The province of Saskatchewan has experienced some monumental shifts in its economic landscape, especially since the recent recession. No longer perceived as a sleepy ‘have-not’ prairie province, Saskatchewan has shaken the doldrums and moved into the forefront of the Canadian economic landscape. Gainingstrength in the Heartland Written by Anne Lindert-Wentzell Situated in the heartland of the prairies projects estimated to be worth $22 in south-central Saskatchewan, with a million are planned for the province, t is the province to be watched for population of over 35,000, Moose Jaw most of it taking place in the Corridor. growth, development and innova- is located on the Trans Canada highway tion. And the city of Moose Jaw is an I halfway between Winnipeg and Calgary A growing need for housing integral part of the bigger prairie phe- and approximately 70 kilometres from Moose Jaw is a city on the move, as nomena, gaining strength through its Regina. Moose Jaw acts as the western indicated by the growing demand determination to refute the perceptions anchor for the Moose Jaw-Regina Indus- for housing in response to numerous of the past and to showcase its ‘can do’ trial Corridor. Twenty-four percent of the multi-billion dollar projects currently attitude derived from a characteristic province’s population is found within underway or slated for future develop- prairie spirit. this Corridor which generates twenty ment. The city and surrounding area’s percent of Saskatchewan’s GDP. Major thriving economic sectors include, but range of housing options… You will see everything in Moose “Moose Jaw acts as the western Jaw from high end development to affordable [housing] and a anchor for the Moose Jaw-Regina great deal of improvement on the rental side of housing. These Industrial Corridor.” projects are pretty well in every corner of the city.” are not limited to, oil and gas refinery, agriculture, tourism and Deb acknowledges that having affordable and accessible work mining. force housing is a priority. The city’s Economic Development Commission works diligently with developers to create inviting, The demand for workers and the subsequent housing issue mixed used new neighbourhoods. “We know that to be able presents a challenge for the city, but says Moose Jaw’s Mayor, to recruit new families and workers to the community you Deb Higgins, “We have put a great deal of work into the whole absolutely have to have a range of accommodations that are area of housing over the last number of years to meet the needs available so that they will be able to make the choice of what’s of a growing community. Currently, we have a very broad range appropriate for them and be able to settle in our community.” of housing developments that are putting in place that broad Moose Jaw has a series of tax incentives for housing such as the Replacement Housing Incentive, designed to initiate new construction. Any existing home that is demolished and has a A sure sign of growth Issuances of new building permits are always a good indicator of growth, job creation and a thriving healthy economic landscape in any communi- ty. They also represent confidence in a community’s future. Such is the case for Moose Jaw. From January to December 2013, 321 building permits were issued worth over $96 million, the highest in the city’s history. This repre- sents an increase of 43 percent compared to 2012 figures of over $65 million. According to the 2012 KPMG Competitive Alternatives Study, Moose Jaw has surpassed Regina and Saskatoon by ranking first in lowest business costs among selected Western Canada and 33 Midwest United States cities. Also, the Canadian Federation of Indepen- dent Business recognizes Moose Jaw as one of Canada’s top entrepreneurial cities. In 2013 there were 276 new business start-ups. This translates to a record breaking 23 new business start-ups every month. “In many cases it’s young entrepreneurs that we’re seeing starting small businesses,” says Deb. “If you can nurture and provide the atmosphere where young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to set down roots and begin to build their family, I think it speaks well for the future of the community.” newly constructed home on the same site is eligible for a 100 percent tax exemption for five years providing that the appli- cant is the original home owner. The tax exemption is consid- ered void if the property is sold or if taxes go into arrears. With the city’s In Fill Incentive Program, vacant lots in desig- nated areas being considered for new home construction that will revitalize and redevelop more established neighbourhoods are also eligible for a five year tax free exemption. Single family homes and duplexes are both considered and construction must be completed within a year. “The tax incentives will touch on affordability,” relates Deb. “These [incentives] have initiated a number of projects in the community.” It’s certainly a buyer’s market in Moose Jaw as indicated by the 2013 sixteen percent increase in MLS listings from 2012. Additionally, Moose Jaw’s vacancy rate rests at three percent. “The city’s Economic Development Commission works diligently with developers to create inviting, mixed used new neighbourhoods.” The construction of new apartments is helping to balance the equation between supply and demand. Attracting businesses Of course, to truly draw new residents, employment opportu- nities are needed. Moose Jaw’s Grayson Business Park on the city’s outer edge has serviced pre-priced lots available with direct access to the TransCanada highway. Lot sizes range from 1/3 to 1.6 acres. As an investment incentive, lot purchases come with an Environmental Phase One and any company creating more than 60 new jobs, whether in processing or manufactur- ing, is eligible for the five year tax exemption. “We’re seeing some big projects move forward,” shares Deb, A sweeping success Moose Jaw’s Mosaic Place will be hosting the 2015 Scotties Tournament of Hearts. It won’t be the first time Mosaic Place, opened in 2011, has hosted a major curling event, but the Tournament of Hearts will be the city’s first time for hosting this Canadian women’s curling championship. In 2012 the Capital One Canada Cup of Curling broke attendance records at Mosaic’s 4465 seat facility. “It was a great boost for the economy,” relates Deb. “You see the spin offs, especially in the downtown area where the facility is located,” she says. “Mosaic Place has been a great addition to the community… We have great volunteers here in the community, a very knowledgeable curling fan base and a world class facility. I have no doubt that the Tournament of Hearts will be successful.” “and Grayson Business Park is central to much of the activity. established mine near the city with its Belle Plaine operation. With economic activity and development essential to maintain- The mine employs 700 people and is expected to complete ing a growing community, that’s why our Economic Develop- a $38 billion expansion in 2021. “They’re continually going ment Commission is reviewing our business incentive policy to through upgrades and servicing,” adds Deb. “We see that ensure we are adjusting for today’s business climate.” impact on the city.” Key mining players K+S Potash Canada just 60 kilometres north of Moose Jaw has Deb explains that potash mines are major contributors to both started a new Greenfield legacy mine, a $4.5 billion investment the city’s and the province’s growth. Mosaic Potash is a well that’s well underway and expected to be operational in 2016. Designed using lean principles Health care is of course a key driver in quality of life. Moose Jaw’s new state of the art hospital, Five Hills Health Region (FHHR), will cost an estimated $100 million, with 80 percent funding coming from the provincial government. The “patient friendly” hospital is being built using lean principles and will incorporate flexible care whereby required services will come to patients “Potash is a major catalyst in rather than having patients moved throughout the hospital for our area.” required tests, x-rays or other services. “Potash is a major catalyst in our area,” explains Deb. “What The hospital’s design will maximize health care providers’ time we’re seeing is services that are being provided through the management by reducing the patient ratio and required beds. city… we would like to see at least a third of the employees “It’s a new concept with a lot of detail and discussion going into from the new mine decide to make their permanent home in the layout and the flow of traffic through the hospital,” relates Moose Jaw.” Deb. “What we’re seeing here is a renewal of health and the delivery of health to the citizens of Moose Jaw… It’s a pretty Also located in the Moose Jaw Regina-Corridor is the fertilizer exciting time to see this new concept taking hold in the city. supplier Yarra International. By 2016 the plant hopes to expand It will be with us for many years to come.” The hospital will be and increase its production from 1.1 million tons of urea to an opening in 2015, creating an influx of additional medical per- additional 1.3 million tons annually. Once operational the plant sonnel to the city. will create an additional 100 new jobs to its current employ- ment of 130. “It’s nice to see the diversification and the spin off The impact of tourism that is coming from some of the larger projects,” says Deb.