Enterprise Saskatchewan

Despite the healthy economy, industrial real estate prices in Regina and Saskatoon are still among the lowest in the country compared to other major centres. Costs are even more competitive in smaller Saskatchewan communities. In summer 2009, serviced industrial land was selling at an average price of $348,000 per acre in Saskatoon and $265,000 per acre in Regina, compared to $1.1 million in Vancouver and $515,000 in Calgary. However, vacancy rates were low at 3.6% in Saskatoon and 1.4% in Regina. Office space costs are also low compared to other major centres in Canada.

Saskatchewan’s utilities are competitive with other areas of Canada. In fact, natural gas rates have been the lowest in the country seven out of the past 10 years (from 1998 to 2008). The province produces electricity from a variety of sources including natural gas, coal, hydro and wind. The KPMG 2008 Competitive Alternatives study ranked Saskatchewan third in the country in terms of competitive power costs. However, major power infrastructure investments required in the next decade could affect competitive pricing moving forward. Saskatchewan has one of the most extensive high-speed Internet networks in North America.