Business mood in city positive

There is optimism for business in Yorkton, but also challenges.


Dolores Harris, president of the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce said the general mood of business in the city is very positive at present.


"I think there's lots of optimism and excitement about the future for Yorkton," she told Yorkton This Week.

There are several things fuelling the mood, said Harris, including the recent canola crush plant openings.

But with an eye more to the future, Harris said potash is behind much of the mood.

"I think the mine (being explored south of the city) is the freshest buzz word out there," she offered.

Even without the new mine potash is having an impact with mine expansions in the Esterhazy area impacting locally. Harris said there are definite spin-offs for Yorkton businesses from work at the Mosaic and PotashCorp mines.

It also helps that area farmers generally had a good crop, and are enjoying strong crop prices.

"Without the rural community doing well obviously business would suffer," said Harris. "So a good crop for farmers is good for everybody."

While the economy is rolling there are issues of concern too, warned Harris, adding the list starts with the availability of labour.

Harris said as much as a new BHP Billiton mine south of the city would spur the economy it would put greater pressure on an already tight labour resource.

"We're seeing some thunderclouds beginning to form and seeing some lightning strikes," she said. "We don't have the bodies. We don't have the skilled labour."

That is the reason the local Chamber has been a strong proponent of a new Parkland College facility planned to offer skills training. Harris said the trades and technology centre is a vital component of building the skills base for local business moving forward.

"It would be an opportunity to train a skilled labour force," said Harris.

Harris said with the need for labour, also comes a need for housing.

If people come to Yorkton for a job "where will they live, that's the next question?" she said.

Another issue for business expansion is commercial lots, said Harris. She said the Chamber is working with the City to ensure they are prepared for business growth, and that includes commercial lot development to facilitate new business.

And new businesses will come, if the aforementioned mine goes forward, an eventuality Harris said she is very positive about.

"Everything is green lights so far," she said in terms of the mine going forward.

And when it does, the business community needs to be ready.

Harris said BHP has told the Chamber they will be looking to Chamber members to supply many of the needs of mine development.

"We need to be ready for that," she said.