COMMUNITY PROFILE PROGRESSIVE RESOURCEFUL INSIGHTFUL THRIVING 37 Third Avenue North Box 400 , SK tel 306.786.1700 S3N 2W3 fax 306.786.6880

[email protected] www.yorkton.ca

YORKTON CITY COUNCIL left to right: Councillor James Wilson, Councillor Chris Wyatt, Councillor Larry Pearen, Mayor Bob Maloney, Councillor Les Arnelien, Councillor Randy Goulden, and Councillor Ross Fisher. A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR BOB MALONEY WELCOME TO YORKTON, the third largest trading area in and the vibrant economic centre of east-central Saskatchewan. Yorkton’s nearly 20 thousand residents enjoy excellent schools, first-rate health care, great recreational opportunities, and quality housing that is affordable to a variety of incomes.

Our growing and diversified economy provides endless opportunities for new businesses and investment. A well educated and skilled workforce, moderate property taxes, and stable commercial, industrial and residential sectors have fostered Yorkton’s emergence as one of Saskatchewan’s most promising economic regions.

Our flourishing artistic, cultural and recreational scene provides many opportunities for children and adults alike. A beautifully treed city, Yorkton boasts more than 20 parks and recreation areas offering many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year round.

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 neighboring communities. Our schools offer comprehensive and challenging curriculums, a qualified and knowledgeable faculty, rewarding extra-curricular activities, and a commitment to quality education.

Yorkton’s excellent level of educational, healthcare and recreation services, expanding housing sector, competitive business environment, and readily available amenities are just a few of the reasons why Yorkton is one of the best places to live, visit, work, and invest.

WE INVITE YOU TO BUILD YOUR DREAMS HERE, A COMMUNITY OF ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.

Bob Maloney, Mayor

COMMUNITY PROFILE PROGRESSIVE RESOURCEFUL INSIGHTFUL THRIVING CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO OUR 6 COMMUNITY YORKTON 2020 8 VISION THE BEST LOCATION IN 9 SASKATCHEWAN GROWTH AND 10 PROSPERITY A THRIVING 15 COMMUNITY LABOUR 17 FORCE THE BEST COMMUNITY 19 TO LIVE IN CULTURE 20 PARKS AND 26 RECREATION A COMMUNITY 35 ON THE MOVE A CARING 36 COMMUNITY OUR BUSINESS 38 COMMUNITY 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 ’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.

6 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 ­ 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 health care 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 health care, 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.

7 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.

8 THE BEST LOCATION IN SASKATCHEWAN Yorkton is located along the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway #16 in east-central Saskatchewan, between 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 neighboring 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 GROWTH AND PROSPERITY

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Yorkton offers an excellent range of housing duplexes to apartment buildings were options, from mixed density residential to either constructed or extensively renovated apartments, condos, multiplexes, and a in 2013. A twenty-four suite apartment wide variety of single family houses that cost building is scheduled to be completed in between $125,000 and $600,000. 2014 while construction on the first phase of Adriatic Gardens is scheduled to begin. This The city’s economic growth has created a first phase encompasses seven townhouses need for new residential subdivisions, where and a 29-unit condominium building. lots of different sizes are available for sale and construction. That’s why the city is With such rapid growth underway, Yorkton actively involved in preparing residential has implemented a comprehensive subdivisions, which will add more than 100 Community Housing Plan to ensure the residential lots of different sizes over the next city’s residential growth coincides with its three years. economic and social needs. As a result of the housing influx, the City Council, The Head Start on a Home program added through the Yorkton Housing Committee, 23 new entry-level homes to the city’s has worked to develop a collaborative inventory in 2013. An additional six homes open-door method to work with builders, will be constructed in 2014 with more in the developers, community organizations, not- planning stage. These homes are perfect for-profit agencies, businesses and the for young professionals eager to tap into various levels of government, to achieve the Yorkton’s burgeoning economy. Two goals of the housing plan. condominimium projects were completed in 2013 – The Abbey and Morrison Pointe. Several multi-family dwellings ranging from REAL ESTATE

CENTURY 21 ROYAL LePAGE RE/MAX BLUE CHIP REALTY CORE REAL BROADWAY PARK REALTY PREMIER REALTY 306-783-6666 ESTATE INC. 306-782-2253 306-783-9404 remax-bluechip-yorkton-sk.ca 306-621-9680 century21sask.com royallepageyorkton.com coreywerner.com

10 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT Yorkton is the regional economic hub of anticipated to open in 2014. This 103 suite east-central Saskatchewan, with the third hotel is located within walking distance to largest trading area serving more than many amenities of the downtown. The $20 150,000 people in the province and some million invested in new hotel accommodation areas of Western Manitoba. The city has allows Yorkton to be an attractive venue a strong role as a centre for the retail and for sporting or business events and trade wholesale trade, health and government shows for the region. services, and a variety of commercial QUALITY services. One major shopping mall, several The Royal Honda and Royal Ford dealerships COMMERCIAL strip malls, five retail box stores (Wal-Mart, at the corner of Smith Street East and PROPERTIES AND Canadian Tire, Superstore, Staples, The Dracup Avenue represent an investment of Brick) and numerous retail stores in Yorkton over eight million dollars by Pride Holdings. PREMISES ARE serve this region with retail sales at $542 The Dracup Avenue corridor between Smith AVAILABLE FOR million. Harvard Developments Inc. has Street East and York Road East offers a SALE OR LEASE recently prepared a ten acre commercial strategic location for commercial, residential THROUGHOUT THE development site called York Station by the and institutional development in Yorkton. By Parkland Mall in north-east Yorkton. The first the summer of 2015 it is anticipated that the COMMUNITY. phase of this project includes Days Inn Hotel Parkland College campus will be completed having 74 suites. Harvard Developments along with residential and commercial Inc. prepared a twelve acre commercial projects in this corridor. development site called York Station by the Parkland Mall in northeast Yorkton. The Roundhouse Commercial subdivision This development consists of the Days will be ready in 2014 for tenants. The first Inn Hotel and separate buildings housing phase consists of five parcels totalling outlets like The Dollar Store, Dad’s Organic twenty acres. This subdivision, strategically Market, Taco Time, Mr. Mikes Steak House, located at the Tourism Centre on Hwy #9, Bulk Barn and SaskTel. Future phases of offers prime development opportunities for York Station include up to 61,065 sq. ft. of highway commercial businesses. Quance commercial floor space. Developments Ltd. is working on a 50 acre highway commercial development adjacent The Home Inn & Suites Hotel opened in to Hwy #10 east. This development is 2013. This 80 suite hotel complements the anticipated to be ready in 2014. Painted Hand Casino located within walking distance to it. The Holiday Inn Express is

11 INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT Yorkton is becoming a food processing centre for east central Saskatchewan. The two canola oil crushing plants and seed processing plants along with a meat processing plant represent significant investment in this area of the province. With rail and highway transportation corridors intersecting at Yorkton, this community is poised for further value- added agricultural business to call Yorkton home!

Both canola oil crushing plants invested in expansion plans in 2013. Richardson increased processing capacity at its plant by 25 per cent, increasing processing capacity from 2,400 tonnes of canola per day to 3,000 tonnes per day. With this new expansion, the Yorkton plant has the capacity to process over one million tonnes of canola per year compared to its current 840,000 metric tonne annual capacity. LDM Foods invested $2.35 million in a rail car wash facility, rail scale and material storage warehouse for its rolling stock.

Industrial land is readily available with access to national and international markets through both the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railway systems, three major highways, and a regional airport with both commercial and business flights.

The city continues to plan for industrial expansion on its lands located in proximity to Grain Millers Drive. Engineering studies were completed in 2013 and further work will be undertaken in 2014 on this area. Several light industrial lots are currently available for sale at the Gladstone Industrial Park in north Yorkton. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Regional potash mining has had a production at Esterhazy from 5.45M to large impact on the growth of Yorkton’s 6.36M tonnes per year. Production from commercial and manufacturing sectors; and the K3 site will begin in 2016. The Potash two new potential potash mines within 40 Corporation’s mine site in the Rocanville km of the city could dramatically increase area, 147 km (91 miles) southeast of Yorkton, that growth. The potash sector is expected is undergoing a $2.8 billion expansion and to expand regionally by some $2 billion over when complete will see production increase YORKTON IS IN the next five years. by 2.7 million tonnes annually. THE MIDDLE OF THE LARGEST Yorkton is in the middle of the largest According to Mosaic, more than 85 of AND RICHEST and richest potash field in east-central their permanent employees live in Yorkton Saskatchewan. As such, it will become the and area, as well as an estimated 30% POTASH FIELD IN service centre for even more development. of contracted workers. Over the next five EAST-CENTRAL The majority of the existing and potential years, 250 jobs will need to be filled as a SASKATCHEWAN. potash mining projects are within 120 km of result of retiring workers, and 250 new jobs Yorkton. will be created due to expansion. Being a regional economic centre, Yorkton could be Mosaic’s Esterhazy mine site, 90 km the first choice for most of the new workers (56 miles) south of Yorkton, is currently as far as housing and other city amenities undergoing a $1.6 billion expansion. The are concerned. expansions project will increase the overall

In addition to the expansion of existing mines, there are also active exploration programs in the region: • Encanto Potash Corporation’s Mustowekwan project on the Muskowekwan Indian Reserve 110 km (68 miles) west of Yorkton, is currently exploring domestic and international strategic partnerships for the financing, development and sale of potash production from this site. The company completed feasibility studies in January 2012 and its drilling program is expected to be completed in 2013. • BHP Billiton Canada is undertaking an extensive seismic program on its site 60 km (37 miles) south of Yorkton. • The Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan has completed its exploration program for its site in the Bredenbury area, 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Yorkton. • Agrium has a potential mine site 25 km (15 miles) southwest of Yorkton. • Finally, North Atlantic Potash (SSC Acron) is actively carrying out an exploration program on its permits in the Foam Lake area, 120 km (75 miles) northwest of Yorkton. A 2D seismic survey has been completed and a 10-hole drilling program conducted over the 2011- 12 winter. North Atlantic Potash has plans to invest over $20 million in this project phase in 2013.

All of this means that Yorkton is poised for Projections over the next five to ten years substantial growth over the next five to ten indicate direct/indirect and permanent/ years as feasibility and exploration projects temporary employment from expanding are completed and companies make canola crushing plants and potash mining decisions regarding mine site development. may exceed 6,500 jobs. This growth means Yorkton is on track with our planned commercial, industrial and residential development.

13 According to the statistics from the Saskatchewan East Enterprise Region’s Business Retention and Expansion report:

• 67% of businesses surveyed in the region plan to expand in the next three years. • 60% of businesses surveyed in the region indicated that their sales are increasing. • 57% of businesses surveyed in the region said that their market share of key company products is increasing. • 3.8 billion dollars will be invested in Expansion and/or Renovations in the next three years.

OVERALL DEVELOPMENT Current residential, commercial and industrial Yorkton’s location on Hwy #16 between development translates into building permit Winnipeg and Saskatoon allows it to play values not seen before in Yorkton. a key role as a transportation hub for the distribution of goods and services to existing Building permits have increased dramatically and future mineral production sites. Both CN in industrial, commercial and residential Rail and CP Rail have major transportation sectors over the past five years, from $7 links to Yorkton and service the canola million in 2006 to $77 million in 2012. More crushing plants. than $268 million worth of building permits were issued over the past five years.

Construction Values by Sector (2008 - 2013)

SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL / INSTITUTIONAL INDUSTRIAL TOTAL 2008 $12,662,150 $2,125,000 $24,594,968 $25,056,204 $64,438,322 2009 $11,544,460 $1,607,000 $29,726,550 $3,538,620 $46,416,630 2010 $7,211,075 $6,458,915 $6,673,500 $1,800,100 $22,143,590 2011 $8,991,103 $8,972,999 $11,318,715 $2,600,000 $31,882,817 2012 $12,508,415 $10,567,000 $49,415,535 $2,214,000 $74,704,950 2013 $13,989,630 $7,040,000 $17,835,881 $1,850,000 $40,715,511 TOTAL $66,906,833 $36,770,914 $139,565,149 $37,058,924 $280,301,820

14 A THRIVING COMMUNITY

POPULATION For the last five years, the average annual population growth of Yorkton is 1.68%. Yorkton’s population in 2016 is projected to be 20,076.

Last 5 Year & Projected 5 Year Population Growth Year 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Population 17,260 17,603 17,608 18,000 18,471 18,782 19,038 19,358 19,683 20,013 Growth Rate 1.49% 1.99% 0.03% 2.23% 2.62% 1.68% 1.36% 1.68% 1.68% 1.68%

DEMOGRAPHICS 30% 18% Fifty two percent of the population is in the 15 - 54 age-group which is significantly 55+ 0-14 contributing to the labour market of the city and area. Thirty percent of the population belongs to 55+ age groups, which includes seniors. Eighteen percent comprises the 14 year and under age group. 52% 15-54

The current and potential future economic growth of the city attracts new national and Projected In-Migration by 2015 international immigrants to the community. Year National & International Immigrants Yorkton welcomes diversity and this is reflected in our growing population. 2001 920 2006 2,770 2010 1,089 2015 1,851 + 455 * * 7% of total new jobs in the region

15 Household Characteristics 2001 2008 Estimates* 2015 Projections Number Number % Change Number % Change Household containing a couple w/o children 1,485 2,140 44.0 3,081 44.0 Household containing a couple w/ children 1,985 2,270 14.35 2,595 14.35 One person households 2,070 3,150 52.0 4,725 50.0

Other household types 855 800 -6.5 800 0 Total private households 6,395 8,360 30.73 11,201 33.98

Average household size 2.35 2.1 1.8 *Statistics Canada, Small Area and Administrative Data Division, 2008

Family Characteristics 2001 2008 Estimates* 2015 Projections Number Number % Change Number % Change Married & common law couple families 3,530 4,410 25.0 5,512 25.0 Single Parent Families 645 800 24.0 992 24.0 Total number of census families 4,175 5,210 24.8 6,504 24.8

Individuals 2,070 3,150 52.0 4,725 50.0 Average # of persons in couple families 2.9 2.9 2.9 Average # of persons in single parent families 2.8 2.6 2.6 *Statistics Canada, Small Area and Administrative Data Division, 2008

Average Household Expenditures DOLLARS PERCENTAGE FOOD $7,171 10.3 SHELTER $13,447 19.3 CLOTHING $2,774 3.98 TRANSPORTATION $9,999 14.35 HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE $3,292 4.72 RECREATION, READING, EDUCATION $5,251 7.54 TAXES & SECURITIES $16,603 23.83 OTHER $11,131 15.98 TOTAL $69,667 100.0

16 LABOUR FORCE Regional 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 62,900 available within this area. This represents POPULATION (15 & OLDER) about 6% of Saskatchewan’s total population.

Recruitment and training of workers is a primary goal of the community, with 41,500 strong regional and provincial recruitment strategies underway to attract skilled labour LABOUR FORCE from across Canada and the . 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 66.0% existing specialized jobs in the community PARTICIPATION RATE 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 39,700 market gaps. EMPLOYED

Income $538,274,390 1,800 TOTAL INCOME ESTIMATE UNEMPLOYED $29,142 PER CAPITA $90,008 AVERAGE FAMILY INCOME 4.3% $71,541 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Labour Force 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

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

DEBT ¢ ¢ CITY COUNCIL Gallagher Centre and Firehall 7.3 3.0 Grants / Rebates

CAPITAL PROJECTS ¢ ¢ ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE 13.9 10.6 Finance, Information Technology/ Computers, Land Sales, Bylaw, PUBLIC WORKS ¢ Human Resources Streets, Street Lighting, Traffic Control, 16.7 Sidewalks, Drainage, Snow Removal ¢ FIRE 10.0 Operations PLANNING & ENGINEERING ¢ Building Services/ Inspections, 6.8 Transit, Airport, Land Use, Economic ¢ RCMP Development, Management of 14.7 Capital Projects ¢ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, 10.5 PARKS & RECREATION GALLAGHER CENTRE ¢ Parks, Pathways, Horticulture, Outdoor Farrell Agencies Arena, Water Park, 6.5 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

2013 Taxes Based On Average Single Family 2013 Taxes on $100,000 Taxable Residential Property Value In Each City* Assessment Commercial Property

City Total Property Tax Rank City Total Property Tax Rank

Melville $1,691.03 1 Saskatoon $1,712.05 1 Swift Current $1,700.17 2 Weyburn $1,880.85 2 Moose Jaw $1,791.28 3 Regina $2,068.64 3 Melfort $1,906.55 4 Swift Current $2,137.52 4 Yorkton $1,935.05 5 Estevan $2,251.90 5 North Battleford $1,939.92 6 Martensville $2,231.91 6 Humbolt $1,982,59 7 Moose Jaw $2,348.04 7 Meadow Lake $2,134.79 8 Melville $2,447.68 8 Weyburn $2,173.87 9 Humbolt $2,553.00 9 Estevan $2,399.84 10 North Battleford $2,720.23 10 Prince Albert $2,519.02 11 Meadow Lake $2,898.58 11 Regina $2,735.61 12 Yorkton $2,928.00 12 Saskatoon $2,819.62 13 Melfort $2,932.64 13 Martensville $2,846.47 14 Prince Albert $4,258.02 14

* Including School Property Tax

18 THE BEST COMMUNITY TO LIVE IN

EDUCATION As of October 1, 2013, elementary school enrollment was 2,242 and 1,308 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 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 Parkland College will construct the first by the summer of 2015. This facility will phase of a trades and technology training better serve the rapidly growing workforce facility on Dracup Avenue beginning in 2014 needs in the region. with the expectation that it will be completed

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

As of Oct 1, 2013 COLUMBIA (342) ST. ALPHONSUS (218) DR. BRASS (149) ST. MARY’S (176) M.C. KNOLL (337) ST. MICHAEL’S (347) (French Immersion K-8) YORKDALE CENTRAL (439) ST. PAUL’S (234) HIGH SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL

As of Oct 1, 2013 YORKTON REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL (851) SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL (376) DREAMBUILDERS (81)

19 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.

20 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 , 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

21 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

22 YORKTON FILM FESTIVAL On an October evening in 1950, a hush fell , 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 . 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 , , , Australia, ,

23 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 , and the Canadian Olympic hockey team; • CFL and NHL all-star ; • 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

25 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 many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors diamonds, football, , 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

26 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

27 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.

The Water Park at the Gallagher Centre includes features found in less than a handful of similar facilities on the prairies:

• Wave pool with zero­ depth beach entry; • 25-metre instructional pool; • Whirlpool; • Lazy river; • Two storey waterslide; • Party room; • Modern change rooms; • Sauna and steam room; • 2 Storey climbing wall.

The programs and operations are administered by the Gallagher Centre. The instructional pool is used by Yorkton swim clubs, and for public swimming programs and special events.

28 The Yorkton Exhibition Association is an The Yorkton Exhibition Association was organization of volunteers. These volunteers started with the desire to bring local settlers work year round to attract, organize, and together and provide a venue to present new provide the public with several community agricultural practices. Today’s Association events. Founded in 1883, the Yorkton incorporates the initial reason for coming Exhibition Association continues to fulfill its together in all the events hosted today. The commitment to promote agriculture and events maintain an educational component, business interests, to educate and inform, provide entertainment and information to to build a sense of community, and to the attendees. The events have become offer a wide range of unique entertainment the showcase to many local groups. The packages to Yorkton and the Parkland area. 4-H Regional Show and Sale brings local clubs together for their final show and The Yorkton Exhibition Association has five sale for the year. The National Goat Show, main shows annually: the East Central Bull Miniature Horse Show, Light Horse Show, Power Sale and 4-H Spring Steer & Heifer Commercial Cattle Shows and Sales, All THE GALLAGHER Show held in March; Yorkton Spring Expo Breed Bull Sale, Commercial Grain, Forage CENTRE IS held in April; Summer Fair held in July; and and Pedigree Seed Show, Exotic Animal EASTERN Grain Millers Harvest Showdown held in Auction, Commercial Trade Show, and SASKATCHEWAN’S November. The Association is also host to various craft, leisure, and entertainment two indoor flea markets each year, as well as packages all make up the events held PREMIERE 16 days of standardbred harness racing. The during the year. In 1996, the Annual RECREATION AND Exhibition Association acts as the organizer Summer Fair was voted Regional Fair of ENTERTAINMENT and co­ participant with local organizations the Year from over Boo fairs throughout the COMPLEX. for the two parades held annually in Yorkton country, and in 1997the Harvest Showdown - during Summer Fair and welcoming the was voted one of Canada’s Top 5 Fairs. In Christmas season. 2006, the Association was the recipient of the Community Merit Award at Yorkton’s The Exhibition Association members work Celebrate Success Awards Night and in closely with non-profit organizations such as 2007 received Saskatchewan Tourism’s the Yorkton Lion’s Club, Yorkton Business Award of Excellence as Corporate Partner Improvement District (YBID), Big Brothers of the Year. Big Sisters of Yorkton, and the Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton to bring value and community spirit to the events.

29 In Yorkton, the name Terriers means hockey, for the third consecutive year. The Terriers and both the team and the sport are an became part of the Northern Division with integral part of the community fabric. The the , , Yorkton Terrier name has been associated , and Prince Albert with hockey in Yorkton for much of the 20th Raiders. Over the decades, the Yorkton century. In the winter of 1972, the senior Terriers have been under both private and Prairie Hockey League was on its last community ownership. It has a home within legs, and that became the catalyst for the the Gallagher Centre, at the Farrell Agencies birth of the Yorkton Terrier Junior A team. Arena. Because the PHL was on the verge of folding, the executive of the Yorkton Terrier The Terrier past has been exciting and senior organization changed its name to the colorful, and thanks to the continuing Yorkton Terrier Hockey Club paving the way hard work of dedicated volunteers and for adding the word “Junior”. On June 25, the support of the community, the future 1972, the Yorkton Terriers officially became continues to look promising. part of the SAJHL, as the league expanded

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.

30 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. 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. 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.

31 SNOWMOBILING Saskatchewan has some of the best riding Sno-Riders were the first and are still one in 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

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.

32 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

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

33 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 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.

34 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 municipal 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.

35 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 traveling 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 TRAVELING TO has physiotherapy and occupational therapy LARGER CENTERS. programs. www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca

36 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.

37 OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY

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

38 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: Faisal Anwar Lisa Washington ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 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 39 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