Swift Current

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S PE C I A L F E AT U R E

Leader-Post • leaderpost.com

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T h u r s d ay, J u n e 2 7 , 2 0 1 3

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Growth continues in Swift Current

Frontier Days celebrates 75 years

Education takes priority

The city is one of the fastest-growing cities in Saskatchewan

75th year will see extra events and big-name entertainers

Construction begins on a new joint school

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Where life really does make sense By Jessica Mees L-P Specialty Products or the mayor of Swift Current, the pillars of the slogan “Where life makes sense” say a lot in regards to how important safety, quality education, health care, accessibility, recreation and culture are to the community. “I always say we should strive to be a community that offers many of the amenities of larger cities, but with the safety, security and friendliness of typical Saskatchewan communities,” said mayor Jerrod Schafer. “Employment and quality of life are two major factors in where people choose to live and by doing all we can to accommodate the growth of business to supply us with jobs, the quality of life and the amenities we have here really make this a fantastic place to live.” As the hub of the Southwest, Swift Current is close to many tourism destinations in the region, such as Cypress Hills, Fort Walsh, the Great Sandhills and Grasslands National Park. There is never a dull moment in and around town. “Our community offers great bang for the tourist’s buck and gives plenty of options for things to do. There is no shortage of culture, ranging from our historic Lyric Theatre, active museum and art gallery to world class events such as Frontier Days, Windscape Kite Festival, Blenders, Long Days Night Music Festival and our weekly Market Square in the summer,” he said. “For those looking to celebrate our rich history, you can visit Doc’s Town, the Mennonite Heritage Village and Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame. Finally, visitors here feel safe and have excellent hotels, restaurants and shops to provide them with everything they’ll need.” With the population climbing, new businesses are making this growing city their home, new people are moving in each day and, of course, many new jobs are opening up. Of course, being the mayor of such a booming community, has its ups and downs. “By far, the best part of my job is the

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reaction I get from kids who ‘meet the mayor.’ I’ve had many priceless moments that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” he said. “Seriously though, like anything that is rewarding, it can be a challenge, because we’re looking to the future and asking for change and, as we all know, change is never easy! We try very hard to be open and transparent and make communication a priority. Like all cities in our province, residents are demanding more in services and, for the first time in decades, not only is our province and city growing, but we are having to invest heavily in infrastructure renewal and keep up with development.” Even with the demands and rough patches, Schafer never regrets becoming the mayor. He has taken each challenge in stride, and the results are a changing community coming together to make a brighter future. While moving forward, the city also strives to keep the history alive and not take anything away from the past. “We are so fortunate to live here with the

Our community offers great bang for the tourist’s buck and gives plenty of options for things to do.” — Jerrod Schafer Mayor of Swift Current

quality of life and the quality of people that we embrace the future, strive for excellence and keep getting better,” he concluded. “When I say I don’t think there’s ever been a better time to be living in Swift Current, I hope that is something all future mayors keep saying, because I want to live in a community that keeps getting better and doesn’t stay the same.”

CONVENTIONS AND TRADE SHOWS GROWING IN SWIFT CURRENT Leader-Post Sources

Swift Current offers a full service convention centre, multiple facility rentals and supporting business services. Conventions and trade shows continue to grow and contribute to a 30 million dollar tourism industry in Swift Current. “We have been seeing increases year over year and we expect that will only continue,” notes Lee Friesen from Tourism Swift Current. “Business travel and peak summer traffic will always drive the numbers, but with the convention and trade show facilities we now have in Swift Current, we are attracting new business to our community.” The Sky Centre is a major part of this growth and has contributed to a developing tourism industry. The venue includes 575 theatre style seats which are removable to allow for conventions and trade shows. The house is raked, resulting in excellent sightlines for audiences, while stateof-the-art sound and lighting systems ensure optimal performance experiences. The facility is part of the Living Sky Casino complex and was built at a total cost of $35 million. Since opening in 2008, the Sky Centre has become a showcase for Swift Current and allows organizations and businesses to hold meetings and conventions in a facility that is competitive to any major market. “The Sky Centre offers all the amenities, and its size lets it provide personalized service,” says Catering and Events Coordinator Justina Sather. “Customer service is our priority and we offer all the amenities organizers might need.” Additional venues can be rented for events, conventions and trade shows including the historic Lyric Theatre with a capacity of 190; the Credit Union i-plex accommodates 800 people, and Kinetic Park with its multiple buildings, has capacity for groups up to 2,500. There is a growing list of local suppliers which include catering, event signage and sound support.

Living Sky Casino & Sky Centre, Swift Current, Saskatchewan TO U R I S M S W I F T C U R R E N T

VISITOR & CONVENTION SERVICES

Street Address: 44 Robert Street W, Swift Current, SK S9H 4M9

Visitor & Convention Services are located in the Swift Current Museum.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1480, Swift Current, SK S9H 3G6

during June, July and August, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.

The facilities have been a boon to the local economy, generating spin-offs to restaurants, hotels and retail trade. “With the opening of Home Inn & Suites and the new Motel 6, we now have 17 hotel properties and over 1000 rooms available. Separate to rental facilities, seven hotels offer meeting rooms which can be booked for groups from 15 to 260 people,” Friesen adds. “If you’re looking to host an event, hold an annual meeting, or plan a convention, you should see us in Swift Current. We’re available to assist and welcome your inquiries.”

Telephone: 306-778-9174

Visitor & Convention Services in Swift Current are open Monday to Friday and available by calling 306-778-9174.

W W W. T O U R I S M S W I F T C U R R E N T. C A

The facility is open year round, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and

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