea (village)
Burgis
Burgis Beach
Burr
Burstall (town)
Cabana
Cabri (town)
Cactus Lake
Cadillac (village)
Calder (village)
Camsell Portage
Candiac
Candle Lake (village)
Cando (village)
Cannington Lake
Canoe Narrows
Canora (town)
Canuck
Canwood (village)
Capasin
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Carlyle (town)
Carmichael (village)
Carnduff (town)
Caron
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Carrot River (town)
Carruthers
Cater
Cedar Villa Estates
Cedoux
Central Butte (town)
Ceylon (village)
Chamberlain (village)
Chaplin (village)
Chelan
Chitek
Chitek Lake (village)
Choiceland (town)
Chorney Beach (village)
Chortitz
Christopher Lake (village)
Churchbridge (town)
Clavet (village)
Claybank
Clemenceau
Climax (village)
Cloan
Cochin (village)
Coderre (village)
Codette (village)
Cole Bay (village)
Colesdale Park
Coleville (village)
Colonsay (town)
Congress
Conquest (village)
Consul (village)
Cookson
Corinne
Corning
Coronach (town)
Coteau Beach (village)
Courval
Craik (town)
Crane Valley
Craven (village)
Cree Lake
Creelman (village)
Creighton (town)
Crestwynd
Crooked River
Crutwell
Crystal Bay-Sunset
Crystal Lake
Crystal Springs
Cudsaskwa Beach
Cudworth (town)
Cumberland House (village)
Cupar (town)
Cut Knife (town)
Dafoe (village)
Dalmeny (town)
Darlings Beach
Davidson (town)
Davin
Day's Beach
Daylesford
Debden (village)
Delisle (town)
Delmas
Demaine
Denare Beach (village)
Dendron
Denholm (village)
Denzil (village)
Descharme Lake
Dilke (village)
Dinsmore (village)
Disley (village)
Dodsland (village)
Dollard (village)
Domremy (village)
Dore Lake
Dorintosh (village)
Drake (village)
Drinkwater (village)
Dubuc (village)
Duck Lake (town)
Duff (village)
Dundurn (town)
Dunelm
Dunfermline
Duval (village)
Dysart (village)
Earl Grey (village)
East Poplar
Eastend (town)
Eatonia (town)
Ebenezer (village)
Echo Bay (village)
Edam (village)
Edenwold (village)
Edgeley
Edgeworth
Elbow (village)
Elbow Lake
Eldersley
Elfros (village)
Elrose (town)
Elstow (village)
Endeavour (village)
Englefeld (village)
Englewood
Ernfold (village)
Erwood
Espeseth Cove
Esterhazy (town)
Estevan (city)
Eston (town)
Estuary
Etters Beach (village)
Evergreen Acres
Evergreen Brightsand
Evesham
Eyebrow (village)
Fairholme
Fairlight (village)
Fairy Glen
Fenwood (village)
Feudal
Fife Lake (village)
Fillmore (village)
Findlater (village)
Fiske
Flat Valley
Flaxcombe (village)
Fleming (town)
Flintoft
Floral
Foam Lake (town)
Fond-du-Lac
Forget (village)
Fort Qu'Appelle (town)
Fort San (village)
Forward
Fosston (village)
Four Corners
Fox Valley (village)
Foxford
Francis (town)
Frenchman Butte
Frobisher (village)
Frontier (village)
Furdale
Furness
Fusilier
Gainsborough (village)
Garrick
Garson Lake
Gerald (village)
Girvin (village)
Gladmar (village)
Glaslyn (village)
Glasnevin
Glen Ewen (village)
Glen Harbour (village)
Glen Kerr
Glenavon (village)
Glenbush
Glenside (village)
Glentworth
Glidden
Golden Prairie (village)
Golden Ridge
Goldfields
Good Spirit Acres
Goodeve (village)
Goodsoil (village)
Goodwater (village)
Gorlitz
Govan (town)
Govenlock
Grainland
Grand Coulee (village)
Grandora
Grandview Beach (village)
Gravelbourg (town)
Gray
Grayson (village)
Green Lake (village)
Greig Lake (village)
Grenfell (town)
Griffin
Gronlid
Guernsey (village)
Gull Lake (town)
Hafford (town)
Hagen
Hague (town)
Halbrite (village)
Halvorgate
Handel (village)
Handsworth
Hanley (town)
Harptree
Harris (village)
Hart
Hatfield
Hatton
Hawarden (village)
Hawkeye
Hazel Dell
Hazenmore (village)
Hazlet (village)
Hendon
Henribourg
Hepburn (village)
Herbert (town)
Herschel (village)
Heward (village)
Hillmond
Hinchliffe
Hitchcock Bay
Hodgeville (village)
Hoey
Holbein
Holdfast (village)
Hoosier
Horseshoe Bay
Horsham
Hubbard (village)
Hudson Bay (town)
Humboldt (city)
Hyas (village)
Ile-a-la-Crosse (village)
Imperial (town)
Indian Head (town)
Indian Point-Golden Sands
Insinger (village)
Invermay (village)
Island Falls
Island View (village)
Ituna (town)
Jans Bay (village)
Jansen (village)
Jasmin
Jordan River
Junor
Kamsack (town)
Kandahar
Kannata Valley (village)
Katepwa Beach (village)
Katepwa South (village)
Kayville
Keatley
Keeler (village)
Kelfield
Kelliher (village)
Kelvington (town)
Kenaston (village)
Kendal (village)
Kennedy (village)
Kenosee Lake (village)
Keppel
Kerrobert (town)
Kessock
Ketchen
Khedive (village)
Killaly (village)
Killdeer
Kilwinning
Kincaid (village)
Kindersley (town)
Kinistino (town)
Kinley (village)
Kipling (town)
Kisbey (village)
Kivimaa-Moonlight Bay (village)
Kopp's Kove
Kronau
Krydor (village)
Kuroki
Kyle (town)
Kylemore
La Loche (village)
La Ronge (town)
Lac Vert
Lady Lake
Lafleche (town)
Laird (village)
Lake Alma (village)
Lake Lenore (village)
Lake Valley
Lakeview
Lampman (town)
Lancer (village)
Landis (village)
Lang (village)
Langbank
Langenburg (town)
Langham (town)
Lanigan (town)
Lanz Point
Laporte
Lashburn (town)
Leader (town)
Leask (village)
Lebret (village)
Leinan
Lemberg (town)
Lemsford
Leney
Leoville (village)
Leross (village)
Leroy (town)
Leslie (village)
Leslie Beach (village)
Lestock (village)
Liberty (village)
Lillestrom
Limerick (village)
Lintlaw (village)
Lipp's Beach
Lipton (village)
Lisieux
Little Fishing Lake
Little Swan River
Livelong
Lloydminster (city)
Lockwood (village)
Lone Rock
Loomis
Loon Lake (village)
Loon River
Loreburn (village)
Love (village)
Loverna (village)
Lucky Lake (village)
Lumsden (town)
Lumsden Beach (village)
Luseland (town)
Macdowall
Macklin (town)
MacNutt (village)
Macoun (village)
Macrorie (village)
Madison
Maidstone (town)
Main Centre
Mair
Major (village)
Makwa (village)
Manitou Beach (village)
Mankota (village)
Manor (village)
Mantario (village)
Maple Creek (town)
Marcelin (village)
Marengo (village)
Margo (village)
Markinch (village)
Marquis (village)
Marsden (village)
Marshall (village)
Martensville (town)
Martinson's Beach
Maryfield (village)
Masefield
Matador
Mawer
Maxstone
Mayfair
Maymont (village)
Maymont Beach
Mazenod (village)
McCord
McGee
McKague
McLean (village)
McMorran
McTaggart (village)
Meacham (village)
Meadow Lake (town)
Meath Park (village)
Medstead (village)
Mehan
Melfort (city)
Melville (city)
Melville Beach (village)
Mendham (village)
Meota (village)
Merid
Mervin (village)
Meskanaw
Metinota (village)
Meyronne (village)
Michel Village
Midale (town)
Middle Lake (village)
Mikado
Milden (village)
Mildred
Milestone (town)
Minton (village)
Missinipe
Mistatim (village)
Mistusinne (village)
Mitchellton
Mohr's Beach
Montmartre (village)
Montreal Lake
Moose Bay
Moose Jaw (city)
Moosomin (town)
Moreland
Morin Creek
Morse (town)
Mortlach (village)
Mossbank (town)
Mozart
Mudie Lake
Muenster (village)
Mullingar
Naicam (town)
Naisberry
Neidpath
Neilburg (village)
Neptune
Nesslin Lake
Netherhill (village)
Neuanlage
Neudorf (village)
Neuhorst
Neville (village)
New Osgoode
Nipawin (town)
Nokomis (town)
Nora
Norquay (town)
North Battleford (city)
North Colesdale Park
North Grove (village)
North Portal (village)
North Shore Fishing Lake
North Weyburn
Northgate
Northside
Nottingham
Nut Mountain
Odessa (village)
Ogema (town)
Okla
Old Wives
Onion Lake
Ordale
Orkney
Ormiston
Osage (village)
Osler (town)
Otthon
Ottman - Murray Beach
Oungre
Outlook (town)
Oxbow (town)
Paddockwood (village)
Palmer (village)
Pambrun
Pangman (village)
Paradise Hill (village)
Parkbeg
Parkland Beach
Parkside (village)
Parkview
Parry
Pascal
Pasqua
Pasqua Lake
Pathlow
Patuanak
Paynton (village)
Pebble Baye (village)
Peebles
Pelican Cove
Pelican Narrows (village)
Pelican Point
Pelican Pointe (village)
Pelly (village)
Penn
Pennant (village)
Pense (village)
Penzance (village)
Percival
Perdue (village)
Phillips Grove
Piapot (village)
Pierceland (village)
Pilger (village)
Pilot Butte (town)
Pinehouse (village)
Pinkham
Pleasantdale (village)
Plenty (village)
Plunkett (village)
Polwarth
Ponteix (town)
Porcupine Plain (town)
Powm Beach
Prairie River
Preeceville (town)
Prelate (village)
Primate (village)
Prince
Prince Albert (city)
Prud'homme (village)
Punnichy (village)
Qu'Appelle (town)
Quill Lake (village)
Quinton (village)
Rabbit Lake (village)
Radisson (town)
Radville (town)
Rama (village)
Rapid View
Ravendale
Raymore (town)
Red Pheasant
Redvers (town)
Regina (city)
Regina Beach (town)
Reserve
Revenue
Reward
Reynaud
Rhein (village)
Riceton
Richard (village)
Richmound (village)
Ridgedale (village)
Riverhurst (village)
Robsart (village)
Rocanville (town)
Roche Percee (village)
Rockglen (town)
Rockhaven (village)
Rose Valley (town)
Roseray
Rosetown (town)
Rosthern (town)
Rouleau (town)
Ruddell (village)
Runnymede
Rush Lake (village)
Ruthilda (village)
Saltcoats (town)
Salvador
Sanctuary
Sand Point Beach
Sandwith
Sandy Bay (village)
Sandy Beach (village)
Sandy Narrows
Sarnia Beach
Saskatchewan Beach (village)
Saskatoon (city)
Sceptre (village)
Scotsguard
Scott (town)
Scout Lake
Sedley (village)
Semans (village)
Senlac (village)
Shackleton (village)
Shamrock (village)
Shaunavon (town)
Sheho (village)
Shell Lake (village)
Shellbrook (town)
Shields (village)
Shipman
Silton (village)
Silver Park
Simmie
Simpson (village)
Sintaluta (town)
Sled Lake
Sleepy Hollow
Smeaton (village)
Smiley (village)
Snowden
Sonningdale
Sorenson's Beach
South Fork
South Lake (village)
Southend Reindeer
Southey (town)
Sovereign (village)
Spalding (village)
Speers (village)
Spiritwood (town)
Spring Bay
Springside (town)
Springwater (village)
Spruce Bay
Spruce Lake (village)
Spy Hill (village)
St. Benedict (village)
St. Brieux (village)
St. Cyr Lake
St. George's Hill
St. Gregor (village)
St. Isidore-de-Bellevue
St. Joseph's
St. Louis (village)
St. Victor (village)
St. Walburg (town)
Stalwart
Stanley Mission
Star City (town)
Stenen (village)
Stewart Valley (village)
Stockholm (village)
Stony Rapids
Stornoway (village)
Storthoaks (village)
Stoughton (town)
Stranraer
Strasbourg (town)
Strongfield (village)
Sturgeon Landing
Sturgis (town)
Success (village)
Summerberry
Summerfield Beach
Sun Valley (village)
Sunset Beach
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Sunset View Beach (village)
Superb
Sutherland
Swan Plain
Swift Current (city)
Sylvania
Tadmore
Talmage
Tantallon (village)
Taylor Beach
Tessier (village)
The Two Rivers
Theodore (village)
Thode (village)
Tichfield Junction
Timber Bay
Tisdale (town)
Tobin Lake (village)
Togo (village)
Tompkins (village)
Torquay (village)
Totzke
Tramping Lake (village)
Trevessa Beach
Tribune (village)
Trossachs
Truax
Tuffnell
Tugaske (village)
Turnor Lake
Turtle Lake South Bay
Turtleford (town)
Tuxford (village)
Tway
Tyner
Uhl's Bay
Unity (town)
Uranium City
Usherville
Val Marie (village)
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Waldeck (village)
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Waldron (village)
Walpole
Wapella (town)
Warman (town)
Waseca (village)
Waskesiu Lake
Watrous (town)
Watson (town)
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Wee Too Beach (village)
Weekes (village)
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West Chatfield Beach
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Westview
Weyakwin
Weyburn (city)
Whelan
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White Fox (village)
Whitewood (town)
Whitkow
Wilcox (village)
Wilkie (town)
Willow Bunch (town)
Willowbrook (village)
Windthorst (village)
Wingard
Winter
Wiseton (village)
Wishart (village)
Wollaston Lake
Wolseley (town)
Wood Mountain (village)
Woodrow (village)
Wroxton
Wymark
Wynyard (town)
Yarbo (village)
Yellow Creek (village)
Yellow Grass (town)
Yonker
Yorkton (city)
Young (village)
Zealandia (town)
Zehner
Zelma (village)
Zenon Park (village)

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What's Happening in Saskatchewan

Last of the $40,000; houses disappearing.

"It would be an understatement to say that we currently have one of the hottest housing markets in Regina in decades," said Gord Archibald, executive officer of the Association of Regina Realtors.

"Demand levels are very high, with many properties attracting multiple offers from buyers and selling at or above list price in a matter of days."

He said that although more than 400 new residential listings came on to the market during March, sales took place so quickly that inventory levels remain below historical levels.

"It is very unusual for the market to be as active as what it has been this early in the year," Archibald said.

The big action is taking place in houses priced under $40,000, Archibald said, with 91 such properties - mostly in Regina's tough inner city - selling in the first quarter of this year, double the pace of the same time in 2006. The average price of a house priced under $40,000 is $26,900, Archibald said.

Many of the buyers of cheap houses are investors from Alberta and British Columbia, according to local realtors.

In all, 774 homes sold in the first three months of the year, an increase of 36.5 per cent over 2006. This is the largest number of homes sold for the first quarter in the past 20 years.

The year-to-date sales dollar volume set an all-time high of $102.8 million, up 43.8 per cent over the previous high in 2006

The average price of all residential types sold during the month was $140,549, up 12.3 per cent from $125,195, recorded in 2006. Average price at the end of March was $132,777, an increase of 5.4 per cent over 2006's $126,023.

In Saskatoon, the average residential selling price has reached an all-time high of $200,938, up 28 per cent from March 2006,

Saskatoon realtors sold $87 million worth of real estate in March, up 83 per cent from the year before.

"Our current market is being fuelled by strong confidence in the local and provincial economy, ex-pats and investment buyers from Alberta, all supported by low interest rates and very affordable home prices at least for the time being," said Harry Janzen, executive officer of the Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors.

190 jobs lost in
Moose Jaw

Raider Industries has closed its Moose Jaw truck canopy plant to consolidate operations in the United States.

There were almost 190 employees at the facility.

City and provincial offers to help the Texas-based company were rebuffed, said Mayor Dale McBain.

Plant management had attributed the closure to the stronger Canadian dollar and loss of sales in the important pickup truck market. Raider was the third industry on the premises.

The plant was set up in the early 1970s to build refrigerators for recreation vehicles, but an oil price crisis pulled the plug soon after startup.

Lured here from Brandon with a contract from Saskatchewan Power Corp., Inventronics established operations in the early 1980s, closing about 10 years later.

Raider is part of the truck accessories group of JBPCO, owned by John B. Pointdexter of Houston, Texas.

Potach mine sees
$105M infusion

The Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan will spend almost $105 million to boost capacity at its Patience Lake mine, located 15 kilometres east of Saskatoon.

The Patience Lake facility produced about 190,000 tonnes of potash last year. The company plans to boost that to 240,000 tonnes in 2007.

"This is consistent with our long-held strategy of matching our production to meet market demand," said PotashCorp CEO Bill Doyle in a statement.

"We have 75 per cent of the world's unused potash capacity and will draw upon it according to the needs of our customers."

Potash Corp.'s planned investment will bring an additional 360,000 tonnes of capacity at Patience Lake through the construction of 20 additional injection wells and the associated pumping and piping systems to serve it.

Meadow Lake
Pulp Mill sold

The Meadow Lake Pulp Mill, which had been under bankruptcy protection for more than a year, has been sold to its biggest customer, Asia Pulp and Paper.

The $37 million sale price is a fraction of what it cost to build the mill. The current inventory at the mill will also be sold, and the profits, expected to total $40 million, will go to the mill's creditors.

The government of Saskatchewan, which was a half-owner of the mill, has lost more than $800 million, based on what it has invested over the years and interest payments it was owed but never received. The province expects to recoup about $22 million. It will also come out of the deal retaining 20 per cent ownership in the mill, but plans to eventually sell its share to the Indonesian company, one of the largest paper-makers in the world.

Under the approved deal, Asia Pulp and Paper has promised to operate the mill, which employs 150 people, for five years, with penalties if the mill is shutdown before then.

"I think this is good news for the Town of Meadow Lake," said the mill's lawyer, Conrad Hadubiak. "We have a purchaser for the mill who will preserve the jobs that have been there over the last 12 years," Hadubiak said.

Flooded mine
online by 2010

Cameco Corp. is now projecting the Cigar Lake mine flood will cost an estimated $46 million and delay production startup another two years until 2010.

Cameco owns 50 per cent of Cigar Lake, the world's second-largest high-grade uranium mine. Areva Canada Resources, also of Saskatoon, owns 37 per cent, and two Japanese companies own the remaining 13 per cent.

The flooding at Cigar Lake sent uranium prices soaring in 2006. Last April, water flooded a shaft at Cigar Lake used mainly for underground ventilation. Then, in October, two massive bulkheads failed to hold back water from a flood after a rock slide in a shaft about a half-kilometre underground, which flooded the entire mine. Compiled by Joe Ralko

May 03, 2007 Robert Crew Toronto Star

MOOSE JAW, SASK.–A decade or so ago, the centre of Moose Jaw was decaying, with tumbleweed blowing down Main St.

Downtown shops were in disrepair and many were boarded up. It was a city in search of a future.

"That was our dream ... It was a bold act of imagination, led by a bunch of mavericks," says Deb Thorn, general manager of the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort and one of those mavericks.

"This is a story of how tourism saved a city."

It started with a meeting of a dozen volunteers, each of whom tossed $25 into a hat. After several years of vigorous campaigning, private investors kicked in more than $3 million and in 1996, Temple Gardens opened, brought into existence by the will of the community.

"None of us knew anything about spas when we began, but we sure do now, a decade later," says Thorn, with a smile.

Today, tourism in Moose Jaw is booming. In fact, the rate of tourism growth here is higher than anywhere else in Canada and there are now more than 80 tourism businesses, attractions and events in Moose Jaw, an increase of more than 30 per cent since 1997.

The town's population held steady at just over 32,000 in the 2006 census and the downtown has sprung back to life. There's talk of a new convention centre. And there's even a fudge shop (and no tumbleweed) on Main St.

"We are creating jobs for young people and keeping them here in Moose Jaw," says Thorn.

One of those is Jennifer Schulties, who has just turned 26. Once she might have had to have left Moose Jaw to find work but now she is carving out a promising career as executive chef at the 4 1/2 star Temple Gardens.

Schulties trained in Saskatoon but couldn't wait to return to her hometown.

"This hotel is the reason I moved back," says Schulties, mother of a a-year-old.

"Moose Jaw is a very family-oriented place and very safe, and the people are sincere and friendly. I really like it here."

The 179-room Temple Gardens has a staff of 200 and an occupancy rate of about 90 per cent in the winter. Its Sun Tree Spa employs 26 therapists and offers a full range of treatments, from facials to body wraps, massages to manicures and pedicures.

But the centrepiece is the rooftop-level pool, with its ceiling draped with flags from more than 30 countries and provinces.

Slip into the deliciously warm water and you have a choice of loitering inside in 39C temperatures or of floating your way outside, via the connecting waterway. The temperature of the smaller, outdoor section is one degree warmer, perfect for chatting with friends, gazing out over the treetops of Crescent Park by day, or soaking at night under starry Saskatchewan skies.

The mineral-loaded water contains Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate) and Glauber's Salts (a form of sodium sulphate) as well as a rich mix that includes sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, silicon, and strontium. Its chemical makeup is similar to that found at the famous mineral pools in Bath, England.

"People take the waters for skin conditions, but they also come here to have fun," Thorn says. "People come to relax and get away from it all, 365 days of the year."

Next to the pool is the Morningsides Café – a tribute to Peter Gzowski who broadcast his last Morningside radio show from Temple Gardens on May 30, 1997.

The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped with the usuals – terry robes, coffee makers and coffee, hair dryers and so on. Some of the rooms feature mineral-water Jacuzzis. All of them feature little yellow rubber duckies.

The mineral springs were found by accident in 1910 when a deep well was bored in a hunt for natural gas but nothing was done about it until 1932, when the Natatorium opened as a public and therapeutic pool. Slowly, the well that served the Natatorium deteriorated and was finally plugged in 1971. The Temple Gardens pool is fed by a new well, drilled by the city in 1980.