Residents of Weyburn need only look at its changing landscape to see how the city is growing, but for those people and businesses on the outside looking in, the new 2011 City Guide is Weyburn's best marketing tool.
The new City Guide was delivered to businesses and organizations within Weyburn on March 16, but more importantly it has also been delivered to appropriate venues across the country and abroad.
"Ultimately, these will end up outside of Weyburn in tourism areas such as hotels, gas stations and museums," said Jeff Richards, manager of the South East Regional Economic Authority (SEREDA) and Weyburn Chamber of Commerce. "Tooting the horn in Weyburn is good, but it's preaching to the choir. We have to get the message out there that Weyburn is the place to be, and we are."
Richards can barely keep up with the telephone calls he receives from across the country from investors inquiring about what Weyburn has to offer. During his interview with Weyburn This Week, Richards produced a large stack of about 15 files containing information on businesses seriously considering locating in Weyburn.
Richards said that the question at the top of everyone's list concerns Weyburn's current population and its forecast for future growth.
"While Saskatchewan is the fastest growing province in Canada at 1.5 percent annually, Weyburn's growth rate last year was 14.5 percent, out-pacing similar sized Saskatchewan cities," said Richards.
According to Saskatchewan Health, Weyburn's 2009 population was 10,288. In 2010, that number jumped to 11,782, which represents an increase of 1,494. These numbers do not reflect the growth in Weyburn's RM, which may have seen an additional 200 residents last year.
Richards pointed out that much of the 1,494 residents would not have moved to Weyburn if it wasn't for the action in the oil and gas sector.
"As the oil and gas sector expands more people move here, now Co-op Foods has to expand so they hire contractors and the workers need homes...it's a ripple effect."
Manager of Community Services for the City, Doug Mulhall, agreed that Weyburn's booming economy is bringing more development and families into the city.
"We've already issued three permits for new houses this month and we are only half way through," said Mulhall. "From a residential perspective, it's looking pretty busy again this year."
Although the City currently has no new residential lots available, they are planning to create another 69 this year, with 30 to 40 lots being created this spring.
Property sales in Weyburn, including residential, commercial, apartment, and industrial, totalled $41.5 million in 2010; slightly higher than record-breaking 2008, which saw $41.1 million in total property sales.
Mulhall mentioned some companies that are planning to begin or continue construction this spring: The Jiffy Lube, which began work on its foundation in the fall, will continue construction on its new location beside Tim Horton's; and Souris Family Dental is building a new office near the new Crescent Point Energy Trust complex.
Mulhall said that a number of new projects are happening on the newly developed Ebel Road.
"We just sold one lot there that will serve the oil industry. We should see this developing this spring."
SaskPower is also planning a significant development on Ebel Road, according to Mulhall, as well as a developer from Alberta, who is planning a multi-bay shop.
Mulhall said that his department is also seeing a lot of interest from oil and oilfield-related companies, looking to build shops and offices in town.
"We've been getting inquiries from all over the countryside," said Mulhall. "We saw over $40 million in construction last year and I think Weyburn is going to continue to be an active place this year."
Richards highlighted the growth in Weyburn's newest subdivision, Evanston Park, which is in the RM of Weyburn, behind 22nd Avenue.
"In terms of development and business growth, one needs only look to the Evanston Park subdivision to see the new construction being done to provide locations for business. Companies such as Circle 'D' Transport, Hundseth Line, Site Energy and many others have chosen Weyburn as their centre of operations for southeast Saskatchewan."
Richards was quick to point out that all this growth wouldn't be possible without Weyburn's long-time businesses sticking it out through the good and bad years.
Richards applauded the work of SEREDA's new marketing coordinator Jenna Wilchuck for redesigning the City Guide and giving it a fresh look, reflective of the times.
"No more sleepy sunsets," said Richards. "We are an urban centre now - it's the new Weyburn!"
Although "sleepy sunsets" still have their place in the Guide, it also features vibrant photos of the city's best attractions and valuable information for investors. The Guide can be picked up at several locations in Weyburn, including City Hall, SEREDA, and the museum.
