Enterprise Saskatchewan

Estevan
Glacier Media Inc. announced a $10.2 million expansion of the Estevan Web Printing plant. When completed, the project will employ 30 new full time positions in the city and will print over 45 community news papers. The Globe and Mail and Glacier Media Inc. have also signed an agreement to print the Manitoba and Saskatchewan editions of the Globe and Mail in the Estevan plant. (Estevan Mercury, April 7, 2010)

Kipling
Joyce’s Book Shop is a new home based business owned and operated by Joyce Toth. (Kipling Citizen, April 9, 2010)

Oxbow
Starr Mercer recently launched her website, www.starlitestudiophotography.com, to promote her home based photography business. (Carlyle Observer, April 9, 2010)

Redvers
Advantage Co-operative Food Store has confirmed that they will be building a new 17,933 square foot store. Construction will begin in October with a proposed opening date in the summer of 2011. The cost of the project is $3.5 to $4 million. It is anticipated that the new store will open in the summer of 2011. (Redvers Optimist, April 10, 2010)

Weyburn
Crescent Point Place and the Tom Zandee Sports Arena have started renovations. Renovations will include lobby space, dressing rooms, new washrooms, concession area, seating area and office space. Completion is slated for September or October. (Weyburn Review, April 7, 2010)

Moose Jaw
The City of Moose Jaw issued building permits for over $1.3 million dollars in the month of March. (The City of Moose Jaw, April 1, 2010)

Finalists for the Moose Jaw Business Excellence Awards were announced by the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce. Awards will be presented April 21st at the Heritage Inn. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, Tuesday, April 8,2010)

City council unanimously approved a discretionary use application for a gas bar in Moose Jaw submitted by Semagnis Worme on behalf of Kawacatoose First Nation, which is trying to open an urban reserve. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, Wednesday, April 7, 2010)

In the 2009 Communities in Boom report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Moose Jaw came in 4th out of Canada’s top entrepreneurial cities, due to meeting the criteria of having a high concentration of entrepreneurs and a high business startup rate. (Alberta Venture Magazine, April 2010)

Competitive Alternatives is KPMG’s guide to comparing business locations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. The study indicated the cost result for Canadian Cities is expressed as an index with the United States being assigned the baseline index of 100.0. The City of Moose Jaw’s index number was 93.1 representing a 7% more cost advantage than the United States putting Moose Jaw at #7 in Canada. (KPMG’s Guide to International Business Location 2010 Edition, Competitive Alternatives)

Hafford
Shearwater River Cruises has been awarded the Gil Carduner marketing award by Saskatchewan Tourism. The business is owned and operated by Hafford Mayor, Peter Kingsmill and his wife Valerie. (Regional Optimist, April 9, 2010)

Meadow Lake
Lazar Equipment Ltd. is partnering with the North West Regional College by providing a $1000 scholarship for students entering the Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Technician programs. (Northern Pride, April 13, 2010)

North Battleford
City Council has awarded the contract for the Airport Terminal renovations to Butler’s Construction and Renovations. Cost of the project is expected to be $48,405 and should be completed in June 2010. (Daily News Online, April 14, 2010)

The City of North Battleford is proud to have been selected as a finalist for a Saskatchewan Municipal Award under the Regional Leadership and Partnerships category. The selection committee has recognized our partnership with the Provincial and Federal governments in the Eagle's Nest Youth Ranch, a youth assessment and stabilization facility in the Battlefords. The facility grand opening was held in November 2009. (City of North Battleford, April 14, 2010)

Turtleford
Turtleford & District Co-op will hold their annual meeting on April 21st. (St. Walburg & Area Gazette, April 14, 2010)

Unity
Triple Threat Tattoo has opened in Unity. (Unity Herald, April 12, 2010)

Moody’s Equipment has relocated to their new location and held an open house. (Unity Herald, April 12, 2010)

Drake
Wolfe’s Workwear, a new clothing store, opened for business in Drake. Owner is Melissa Wolfe.

(Lanigan Advisor, April 12, 2010)

Fort a la Corne
Shore Gold has signed agreements with the Sturgeon Lake First Nation, Metis Nation-Saskatchewan (MNS) Eastern Region 2 and MNS Western Region 2 to gather information about traditional aboriginal land use and knowledge in the Fort a la Corne forest. The information gathered will be used in its environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Star-Orion South diamond project. Shore Gold must submit an ESI and have the statement approved prior to making a production decision about the site. (Star Phoenix, April 3, 2010)

Humboldt
As of March 20th Big Sky Farms of Humboldt is no longer operating within the Companies Creditor Arrangement Act (CCAA). The company has fulfilled all the requirements described in the Plan of Arrangement and will continue to meet the expectations of their suppliers and stakeholders post CCAA. Big Sky will now remain a viable business. (The Humboldt Journal, March 31, 2010)

Melfort
The Mel-Bex Awards recipient of the Citizen of the Year is Bernice McCosh and the recipient of the Heritage Award is Annand Law Office. The remainder of the winners in the various categories will be announced at the Mel-Bex Awards gala. (Melfort Journal, April 6, April 13, 2010)

Mozart
Members of the Elfros-Mozart Credit Union met and approved a merger with the Cornerstone Credit Union. The merger will be effective January 1, 2011. (The Advance Gazette, April 5, 2010)

Prince Albert
Prince Albert’s Samuel McLeod Business awards were held in April. Winners are:
New Product: Saskpro CrossFit
New Venture: Prairie Recreation Parts and Accessories Limited
Service Industry: Anderson Pump House Ltd.
Marketing: Granite Construction
Investment: Wilcox Zuk Chovin
Community Involvement: Prince Albert Raiders Hockey Club Inc.
Job Creation: Anderson Pump House
Environment: Conservation Learning Centre
Business of the Year: Wilcox Zuk Chovin Law Firm
Legacy Award: Rod Postle owner of Rod’s Decorating Ltd. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, April 12, 2010)

Saskatchewan Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (SYPE) Prince Albert chapter was launched. The organization was started in Saskatoon in 1999 as the Saskatoon Junior Chamber of Commerce, but changed its name to SYPE in 2003 to expand across the province. Jonathon Theaker is president of the local chapter. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, April 12, 2010)

Springside
Members of the Springside Credit Union met and approved a merger with the Cornerstone Credit Union. The merger will be effective January 1, 2011. (The Wadena News, April 7, 2010)

Wadena
Members celebrated the 70th anniversary of The Wadena Co-operative Association. (Wadena News, March 31, 2010)

Fort Qu’Appelle
The Fort Qu’Appelle ‘Takin’ care of Business’ trade show and sale will take place at the Rexentre on April 17th and 18th. (The Fort Qu’Appelle Times, April 13, 2010)

Lipton
Sharon’s Coffee & Bake Shop is holding a grand opening. (The Fort Qu’Appelle Times, April 13, 2010)

Regina
The Paragon Awards winners from the April 1st event are: (Leader Post, April 3, 2010)
Business of the Year: Conexus Credit Union
Young Entrepreneur: Abbey Dolney and Timothy Martin, Atlantis Coffee Company
Community Involvement: SunLife Financial
Community Alliance: 94.5 Jack FM and Hospitals of Regina Foundation for Who’s Your Daddy? Ride for Prostate Cancer
Export Achievement: Alliance Grain Traders Inc.
Customer Service Excellence: Jay’s Moving & Storage Ltd.
Marketing and Promotional Achievement: OffAxis
Diversity: Canada Safeway, Regent Park
Environmental Excellence: Harvard Property Management Inc.
New Business Venture: Wine Kitz, Uvint/Ubrew

The Colour Box, located on University Park Drive, is celebrating 17 years in business. (Leader Post, April 3, 2010)

Construction is continuing on the Bellamy Kia automobile dealership at Avonhurst Drive and Angus Street. (Leader Post, April 6, 2010)

The first annual job fair for people with disabilities took place at the University of Regina. The fair featured over 30 booths. (Leader Post, April 7, 2010)

Plans for the construction of two new low rise office buildings have been officially announced. One structure will be built at the corner of Albert Street and 11th Avenue on the old Coronet Theatre site. The 80,000 square foot, four storey building will house a variety of office types and feature underground parking. Alberta based Anderson Builders Group is the development company behind the project, which comes with a base building cost of approximately $15 million. The second building will be located at the corner of Pasqua Street and Dewdney Avenue. The three storey building will be home to variety of health field related tenants. The company developing the property is Granite Properties. The base building cost of the 35,000 square foot structure is approximately $10 million. Construction for both buildings is planned for this year, with occupants expected to move in next year. (Leader Post, April 8, 2010)

The Provincial Court building located on Smith Street has undergone a facelift. The renovations include oak panelled walls, new windows, changing an unused court room into additional office space, creation of a meeting room for judges and other court staff and some additional fire code and security-related features. The renovations have been underway for two to three years with a cost was approximately $500,000. (Leader Post, April 8, 2010)

The AGCO parts distribution facility in Regina has expanded its role in the agricultural equipment company’s international empire. The AGCO facility on Dewdney Avenue has been reorganized so it is now able to store twice as many pieces of agricultural equipment as it did in the past. In conjunction with that expansion the distribution centre has been designated as a full service distribution centre, with a mandate to supply agricultural equipment parts to all of Western Canada and also to areas in the Northern United States. The Regina facility employs eight full time workers, with an anticipated increase in seasonal workers employed during busy periods as a result of the expansion. (Leader Post, April 9, 2010)

WP Garden’s has expanded their south location on Rae Street. They have a new Garden Room which was featured at the grand opening in April. (Leader Post, April 10, 2010)

PS Production Services Ltd. will be closing its Regina office at the end of April. Three employees will be laid off as a result. (Leader Post, April 10, 2010)

Construction is expected to begin in July on a luxury condominium complex on Rose Street in Regina’s downtown. The Gardens on Rose will appear to be 13 storeys in height. The 64 unit complex is to include four storeys of well-concealed parking levels. Kensington Developments expects it to include features like a luxury rooftop garden, a coffee shop and a small gym. The unit prices will range from $395,000 to $650,000 and the sizes range from 1,150 to 1,450 square feet with various layouts. Construction is expected to take up to 20 months with suites ready to be occupied sometime in 2012. (Leader Post, April 15, 2010)

Office Depot is closing. The closure of the business located on the 1200 block of Albert Street will impact 15 employees. (Leader Post, April 15, 2010)

Cover-All Building Systems Inc. owes about $4.4 million to creditors across Canada and the United States in addition to the millions of dollars it owes in taxes and bank debt. The company has applied for creditor protection. The company's recently released list of creditors shows the majority of dollars are owed to creditors in Canada, approximately $3.7 million, with the remainder owed to United States-based companies and individuals. (Star Phoenix, April 3, 2010)

Saskatoon's real estate market is experiencing steady growth this year, fed by stable prices. The first quarter has been excellent, much the same as 2009, according to a spokesman from the Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors (SRAR), which issues a monthly report on the local real estate market. (Star Phoenix, April 5, 2010)

The value of building permits in the Saskatoon region fell in early 2010 but are up significantly year-over-year, according to a new Statistics Canada report on industry indicator's for February numbers. The national statistical agency said between January and February, the value of the permits in the Saskatoon census metropolitan area (CMA) dropped six per cent to $38.2 million from $40.6 million. However, between February 2009 and the second month of 2010, permit values rose 43.4 per cent from $26.6 million in 2009. (Star Phoenix, April 8, 2010)

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) will receive $210,000 over three years from the federal government to provide exporter readiness services to Saskatchewan companies. The funding from Western Economic Diversification will allow STEP to hire two consultants to work one-on-one with Saskatchewan companies interested in exporting. (Star Phoenix, April 9, 2010)

Demand for affordable homes is pushing up house prices in Saskatoon, according to a new Royal LePage housing price survey. A single family home priced at $350,000 or lower is becoming a rare find in the city and competition is high for affordable bungalows and condominiums, yet high end homes are moving slowly off the market according to the study concluded. (Star Phoenix, April 9, 2010)

A $40 million hotel is moving into Saskatoon's accommodation market for a long term stay, and it's chosen Pacific Avenue as its corner suite. Eleven stories high with 179 rooms, P.R. Hotels Ltd. has broken ground on a Holiday Inn at Pacific Avenue and 22nd Street, the former site of the Pacific Theatre. (Star Phoenix, April 9, 2010)

The Whitecap Dakota First Nation could see construction start within a year on an industrial business park housing aerospace and defense companies on its land south of Saskatoon. (Star Phoenix, April 10, 2010)

A $7 million plan to turn the south end of Caswell Hill from an area known primarily for the constant hum of buses into an arts district was approved by city council. (Star Phoenix, April 13, 2010)

Saskatoon's Great Western Minerals Group (GWMG) has entered into an agreement with Alterra Resources Inc. to explore a rare earth property in Labrador. (Star Phoenix, April 13, 2010)

For the ninth month in a row, homebuilders in Saskatoon started work on more new houses than the year prior. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), builders started work on 75 single detached homes in the Saskatoon region in March 2010, more than doubling the 32 units started in March 2009. (Star Phoenix, April 13, 2010)

Saskatoon residents are looking at a proposed 2010 tax increase of 3.96 per cent after the budget committee added to the city administration's recommended budget. City council will almost certainly get the property tax hike down further when a final decision is made in two weeks by allocating one time land sale funds to soften the blow for taxpayers. (Star Phoenix, April 15, 2010)

The largest retail development in northeast Saskatoon is now under construction. Pillar Development Corporation completed the purchase on March 31st of the 23 acre site at University Heights Square, on the corner of Attridge Drive and McOrmand Drive. Construction started this month on Phase 1, which will have 115,000 square feet of retail space and accommodate 27 tenants. (Star Phoenix, April 15, 2010)

NEW BUSINESSES:
KTS Custom Cabinets, owner, Kevin Samms. (Star Phoenix, April 10, 2010)
Mogul Divaan Imperial Cuisine of Pakistan, owner, Mansoor Ahmad. (Star Phoenix, April 10, 2010)
Vaiz Enterprises, owners, Dustin Knittig and Chris Hanson. (Star Phoenix, April 10, 2010)
Coca Salon and SPA, owner, Yen Hoang. (Saskatoon Sun, April 11, 2010)

Cabri
The new Southwest Terminal grand opening was held in Cabri. (The Gull Lake Advance, April 13, 2010)

Eston
A meeting is planned to help decide whether the Eston Co-operative’s petroleum and food stores will merge with Rosetown’s new grocery store, pharmacy, bulk fuel, convenience and gas store, agro centre and home centre. (The Press Review, April 13, 2010)

The Wheatland Plus 50 Club received federal funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program for some much needed renovations to their senior centre. (The Press Review, April 13, 2010)

The new Mid-Sask Ag Services Ltd. cardlock site is now in operation. An official opening is being planned for later in the spring will include educational sessions for people about how to operate the cardlock. (The Press Review, March 30, 2010)

Kerrobert
Gloria Knorr and Monika Andrews of All About You Wedding and Events Planning are the new owners of Kerrobert Flower and Gift Shop. (Kerrobert Citizen, March 31, 2010)

Kerrobert residents might be excited to know that construction has begun at their water treatment plant as work for the multi-million dollar project is required to be finished by the end of this year. The $4.5 million project will include new equipment for the treatment plant and renovations to accommodate the equipment along with two new wells and work on the lagoon. (Kerrobert Citizen, April 7, 2010)

Kindersley
The Town of Kindersley is entering into a partnership with surrounding rural municipalities to develop a pilot project for regional infrastructure planning with the hopes of opening up additional funding for the region. The idea of managing assets on a regional scale was spurred on by Gordon Sparks, a professor of economics at the University of Saskatchewan, and a Saskatoon-based company called V-Max Holdings Inc. that performs inventory evaluations for municipalities. Money in the Building Canada Fund for innovation and research for regional infrastructure planning and discussions has led officials to believe the region could benefit from the work. (The Clarion, April 7, 2010)

The Kindersley Chamber of Commerce has sent out a survey to businesses in the community with hopes of discovering the impact of the arena fire while finding out what businesses have been affected most. The idea is to gain some feedback from the local business sector as to how much business has been lost with the absence of a sports complex. (The Clarion, April 7, 2010)

Nearly 100 students from across the local region attended a youth conference in March in Kindersley. Community Futures Meridian held the event at the Norman Ritchie Centre to bring business skills to youth. Students were taken through setting up a mock lemonade business to teach such skills as communication, planning, marketing and market research. (The Crossroads, April 5, 2010)

Maple Creek
Child Care Day Home has opened in Maple Creek. (Maple Creek Times, April 6, 2010)

Planning processes are continuing to move forward for a new integrated health facility to be constructed to serve the community of Maple Creek and surrounding areas. The Project Oversight Committee met to lay the framework for the development of the new facility, explore innovative health delivery options and to establish sub-committees targeting the capital project and the service offerings. (Southwest Booster, April 8, 2010)

Regional
Six senior centers in the Southwest were among the Saskatchewan recipients of funding through the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Frontier Senior Citizens Group, Herbert New Horizons Drop In Centre, Maple Creek & Area Senior Citizens Club, Prelate Welcome Inn Society, Glentworth Seniors Come and Go Club and the Reno Senior Citizen’s Club Inc. in Consul were among the recipients of funding. (Southwest Booster, April 15, 2010)

Rosetown
The Rosetown Co-op achieved its second highest sales in its 72 year history during its fiscal year. Local operations made $251,000 after taxes and patronage refunds totaled just over $1 million to members. A patronage refund from Federated Co-operatives, its major supplier, of more than $1.5 million supplemented the local profit. (The Rosetown Eagle, March 29, 2010)

It appears that local authorities must still raise approximately $800,000 more to provide the local share for the planned care home in Rosetown. Municipalities must cover 35 per cent of planned capital spending on health projects, as well as the cost of furnishings. Current building cost estimates range from just under $23 million to $27 million. Just over $8 million would represent the municipal share of a $23 million building. (The Rosetown Eagle, March 29, 2010)

Rosetown and District Chamber of Commerce held their annual Celebrate Success Awards. The following businesses and individuals received awards:
Business of the Year – Rosetown Mainline Motors
Employee of the Year – Adele Houson (Flair Fashions)
High School Student Employee of the Year – Brandon Heatherington, Trevor Macey and Dawson Wack (Town of Rosetown, Parks and Recreation)
Entrepreneur of the Year – Liza Gareau Tosh (Routes Gallery)
Rural Roots Award – Marcell & Lynda Dubois
Community Event of the Year – Celebrating 100 Years of Success (Rosetown Centennial Celebration)
Citizen of the Year – Greg and Lesley Carlson

Shaunavon
Legacy Point and Pet Supplies held their grand opening in Shaunavon. (Shaunavon Standard, April 13, 2010)

Swift Current
Building permits for the month of March 2010, had a total value of $3,881,155 which was up from 15 permits with a value of just over $1.2 million during the same period last year. To date in 2010 the city has issued 42 building permits with a total value of $5,948,700. (City of Swift Current, March 2010)

Nominations are being sought by the Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce for their annual SCBEX Awards Gala on May 28, 2010. (Southwest Booster, April 8, 2010)

It was announced at Pioneer Co-operative Association’s annual meeting in March that members will receive $7.8 million in patronage refunds this June, down from $10.8 million paid out the previous year. Financially the Co-op generated $164.78 million in sales, down from the record $200 million recorded in 2009. (Southwest Booster, April 8, 2010)

Swift Current’s Corla Rokochy will be presenting her business idea to members of the CBC television show Dragons’ Den next month. (Southwest Booster, April 8, 2010)

There has been a big increase in urban housing starts in Swift Current. The latest statistics from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation show single detached housing starts in the city stood at 15 for the first three months of 2010, which is 11 more than the same period in 2010. There was, however, a 60 percent decrease in multiple family starts in the first quarter over last year. (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, April 12, 2010)

Innovation Credit Union held its annual general meeting in Swift Current. The net income for 2009 was $6.4 million which is down $3.6 million from 2008. Innovation’s Interim CEO Greg Wallace feels, although profits were down, it was still a good year financially for the Credit Union and the profit level for 2009 is competitive and healthy within the industry. (www.swiftcurrentonline.com, April 14, 2010)

Canora
Gateway Co-op Food Store opened in its new location. The approximately $4.6 million project will see an increase in employees as well, to approximately 30 people. A grand opening is expected to take place in July along with their 70th Anniversary. (The Canora Courier, January 20, 2010 and April 14, 2010)

Churchbridge
On April 20, 2010, Churchbridge Credit Union will be celebrating their 65th Anniversary. (The Four-Town Journal, Churchbridge/Langenburg, April 14, 2010)

Grenfell
Kelly Thompson has opened KT Training Services, offering first aid, CPR and AED training. (The Grenfell Sun, April 12, 2010)

Aspen Grove Home officially opened in April 2010. The care home can house up to 14 residents. (The Grenfell Sun, April 12, 2010)

Regional
Agrium, the Calgary-based fertilizer company, indicated their plans to open a new potash mine in the Rural Municipality of Cana are currently on hold due to economic conditions. A decision is expected to be made in 2011. (The News Review, Yorkton, March 20, 2010)

Springside and Elfros-Mozart Credit Unions have voted to amalgamate with the Cornerstone Credit Union in Yorkton. The merge will be effective January 1, 2011. (Yorkton This Week, April 14, 2010)

Yorkton
The Lions Club hosted their annual Spring Expo 2010 Trade Show. (Yorkton This Week, March 31, 2010)

The new Yorkton Fire Hall is up and running. Total budget for the project was approximately $7,915,000. A grand opening is expected later in May 2010. (The News Review, April 1, 2010)

The annual Birding Symposium, hosted by the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association was held in Yorkton. The annual event attracts birders, gardeners, environmentalists and writers. (The News Review, Yorkton, April 8, 2010)

Statistics Canada released investment figures today for non-residential construction that show Saskatchewan had the second highest percentage increase in the nation in the first quarter of 2010, up six per cent compared to the first quarter of 2009. In the first quarter of 2010, non-residential construction investment in Saskatchewan totalled $379 million, up from $357 million recorded in the first quarter of 2009. (Enterprise Saskatchewan News Release, April 15, 2010)

Saskatchewan’s exports of goods totalled nearly $2 billion in February 2010, an increase of 22.6 per cent over the same period in 2009. This places the province second overall to New Brunswick and ahead of Alberta. (Enterprise Saskatchewan News Release, April 13, 2010)