Enterprise Saskatchewan

Carlyle
Moose Mountain Mud and Equal Transport held a grand opening of their businesses in a new building. (Weyburn Review, May 5, 2010)

Carlyle Home Hardware is breaking ground on a new super store. The new store will be 13,000 square feet which will provide room for an expanded product line. (Carlyle Observer, May 7, 2010)

Estevan
Integrated Thermal Solutions Inc. (ITS) has opened for business. ITS builds and insulates new buildings. Owner of the business is Brent Gedak. (Pipeline News, May 2010)

The Great Canadian Oil Change held a grand opening. (Estevan Mercury, May 5, 2010)

Boundary Dam Power Station celebrated its 50th anniversary. (Estevan Mercury, May 12, 2010)

Halliburton held an opening of their new shop in the recently developed Industrial Park. (Estevan Mercury, May 12, 2010)

Melle Jewellers celebrated 25 years in business. (Estevan Mercury, May 12, 2010)

Gainsborough
Shaw Earth Moving Inc. celebrated 35 years in business. Owners of the business are brothers, Hank and Scott Shaw. (Pipeline News, May 2010)

Oxbow
AJK True Value Hardware is closing its doors. (Oxbow Herald, May 3, 2010)

Radville
Kahmere Kiss Bed & Breakfast won Rookie of the Year award at the recent Tourism Saskatchewan 21st annual Awards of Excellence. Lana Tatariov is the owner. (Radville Star, May 6, 2010)

Weyburn
The Weyburn Review launched a completely updated website www.weyburnreview.com. (Weyburn Review, May 12, 2010)

Southeast Saskatchewan
Grants through the Community Airports Partnership program were awarded to nine communities.

The Estevan Municipal Airport will receive $30,000 which will be used to repair the runway. Weyburn Airport will receive a grant for $22,000. The money will be used to recap an area at the airport. (Estevan Mercury, May 12, 2010; Weyburn Review, May 12, 2010)

Gravelbourg
Gravelbourg will have two new child care facilities in 2010. The daycares, The Gravelbourg Play and Learn and Le Tournesol, were projects that were initiated in 2007 after young mothers saw a need for professional and licensed daycare facilities. (Gravelbourg Tribune, May 3, 2010)

The Southland Co-operative achieved another great year with sales just under $35 million and continued to see real growth throughout the Co-operative in the non-petroleum areas. In 2009, Southland

Co-operative employed 125 employees in Assiniboia, Gravelbourg, Mossbank and Willow Bunch with an annual payroll of over $3.82 million dollars. (Gravelbourg Tribune, May 3, 2010)

Moose Jaw
The Moose Jaw Pork Packers has a new owner and plans to reopen with about 200 employees by the end of the year. Purchasing the plant for $100,000 is Donald’s Fine Foods/Britco Pork Inc. out of British Columbia. The company intends to make the necessary changes to bring the local plant up to its standards. The pork plant has been closed since September 2006. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, May 11, 2010)

The official grand opening for the Husky Gas Bar and Convenience Store, which is owned by the Kawacatoose First Nation, was held recently. The First Nations’ band member treaty land entitlement liaison, Fred Poorman, believes an urban reserve will bring new workers to the city and boost economic development. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, May 11, 2010)

The YMCA’s new Explore ‘N’ Learn child care centre, which will cater to 75 children, was officially opened with a ribbon cutting and barbecue. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, May 12, 2010)

Bob and Dale Taylor, father and son, opened a new business in Moose Jaw. Band City Small Engine specializes in fixing small engines. They will do most warranty work on lawn and garden gas-powered equipment sold at the big stores. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, May 12, 2010)

The Rotary Club of Moose Jaw Wakamow held its annual Business Awards Banquet in April. The businesses that received the awards this year are Jillian’s Design Elements, The Moose Jaw Animal Clinic, and Athabasca Financial Ltd. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, May 13, 2010)

Outlook
Outlook & District Chamber of Commerce recently held their fourth annual Trade Show. It was a huge success with 1500 people attending. (The Outlook, April 23, 2010)

Namaka Farms Inc. out of Strathmore, Alberta submitted a proposal to the Rural Municipality of Rudy to build a large feedlot for 36,000 head of cattle south of Broderick. (The Outlook, May 7, 2010)

The ninth annual Youth Business Excellence Awards were held recently in Outlook. A total of 36 students worked together and by themselves on business models and proposals, with most of the students coming from Dinsmore Composite School and one from Loreburn Central School. (The Outlook, May 7, 2010)

Goodsoil
Betty Engelbrecht has opened Lakeview Greenhouse. She hopes to expand in the future if all goes well. (Beaver River Banner, May 12, 2010)

Meadow Lake
Duff’s Autobody Ltd. has taken over Northland Autobody. (Northern Pride, May 4, 2010)

North Battleford
Aaron’s Furniture Sales & Leasing opened. General manager Will Katzell says business has been steady and they have been happy with the reception they received in the community. The business offers both cash-and-carry and rent-to-own options for customers. (Daily News Online, May 4, 2010)

Several new businesses have opened in the Battlefords recently: Paisley & Polkadots Children’s Boutique owned by Vanessa Desrosiers; Hydro’s Plumbing owned by David Schamber and Wild Peek Design, a web design business owned by Vince Peek. (Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Newsletter, April 2010)

Dale and Penny O’Grady are operating the North Battleford Golf & Country Club. The club restaurant and lounge have been renovated and are now operating under the name O’Gradys. The O’Grady’s are long time business owners in the Battlefords. (News Optimist, May 5, 2010)

Battlefords Chamber of Commerce BBEX Awards were held in May. Winners are:
Business of the Year – Table Mountain Regional Park;
New Business Venture – Mr. Ribs;
Community Contribution – Innovation Credit Union;
Marketing – Anderson Pumphouse Ltd.;
Customer Service – Blue Rentals;
Export Achievement – Battlefords Airspray;
Heritage Award – Glanville’s Men’s Wear Ltd. (Daily News Online, May 6, 2010)

Table Mountain Regional Park is undergoing a $2 million dollar expansion which will feature new ski runs and an additional quad chairlift. (Daily News Online, May 6, 2010)

Brian Maunula has purchased the local ReMax franchise from owner Roger Managre. (Regional Optimist, May 7, 2010)

City council has unanimously adopted a condominium conversion policy similar to Saskatoon’s, which means conversions of apartment blocks to condos will not be allowed when the vacancy rate falls below 1.5 per cent. Condo conversions will only be approved if at least 75 per cent of the tenants living in the apartment building proposed for conversions are in favour of it. (Daily News Online, May 12, 2010)

Construction of the multipurpose facility should be underway within weeks as tenders will be going out on the four components shortly. The City is expecting to see construction begin as early as June. (News Optimist, May 12, 2010)

Pierceland
Chance Kaczmar of K2 Plumbing has begun construction of his new 5400 square foot retail/warehouse/shop facility on Main Street. The new facility should be operational by September. (Beaver River Banner, May 12, 2010)

A new hardware farm supply store will be opening in the former McClellan’s Store. Owner of the business is Gordon Ehalt. (Beaver River Banner, May 12, 2010) 

Birch Hills
Random Variety, a clothing, accessories store and tanning bed, opened for business in Birch Hills. Owner operator is Kimberly Fusick. (The Melfort Journal, May 12, 2010)

Kelvington
From Hair On Beauty Salon, after being closed for two years, has celebrated its grand re-opening in a new location. The owner is Jan Sawchuk. (North East Chronicle, May 5, 2010)

LeRoy
BHP Billiton Canada Inc. held a public open house in LeRoy in April, the first of six this spring. The purpose of the meetings is to inform the public about the Jansen Potash Project. (Humboldt Journal, April 28, 2010)

Melfort
A grand opening celebration of the Kerry Vickar Centre was held. The Kerry Vickar Centre is a new multi-purpose facility with 32,000 square feet, including a performing arts theatre and a gymnasium. (The Melfort Journal, May 4 and 11, 2010)

The new Canadian Tire store held its official grand opening celebrations. Store manager is Rob Terryberry. (The Melfort Journal, May 11, 2010)

Wright’s Greenhouse held its grand opening celebrations for their permanent location in Melfort. Previously, they rented space in a parking lot of the Melfort Mall. (The Melfort Journal, May 4, 2010)

Nipawin
Youth Business Excellence (YBEX) awards ceremony were held in Nipawin. YBEX is a regional competition that recognizes and provides cash awards to students from Grade 6 to 12 and youth under the age of 30 for their business plans and ventures. First place winners in the various categories were Alyssa Gray; Evan Westfield; Brent McGillivray; Ariel Andrychuk and Dana Dierker; Jessica Johansen; Kelsey Crane and Casey Preston; Kelsey Kowalchuk; Brianne Bratten, Callie Lamoureaux, Brianna Lupien, Leigh Syrenne, and Travis Suderluand; Megan-Star Graham; Cole Butler, Dylan Lechler, Blake Nemeth, and Shane Brezinski; Chris Wilson and Seth Agrey; Nick Peterson and Ernie Stasiuk. Community Futures Newsask organizes the competition annually. (The Nipawin Journal, May 5, The Parkland Review, May 7, 2010)

Prince Albert
The local area Saskatchewan Conservation Learning Centre will receive nearly $30,000 for five projects, which includes testing out different seeding dates for certain crops and how fertilizer affects malt barley. The funds are part of the provincial and federal government announcement of $473,000 in funding for a number of different producers and agriculture groups to help create new technologies and farming practices for everything from new types of corn to different ways to feed cattle. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, April 30, 2010)

NorthSask Laundry is undergoing an 11,000 square-foot expansion and installing $2.3 million of new equipment which includes a new green tunnel washer efficient in water consumption and six new dryers. The new washing machine has the capability of 50 kilograms of dirty laundry per load which will increase production from five million pounds of linen a year to a potential of 7.5 million pounds of linen per year. NorthSask Laundry provides service to six health regions: Keewatin Yatthe, Mamawetan Churchill River, Kelsey Trail, Prince Albert Parkland, Prairie North and Heartland Health. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, May 1, 2010)

Watrous
Nina’s CT Specialties, a new store in Watrous, specializes in the custom of serving and tasting specialty teas. Owner operator is Nina Huang. (The Watrous Manitou, May 10, 2010)

Wynyard
BHP Billiton held an open house at the Wynyard Civic Centre in April. It gave Wynyard residents the opportunity to learn about the company’s proposed Jansen Potash Mine Project. BHP Billiton held open houses in six locations – LeRoy, Jansen, Lanigan, Humboldt, Watson and Wynyard. (The Advance Gazette, May 3, 2010)

Regina

Jane’s Skin Care & Day Spa is launching their Jane’s Salon. Janes Salon, located on Smith Street, will feature hair and makeup treatments as well as products. (Leader Post, May 1, 2010)

One Tooth, located on 11th Avenue, is celebrating their grand opening. One Tooth sells yoga apparel and active wear. One Tooth opened its doors in February. (Leader Post, May 3, 2010)

Building permits surpassed $50 million in April, more than double the $21.6 million issued in April 2009, according to the City of Regina’s monthly building permit report. The total value of building permits at the end of April was $153 million, well ahead of the $119 million for the same period last year. Two major project permits were issued in April; a $12 million permit issued to Quarex Construction for a senior citizen’s apartment on Broadway Avenue, and a permit issued to Bird Construction valued at $8.8 million for a new office building on 9th Avenue, the site of Consumers’ Co-operative Refineries Ltd. (Leader Post, May 4, 2010)

After opening a Nurse Next Door franchise in Saskatoon, Rob Van Norman has brought the business to Regina. Nurse Next Door provides a wide range of services, from a couple of hours a week of companionship, to 24 hour, round the clock nursing care. Special aides will provide complex treatment with the proper guidance. Rates vary depending on the level of service. (Leader Post, May 6, 2010)

Construction is proceeding on East Acres Estates, a 70 unit rental complex on Eastgate Drive in Regina. The $11 million project is being built by Cornerstone Developments and is slated for occupancy in September. (Leader Post, May 7, 2010)

A new elementary school will be constructed in the Douglas Park area. The start date for construction has not yet been determined, but the new facility is scheduled to open in time for the 2011-12 school year. The multi-million dollar project is to be built to meet high environmental standards with many windows, a green space on the roof, landscape with tree breaks and earth berms to cut the impact of wind and storms. The current Douglas Park School will be torn down. (Leader Post, May 11, 2010)

Some of the Revitalizing Downtown changes will take effect soon. The conversions of one way to two way traffic on 11th and 12th Avenues and the 1800 blocks of Lorne and Cornwall Streets will occur effective June 12th. Revitalizing Downtown work will be done this summer and may continue into next year. (Leader Post, May 13, 2010)

The City of Regina’s planning commission recommended the council approve new plans for the redevelopment of the Plains Hotel site. The changes would make the new building the tallest in the city. The Capital Pointe project would include condominiums and a Hilton Garden Inn and be 26 stories tall. Prices will range from $200,000 for smaller base units to over $1 million for executive suites. Demolition of the Plains Hotel will start in August. Work on the parking will proceed in the winter. Construction of the complex will start in March or April 2011. The hotel is to be open in March 2012 with the condos being fully operational by December 2012. (Leader Post, May 13, 2010)

Since winning the Progress2Capital business planning competition a year ago, the three partners have left their full time jobs to devote all their energies to Check-It. The company scored a major contract in the United States, hired some staff and moved into new premises. Check-It uses off the shelf computer hardware and the internet to monitor energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings. The next big step for Check-It is not just monitoring, but managing energy consumption. (Leader Post, May 13, 2010)

The federal and provincial governments are investing an additional $15.7 million in the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron over the next four years to cover the facility's costs of operation. Western Economic Diversification Canada is investing $4 million in the next four years, bringing its total commitment since the 2008 budget to $5 million. (Star Phoenix, May 1, 2010)

One quarter of the city's bus fleet will get a makeover this year as the transit department refurbishes up to 40 of its older models. The city's administration and finance committee have approved spending to refurbish 15 buses. In total, the city will spend $1 million this year refurbishing up to 40 buses to make them look new according to the transit's maintenance manager. (Star Phoenix, May 4, 2010)

The average selling price of a home in Saskatoon is nearly $300,000 for April according to new figures from the Saskatoon Region Association of Realtors (SRAR) show. With an average residential selling price of $299,214, nine per cent higher than last April's average price of $275,586, SRAR reported 372 houses purchased last month, up from 352 homes in April 2009. (Star Phoenix, May 4, 2010)

The price of a new home in the Saskatoon region rose slightly between March 2009 and March of this year, new Statistics Canada figures show. During the 12 month period, prices of new homes in the Saskatoon census metropolitan area (CMA) rose by 1.8 per cent, according to the federal agency's new housing price index. (Star Phoenix, May 13, 2010)

The value of building permits in the Saskatoon region rose exponentially in March, according to new data released by Statistics Canada. Between March 2009 and the third month of this year, the permits jumped 80.5 per cent in value to $62 million from $34.4 million in the Saskatoon census metropolitan area. The value of the permits also rose from February to March, increasing 61.7 per cent from $38.4 million. (Star Phoenix, May 7, 2010)

The city has purchased land in Hampton Village for a new fire station. The one acre parcel of land faces McClocklin Road and will be purchased for $650,000 from Dundee Developments. The fire station will be modeled after the one being constructed in Lakewood. It will be built in Hampton Village as soon as 2012, at an estimated cost of $6.9 million. The station will require 21 new staff and add $1.6 million to annual operating costs. (Star Phoenix, May 11, 2010)

The Saskatoon Health Region approved a deal Wednesday to construct a care home in the city that will bring a unique approach to long term care, as well as test a new funding model. The facility is planned for the Stonebridge area and will have 100 long term care beds, including approximately 20 suites that will accommodate couples and 24 beds designated for dementia patients. It will be owned and operated by Amicus Health Care Inc., a subsidiary of the Catholic Health Ministry of Saskatchewan. (Star Phoenix, May 13, 2010)

The Saskatoon Health Region posted a $17 million deficit in 2009-10, $3 million more than the $14 million predicted in late February, according to the vice-president of finance. The increase in the deficit was due to a $2 million pay out in severance to employees whose positions were eliminated in April and $1 million needed for prior years vacation liability should a potential settlement with the Service Employees International Union be reached. The health region is also starting the current fiscal year anticipating a deficit of $12 million, meaning it has a $29 million shortfall to make up in a budget of $920 million. (Star Phoenix, May 13, 2010)

NEW BUSINESSES:
Joborilla.ca, owners, Greg Little and Jason Hoium. (Saskatoon Sun, April 25, 2010)
Chop Chop Salon, owner, Amanda Dreis. (Star Phoenix, May 1, 2010)
SKopenhouses.ca, owner, Cole Thompson. (Star Phoenix, May 1, 2010)
Valenes Designs of Taylor Inc., owner, Vallery Lutz. (Star Phoenix, May 1, 2010)
Tiny Treasures, owner, Lynette Lemieux-Shinkaruk. (Saskatoon Sun, May 2, 2010)
Calsask Granite, owners, Lien, Tracy and Thang Dinh. (Star Phoenix, May 8, 2010)
Tino’s Pizzeria and Donair, owner, Tino Franco. (Star Phoenix, May 8, 2010)
AlarmTek, owners, Jeff and Andrea Barnhardt. (Star Phoenix, May 8, 2010)
Symmetry Therapeutics, owners, Navarra Good and Don Wickstrom. (Saskatoon Sun, May 9, 2010)

Chaplin
The Prairie South School Division will reopen Chaplin School to students in grades kindergarten to grade 12 for the 2010-2011 school year. (Southwest Booster, May 13, 2010)

Eston
Nearly 200 members of the Eston Co-operative association attended the special meeting at the Eston Complex to vote on the proposed merger with the Rosetown Co-operative. Of the 195 ballots cast, 174 were in favour. Eston members voted in favour of calling the amalgamated stores the Central Plains Co-operative, which will include Rosetown and Eston. (The Press Review, April 27, 2010)

Kyle
The Kyle Thrift Store opened with a full house of stock. (The Kyle Times, April 30, 2010)

Maple Creek
The Cypress Health Region and the Hospital Oversight Committee confirmed the location for the new healthcare facility will be on land belonging to the current hospital site and the parcel of land behind it. (Maple Creek Times, April 26, 2010)

Council received an update on the progress of the functional planning for the new integrated healthcare facility. The planning committee obtained six proposals for the functional planning consultant and currently has an offer out to one of the firms. (Maple Creek News, May 13, 2010)

Morse
The Morse Café 2007 has moved to a new location. (The Herbert Herald, April 27, 2010)

Rosetown
Town council approved a two percent tax increase for homeowners this year, although the mill rate remains the same as last year at 27 mills. (The Rosetown Eagle, April 26, 2010)

The M.E. Cook and Son Ltd. Plumbing and Heating has changed hands. Rodney McDonald, the new owner, is a South African tradesman with many years of training and experience in boiler making, pressure piping and welding, as well 30 years as a business manager on engineering projects. (The Rosetown Eagle, May 3, 2010)

Wheatland Drugs and Pharmasave are combining their operations into one store which will be in the existing Pharmasave location on Main Street. (The Rosetown Eagle, May 10, 2010)

Shaunavon
Larose tire business, locally owned and operated since the 1950s, closed its doors. Garry Larose was the long time owner of the local tire business. (The Shaunavon Standard, May 4, 2010)

After 15 years, members of the Shaunavon Hometown Club discontinued their paper and cardboard recycling project effective the end of April. This was one of the biggest volunteer projects undertaken by the community. (The Shaunavon Standard, May 4, 2010)

Swift Current
MoneySense Magazine ranked Swift Current 84th out of 179 cities deemed the best places to live in the country. (Swift Current Online, May 3, 2010)

City Council passed a new building bylaw requiring the installation of fire sprinkler systems in certain development areas of the city. (Swift Current Online, May 4, 2010)

Mayor Jerrod Schafer highlighted the budget positives at a luncheon hosted by the Swift Current Chamber of Commerce in April. The five year plan included plans for the increased demand for services, infrastructure and utilities, how to best accommodate traffic flow in these areas and a strategy to transition properties from a low level of service to being fully serviced. (The Southwest Booster, May 6, 2010)

The Double Lotus Natural Health and Healing Expo was a place to begin exploration of mind, body and spirit for those who are already on this path of discovery and to meet local practitioners. The Southwest Centre for Entrepreneurial Development sponsored this event. (The Southwest Booster, May 6, 2010)

Perma Green Tree Company and Vegetation Management was sold to West Country Oilfield Service from Drayton Valley. (The Southwest Booster, May 13, 2010)

Foam Lake
Linda Sturgeon has opened Linda’s, a ladies clothing store. A grand opening was held in April. (Foam Lake Review, May 3, 2010)

Melville
Construction on the new two story, 32,000 square foot expansion at the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Office is taking place. The expansion will include the administration offices of Saskatchewan Crop Insurance and the AgriStability Program. It is expected the AgriStability Program will add 110 jobs. Until the expansion is completed in the spring of 2011, staff will be working out of five locations in Melville. (The Melville Advance, March 10 and May 12, 2010)

A new local group, Melville Rail Station Heritage Association (MRSHA), has acquired the title to the old CN Station. MRSHA plans are to restore the building, but because of the costs, will be doing it in phases. The first phase is to clean the building, while the second phase would involve shingling the roof at a cost of $100,000. The third phase would see the repair of the exterior, with the fourth phase to restore the interior. (The Melville Advance, May 12, 2010)

Moosomin
A 94 unit senior’s housing development proposal by Caleb Group has been cancelled due to low sales of the units. The Kin Place II development is proceeding. The 12 unit, 55 plus life lease housing development, has pre-sold eight units. Construction is expected to start shortly. (The World-Spectator, Moosomin, March 29 and May 10, 2010)

Regional
The Tourism Saskatchewan Visitor Reception Centre on the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border is receiving an approximately $550,000 facelift, which includes the exterior of the building as well as the parking lot, and some improvements to the grounds. (The World-Spectator, Moosomin, May 10, 2010)

Yorkton
A new 24 unit rental housing project, Parkland Prairie Place, held a grand opening. The $5 million project was undertaken by the Yorkton Parkland Housing Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the housing conditions of low income people in the Yorkton Parkland Region. The province provided $3.2 million through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. Approximately $1.8 million was provided through the Yorkton Parkland Housing Society. (Yorkton This Week, May 5, 2010)

The Yorkton Municipal Airport will be receiving $400,000. The Community Airport Partnership (CAP) Program provided $200,000, with the city matching it with $200,000. The money will go towards upgrades at the airport, approximately $165,000 towards runway lighting and the rest for paving. (Yorkton This Week, May 12, 2010)

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan’s building permits increased by 65.1 per cent between February 2010 and March 2010 which is the highest percentage increase in Canada. Residential permits were up 64.3 per cent and non-residential permits increased by 66.3 per cent over the same period. (Enterprise Saskatchewan News Release, May 6, 2010)

Saskatchewan’s housing market is beginning to heat up with urban starts up 204 per cent in April 2010 over last April, the highest increase in Canada. According to a report released by CMHC, single family dwellings were up by 182 per cent and multiple units increased by 463 per cent. (Enterprise Saskatchewan News Release, May 10, 2010)

Export sales in Saskatchewan were up 14.3 per cent in March 2010 when compared with March 2009, the third highest percentage increase among the provinces and well ahead of the 7.7 per cent recorded on a national basis. Exports in March 2010 totaled $2.12 billion. (Enterprise Saskatchewan News Release, May 12, 2010)