Estevan Mercury 20230329 B-Sec Best of Estevan

Computer Repair & Service - DMS Services Inc.

Daycare Service - Estevan Daycare Co-operative

Equipment Rentals - Four Season Rental & Repair

Graphic Design - Graphic Press

Home Based Business - Purl Passion Fibre Arts

Hotel/B&B - Days Inn Estevan

Insurance Company - HUB International

Investments/Financial Advice - IG Wealth Management

Law Firm - Billesberger Law Firm

Marketing Company - Lemon Wedge Marketing

Pet Boarding - All Creatures

Pet Grooming - Unique Edge Grooming & Boarding Ltd.

Pet Supplies - Pet Valu

Photographer - Amery Wilson Photography

Print Shop - Graphic Press

Promotional Products - Crown Advertising Products Inc. / Sunset Embroidery

Real Estate Company - Century 21 Border Real Estate Services

Realtor - Linda Mack

Safety Training - Sawyer Safety Training & Consulting Ltd.

Self Storage - Schlamp & Sons Storage

Senior Housing - Creighton Lodge

Sewing/Alterations - Infinite Crafting

Skate Sharpener - JL’s Bike & Skate

Snow Removal - Turnbull Excavating Ltd.

Taxi Company - M&H Taxi Ltd.

Travel Agent - CAA Saskatchewan

Veterinarian - Prairie Animal Health Centre

ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Billiards/Pool - The Black Grasshopper

Campground/RV Park - Woodlawn Regional Park

Driving Range - Hidden Valley Golf & RV Resort

Family Fun - Estevan Bowl

Fitness Centre & Gym - The Gym

Fun for Kids - Estevan Leisure Centre

Golf Course - TS&M Woodlawn Golf Course

Local Event - Street Dance by the DBA

Museum/Art Gallery - Estevan Art Gallery & Museum

Personal Trainer - Meg LeBlanc Fitness

Tourist Attraction - Boundary Dam

Yoga/Meditation Centre - OM Yoga Studio

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Audiologist Clinic - Sun Country Hearing

Chiropractor Clinic - King Street Chiropractic & Health Centre

Dental Clinic - Scotsburn Dental Centre

Denture Clinic - BG Denture & Implant Restorative Centre

Massage Therapist Clinic - Recharge Massage Studio

Optometrist Clinic - South East Eyecare Ltd.

Pharmacy - Pharmasave Estevan

Physiotherapist Clinic - Southeast Physiotherapy

Vitamins/Supplements - Nutters Everyday Naturals

Weight Management - Encompass Fitness Studio

RESTAURANTS

Asian Cuisine - Jino’s Asian Delight

Bakery - Michael’s Coffee Shop & Bakery

Breakfast - Black Beard’s Restaurant

Buffet - Fired Up Grill

Catering - EB’s Dining

Chicken - KFC

Chicken Wings - The Black Grasshopper

Cup of Coffee - Michael’s Coffee Shop & Bakery

Dessert - Eddie Webster’s Kitchen & Bar

Family Restaurant - Black Beard’s Restaurant

Fast Food - Dairy Queen

Fine Dining - Eddie Webster’s Kitchen & Bar

Fries - Black Beard’s Restaurant

Hamburger - Black Beard’s Restaurant

Ice Cream - Dairy Queen

Lounge - Eddie Webster’s Kitchen & Bar

Outdoor Patio - Fired Up Grill

Overall Restaurant - Eddie Webster’s Kitchen & Bar

Pasta - Boston Pizza

Pizza - The Tower Cafe

Sandwich & Sub - Subway

Steak - Mr Mikes Steakhouse Casual

HOME & GARDEN

Building Centre - Schilling Home Hardware Building Centre

Concrete Contractor - F&L Concrete Services Ltd.

Electrician - Energy Electric Ltd.

Fireplace - Johnson Plumbing & Heating/Mid-City Plumbing & Heating

Floor Covering - The Floor Store

Garden/Greenhouse - Canadian Tire

General Contractor - Sector 1 Construction Inc.

Home Improvement - Sector 1 Construction Inc.

Hot Tub - Mid-City Plumbing & Heating Inc.

Kitchen Renovation - Sector 1 Construction Inc.

Landscaping/Excavating - Rock Solid Landscaping

Lawn Service - Turf Tenders

Lighting - Canadian Tire

Paint - Schilling Home Hardware Building Centre

Painter - Double G Painting

Plumbing & Heating - Johnson Plumbing & Heating

Roofing - BDM Roofing

Window Covering - The Floor Store

Windows & Doors - Sector 1 Glass

OIL INDUSTRY

Drilling Company - Panther Drilling

Equipment Rentals - Four Season Rental & Repair

Hotshot - AM to PM Hotshot Ltd.

Oilfield Construction - Endurance Oilfield

Oilfield Hauling - Bert Baxter Transport

Oilfield Trucking - Bert Baxter Transport

Safety Service - Sawyer Safety Training & Consulting Ltd.

Service Rig Company - Independent Well Services

Supply Store - TS&M Supply

SHOPPING

Appliances - Sholter Horsman Furniture & Appliances

Art & Home Decor - Room by Room Furniture

BBQ/Smoker & Supplies - McComb Automotive

Bicycle Shop - JL’s Bike & Skate

Camping & Outdoor Equipment - Open Season Outdoor Warehouse

Cannabis - Fire & Flower

Cell Phones - Jump.ca

Children’s Clothing - Wal-Mart

Computers - The House of Stationery

Drug Store - Pharmasave Estevan

Electronics - The Source

Eyeglasses - South East Eyecare Ltd.

Florist/Plant Shop - A Loving Touch Florist

Fresh Produce - Clifton’s No Frills

Furniture - Room by Room Furniture

Gift Shop - The General Store

Grocery - Clifton’s No Frills

Jewellery - A&A Jewellery

Liquor Store - Ice Factory

Mattresses - The Brick

Meat/Deli - Sobey’s

Men’s Clothing - Frank and Frankies

Office Supplies - The House of Stationery

Shoes - Sport Chek

Sporting Goods - Sport Chek

Women’s Clothing - Jenny Joans

BEST OF THE BEST

Best Customer Service - Black Beard’s Restaurant

Best New Business - FiXR’s Salon & Studio

Favourite Place to Shop - The General Store

The Estevan Mercury is proud to present our Best of Estevan special for 2023.

For the first time in three years, the Mercury offered Best of Estevan, thanks to a desire from the community to see the promotion return. And people responded accordingly, as we received thousands of votes once again this year.

The public voted for their favourite businesses and services through the ballot found in the Mercury in late February and early March and through an online ballot.

You can find the winners of this year’s promotion throughout this special keepsake publication. The businesses are proud to receive the awards and they are thanking customers through ads.

Estevan Mercury sales manager Pat Pasloski said it was so much fun bringing back Best of Estevan.

“We thought it was again time to acknowledge our readers’ choices and our local businesses. There have been lots of changes in the economy and in our cultural community in the past few years which have led to innovative and creative new businesses that we are lucky to have.”

Estevan’s local businesses are resilient and competitive, Pasloski said, and have become more diversified in their offerings because of various problems associated with the pandemic. They overcame the challenges and kept up the good job, and some will be soon putting new plaques up next to recognitions from before.

“I see many previous winners proudly displaying their certificates from previous years and I think that is great,” said Pasloski.

The Mercury held Best of Estevan competitions in 2011, 2018 and 2020. This time public voted for some of the long-time winners, but there are also many businesses that were chosen the best in their field for the first time.

“Personally, I think a People’s Choice Award is more significant than an Academy Award,” said Pasloski. “Every business has its customer base and is looking for ways to increase that. Acknowledgement is important for businesses just as it is for people.”

Best of Estevan also serves as a reminder of the diversity that

Estevan has in its business community. It shows how many different services we have, she said, and that you can find all you need in Estevan. You don’t need to go shopping in another community.

Pasloski noted that one business owner told her that if he won, it would be an indication that his marketing was on the right track and he was doing things properly. Regular advertising creates top-of-mind awareness and branding is important in every aspect of marketing, she said. But then the customer service and the product offered must meet the expectations offered in the advertising.

Some favourites have made a return to claim their Best of Estevan award yet again. Others have been around for years and have earned an award for the first time. And then there are those new businesses that have earned their first Best of Estevan certificates.

“Looking back through several years of Best of Estevan winners, it is sad to see some old favourite businesses are no longer around. Of course, some have been bought out or merged and moved forward to be even more successful,” said Pasloski.

“The Estevan Mercury has been telling your stories and publishing your ads for 120 years. Just imagine the names of businesses that have graced our pages – what history.

“We are proud to present our winners with their titles, with some winning more than one categor y. And we acknowledge and thank all businesses for their contributions to our community. Not just with their services and goods but also with their donations, community and customer service, and friendly competition,” said Pasloski.

“We like to think that Best of Estevan is not a title that you can rest upon. All of the businesses voted for have made enough of an impression on their customers or clients to make them vote. That is impressive. Business owners and managers don’t have easy jobs; it is never-ending. We salute and appreciate you all.

“Thank you for acknowledging the businesses that have made a difference in your lives and for taking the time to vote.”

The Estevan Mercury is proud to celebrate our 120th Birthday this year. Our industry has seen many changes over the years, but our goal has always been the same.... to be a trusted place for everyone to get their local news, local stories and a platform for local businesses to communicate with our audience.

Since 1903, The Estevan Mercury has been archiving your HISTORY AND TELLING YOUR STORIES.

We are honoured to recognize and celebrate the businesses in Estevan.

Everything your automobile needs can be found here

Are you looking for a new vehicle? Estevan’s the place to shop for it.

Do you need a used vehicle? Estevan’s going to have you taken care of.

Are you a “car person” who loves working on their vehicle and needs a part or a tool? You’ll be happy you’re in Estevan. And if you know as much about cars as quantum physics, then you’re in luck when your vehicle breaks down.

There’s no shortage of places in town to meet your vehicle needs.

The city has everything that people need for their vehicles. From auto body repair to glass, from parts to tires, from general auto repair to an oil change, you can get it taken care of in Estevan.

No need to head to a mechanic in another community. There are plenty of skilled professionals in Estevan.

And, of course, there are businesses in the city where you can get your vehicle fuelled up when you’re close to empty.

If your car, truck or SUV is in need of a wash after accumulating dirt during the winter months, or if they’re dusty on the outside after a spring drive in the country, then you can get it taken care of here, too.

If you need to purchase a new car, or if you’re purchasing a used vehicle for your child’s first car, then you have options in Estevan.

Estevan area residents love their vehicles, regardless of whether it’s new or an antique, or anything in between, and they care about their vehicles, too, regardless of whether it’s for work or personal use. And they know that when they have a need, it can be filled locally.

All it takes to be beautiful can be found in Estevan

From hair to nails, from skin to overall appearance, Estevan has everything one may need to look their best.

Have a special occasion coming or just want to add a bit of colour to your look?

All beauty needs can be covered at the highest standard right here, in Estevan, without a need to travel anywhere.

With many beauty and hair studios, dozens of manicure and pedicure professionals, several highly-skilled and experienced cosmetologists, a number of tanning paradises, talented tattoo and piercing artists and eyelash extension experts, Estevan’s other nickname could be the Beauty Capital of the Southeast.

The variety of beauty-industry businesses operating in Estevan can satisfy the pickiest beauty gurus and are also flexible and client-oriented to meet the needs of your busy schedule.

Local cosmetologists are there for you to help you look your natural best with cos-

metics, laser and botox procedures. Estevan professional and creative hair specialists know all the secrets of that perfect appearance for any kind of occasion, be it grad, a wedding, book presentation or supper with someone special. They’ll also find the perfect cut and colour that fits you the best.

Your nail needs can be met in one of the numerous beauty studios. SPA specialists will help you to relax, and there are also quite a few professionals to help you get rid of any unwanted hair. The tanning and red-light beds are always warm for those craving a bit of sunshine and wanting to improve the look of their skin. Professional teeth whitening is also available in several places in town.

Lash and brow artists will enhance what nature gave you. And for those who are willing to go beyond what nature had for us, the Estevan tattoo and piercing artists will help you enhance your appearance with beautiful and unique art.

Estevan has a wide variety of beauty specialists.

Photo by Georgijevic / E+ / Getty Images

Business / Services

Local business services keep you in action

Estevan’s business and services sector has all that you need to keep your office in operation and to meet the needs of the public.

There are accounting services to keep your books straight. Advertising specialists make sure your staff and clients have your logoed hoodies, hats and mugs, and there are trophy makers for your awards.

If you need it adjusted, there are tailors.

You can buy agriculture equipment for the farm or the garden, and when you retire, you’ll find an auctioneer to sell your property for you. In the meantime, there are bulk fuel dealers to keep that iron running.

Everything these days runs on computers, and Estevan businesses have the sales, service and expertise to keep your information technology running.

While you are at work, there are daycares for the kids. And if your kid spills spaghetti on your suit, there are cleaners to help with that, too.

Estevan has a wide range of business to take care of you real estate, storage and property maintenance needs. Specialists will take care of your pets for you, will sharpen your skates and make sure professional pictures will help you remember all the brightest moments. And if you ever need a lift home, experienced cab drivers will be there for you.

Sometimes you don’t need to buy a specialized tool. You can rent it instead. With all the money you’ve made, you can invest it, get a lawyer to write your contracts, and insure them, just in case.

Photo by Jirapong Manustrong / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Sports & Entertainment

You can have plenty of good times in Estevan

If you’re looking to have an enjoyable time, whether it’s as a family, a gathering with friends or a relaxing evening on your own, you’ll find it in Estevan.

There’s no shortage of events and attractions in the city throughout the year. Sure, the spring and summer months have the reputation for creating the best times, with festivals and tourist attractions and events, but the fun keeps going throughout the year. Head indoors and enjoy a night out at a local rink or at a concert.

If you’re looking for a location to shoot some pool, a place to play a round of golf (or even practise your golf game), or enjoy time outdoors at a campground, then Estevan is the place for you.

Exercise can be a lot of fun, too, so you have options in local gyms.

There are plenty of date night spots and kids activities options, too. Some businesses offer classes during the year that allow people to try out a new craft or participate in a paint night.

Perhaps you’re looking for something more for grownups. Estevan has them.

And you’ll find all sorts of great events throughout the year. We know that Estevan is nicknamed as the Energy City, but we could also be called The Entertainment City. And with all that is offered for people of all ages, at any point in the year, you know you’ll have a good time here.

Camping is among the popular activities in the Estevan area. Photo by buzbuzzer / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Health and wellness needs can be met locally

A sound mind in a sound body – an old, but nevertheless wise and true saying. Here in Estevan, one can find anything needed to keep body, mind and spirit healthy and well.

We were created to last, but our lifestyle, environment and life challenges sometimes compromise our bodies. Fortunately, Estevan has a wide range of businesses, aimed at correcting our mishaps and making us healthier.

Every day professional chiropractors practising in town help patients get rid of pain and feel their best, skilled and experienced massage therapists assist us to operate to full capacity, and physiotherapist are here to give us a hand in recovery.

And while some specialists ensure that you can get the most of what you have, others are there to correct our body’s wear and tears. Like in that old good fairy tale, experienced audiologists will help you hear bet-

ter, client-oriented optometrists will make sure that you can see while also looking your best, and precise dental practitioners will ensure that your smile always remains beautiful and healthy.

And if time took what nature gave us, denture clinics will make sure your smile is bright again.

Estevan also has a number of qualified personal trainers and a variety of fitness studios and centres equipped with professional units, so the clients reach their health goals. Personal and generic weight management programs offered by several businesses in town allow a steady and successful experience, while vitamin and supplement providers ensure that people in Estevan have all they need to lead a healthy lifestyle.

A wide range of Estevan pharmacies also supply the community with all the needed medications and drugs, helping residents to live a high-quality life.

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Estevan health and wellness professionals have all patients’ needs covered. Photo by Mikel Taboada / Moment / Getty Images

Missing from picture: Penny Ross, Jessica Mathison and Dawn Densley

A variety of great meals awaits you in

Are you feeling hungry tonight? Don’t feel like cooking?

That’s okay. Because when you live in Estevan, you can find the great meal you’re craving at one of our great local restaurants.

Do you want a pizza or pasta?

Estevan has it. Want a steak that is cooked to perfection? You’ll find it in Estevan. Want a juicy burger with a side of fries? You can get them here, too.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, you’ll find it in our restaurants, too, with Asian food and great cuisine from other countries around the world.

Many of the city’s restaurants

are the perfect place to take your family for an affordable meal. Some are known as fast food; others are sit-down restaurants beloved by local families.

There are pubs and bars that are perfect for a meal with friends or getting together with the team after the game.

Estevan’s restaurants are perfect for date night or a celebratory anniversary.

Most restaurants in town have a great dessert menu for something tasty after your delicious meal. Others specialize in baked goods.

And many of these places have specials, such as a Sunday

Thank You

buffet, a wing night on Wednesdays or a steak night on Thursdays. All-day breakfasts? You’ll find them. Or if you’re looking for a relaxing cup of coffee, you’re in luck.

If you’re looking to have an event, then there are lots of great catering companies to choose from. They’re all eager to meet your needs.

Once the summer months arrive, you can enjoy your favourite food and drinks from the comfort of one of Estevan’s outstanding patios.

So get to know the restaurant community in Estevan. You won’t be disappointed.

Photo by Rapeepong Puttakumwong /

Restaurants

Restaurants

The restaurant and foodservice industry in Saskatchewan remains a vital part of the province, despite facing ongoing challenges.

On March 22, the Government of Saskatchewan tabled its 2023-24 budget, which was primarily focused on debt reduction and improving the province’s overall fiscal position with a $1 billion surplus. While it brought some good news for the restaurant sector, it also didn’t promise any deeper

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solutions for the struggling industry, according to a news release.

The budget contained no new taxes or tax increases, which provides the industry with some stability. Unfortunately, as Restaurants Canada pointed out, the fiscal plan does not provide any substantial cost relief for the foodservice industry. The budget was also a missed opportunity for the provincial government to address a number of operational chal-

lenges impacting Saskatchewan’s restaurant sector.

“Not even a year on from the end of pandemic-related restrictions, Saskatchewan’s restaurant sector is still struggling to recover from its lasting impact. The combination of disappointing revenues, skyrocketing operating expenses and acute labour shortages are making it incredibly challenging for foodservice operators to recover financially,” said Jennifer Henshaw, vice president, Prairies and the North for Restaurants Canada.

“The 2023-24 budget needed to send the right signals to the province’s foodservice sector, and the greater business community, that Saskatchewan is ready to support a strong economic recovery for some of the hardest hit industries. While the budget certainly moved the fiscal needle in the right direction without any tax hikes or new taxes, it missed the mark by failing to adopt Restaurants Canada’s impactful, common-sense recommendations to help our industry,” added Henshaw.

The Government of Saskatchewan is also proceeding with its plans, previously announced in August 2022, to increase the small business tax rate of zero per cent to one per cent on July 1 of this year, and another increase to two per cent scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024.

“It’s disappointing that the province is moving forward with its planned restoration of the small business corporate income tax rate, which will be increased to one per cent in four months, and then two 2 per cent in the summer of 2024. This increase will impact some of

our smallest restaurant operators at a time when they can least afford it,” stated Henshaw.

In the 2023-24 pre-budget submission, Restaurants Canada and Saskatchewanbased restaurateurs recommended that the government include some key broad-based cost relief measures in the budget, specifically:

•Reinstating the provincial sales tax (PST) exemption on restaurant meals once the provincial budget is in a surplus position equal to, or more than, the PST restaurant meal revenue collected;

•Following the lead of Manitoba, along with Newfoundland and Labrador, with the introduction of a similar small business minimum wage adjustment program to mitigate the financial impact of Saskatchewan’s steep 27 per cent minimum wage increase over the next three years; and

•Levelling the liquorpurchasing playing field by implementing wholesale liquor pricing for all hospitality licenees.

A recent Restaurants Canada survey revealed that 27 per cent of table-service restaurants are still in debt due to the loss in business and rising costs during the pandemic. This compares to 66 per cent of “all other foodservice”, such as bars, and 51 per cent of quick-service restaurants. Of those still in debt, nearly 80 per cent of independent table-service restaurants owe between $50,000 and $500,000 – an enormous financial burden.

Meanwhile, 20 per cent of chain table-service restaurants have incurred more than $1 million in debt, with many operating between five and 25 locations. The survey also revealed that one in four independent table-service restaurants said their business is not expected to recover from the debt incurred

due to the pandemic unless current conditions change.

Restaurants Canada said they will continue to advocate strongly for effective solutions to alleviate financial pressures, reduce red tape and address the industry’s labour crisis.

“Restaurants Canada looks forward to continuing to work alongside the Saskatchewan government to keep local businesses, and specifically those within foodservice, alive,” they said in a press release.

In the meantime, as the government and bigger associations are trying to find systematic solutions for the industry, supporting local restaurants may help them navigate through tough times. And with a wide variety of different cuisines and a great selection of meal options available in Estevan, supporting local restaurants not only will help them keep their doors open but will also bring you, your family and your friends a lot of joy.

need your support

an important role in the life of a community

A meal out can be a very enjoyable experience.

Photo by Janina Steinmetz / DigitalVision / Getty Images

Home & Garden

Creating your piece of heaven in your home and yard

This just might be an ideal time to plant a garden or get work done around the house.

Thankfully, Estevan has the stores and suppliers to meet your needs, from seeds and greenhouses to garden tools. You might want to pick up a grow light to start some tomatoes. You can find it in Estevan.

But before you start with that garden, you might want to look into building a new house that you’ve always dreamed about. Start with a local concrete contractor for your footings and basement, then finish your driveway.

Estevan has plumbers, electricians, kitchen contractors, lighting experts, roofers, window covering companies, flooring vendors and painters available.

Or maybe you just want to give a whole new look to the house you are in currently. Be it interior or exterior renos, Estevan has specialists who’ll help you ensure your house looks its best.

On top, you always can treat yourself to a hot tub. Surround it with a beautiful patio. Get a lawn service to create your own green lush piece of paradise. P ut in a picture window to admire it all.

These are just some of the home and garden services available in Estevan. And when it comes to maintaining the inside, there are duct cleaners, carpet cleaners and cleaning services.

When it’s all done, put your feet up in front of your new fireplace. You’ve earned this piece of heaven.

Estevan businesses will take care of your home, backyard and garden.

Photo by davidmartyn / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Home & Garden

Oil Industry

Estevan truly is the Energy City

Ever since oil development began in earnest in southeast Saskatchewan in the 1950s, Estevan has been a key area.

Rightfully earning its moniker as the Energy City, Estevan is an oilfield services hub. It services not only southeast Saskatchewan but southwest Manitoba as well. And any work is always done to the highest safety standards.

Most of what you need for the patch, from pump and machine shops to safety training and oilfield supply, can be found in Estevan. And if they don’t have it in town, it can be brought in by overnight courier from elsewhere.

Estevan is home to numerous drilling and service rig companies, trucking firms, environmental, hotshot and rental firms, just to name a few sectors. When we’re talking fishing, it’s not for largemouth bass at Boundary.

Numerous oilfield maintenance outfits call Estevan home. If you need a skid package set up, battery constructed or flowline built, you can find the crews and the crew trucks to do it. Cranes and pickers are available in the city, too.

It remains an important employer, providing all sorts of good-paying jobs. The people in the energy sector then spend that money locally in our business community.

The oilpatch in Estevan has been through its ups and downs, but one thing it has always done is persevered. The number of companies that have been around for at least 30, 40, 50 and even 60 years speaks to the tenacity of the sector.

Doubles.

highly experienced crews, unparalleled customer service, superior equipment

The

Photo by Olga Rolenko / Moment / Getty Images

Shop local, because you can

Looking for a unique and satisfying shopping experience? Consider shopping in Estevan. For a long time, the Energy City has been known for its wide range of stores and boutiques that serve all shoppers’ needs. Anything from appliances, furniture and matrasses, to art pieces and sports equipment and clothes, from cell phones to drones, from laptops and professional computers to all kinds of office supplies, from bicycles to camping and outdoor equipment, from any kind of clothes to flowers and accessorizes, from any type of food to cannabis supplies, can be found within a 10-minute drive.

Looking for gift ideas? A number of stores will be happy to help you find that special something for any age and any occasion. Estevan drug and grocery stores are open long hours to ensure that everyone can get their medical supplies, as well as fresh produce, groceries, meat and deli at their convenience.

Shopping for men’s, women’s or children’s

clothes? Here in Estevan, you can purchase anything from scrubs and professional safety gear to daily outlooks and cowboy attire, to special event dresses and tuxedos and brand outfits in the latest styles.

A number of places will supply you with the latest models of all types of electronics, while the kids’ stores will ensure that your children have their own toys to play with. Not only does the Estevan business community have your needs covered, but they also know everything about your pets’ needs.

Local stores always have great deals and excellent service for customers, enhanced with a personal approach.

And if you don’t feel like spending extra time in-store, a lot of places now also offer online shopping and delivery options.

By shopping locally, you keep your money in the community, allowing for further growth and development, and you also get the best while saving on unnecessary travelling.

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Downtown Business Association has an important role to play

The Downtown Business Association (DBA) is always looking for ways to promote the diverse companies that are located in the central part of the Energy City.

Robert Godfrey said the DBA showcases the opportunities for things to do in the city, whether it be retail, restaurants, beauty salons, entertainment, or health and lifestyle.

“If you want to find the best of Estevan, you’re going to find it in the businesses in the Downtown Business Association,” said Godfrey.

Twenty-five businesses are currently part of the DBA. Most of them can be found on Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Streets. Godfrey said the majority of the businesses in that corridor are part of the association.

And they represent a variety of companies, ranging from marketing and printing to welded products, office supplies to pharmacies, beauty and salons to travel agencies, clothing retailers to jewelers. And there are restaurants in there as well.

“What we’ve seen in the past couple of years is a lot of the businesses that weren’t

previously members signed up to join, and I think that’s a result of some of the great promotions that we’ve had,” said Godfrey. Many of the promotional efforts are relatively new. There has been the weekly Thursday Night Markets in the parking lot behind RBC that have attracted vendors and shoppers. The first night market of the year will be held June 29, and the last will occurr Aug. 17. They run from 6-8 p.m. each week.

“It is a great opportunity for local vendors to come together and show off all of their products and meet new customers. We also have live entertainment at every single market, which is a great draw and makes for a really fun evening,” said Godfrey.

Their largest event of the year is the downtown street dance in July. It has been held in the 1100-block of Fourth Street, with the stage and dancing area set up on the street and the alcohol sale area in the Tower Café’s parking lot. This year’s dance is set for July 22. Performers will be announced soon, Godfrey said.

The downtown street dance has become a popular attraction in Estevan each summer. File photo

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Community events have helped DBA’s profile

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“We’ve got a couple of really incredible acts that are going to be performing on the stage, and of course it’s a great night of dancing and visiting with people from near and far,” said Godfrey.

A street fair in August provides a lot of value to merchants as well, he said, with different activities for the whole family, lots of shopping opportunities from DBA members, food vendors and a few other vendors.

And in the past couple of years, the DBA has hosted A Miracle on Fourth Street in an effort to get people spending more time downtown for their Christmas shopping. Godfrey said it really is a lot of fun. The weather has been great, too, which has helped entice people to enjoy the activities offered for people of all ages.

The DBA is always looking at ideas to grow a Miracle on Fourth, so if anyone wants to partner with them for activities, that would be great. Godfrey suggested a parade or fire pits downtown.

“In the last two years, we’ve put a big push on growing the events and the public awareness of the business association and their members, so that has definitely helped with getting new members signing on,” said Godfrey.

The DBA wants to show people from within and outside of Estevan all the great shopping opportunities that exist here.

“Our Downtown Business Association members put a lot of work into creating fantastic shopping and dining experiences, and we just want everyone to go check out these stores in person,” said Godfrey.

“You’re going to get top-tier customer service. You’re going to find an amazing selection of products and services from all of our members, and I think you’ll just be really impressed with how much you can do and how much you can get here locally in Estevan, and that’s the big part of the DBA is promoting everything these members do.”

The strength of the downtown businesses and the events that are offered have resulted in growing awareness about the value of the DBA as well.

“We’ve heard it so many times during the events that we’ve run, how impressed people are with the businesses downtown and the DBA. The DBA is a great example of the community spirit of businesses in Estevan, and the DBA is an organization made up completely of local business owners.”

They put in the work for the events and provide opportunities for having a great time in Estevan, and people have said they’re thankful for the businesses and the DBA for all they provide to the community.

As more events and opportunities occur, more people will be aware of the DBA and its members, he said.

THANKS A BUNCH, ESTEVAN

We couldn’t have done it without our fellow employees and our wonderful community.

The street fair in August attracted people to downtown Estevan. File photo

VOTED ESTEVAN’S Best Veterinarian

I have been a partner and veterinarian with PAHC since the practice opened in 2003. I love using my diagnostic and surgical skills to improve the lives of my patients. Practicing in rural Saskatchewan means we have a varied and challenging species mix and that no two days are the same. We have an excellent team of caring, compassionate and dedicated staff that make coming to work fun.

My favourite thing about PAHC is the team. I wouldn’t do it without them.

I am most proud to be a vet when I feel like I made a difference for the better in the animals life, and when I get positive feedback from clients and staff.

The culture within the team and the people on the team made joining the PAHC team an easy choice. I enjoy the satisfaction of relieving pain and providing kind treatment for animals.

Kristin Caldwell

I enjoy the variety and quality of medicine we do and the great team I have the privilege to work with.

I enjoy helping people and their fur families and the challenging nature of the profession. It is a very personally rewarding profession.

Veterinarian

I like about working at PAHC because everyone is supportive and checking in with each other. Everyone is always asking if they can help in anyway to help with my day. I enjoy about being a RVT because I enjoy the patient care that we can provide with the advancement of veterinary medicine. It has come a long way in the 12 years I have been a RVT and I enjoy that I am always learning something new.

What I like about working at PAHC is the day-to-day interactions with clients and their pets and working alongside our amazing staff. I love being an RVT for so many reasons. My favorite part is that every day is different and there’s always a new challenge.

Practice Manager/RVT

I like that I get to work alongside with the wonderful people here.

As an RVT I enjoy helping those who don't have a voice and connecting with the owners. Cleaning your pet's dirty teeth is also very satisfying. I love hearing updates on how the quality of life has improved.

Taylor Hoium

I enjoy our team collaboration and dedication to high quality medicine and innovation. I enjoy seeing our patients at recheck visits and follow-ups knowing the care they received had a direct impact on their health. I enjoy making a difference.

CVO & RVT

Courtney Walter

I love working at PAHC because of the wonderful team members and clients we have! They make it enjoyable to come into work and I love the contagiousness of care and compassion everyone has for their pets. I love being an RVT because no two days are the same! I enjoy science and problem solving and veterinary medicine lets me combine both of those things to help all animals.

Robyn Winton

I enjoy working at PAHC with the amazing staff, it feels like working with a big family and there’s always someone willing to lend a helping hand. I really love being able to be in the middle of vet medicine, I am continuously learning new things. I love being able to work with the animals, as well as meeting our amazing clients.

I enjoy working with an amazing team and constantly learning new things. I enjoy getting to know the clients and their pets. I want to ensure the clients and patients have a good experience while at the clinic.

Assistant Customer Care

I love working at PAHC because I am constantly learning new things. The unpredictability of each day makes it a constant learning experience. The staff is like having a second family.

Customer Care

Dr. Carol Ross

Dr. Jeremy Ross

Owner Veterinarian

Owner Veterinarian

Dr. Greg Douglas

Owner Veterinarian

Dr. Karly Lanz

Melissa England

Breanne Barber

Aleigha Bell

Elissa MacKenzie

RVT