Yorkton Terriers (SJHL Hockey) 2014 RBC Cup Champions

COMMUNITY PROFILE PROGRESSIVE RESOURCEFUL INSIGHTFUL THRIVING A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR BOB MALONEY

Our community has the third largest trading area in amenities are just a few of the reasons why Yorkton is Saskatchewan and is the economic centre of east- one of the best places to live, visit, work, and invest. central Saskatchewan. The over 19,000 residents enjoy excellent schools, first-rate health care, great recreational MoneySense Magazine in 2015 ranked our community opportunities, and quality housing that is affordable to a as the fourth best community to live in Saskatchewan variety of incomes. and 86th out of 209 communities across Canada. Come see why Yorkton is a great place to live, work and play. Our growing and diverse economy provides endless You’ll be at home from the first hello! opportunities for new businesses and investment. A well educated and skilled workforce, moderate property I believe in sustainable growth through responsible taxes, and stable commercial, industrial and residential community development, and Yorkton is making sectors have fostered Yorkton’s emergence as one of tremendous progress in becoming one of the most Saskatchewan’s most promising economic regions. The sustainable communities in Saskatchewan through our presence of a thriving artistic, cultural and recreational outstanding efforts. scene provides many opportunities for children and adults alike. The City of Yorkton boasts more than twenty WE INVITE YOU TO CREATE AND BUILD YOUR parks and recreation areas offering many opportunities DREAMS HERE IN A COMMUNITY OF ENDLESS to enjoy the outdoors year round. OPPORTUNITIES.

Yorkton has a large network of primary and secondary educational facilities that provide excellent educational opportunities, not only to the residents of the city but also to neighbouring communities. Our schools offer comprehensive and challenging curriculums, a qualified and knowledgeable faculty, rewarding extra-curricular Bob Maloney, Mayor activities, and a commitment to quality education. [email protected] Yorkton’s excellent level of educational, healthcare 306.786.1701 and recreation services, expanding housing sector, competitive business environment, and readily available

2 37 Third Avenue North Box 400 Yorkton, SK tel 306.786.1700 S3N 2W3 fax 306.786.6880 www.yorkton.ca

A MESSAGE FROM CITY MANAGER LONNIE KAAL

Welcome to our community, whether you are here to live, for all to enjoy. We work closely with the Mayor, Council work or play. Yorkton is the perfect size; small enough and committees, multiple organizations and many to feel connected and large enough to offer a variety of stakeholders in our region, to ensure the sustainability of services and employment. our economy and our community. We are accountable to those that we serve and strive to make our community Our almost 20,000 people are known for their the best it can be. I welcome each and every one of you volunteerism. Numerous organizations offer a wide to our hometown, the City of Yorkton. array of sports, arts and cultural opportunities, as well as support services to various groups of individuals. Many community events are hosted throughout the year and the surrounding area is perfect for hunting, fishing, camping, boating, hiking, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Our business community celebrates successes and contributes to many events throughout the year. Further, Lonnie Kaal, City Manager they are involved and connected to our community by investing in projects, including the recently expanded [email protected] Parkland College Trades and Technology Centre. There 306.786.1703 are multiple employment opportunities in business as well as in the health, education and services sectors in our City.

Our commercial and industrial business sector is large compared to our population because of the surrounding trading area of over 200,000 people. You will find virtually every service and product that you need right here.

Our administration works hard to provide a variety of services to ensure our city is safe, clean and prosperous

3 INTRODUCTION TO OUR COMMUNITY

YORKTON HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS A LEADING REGIONAL CENTER.

HISTORY Yorkton’s origin dates from 1882 when a land, in a region recognized for its very fertile group of Toronto businessmen, the York soil. They established York City, renamed Farmers’ Colonization Company and Queen Yorkton with the opening of the post office Victoria, represented by the Department of on January 1, 1884. Yorkton achieved city the Interior, entered into an agreement to status in 1928. Now, it is the province’s fifth settle eight townships in the eastern part of largest city. From its beginning, Yorkton the Provisional District of Assiniboia, North has established itself as a leading regional West Territories. Settlers from Ontario, center for retail and wholesale trade, health Manitoba and the British Isles were the first and government services, and a center for a to make entry on homesteads and company variety of commercial services.

4 WHAT MAKES US SO SPECIAL Yorkton is a city rich in heritage, culture, A well educated and skilled workforce, and agricultural traditions. We have great moderate property taxes, and stable connections to neighboring communities commercial, industrial and residential and beyond via the Trans ­Canada Yellowhead sectors have fostered Yorkton’s emergence Highway Number 16, Highways 10, 52 and as one of Saskatchewan’s most promising 9. We also have two national railways (CNR economic regions. Recently, Alberta Venture and CPR) and Yorkton Regional Airport that Magazine labeled Yorkton one of the Best provide access to national and international Communities for Business in the category of markets. “Community on the rise”.

Yorkton is one of the safest cities in all of Yorkton’s excellent level of educational, Canada. We are among the top ten cities healthcare and recreation services, with the most hours of sunshine and clearest expanding housing sector, competitive skies all year round. Yorkton’s nearly 20 business environment, and readily available thousand residents enjoy excellent schools, amenities are just a few of the reasons why first-rate healthcare, great recreation Yorkton is one of the best places to live, visit, opportunities, and quality housing that is work, and invest. affordable to a variety of incomes.

Yorkton is in the middle of the largest and richest potash fields in east-central WE ARE AMONG THE TOP TEN Saskatchewan. Regional and international businesses are investing billions in new CITIES WITH THE MOST HOURS ventures and expansion projects, creating OF SUNSHINE AND CLEAREST new employment, recreation, and residential SKIES ALL YEAR ROUND. opportunities.

5 YORKTON 2020 VISION Healthy Community Infrastructure Environment

Economic Development Community Development Technology Education Governance & Communication

YORKTON 2020 VISION Yorkton is the community that: • Encourages healthy lifestyles, personal wellness with quality health care. • Have a comprehensive, integrated and sustainable infrastructure plan and programs that meet current and future needs. • Is open for business, providing an economic environment that embraces innovation and growth. COME TO YORKTON, • Fosters a safe community that embraces cultural and social diversity by providing WE PROMISE YOU’LL social, recreational and educational opportunities for all community members. FEEL AT HOME FROM • Promotes environmental awareness, rethinks, recycles, reuses and uses green space and energy efficiently. THE FIRST HELLO! • Positions technology as a means for community communication, create operational efficiencies, promote and facilitate economic activity. • Fosters strategic partnerships, to offer responsive, quality education for all citizens. • Has a governance model which is accountable, transparent, engages resident’s participation and involvement in policy development and goal setting.

6 A THRIVING COMMUNITY

YORKTON POPULATION AGE STRUCTURE AGE & GENDER POPULATION YORKTON For the last five years, the average annual population growth of Yorkton is 1.68%. AGE GROUP MALE FEMALE TOTAL Yorkton’s population in 2016 is projected to be 20,076. UNDER 1 105 107 212 20,000 1 TO 4 443 395 838 4 TO 9 620 575 1,195 18,000 10 TO 14 565 564 1,129 15 TO 19 596 567 1,163 16,000 20 TO 24 658 605 1,263 14,000 25 TO 29 692 627 1,319 30 TO 34 600 643 1,243 12,000 35 TO 39 608 587 1,195 40 TO 44 594 557 1,151 10,000 45 TO 49 591 621 1,212 17,006 18,471 18,427 19,038 50 TO 54 659 658 1,317 19,194 2006 2011 2012 2013 2014 55 TO 59 671 645 1,316 Source: Government of Saskatchewan Covered Population 2014 60 TO 64 519 541 1,060 65 TO 69 396 464 860 The current and potential future economic 70 TO 74 345 443 788 growth of the city attracts new national and international immigrants to the community. 75 TO 79 275 384 659 Yorkton welcomes diversity and this is 80 TO 84 214 340 554 reflected in our growing population. 85 TO 89 164 267 431 The City of Yorkton’s population in the 2011 Saskatchewan Ministry of Health’s Census 90 TO 94 69 155 224 was 18,471 which is a 7.9% increase from the 2006 Census. Yorkton possesses the 95 PLUS 8 57 65 resources and opportunities necessary for individuals, families and businesses to grow TOTAL 9,392 9,802 19,194 and prosper.

Source: Ministry of Health Covered Population

7 LABOUR FORCE The city’s labour market area covers approximately 32,600 square kms (12,587 square miles), 5.1% of Saskatchewan’s total area. A regional labour force of 41,500 is available within this area. This represents about 6% of Saskatchewan’s total population.

Recruitment and training of workers is a primary goal of the community, with strong regional and provincial recruitment strategies underway to attract skilled labour from across Canada and the United States. In addition, planned expansion of the Regional Trades and Technology training facilities and curriculum at Parkland College will allow us to meet the needs of new and existing specialized jobs in the community and the region. We are also recruiting professional, trained immigrants through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, and are working with First Nations groups to train aboriginals to bridge labour market gaps. LABOUR FORCE YORKTON MALE FEMALE IN THE LABOUR FORCE 4,630 4,396 PARTICIPATION RATE 72.4% 60.7% EMPLOYED 4,328 4,267 UNEMPLOYED 302 129 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 6.5% 2.9% NOT IN LABOUR FORCE 1,767 2,839

TOTAL POPULATION AGED 15 YEARS AND OVER 14,705 IN THE LABOUR FORCE 9,695 EMPLOYED 9,205 UNEMPLOYED 490 NOT IN THE LABOUR FORCE 5,010 PARTICIPATION RATE 65.9% EMPLOYMENT RATE 62.6% UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 5.1%

Source: Statistics Canada Census 2011

8 THE BEST LOCATION IN SASKATCHEWAN Yorkton is located along the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway #16 in east-central Saskatchewan, between Saskatoon and Winnipeg.

to Churchill

Edmonton

Saskatoon

YORKTON Calgary

Winnipeg Regina AB SK MB

Minot Highway Railway Bismarck Canadian National Railway Canadian Paci c Railway Bay Line Route (CN) Minneapolis

DISTANCES KMS MILES Altitude: 1,634 feet (498 meters) Regina, SK 190 118 Saskatoon, SK 326 203 Latitude: 51° 16’ N Winnipeg, MB 451 280 Longitude: 102° 28’ W Edmonton, AB 851 529 U.S. Border 241 150 Region: East Central

We have great connections to neighbouring line of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), communities and beyond via the Trans- and on the Bay Line, which connects the Canada Yellow­ head Highway Number 16, Port of Churchill to the Canadian National Highways Number 10, 52 and 9. In addition, Railway (CNR) mainline at Melville (38 km two national railways and Yorkton Regional southeast). There are also rail connections Airport that provide access to national and to Minot, Grand Forks and Minneapolis in international markets. Yorkton is on the main the USA.

CLIMATE Climate Information Yorkton has warm summers and cold Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec winters, with the average daily temperatures Avg. Temperature (oC) ranging from -17.9 °C (-0.2 °F) in January to -18.4 -14.9 -8.1 2.8 10.6 15.8 18.2 17.0 10.8 4.6 -6.0 -15.3 18.2 °C (64.0 °F) in July. Typically, summer lasts from late June until early September. Avg. High Temperature (oC) Winter lasts from November to March, and -13.0 -9.4 -2.7 8.5 17.3 22.4 24.9 24.0 17.1 10.5 -1.5 -10.4 varies greatly in length and severity from o year to year. Spring and autumn are highly Avg. Low Temperature ( C) variable. -23.8 -20.6 -13.7 -3.1 3.8 9.2 11.5 9.9 4.4 -1.4 -10.7 -20.3 Avg. Precipitation (mm) 21.2 16.2 25.6 20.3 50.7 68.8 64.2 57.5 48.0 24.5 17.8 21.0

9 WHERE DO MY 2014 TAX DOLLARS GO? (BASED ON 2014 OPERATING & CAPITAL BUDGET)

DEBT ¢ ¢ CITY COUNCIL Gallagher Centre and Firehall 6.9 2.5 Grants / Rebates

CAPITAL PROJECTS ¢ ¢ ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE 15 10.5 Finance, Information Technology/ Computers, Land Sales, Bylaw, PUBLIC WORKS ¢ Human Resources Streets, Street Lighting, Traffic Control, 17.0 Sidewalks, Drainage, Snow Removal ¢ FIRE 9.6 Operations PLANNING & ENGINEERING ¢ Building Services/ Inspections, 6.7 Transit, Airport, Land Use, Economic ¢ RCMP Development, Management of 14.2 Capital Projects ¢ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, 10.5 PARKS & RECREATION GALLAGHER CENTRE ¢ Parks, Pathways, Horticulture, Outdoor Farrell Agencies Arena, Water Park, 6.9 Facilities (ball diamonds, etc.), Facilities Curling Rink, Flexi Hall, Convention (Kinsmen, Godfrey Dean, Gloria Hayden, Centre, Ag Arena & Grounds Tourism), Library, Deer Park Golf Course, Programming

TAXABLE MILL APPLICABLE X + = YOUR PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT RATE / 1000 TAX BASE

2014 Taxes Based On Average Single Family 2014 Taxes on $100,000 Taxable Residential Property Value In Each City* Assessment Commercial Property

City Total Property Tax Rank City Total Property Tax Rank

Meadow Lake $1,887.75 1 Saskatoon $1,761.77 1 Melville $1,903.76 2 Weyburn $1,917.87 2 Moose Jaw $1,929.70 3 Regina $2,137.03 3 Yorkton $2,014.13 4 Martensville $2,318.02 4 Swift Current $2,118.54 5 Moose Jaw $2,350.41 5 Weyburn $2,219.21 6 Swift Current $2,365.40 6 Humbolt $2,277.72 7 Warman $2,365.80 7 North Battleford $2,396.62 8 Melville $2,478.93 8 Prince Albert $2,594.34 9 Humbolt $2,524.50 9 Melfort $2,661.75 10 Estevan $2,679.50 10 Regina $2,867.00 11 North Battleford $2,825.16 11 Saskatoon $2.929.85 12 Meadow Lake $2,898.58 12 Warman $2,942.50 13 Melfort $3,023.12 13 Martensville $2,966.52 14 Yorkton $3,058.00 14 Prince Albert $4,325.26 15 * Including School Property Tax

10 THE BEST COMMUNITY TO LIVE IN

EDUCATION As of September 30, 2014, elementary school enrollment was 2,293 and 1,239 for high schools.

There are two school divisions in Yorkton: Good Spirit School Division (Public) and Christ the Teacher School Division (Separate or Catholic)

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION Parkland College’s post­ secondary right at Parkland College. Parkland College opportunities include both university and works closely with employers to offer a technical skills programs. They provide the variety of technical training programs as largest off­ campus university program at any well, which meet the labour needs of the regional college in the province. Students province. Students may enroll in a variety can enroll in a variety of university classes of SIAST credit courses in areas including: from both the University of Saskatchewan Health, Technology, Education, Business, and University of Regina. Bachelor of Social and Trades. Work and Master of Adult Education are www.parklandcollege.sk.ca two programs that students can complete

TRADES & TECHNOLOGY CENTRE The first phase of Parkland College Trades & allow the city to meet the needs of new and Technology Centre completed construction existing specialized jobs in the community in fall 2015. The expanded curriculum will and region.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS SEPARATE SCHOOLS www.gssd.ca www.christtheteacher.ca ELEMENTARY ELEMENTARY

As of Sept 30, 2014 COLUMBIA (336) ST. ALPHONSUS (189) DR. BRASS (163) ST. MARY’S (207) M.C. KNOLL (322) ST. MICHAEL’S (361) (French Immersion K-8) YORKDALE CENTRAL (479) ST. PAUL’S (236) HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL

As of Sept 30, 2014 YORKTON REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (782) SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL (376) DREAMBUILDERS (81)

11 CULTURE

Yorkton has flourishing arts and cultural opportunities for children and adults alike. Possibilities range from coffee shop open-mike nights to a presentation of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, participation in numerous festivals, organized concerts, casual indoor and outdoor performances, classes, and programs. For more information, visit www.yorktonevents.com

GODFREY DEAN CULTURAL CENTRE The Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre houses a wide variety of cultural and artistic venues:

YORKTON ARTS COUNCIL

The Yorkton Arts Council (originally known From their early beginnings when they offered as the Yorkton Art Centre) launched into programs in the visual and performing arts, existence following the Annual Festival of the programs have continued to grow and the Arts, in Yorkton in October 1965. The expand. Today the Yorkton Arts Council Festival’s purpose was to raise community presents 10 concerts in the “Stars for interest in the arts. A consultant with Saskatchewan” series along with other the Saskatchewan Arts Board took the individual concerts. opportunity to advise and encourage interested citizens to establish a place for the ‘Sunflower Fine Art Craft Market’, which development of programs of music, drama, began in 1979, is the largest un-juried show art, lectures, and craft demonstrations. Her in the province held annually in September. appeal met with a positive response. Countless artists and artisans, from here, near and beyond, have shared their wares A steering committee formed following with an appreciative audience of fans. a public meeting, and eventually the first Dedicated volunteers donate their time, Board of Directors. Increased interest in energy, and innovative ideas to organize the Art Centre made it necessary for the and present this fine art craft market organization to change its location twice annually, under the direction of the Yorkton during the next 15 years, each time to Arts Council, in support of their community slightly improved facilities, until November programming. 1981 when they moved into the Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre.

12 Since its inception over three decades Music Festival Association are co-owners of ago, Sunflower’s well-deserved reputation two Yamaha grand pianos, one housed in grows as a quality show with seasoned the Anne Portnuff Theatre and the other at exhibitors. They have seen it change from St. Andrew’s United Church. an outdoor daylong-juried event to a two- day smorgasbord at the Gallagher Centre A 6-person Board of Directors elected at with 150 artistic vendors. Exhibitors are the Annual General Meeting for two-year added each year to the list of favourites, with terms manages the Council, a non-profit new offerings always available to delight and organization. The Board meets every two tantalize. These marketers offer pottery, to three months with the exception of the photography, fibre arts, paintings, jewellery, summer months. Committees, made up of specialty foods, metal work, home and directors and members, meet as required. garden decor, kids stuff, recycled products and much more. Throughout their growth, the need for staff escalated and they moved from volunteer Over the years, Yorkton Arts Council has help to a paid part-time Performing acted as a catalyst for the formation of Arts Coordinator and an Administrative groups such as the Parkland Writer’s Coordinator. Alliance and the Kids Klan Theatre (a www.yorktonarts.ca children’s theatre organization). The Council works co-operatively with other community cultural organizations such as dance schools, Yorkton Film Festival, the Yorkton and District Multicultural Society, the Saskatchewan Society For Education Through Art, the Parkland Writer’s Alliance SUNFLOWER FINE ART CRAFT and Yorkton school divisions. They also enjoy MARKET IS THE LARGEST a positive relationship with our neighbouring UN-JURIED SHOW IN THE arts councils. Through collaborative PROVINCE. fundraising, the Council and the Yorkton

13 GODFREY DEAN ART GALLERY INC. Since the 1950s, the Yorkton Arts Council gallery within a 150 km radius of Yorkton, hosted and organized visual art exhibits the Gallery curates, exhibits and promotes in various locations in Yorkton. With the the work of local, provincial, and national construction of the Godfrey Dean Cultural contemporary artists. Centre came two galleries and office space on the second floor of the building, adjacent Through workshops and diverse public to the historic Land Titles Building on Smith programming, the Godfrey Dean Art Gallery Street. Through most of the 1990s, the strives to fulfill its mandate to educate, galleries were managed by the Yorkton entice, and challenge our region within the EXHIBITING Arts Council, its volunteer board visual arts realm of visual literacy. CREATIVITY IN A committee, and part-time staff. CONTEMPORARY Always embracing change, the “Dean” RURAL In November of 2002 the Godfrey Dean opens exhibits in both galleries about every Art Gallery was incorporated as a not-for­- six weeks. It also opens its doors to the ENVIRONMENT. -profit organization, and formally assumed cultural and artistic programming of local responsibility for visual art education and organizations and schools, and welcomes programming in the gallery in February 2003. performers, poets, and musicians to contribute to the artistic climate of the The public programming at the Godfrey gallery. The Godfrey Dean Art Gallery itself Dean Art Gallery responds to the cultural is an exhibit of imaginative thinking in a diversity of the Yorkton community. As contemporary rural society. the only professionally operated public art www.deangallery.ca

14 YORKTON FILM FESTIVAL On an October evening in 1950, a hush fell Sweden, the United States of America, and over the audience. The projector whirred Britain. Canada had many entries, including into action, the screen lit up and the sights five from Saskatchewan. and sounds of life filled the stillness of city hall. It was the first Yorkton International Over the years, the festival grew. Wheat Documentary Film Festival! The festival fields surrounded Yorkton and wheat was a was the brainchild of James Lysyshyn, major product of the prairies. Therefore, the often referred to as “father of the Yorkton grand prize was ‘The Golden Sheaf’. The International Documentary Film Festival”. first Golden Sheaf was awarded in 1958 to Lysyshyn was a young National Film Board a Czechoslovakian film called “Inspiration.” field officer, stationed in Saskatchewan with a mandate to set up film councils. Hearing Throughout its many years of existence, about an arts festival held in Europe, as well the Yorkton festival has continued to be as music and science festivals in other parts successful, due in large parts to the many THE GOLDEN of Canada, he came up with the idea for a faithful volunteers, who have stood by SHEAF AWARD film festival. At the time Yorkton had a very through thick and thin. This indomitable active film council so, Lysyshyn decided to spirit makes this festival and others of its FOR BEST FILM, pitch his idea to them. The first meeting kind something we can all be proud of as WAS FIRST with the council met with little success. The Canadians. Today, the festival is housed in AWARDED IN council members felt there were not enough a modern building in the heart of Yorkton. 1958. new films being produced in Canada but A full-time Executive Director and Artistic Lysyshyn didn’t take no for an answer. He Programmer staff the office, with part-time requested a meeting with the council the clerical staff being hired during the months next month and presented his new idea for leading up to the festival each spring. an international documentary film festival. Although Yorkton Film Festival celebrations The council liked the idea and the Yorkton take place the last weekend in May, the International Documentary Film Festival was Yorkton Film Festival offers films and born. They decided to hold the festival in two activities for all ages throughout the year. years due to the time involved in soliciting www.goldensheafawards.com entries from foreign countries. Entries for the first festival, in 1950, came from India, Brazil, Denmark, Australia, Switzerland,

15 YORKTON SPORTS HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM Yorkton has a rich and varied sporting history. In the Yorkton Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, located beside the Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre, you will find “Hometown Heroes”. Men and women who, individually and in teams, succeeded as athletes and builders, and brought honour to themselves, their sport, and their community, are showcased in the displays. Some of these “Hometown Heroes” include: • Canadian pro-stock motorcycle racing champion Rick Dawson; • Clare Drake, who coached women’s national teams in softball and basketball, and the Canadian Olympic hockey team; • CFL and NHL all-star Gerry James; • Don Pfeifer, the only international and Olympic volleyball official ever from Saskatchewan; • Women’s national curling champion Pat Piper; • Mountain climber David Rodney, who has scaled Mount Everest several times; • National Special Olympic gold medalist Eddie Cote; Master Bowler Bill Winnitowy and many more, over 50 athletes and teams representing several dozen sports.

The Hall was a longtime dream of Vern Pachal, himself a member. It became reality in 1994, and every year it inducts athletes, builders, and promoters of sport.

WESTERN DEVELOPMENT MUSEUM The Saskatchewan Western Development Canada and Saskatchewan. From a Museum (WDM) Story of People is Ukrainian kitchen to an American bedroom, one of four provincial branches which from the steam traction engine to the exhibits the social and economic history Morris Rod-Weeder, exciting exhibits will of Saskatchewan. The Yorkton WDM help you gain insight into the undaunted chronicles the stories and recreates spirit of the people who came to this the times and styles of some of the land. immigrants who settled in Western www.wdm.ca YORKTON PUBLIC LIBRARY The Yorkton Public Library is a Community includes local histories from around the Access Program Centre with internet region as well as the local newspapers on access and computers, free for use to the microfilm back to 1900. The meeting rooms public. Programs are offered throughout the are available for booking through the City of year for patrons of all ages. The Community Yorkton. pARTners Gallery, in partnership with Yorkton Arts Council, exhibits works by local The children’s room offers an early learning and Saskatchewan artists. Interlibrary loan computer and educational toys. The services are available as well as a Shut in Yorkton Public Library has a collection of Service to patrons unable to come to the books, available in print and electronically, library. It shares the facilities with the Boys as well as magazines, newspapers, movies and Girls Club of Yorkton which offers on DVD and books on CD. The library programs after school and evenings during serves Yorkton and the region. the year. The Pages Past and Present Room www.parkland.lib.sk.ca

OTHER CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Folk dancing and the folk arts are numerous awards and have participated encouraged by Yorkton’s cultural in events such as the Grey Cup and the organizations, especially the Ukrainian Tournament of Roses Parade in California. community which is strongly represented. Community theatre groups, Paper Bag The richly decorated dome of St. Mary’s Players and Free My Muse Theatre Company Ukrainian Catholic Rectory, for example, is present several productions a year. a tourist attraction for hundreds of visitors www.paperbagplayers.com and each year. Yorkton school bands have won www.freemymusetheatre.com

YORKTON FESTIVALS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARCH AUGUST PARKLAND OUTDOOR SHOW AND EXPO THRESHERMEN’S SHOW & SENIOR’S FESTIVAL

APRIL SEPTEMBER YORKTON SPRING EXPO SUNFLOWER (ARTS & CRAFTS)

MAY NOVEMBER YORKTON FILM FESTIVAL GRAIN MILLERS HARVEST SHOWDOWN

JULY YORKTON EXHIBITION

17 PARKS AND RECREATION

A beautifully treed city, Yorkton has more pathways for leisurely strolls. Other, more than 30 parks and recreation areas offering active areas have fastball and baseball many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors diamonds, football, lacrosse, soccer, year round. There are neighborhood playground equipment and two spray pool parks with playgrounds, barbeque pits, parks. tennis courts, benches, winter skating and

SKATEBOARD PARK The Yorkton Skate Plaza is located at the plaza has many stock skatepark features corner of Broadway and Brodie Avenue. that are loved by all but some unique ones This Plaza was developed as a direct result as well, making it a skating destination for of a mobilized user community, supportive the parkland area. administration, and a lot of hard work! This

18 PATRICK PARK DISC GOLF COURSE Yorkton’s disc golf course opened in the basket has a pole extending up from the spring of 2011. Designed by Joe Hunt ground with chains and a basket where and Wayne Harvey, disc golf is similar to the disc lands. The object of the game is to regular golf. Instead of using golf clubs and complete each hole in the fewest number balls aiming for a hole, players use discs of throws. Each hole begins at a tee area and aim for a target basket. This target and finishes at the basket.

GLORIA HAYDEN COMMUNITY CENTRE The Gloria Hayden Community Centre and racquetball. A 140m rubberized is a favorite recreation spot for Yorkton walking track comprised of two lanes is residents. The centre boasts a hardwood available for running or walking. floor gymnasium, which accommodates three badminton courts or a tennis, The community centre is strategically basketball or volleyball court. The centre’s connected to both M.C. Knoll and St. two racquet courts have moveable walls Michael’s Schools. making them available for both squash

19 Jennifer Jones at the 2014 Grand Slam of Curling in Yorkton GALLAGHER CENTRE The Gallagher Centre is eastern The Gallagher Centre, home to the Yorkton Saskatchewan’s premiere recreation and Exhibition Association, provides exhibitors entertainment complex. The Gallagher access to over 70,000 square feet of covered Centre is owned and operated by the show space, horse barns, cattle barns, race City of Yorkton, and houses the Farrell track, and grandstand all situated on 65 Agencies Arena; the Nexera Flexihall, a acres of land located on the west side of sports fieldhouse and the home of major Yorkton. The surrounding grounds include trade shows and banquets for up to 1,200; agricultural exhibition facilities, grandstand, the curling rink; convention centre; leisure and racetrack. water park including wave pool, waterslide, lane pool and more; and several related businesses.

20 Glen Howard at the 2014 Grand Slam of Curling in Yorkton

The Yorkton Exhibition Association is an The Yorkton Exhibition Association has five THE GALLAGHER organization of volunteers. These volunteers main shows annually: the East Central Bull CENTRE IS work year round to attract, organize, and Power Sale and 4-H Spring Steer & Heifer EASTERN provide the public with several community Show held in March; Yorkton Spring Expo events. Founded in 1883, the Yorkton held in April; Summer Fair held in July; and SASKATCHEWAN’S Exhibition Association continues to fulfill its Grain Millers Harvest Showdown held in PREMIERE commitment to promote agriculture and November. The Exhibition Association acts RECREATION AND business interests, to educate and inform, as the organizer and co­ participant with ENTERTAINMENT to build a sense of community, and to local organizations for the two parades held offer a wide range of unique entertainment annually in Yorkton - during Summer Fair COMPLEX. packages to Yorkton and the Parkland area. and welcoming the Christmas season.

21 Yorkton Terriers - 2014 RBC Cup Champions

YORKTON TERRIERS

In Yorkton, the name Terriers means hockey, and colorful, and thanks to the continuing and both the team and the sport are an hard work of dedicated volunteers and integral part of the community fabric. In the the support of the community, the future winter of 1972, the senior Prairie Hockey continues to look promising. League (PHL) was on its last legs, and that became the catalyst for the birth of the In May 2014, the Yorkton Terriers won the Yorkton Terrier Junior A team. Since the PHL 44th Annual National Junior A Championship was on the verge of folding, the executive - the RBC Cup. The Terriers won against of the Yorkton Terrier senior organization the Carleton Place Canadians with a 4-3 changed its name to the Yorkton Terrier overtime victory. Hockey Club paving the way for adding the word “Junior”. On June 25, 1972, the This national championship is the first for Yorkton Terriers officially became part of the Terriers, who were playing in their fifth the SAJHL, as the league expanded for all-time appearance at the tournament. the third consecutive year. The Terriers The Terriers are the 10th team from the became part of the Northern Division with Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League to the Melville Millionaires, Humboldt Broncos, be named the national champions, and the Saskatoon Olympics, and Prince Albert Terriers became just the fourth team to do Raiders. Over the decades, the Yorkton so since the start of the five-team format in Terriers have been under both private and the year 1990. community ownership. It has a home within the Gallagher Centre, at the Farrell Agencies Arena. The Terrier past has been exciting

22 RAVINE ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE The Ravine Ecological Preserve consists of Along the trail, a boardwalk crosses over a 2.8 km (1.7 mile) hiking trail that works its the water. Through the aspen forest, song way through grassland, aquatic and aspen birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles parkland habitat. With the help of many make their home. Plants such as saskatoon, dedicated community volunteers, the park’s chokecherry, hazelnut, twining honeysuckle mandate is to preserve the natural integrity and wood rose all present themselves to the of the site for passive recreational pursuits hiker along the trail. At the arboretum, found and ecological education. in the southwest corner, you will find species of ornamental trees and shrubs hardy to the Yorkton area.

LOGAN GREEN This natural setting park space is home to the Hearts in Motion Pathway, six kilometers of trail that are perfect for walking, hiking or cycling. Future development includes six new sporting fields and an educational water reclamation site.

23 SERVICE CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS Rotary, Kinsmen, and Lions are all active Elks, Knights of Columbus, Masons, U.C.T. in community service. Other active groups and the Royal Canadian Legion. include: 4-H, Boy Scouts/Girl Guides, Toastmasters International, Beta Sigma For a more comprehensive list of community Phi and University Women’s Club. Fraternal organizations, please consult the City of Organizations and their auxiliaries include: Yorkton’s Official Leisure Guide at: Army Navy & Air Force Veteran’s, B.P.O. www.yorkton.ca

SNOWMOBILING Saskatchewan has some of the best riding Sno-Riders were the first and are still one in North America and Yorkton offers the best of the few clubs that have an agreement of the best in the province. We offer some with a major city to allow access to the city. of the most unique riding opportunities in Designated marked trails give snowmobilers the country. Over 500 km of well marked access to gas, food, hotels and dealers for groomed trails will take you through wide all four of the major brands of snowmobiles. open fields and winding forest routes giving Yorkton is one of the few cities in the you access to some of natures’ most scenic province that you can ride from your motel views. With 12 warm up shelters located room door. Trail maps are available from throughout the trail system you are never Tourism Yorkton. far from a place to stop and take a break, www.tourismyorkton.com have a trail lunch or just meet and trade tales with fellow snowmobilers. The Yorkton

24 CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING Cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are The Yorkton Cross Country Ski Club is a located on the west side of the City, at the great group of skiing enthusiasts who take Deer Park Municipal Golf Course. The trails advantage of all that winter has to offer in begin on the west side of the clubhouse and Yorkton! They offer fun, family-friendly group take advantage of the natural beauty of the activities and ski­ related events. There is area. Four separate trails of various lengths an annual “Learn to Ski” clinic to introduce are groomed, by the Yorkton Cross Country people to the sport and the local facilities. Ski Club, on a weekly basis or as needed. There are numerous cross ­country skiing An Expert Hill with a 30% grade is located on and snowshoe opportunities throughout the the southwest corner of the course and pit Parkland region, at Good Spirit Provincial toilets and benches are at various locations. Park, and Duck Mountain, near Kamsack. CAMPING AND HIKING The parkland environment that surrounds Government annually publishes a complete Yorkton is ideal for those who love to listing of activities and facilities, including explore the outdoors. Canoeing, boating, schedules and rates. The City of Yorkton hiking, and cross-country skiing are operates a summer campground in a well- popular pastimes. Many new year-round treed and supervised area within the City. developments, especially in the provincial York Lake Regional Park and Good Spirit parks and larger lake areas, are easily Provincial Park offer a number of campsites accessible to Yorkton. The Provincial within minutes of the City. HUNTING AND FISHING Deer and game birds are plentiful near Forest Preserve all have good fishing. the city, with moose and elk further north. Hundreds of lakes further north offer a Qu’Appelle Valley Lakes, Good Spirit Lake, “fisherman’s paradise” within an easy half- and Madge Lake in the Duck Mountain day drive.

SPORTS School programs encourage participation hockey, soccer, figure skating, swimming, and provide instruction in various sports gymnastics, tae kwon do and tennis including: volleyball, basketball, football, have nationally accredited coaches and track and field, baseball and softball. organizations, which regularly practice and Community leagues are very active with plan clinics, competitions and league play. planned activities for sports enthusiasts yorkton.ca/dept/leisure/leisureguide.asp of all ages and abilities. Sports such as

25 BASEBALL / SOFTBALL Four regulation size softball/baseball The city’s main baseball park, Jubilee Park, diamonds each with a shale infield are is located on Foster Street and is home located between Jaycee Beach Park and to the Yorkton Cardinals of the Western Gladstone Avenue North. The diamonds play Major Baseball League, along with the host to the mosquito program of Yorkton Yorkton Junior Cardinals and Yorkton Minor Minor Baseball and a number of softball Baseball’s pee wee, bantam, and midget teams of the Yorkton Softball Association. teams. The park has a number of amenities It is complete with concession/washroom including a concession, sound booth, and facilities. Located west of the Kinsmen washroom facilities. Yorkton Minor Baseball Arena on Prystai Way, there is a competition has also constructed a batting cage. Jubilee level softball field with shale infield and lights, Ball Park is home to four diamonds including named Lions Ball Park. two senior (one with grass infield), one bantam and one pee wee diamond.

SOCCER PITCHES To support a popular outdoor sport for all soccer pitches are under development at ages in Yorkton, there are numerous soccer the Logan Green area, on the south edge of pitches located throughout the city within Yorkton. There will be six pitches with a field various neighbourhoods. Newer tournament house and concession area.

TENNIS COURTS Located east of the Western Development users must sign out a key and can keep that Museum, there are four competition-level key for the season. There is reimbursement tennis courts. These are open to use at no of the user fee, upon return of the key. The cost to participants. Four more competition intention of this operation is to allow the level courts operate under a key co-op tennis facility to operate solely as a tennis system in other areas of the City, where facility. The courts are lit until 10:00 p.m.

GOLF COURSES Golfing is inexpensive and easily accessible Good Spirit Lake Golf & Family Resort and in the region. Two of the most popular Cherrydale Golf are located only minutes courses in Yorkton, with grass greens, from the city. In the winter, some of these concession and pro-shops, are Deer Park courses become popular trails for cross- and York Lake Regional Golf Course. country skiing.

26 A COMMUNITY ON THE MOVE TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC TRANSIT Yorkton has a regular, scheduled dial-a-bus for the Involvement of Good Neighbours service and privately owned taxies. Specialty (SIGN) offers a Senior Mobility Program. equipped transit vehicles serve the needs for individuals with disabilities. The Society RAILWAYS Yorkton is on the main line of the Canadian the Canadian National Railway mainline at Pacific Railway. It is also on the Bay Line Melville (38 km southeast). which connects the Port of Churchill to

YORKTON REGIONAL AIRPORT The Yorkton Regional Airport is located Flight training, aircraft rentals, crop three kms north of Yorkton on Highway #9 spraying, aircraft maintenance/ servicing occupying a land area of approximately 720 and helicopter operations are provided by acres. The airport is a base for both private the businesses located at the airport. The and commercial helicopters and fixed wing Yorkton Airport is also used by Westwood THE AIRPORT IS aircraft operators. The airport is operational Aviation who operates “bank run” courier OPERATIONAL 24 hours per day, seven days a week. The service twice daily. Occasionally, you may 24 HOURS PER maneuvering area includes two intersecting see a C-130 Hercules assisting CANSERA runways, an adjoining taxiway system, search and rescue operations, small jets, DAY, SEVEN public and private aprons. This regional corporate aircrafts, military helicopters, fire ­ DAYS A WEEK. airport operates with Runway 03-21 (paved, fighting helicopters or air ambulance flights. measuring 4,800 ft. by 150 ft.) and Runway 12-30 (graveled surface measuring 3,000 Over the last few years, Yorkton has seen ft. by 100 ft.). Good Spirit Air Service offers a remarkable and steady increase in aircraft charter air services. movements, compared to other smaller www.goodspiritair.com cities in Saskatchewan.

27 A CARING COMMUNITY

HEALTHCARE The Sunrise Health Region serves Yorkton and the surrounding communities, and operates the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, the largest in the area. The health centre has 87 beds and provides the following services:

• Operating Room • Medicine • 24 Hour Emergency • Obstetrics • Chemotherapy Outreach • Outpatient • Consulting • Pediatrics • Diagnostic Imaging • Pharmacy • Diagnostic Laboratory • Respiratory Therapy • Hemodialysis • Social Work • Intensive Care Unit

The Sunrise Health Region has a 16-slice Yorkton residents also have access to a computerized tomography (CT) scanner to variety of health services in the community, its diagnostic capabilities. Approximately including: dental and physician clinics, 5,700 scans are performed annually with optometry and chiropractor services. Other this equipment, saving patients’ time and additional community programs are available expense of travelling to larger centers. for children, seniors and others with special care requirements. The Yorkton and District Nursing Home (YDNH), and Cornerstone Therapies are located near the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. The YDNH facility provides 243 5,700 [CT] SCANS ARE rooms for long-term, palliative care, respite, transitional and convalescence care, seniors’ PERFORMED ANNUALLY, day centre, and various support services, SAVING PATIENTS’ TIME AND including a chapel. Cornerstone Therapies EXPENSE OF TRAVELLING TO has physiotherapy and occupational therapy LARGER CENTERS. programs. www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca

28 EMERGENCY H SERVICES 911 SERVICE A 911 system is in operation in Yorkton that links emergency callers with the appropriate public resources.

YORKTON RCMP The City of Yorkton is policed by a city a rural detachment, which also houses the detachment of 27 members of the Royal Excise Branch, G.I.S. Branch, Identification, Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The Provincial Police and Highway Patrol. surrounding Yorkton areas are policed by

FIRE PROTECTION Yorkton Fire Protective Services (YFPS) Ongoing training to ensure a safe effective ONGOING TRAINING strives to reduce property loss, and fire response to a variety of emergency type TO ENSURE A SAFE related injuries through fire prevention situations is a priority for the department. EFFECTIVE RESPONSE education, code enforcement, home fire Fire Protective Services operates out of TO A VARIETY OF safety inspections and youth intervention a newly constructed, state of the art fire programs. Members are trained in station, providing 24 hour emergency EMERGENCY TYPE child safety seat installation and work response to an area extending approximately SITUATIONS IS A collaboratively with outside organizations eight km from the fire station into the Rural PRIORITY. to ensure this program remains effective. Municipalities of Orkney and Wallace. AMBULANCE Crestvue ambulance provides 24 hour emergency medical treatment and transport in the city.

29 OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY

OPEN FOR BUSINESS There has been phenomenal recent growth and richest potash fields in east-central along the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border - Saskatchewan. Regional and international business is booming in Yorkton. businesses are investing billions in new ventures and expansion projects, creating The city hosts a highly diversified economy new employment, which in turn leads of essential industries such as health care, to increased recreation, and residential government services, manufacturing, opportunities. The city knows collaboration is construction, food processing, retail, and the key to success, and through partnerships the wholesale trade. Yorkton has more than with local and regional agencies we assist 1,100 registered businesses, employing new and expanding businesses to ensure a over 9,000 workers. bigger, brighter future for the region. The city YORKTON, THE also offers incentives for business expansion A well educated and skilled workforce, and new business creation while assisting PERFECT FIT FOR moderate property taxes, and stable businesses to establish and grow in this YOUR BUSINESS! commercial, industrial and residential community. sectors have fostered Yorkton’s emergence as one of Saskatchewan’s most promising Looking for more information why Yorkton economic regions. Recently, Alberta Venture and region are great places to invest Magazine labeled Yorkton one of the Best your time and money? Take a look at Communities for Business in the category of our Investment Profile for information on “Community on the Rise”. how Yorkton and region is positioned for substantial economic growth in the next five Yorkton is in the middle of the largest to ten years.

30 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Yorkton Chamber of Commerce has As Yorkton’s “voice of business”, the been a vital part of Yorkton since 1898. Chamber serves as a valuable link between The Chamber currently represents over business and government to ensure that the 450 businesses. The directors are a diverse opinions and suggestions of the members group of people who are leaders in the are heard at all levels of government. The community. These directors share ideas, Chamber also acts as a liaison, serving as raise issues and awareness, and advance an important resource and referral centre. the interests of membership. They view It continues to work hard to represent differences within the community as assets business and enhance the quality of life for and opportunities, providing a model the citizens of Yorkton. for respecting and celebrating Yorkton’s www.yorktonchamber.com diversity. BUSINESS RESOURCES In collaboration with the Yorkton Economic Small business loans ranging from $20,000 Development Committee, the city’s to $150,000 are available through the Economic Development Division provides Yorkton Chamber of Commerce (up to assistance to new and existing businesses, $20,000) and the Community Futures contributing to the sustainable growth of our Ventures Development Corporation (up to community. $150,000).

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Samuel Twumasi Lisa Washington ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ph: 306.786.1747 ph: 306.786.1750 fx: 306.786.6880 fx: 306.786.6880 [email protected] [email protected]

YORKTON.ca

Photos courtesy of: City of Yorkton and Peter Baran 31 COMMUNITY PROFILE PROGRESSIVE RESOURCEFUL INSIGHTFUL THRIVING

YORKTON.ca Scan this QR Code to view this document 37 Third Avenue North, Box 400 on your mobile or Yorkton, SK S3N 2W3 tablet device. 306.786.1700 fax 306.786.6880