Rosetown looks to build on local assets for economic development

By Ian MacKay

Local leaders brought ideas on economic development back from the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention in early April.

Councillors Jan Coffey-Olson and Kimiko Otterspoor had completed a course on the topic just before the convention, Coffey-Olson said during the April 20 council meeting, kicking off a discussion.

The municipal leaders development program course involved thinking about how to accomplish more economic development, Coffey-Olson said.

During the town sector meeting at the convention, representatives from only six communities said they had economic development officers, Mayor Trevor Hay said.

Tourism represents a “big part of economic development,” Otterspoor said, noting that two major highways bring many travellers through town.

Having housing or building lots available for new employees moving here is also important, Hay said.

“We have an active hospital,” Coffey-Olson noted. “That brings people to our town. We need to make our town welcoming. If they have to stay, they stay; if they need meals . . .”

A speaker at the convention advised community leaders to “embrace what you do have,” using existing features as drawing cards, Hay said, suggesting the hospital, golf course and the planned short-term rental property, The Stay.

The stress should be on living in west-central Saskatchewan, Hay said, noting that people may work in Biggar but live in Rosetown, for example.

The speaker also advised “thinking regionally, (about) what’s around us, too, to make it part of a package,” Coffey-Olson said.

Three indoor swimming pools are fairly close to Rosetown, added Amanda Bors, the acting chief administrator.

“We have good schools and good recreation facilities,” John Kadler said, suggesting that it’s easier to get ice time here than in Saskatoon.

Some people bring their children to Rosetown for swimming lessons if they’re shut out in the city, Coffey-Olson said.