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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) ....
|
Cheap
house in Saskatchewan SK
Price- Only 89,500.
SEE
MAP OF THIS inexpensove Sask Home Here
E-Mail
zen@zenwaiter.com
Call Jerry at 306-354-2216
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 real estate related news items
Apr 28 2007; Entrepreneurs deserve credit
for boom. Dwight Percy, Special to The StarPhoenix;
Who gets the credit? With the strengthening
of the provincial economy, highlighted by the rocketing housing market,
those who want to be viewed as the authors of this success story are
starting to queue up.
The provincial government has claimed
credit through comments made by Premier Lorne Calvert. The opposition
parties undoubtedly believe they have influenced the introduction of
a legislative framework that has led to our current economic upswing.
And, in all likelihood, the business organizations around the province
feel their influence has come to fruition in the form of a hot economy.
But who should stand up and take the
bows for all of this? I would argue the answer is none of the above.
The answer is the entrepreneurs who have been starting up new companies
for years, perhaps decades, when the economy was anything but hot. The
private- sector employers kept ramping up their job creation efforts
at a time when the No. 1 villain was unemployment, not a labour shortage.
Private-sector investors were patient enough to keep their money in
the province during the many years in which the taxation environment
was not nearly as conducive as it is today. In other words, the very
group that is not lining up to take credit deserves it most.
The business community is its own worst
enemy when it repeats the adage that winning a business award is the
kiss of death for a company. This is a troublesome notion that I hear
on a regular basis. It isn't true, as I found a while back by checking
through the list of previous years' winners of the Saskatoon Achievement
in Business Excellence Awards. The vast majority of winning companies
were alive and well, thank you very much.
The fact there have been a few corporate
crash and burns among those who have been in the winner's circle during
the years is nothing out of the norm.
Business failures are a fact of life
without which success would have no value.
The problem occurs when members of the
business community repeat this incorrect assumption. It undoubtedly
discourages some who might want to pop their head up and be recognized
for their success.
The significant impact of the housing
market on the provincial economy is clearly highlighted in retail sales
statistics.
The home centres and hardware stores
category ended 2006 almost 30 per cent ahead of the prior year. This
was not an aberration. It is the continuation of a trend that is a function
of the pace of residential building and renovation activity around Saskatchewan.
In 2005, the home materials category
was up by more than 25 per cent, and in 2004, it was up by 14 per cent
over the prior year. Now, in January 2007, furniture sales jumped by
17.4 per cent over the prior January as people apparently decided they
needed to fill up those newly constructed or renovated homes. This proves
the claim by the home builders association that residential construction
is, in fact, a driver, not merely a follower of provincial economic
conditions.
In last week's column I argued that
the Saskatoon housing market, while hot, is not problematic. Earlier
this week, a news story on CTV provided a comparison of the type of
housing that can be purchased in several cities across the country for
$350,000. In the Maritimes, Quebec and even Toronto, very decent detached
homes are available in that price range. The story changes at the Manitoba
border. The farther west one moves the less one buys for that $350,000.
In Winnipeg and Regina, the homes available in that price range were
still nice, albeit getting smaller. In Calgary, the report stated for
$350,000 you can purchase what is essentially a knockdown on a busy
street. In Vancouver, the answer to what you can buy for $350,000 is
a small condo. The news report could not find any detached homes in
that price range.
Saskatchewan Towns have excellent names-
Enjoy!
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)
Asquith (town)
Assiniboia (town)
Atwater (village)
Avonlea (village)
Aylesbury (village)
Aylsham (village)
B-Say-Tah (village)
Balcarres (town)
Balgonie (town)
Baljennie
Balone Beach
Bangor (village)
Bankend
Barrier Ford
Barvas
Bateman
Battle Creek
Battleford (town)
Bay Trail
Bayard
Bayview Heights
Beacon Hill
Bear Creek
Beatty (village)
Beaubier
Beauval (village)
Beaver Creek
Beaver Flat (village)
Beechy (village)
Belanger
Belbutte
Belle Plaine (village)
Bellegarde
Bengough (town)
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)
Briercrest (village)
Broadacres
Broadview (town)
Brock (village)
Broderick (village)
Bromhead
Brooksby
Brownlee (village)
Bruno (town)
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
Carievale (village)
Carlyle (town)
Carmichael (village)
Carnduff (town)
Caron
Caronport (village)
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
Sunset Cove (village)
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)
Valeport
Valley Centre
Valparaiso (village)
Vanguard (village)
Vanscoy (village)
Vantage
Vawn (village)
Veregin (village)
Verlo
Verwood
Vibank (village)
Viceroy (village)
Viscount (village)
Vonda (town)
Wadena (town)
Waitville
Wakaw (town)
Wakaw Lake (village)
Waldeck (village)
Waldheim (town)
Waldron (village)
Walpole
Wapella (town)
Warman (town)
Waseca (village)
Waskesiu Lake
Watrous (town)
Watson (town)
Wawota (town)
Webb (village)
Wee Too Beach (village)
Weekes (village)
Weirdale (village)
Weldon (village)
Welwyn (village)
West Chatfield Beach
West End (village)
Westview
Weyakwin
Weyburn (city)
Whelan
White Bear
White City (town)
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)
|
This page is about Realetate
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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.
And as one thing fell into place, others
followed.
Opposite Temple Gardens – on the
ground floor of a building that contains more of the resort's hotel
rooms – is a $12.5-million casino. The casino, which opened in
2002, has 200 slot machines and a variety of table games and is now
the city's leading tourist attraction.
And those casino walls have stories
to tell, with 20 murals, both inside and outside, that depict key moments
in the city's history. That's just part of the city's collection of
murals and bas relief – there are 39 of them on the fronts and
sides of buildings throughout the downtown core.
You can see these murals by hopping
aboard a vintage 34-passenger trolley – complete with oak benches
and brass rails – for a guided tour of the city.
Once known as Little Chicago, Moose
Jaw has a surprisingly spicy history of prostitution, rum-running and
bootlegging during the Prohibition era south of the border. It was a
key part of a distribution route that fed booze from Western Canada
to Minneapolis and Chicago, and local folklore has it that Chicago gangster
Al Capone used to hang his fedora here from time to time.
The stories are insubstantial but that
hasn't stopped Tunnels of Moose Jaw from weaving some fanciful theatrics
around them.
At the start of The Chicago Connection
tunnel tour, you are greeted by "Miss Fanny" a guide/actor
in flapper dress – we've apparently been cast as bootleggers who
want to buy a new batch of liquor. You are ushered into a speakeasy
(somewhat eerily populated with animatronic barman, town drunk and a
piano player.)
And the fun begins, with a 50-minute
jaunt through the basements and tunnels of the city where bootlegging
and distilling may have taken place. Our guide now is "Gus,"
a deeply suspicious guy who is the security boss of the local operations
and given to posing with a Tommy gun.
The booze, he assures us, is 95 per
cent proof – "good for removing paint and childhood memories."
Tunnels of Moose Jaw offers a second
tour called Passage to Fortune that is more solidly rooted in history,
recreating the experiences of Chinese immigrants who came here in the
1900s to work in steam laundries and factories, and were forced to live
in the tunnels beneath the city.
A third tour is being planned, says
general manager Jeff Grajczyk. At present, they "employ 40 people
during the summer, when we really ramp up."
Other attractions include the Western
Development Museum, which focuses on Canadian transportation and the
Yvette Moore Fine Art Gallery, where you can browse art work by Moore
and other local artists and potters, or have a homestyle meal in the
gallery's Copper Café – homemade soups, salads and substantial
sandwiches, accompanied by a glass of Saskatoon berry champagne.
Some five kilometres south of Moose
Jaw is 15 Wing McEwen Airfield, site of an aviation museum and home
of the renowned Canadian Snowbirds demonstration team. The decision
to establish the NATO Flying Centre in Canada program at 15 Wing in
the late 1990s has been another factor in Moose Jaw's revival.
Chef Schulties worked for a while at
15 Wing before taking over at Temple Gardens. And she is here to stay
– she is getting married in September to one of her sous-chefs.
"The place has really come back
to life since I moved back here in 2000," she says. "Walking
down Main St., you can really feel it. I am really at home here and
there's room for me to grow and learn."
And there may be other lessons to be
learned from Moose Jaw's success.
"We are building a future from
our past," says Thorn. "I hope we can continue to inspire
other Canadians."
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.
Making tracks to Moose Jaw
For more on Moose Jaw, go to www.moosejaw.org and for more on Saskatchewan,
visit www.sasktourism.com
Packages at the Temple Gardens Mineral Spa Resort start
at $153 for a one-night, bed-and-breakfast stary. For more information,
call 1-800-718-7727 or go to www.templegardens.sk.ca
Casino Moose Jaw is open year-round. www.casinomoosejaw.com
The Tunnels of Moose Jaw are open every day except Dec.
25. Call 306-693-5261 or visit www.tunnelsofmoosejaw.com
For more on the Yvette Moore Gallery, go to www.yvettemoore.com
Once in decay, Moose Jaw is now a tourist magnet with spas, a casino
and friendly folks
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