Enterprise Saskatchewan

Carnduff
North American Lumber held a grand re-opening. A fire caused serious damage to the store one year ago. The newly renovated store has 1,600 additional square feet of retail space plus a larger yard space which houses a new cold shed. (The Carnduff Gazette, August 23, 2010)

Estevan
A new 117 unit condominium/apartment development will be built in the city by Trimount Developments of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Phase 1 is valued at $8 million and will consist of 39 one and two bedroom condominium suites. (Estevan Mercury, September 1, 2010)

Fillmore
The Stewart Southern Railway was officially launched in August . The rail line is 132 kilometers long, from Stoughton to Richardson. Many businesses and elevators along the line can continue to operate with the use of the railway, which is the 11th shortline operation in the province. (The Weyburn Review, September 1, 2010)

Weyburn
Southern Industrial and Truck held a grand opening of their new 36,000 foot facility. Founded in 1989 with three employees, the business has grown to three companies which now employee a total of 43. (The Weyburn Review, August 25, 2010)

The Rural Municpality (R.M.) of Weyburn passed a bylaw which provides for tax concessions to new business developments. In the first year of operation, the business gets 100 per cent of their tax waived and then 50 per cent in their second year. Thus far, the R.M. has approved ten new businesses for tax concessions. (The Weyburn Review, September 1, 2010)

Inches-A-Weigh Weight Loss Centers for Women has opened. (The Weyburn Review, September 1, 2010)

Moose Jaw
Council is moving forward with investigating the possibility of an incubator mall for young local entrepreneurs. Council has approved the terms of reference for the ad hoc youth entrepreneur business incubator mall committee. This committee will serve as an advisory committee to council on matters regarding creating and promoting the mall. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, August 27, 2010)

Donald’s Fine Foods/Britco Pork human resources manager, Steve Glemnitz, picked a name for the soon to open pork packing facility, Thunder Creek Pork. The plant is expected to be opening at the end of 2010 and is expected to provide jobs for up to 200 people. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, August 28, 2010)

South Central Enterprise Region (SCER) CEO, Deb Thorn, told the Times-Herald her organization has been busy the past year and continues to strive for increased business activity in Moose Jaw and the surrounding region. Among SCER’s many tasks is providing economic development services for the City of Moose Jaw. SCER has provided information necessary for dealings that resulted in the local pork plant purchase and planned reopening as Thunder Creek Pork. (The Moose Jaw Times Herald, Thursday, September 2, 2010)

One of Moose Jaw’s most acknowledged graphic designers, Erica Silzer, has had her Fire Monkey Design Studio logo published in a popular graphic designer’s creative reference bible, LogoLounge Master Library: 3000 Animal & Mythology Logos. Every 18 months, www.logolounge.com prepares a printed compendium of the top logos submitted by its members worldwide. (Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce, August 30, 2010)

Outlook
Owners, Janet Cafferata and Debbie Hesje, have partnered together to open Outrageous Booty in the Resort Village of Elbow. The colorful store features women’s accessories including jewelry, purses, sandals and hats. (Economic Development Office-Outlook, September 2010)

A celebration broadcast live nationwide was held in Outlook in August. Outlook was one of 10 communities across Canada who received $25,000 in the Kraft Celebration Tour from Kraft Canada and TSN. Hundreds of people, many wearing Rider green, came down to the Outlook Regional Park where TSN held their live telecast of Sports Centre. The funds will go towards refurbishing the Outlook and District Regional Pool. (Economic Development Office-Outlook, September 2010)

The creation of a small business incubator is being considered in the MidSask Region. Surveys have been distributed throughout the region to determine if a business incubator is viable in the area. The goal of the incubator would be to assist small and start up businesses in a variety of industries and markets. (Economic Development Office-Outlook, September 2010)

Lloydminster
MGO Magnum Gun Outfitters celebrated their grand opening. (Meridian Booster, August 23, 2010)

Meadow Lake
Dr. J M Herve has closed his Dental Practice after 23 years. (Northern Pride, August 24, 2010)

North Battleford
The construction contract for the Aquatic Centre which is Phase 2 of the CU Plex project has been awarded to Jen Col Construction Limited for $16.4 million. (City of North Battleford, August 23, 2010)

Building plans were presented to council for the Great Canadian Oil Change to be built between the Burger King and Mark’s Work Wearhouse. Cost of the project is $650,000. (City of North Battleford, August 23, 2010)

Building Permits for July 2010 were $3,477,000 which is slightly above last year at the same time. (City of North Battleford, August 23, 2010)

Movie Gallery video rental store has closed. (Regional Office, North Battleford, September 1, 2010)

The Smoke Stop which opened earlier this year has now closed. (Regional Office, August 31, 2010)

The local Turbo station on Highway 4 has closed. The site has been cleared, but there is no word on future plans for the site. (Regional Office, September 2, 2010)

Unity
Stan Wright, owner of the local cab company, has opened Sugar Shack U-Brew on Main Street. The business sells wine-making kits and supplies as well as making your wine for you in the brew room in the basement of the facility. Eventually, Mr. Wright wants to add beer making kits. The business will hold a grand opening at a later date. (Unity Herald, August 30, 2010)

Fort a la Corne
Shore Gold has reached an agreement with three First Nations bands to gather information on aboriginal traditional land use and traditional knowledge in the Fort a la Corne (FALC) forest. The agreement is with James Smith Cree Nation, Chakastaypasin Band and Peter Chapman First Nation. The information gathered will be used in the preparation of an environmental impact statement relating to the Star Orion South Diamond Project which is located in the FALC forest just north of Melfort. (Melfort Journal, August 24, 2010; Prince Albert Daily Herald, August 25, 2010)

The provincial government is funding the James Smith Cree Nation to assess the impact a new diamond mine would have on the communities. Metis Nation-Saskatchewan Eastern Region II and Metis Nation-Saskatchewan Western Region II, James Smith and Muskoday first nation are receiving $673,000 from the Ministry of First Nations and Metis Relation to participate in the environmental assessment process of the planned Shore Gold Inc. diamond mine. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, August 24, 2010)

Humboldt
The SaskPower customer service office will be closed to the public as of August 31st. (Humboldt Journal, August 25, 2010)

Crone’s Plumbing & Heating is under new ownership. The new owners are Kyle and Jessica Gebauer. (Humboldt Journal, August 25, 2010)

New residential construction permits for 22 homes were issued, along with renovation permits, for a total value of $658,040. July’s permits bring the 2010 year-to-date building permit total to a value of $39,944,780. The annual total for 2009 was $21,474,207 and 2008 was $45,339,193. (Humboldt Journal, August 25, 2010)

Melfort
Brent Lutz will be the new community development manager for Melfort, starting September 13th. He replaces Perry Trusty who is moving on as CEO of Boreal West Enterprise Region. (Humboldt Journal, August 24, 2010)

The 72 building permits granted this year represent a total of $6,320,850. To the end of July 2010, new residential permits valued $4,638,000. The complete annual total for 2009 was $3,550,750. (Melfort Journal, August 17; August 24, 2010)

Curiosity Shoppe, a new business offering giftware, variety items and used books, held a grand opening. Dawn Rhine is the owner. (The Melfort Journal, August 17, 2010; Parkland Review, August 13, 2010)

Prince Albert
Prince Albert will be the home of its first microbrewery; Prince Albert Brewing Company expects it should be turning out beer for public consumption on December 1st. The brew will also be served at Rogue’s Tavern on Second. Dan Dobratz is the owner of both businesses. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, August 28, 2010)

SPCA’s new kennel is under construction and projected to open in October 2010. The facility will house around 50 animals in total. Debbie Lehner is the manager. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, August 28, 2010)

Seven of the nine hotels in Prince Albert have banded together to create a Destination Marketing Fund. Starting in September these hotels will begin charging a two per cent levy on rooms in order to raise money for the marketing fund. This money will then be used to attract events to the city. The members of the fund are hoping to raise about $250,000 for the first year, depending on occupancy rates. Mona Selanders, general manager of the Prince Albert Travelodge, is heading the Prince Albert Destination Marketing Fund. (Prince Albert Daily Herald, August 25, 2010)

Wadena
Contractors are midway through a $2.7 million health facility that is being specially designed so professionals can provide health care and healing services on the Fishing Lake First Nation. Completion date has been set for February 2011. (Wadena News, August 25, 2010)

Watrous
Access Communications Co-operative Limited has begun a major upgrade of their service offerings in Watrous. This investment will result in many new cable television channels, including digital and high definition services. As well, a first-class Internet service will soon be available along with a unique, local community channel, Access7. (The Watrous Manitou, August 23, 2010)

Abernethy
The Abernethy Co-op celebrated its 80th Anniversary. (The Fort Qu’Appelle Times, August 31, 2010)

Qu’Appelle
Loranda’s opened for business the beginning of August. (The Fort Qu’Appelle Times, August 31, 2010)

Regina
A restructuring effort at First Nations University of Canada (FNU) includes the loss of 46 jobs. Other changes include course changes and departmental realignments. The changes are aimed at reducing the FNU’s operating budget by $3 million. (Leader Post, August 20, 2010)

The Mosaic Company announced that as the lead tenant in the third Hill Centre Tower, it will establish the new headquarters for its potash operations in Regina, a move that will create 120 new jobs in the city. The new jobs will be created due to expansions of the company’s potash operations in Saskatchewan at Esterhazy, Colonsay and Belle Plaine, where potash head office jobs used to be located. (Leader Post, August 20, 2010)

The grand opening of the Great Canadian Oil Change, located on Rochdale Boulevard, was held in August. (Leader Post, August 20, 2010)

A number of local jewellery artists, known as JewelleryWon, will be showcasing their products at the Holiday Inn Express on September 25th. (Leader Post, August 25, 2010)

The Bargain! Shop, located at Rochdale Boulevard, is closing. (Leader Post, August 26, 2010)

A new automated teller service has been opened at Regina International Airport, which will exchange Canadian money into foreign currency. The service is provided by Thomas Cook Financial Services and will exchange Canadian money for the United States dollar, the Euro and the British Pound. (Leader Post, August 26, 2010)

A former church on the corner of Dewdney Avenue and Athol Street underwent one million in renovations and is now operating as the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission Youth Centre. The 20,000 square foot facility features a full size gymnasium, computer lab, weight room, and games room complete with foosball, shuffle board and pool tables. Counseling services are also available, along with a day care facility that opened in February. (Leader Post, August 27, 2010)

The Regina Centre Crossing, former Superstore, now has new occupants. Currently, the building has six tenants – Century West, Walker Projects, Tourism Saskatchewan, AECOM, the Phoenix Group and the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ training facility, but several others could soon occupy the space. So far, 75 percent of the space has been leased, leaving about 28,000 square feet in the building still open for development. (Leader Post, August 27, 2010)

An open house was held on September 1st at the Leader Building, on Hamilton Street. Harvard Developments Inc. and Nicor Developments Inc. have been working for about three years to restore the building to offer residential, commercial and retail space. Approximately two-thirds of the building space has been claimed and some occupants are already inside. There is about 10,000 square feet of space available for potential tenants. The condos that have been built are extremely unique and valuations are starting at $350,000. (Leader Post, August 28, 2010)

The 2010 Western Canada Farm Progress Show has again been deemed a success. The farm progress show attracted more than 19,700 visitors from outside Regina and surrounding area and 11,700 people from Regina city. Visitors from outside Regina spent between $185 million and $380 million on items such as tractors and combines, as well as seeding and tillage equipment. The economic impact of tourism spending at the farm show was more than $4.5 million higher than the total for major equipment purchased at the event. (Leader Post, August 31, 2010)

TELUS is celebrated their grand opening at the Northgate Mall. (Leader Post, September 2, 2010)

West Wind Aviation Ltd. Recently reached its first collective agreement with its pilots’ union. Last year, the pilots joined the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) after three pilots at the company were fired for organizing a union drive the year prior. The pilots were reinstated by the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) and the majority of the 70 pilots at West Wind Aviation voted to join CEP in March. The pilots at West Wind are the first members of the aviation industry to unionize under CEP. (Star Phoenix, August 28, 2010).

Funded by the province’s Go Green Fund, SARCAN Recycling is building a $4 million plant to handle the 175 million containers its Saskatoon operation processes annually. Projected to open in the summer of 2011, the 36,000 square foot facility will double the size of the current operation and replace the plant on Melville Street. (Star Phoenix, August 27, 2010)

Dakota Dunes resort will soon have a $25 million hotel and spa to join the current golf course and casino. Concept drawings of the hotel and spa have now been released, financing is almost finalized, and construction will commence next spring. (Star Phoenix, August 28, 2010)

An American venture capital firm hopes to open an office in Saskatoon to help manage its new Canadian investment fund. Steve Burrill, CEO of San Francisco based Burrill & Co., which focuses on the life sciences and biotechnology industry, was recently in Saskatoon to raise capital for the proposed $200 million fund and speak to the city’s growing sciences sector. (Star Phoenix, August 31, 2010)

Two Saskatoon organizations received $330,000 in federal funding through the federal Skills Link Program to help 40 disadvantaged youth find employment, improve job skills or return to school. The Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council will spend $167,607 on job mentoring and skills training for 28 youth, and the Saskatoon Community Youth Arts Programming (SCYAP) will spend $162,024 on its Urban Canvas project, where twelve youth will attend employment workshops and take part in community art projects. (Star Phoenix, August 31, 2010)

Serenity Apparel, owned by Diane Ehrhardt, opened a second location in the centre mall. Ehrhardt’s fall fashions include cotton hoodies, pants, and workout tops to name a few, plus bubble hoodies for the kids. (Star Phoenix, August 28, 2010)

Sunday Morning Organic Salon & Spa, owned by Candice Zimmerman, moved from the Ideas Inc. Building beside the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market to 22nd Street. The salon uses only natural products and offers all types of hair services. (Star Phoenix, August 28, 2010)

Prices of homes and the number of houses on the market in the Saskatoon region continues to rise, home sales fell by 20 per cent in August. In its August report, the association said 313 homes were purchased last month compared to 392 sales during the same month in 2009. Year-to-date sales have also dropped, falling six per cent to 2,527 home purchases in the Saskatoon region between January and August. Over the same eight months last year, 2,696 homes were sold in the area. (Star Phoenix, September 2, 2010)

A Saskatoon technology business has been named one of the top eight Canadian companies for youth employment. The editors of Jobs People Do, an online career path education and resource centre for Canadian teens, named Point2 Technologies Inc. to its annual list of eight Canadian companies for youth. Jobs People Do answers some very important questions students have as they face what is perhaps one of the most important decisions of their life. Point2 says its addition to the Jobs People Do list marks the third time this year it has been recognized by a third-party as a world-class workplace. (Star Phoenix, September 3, 2010)

A Saskatoon company has officially announced it will begin producing gold at a project in northern Saskatchewan following a successful share offering. Golden Band Resources Inc. announced it had sold $7 million United States dollars worth of senior secured notes and three million share purchase warrants, by way of private placement, to Sprott Asset Management LP on behalf of certain managed accounts and funds. Proceeds from the offering are expected to be used by Golden Band to help develop its La Ronge gold project and for working capital. (Star Phoenix, September 3, 2010)

A Saskatoon mother and business person is back at her sewing machine after dazzling television stars in Los Angeles with colourful kids' apparel. She had the chance to showcase her handmade designs for celebrities at a poolside party during the Emmy Awards weekend. Krahn was chosen by a marketing company after they found her wares online on the craft site Etsy. Asked to provide gifts for celebrity guests, her friends worked overtime to help Krahn sew enough reusable snack bags, bibs and baby blankets to bring to L.A., and they threw her a fundraising party to help pay for the trip. Krahn's company, Polka Dot Piggy Designs, has gained a word-of-mouth and online following in Saskatoon. Her eye for whimsical, colourful patterns keeps her busy filling orders locally, sewing everything from waterproof aprons to reusable lunch bags, which got big props from celebrity partygoers. (Star Phoenix, September 7, 2010)

New Businesses:

• Aspire Dance School, 12 String Studios, owned by Micheal Lander. (Star Phoenix, August 28, 2010)
• Saskatoon Academy of Music, owned by Cassandra Stinn and James Stinn. (Star Phoenix, September 4, 2010)
• Erotic Encounter Boutique, owned Baillie Fruson and Shannon McLean. (Star Phoenix, September 4, 2010)

Biggar
The face of health care in Biggar has taken a decidedly modern and innovative turn. Telehealth’s benefits will give those less able to travel, full access to health professionals and specialists from around the province. (The Independent, August 30, 2010)

Kindersley
Premier Dance will be starting the season at a new studio location on Railway Avenue. (The Clarion, September 1, 2010)

Leader
The pool in Leader will be demolished in the near future to make room for the new pool. A new larger facility where children can learn the skills of swimming and life saving is to be built. (The Leader News, August 25, 2010)

Rosetown
Flair Fashions/Urban Flair has advertised its going out of business sale. (The Rosetown Eagle, August 30, 2010)

Regional
A sod turning ceremony was held to launch construction of a $650,000 water treatment plant at Lac Pelletier. The project will supply water to approximately 90 cottages as well as four main campgrounds comprising 185 camp sites, including an external water pipe stand for rural farmers needing safe, potable drinking water for household use. (The Southwest Booster, September 2, 2010)

Swift Current
Swift Current City Council decided that nonresidents of Swift Current would now pay extra to use the city’s recreation facilities. (Prairie Post, August 24, 2010)

Clayton Wicks has set up a website to encourage people to look at the recycling in the city. Recently the local depot announced that they would no longer accept cardboard. Wicks would like to look at solutions to the recycling issues. (Swift Current Online, August 26, 2010)

Two years after a Great Plains College Initiative led to the opening of the Newcomer Welcome Centre, the Centre is celebrating its second birthday by taking a giant step across Central Avenue to its new location to embrace its new incorporated, non-profit status along with its evolving capacity as one of 11 independent Regional Newcomer Gateways throughout Saskatchewan. (The Southwest Booster, September 2, 2010)

Broadview
Danika Morton has opened up D Creations, a new photography business, which also creates company logos, websites, and advertisements. (The Broadview Express, August 16, 2010)

Canora
Mark, Kelly and Adam McTavish have opened McTavish Concrete, specializing in decorative concrete such as stamped concrete, cobblestone, fieldstone, and tiles. During the off season, the company will be available for indoor concrete projects and also offer custom concrete countertops. (The Canora Courier, August 18, 2010)

Danyelle Bayly is the new Economic Development Officer for the Town of Canora, replacing Chelsea Wilson. (The Canora Courier, August 18, 2010)

Len Reiben has opened Sherlock Storage, with 19 cold storage units available. He also has 95 stalls in the Creighton/Flin Flon area, as well as 30 stalls in Kamsack. (The Canora Courier, August 25, 2010)

Esterhazy
Arielle Sheppard has opened up Vibe Interior Decorating, offering home décor products as well as interior decorating services. (The Miner-Journal, Esterhazy, August 30, 2010)

Ituna
James Pringle, proprietor of the Ituna Hotel, held a grand opening for Capone’s Pizza, a newly renovated expansion of the hotel. (Ituna News, August 23, 2010)

Melville
Babcock & Wilcox have announced impending layoffs of all its 66 employees, due to the recent completion of a project for the Alberta oil sands, as well as the lack of scheduled production for the Melville plant. The company is hoping the layoffs will be temporary and will be recalling employees as early as January 2011. (Melville Advance, August 25, 2010)

Mike Kyle has opened up Extreme Glass & Siding. He also has a business in Virden, Manitoba. The company offers siding, windows, doors, decking, sunrooms, automotive and flat glass. It currently has two full time employees, but may be hiring more staff in the near future. (The World-Spectator, Moosomin, August 23, 2010)

Yorkton
The new Yorkton Newcomer Welcome Centre, a project funded jointly by the provincial and federal government, held a grand opening. The centre has been operating since March, and is one of 11 newcomer gateways around the province, which were established to ease the transition of new residents into Saskatchewan. Although the focus is on newcomers to Canada, the centre will also help interprovincial movers as well. (Yorkton This Week, August 25, 2010)

Zeljko Dudas has opened up Ambient Furniture, specializing in cabinets, bathroom vanities, bed frames, kitchen cupboards and other home furniture. (Yorkton This Week, September 1, 2010)

The 31st Annual Sunflower Art & Craft Sale takes place on September 10 and 11, 2010. The event is sponsored by the Yorkton Arts Council. (Yorkton This Week, September 1, 2010)