Swift Current 2016 by Postmedia Saskatchewan

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

SWIFT CURRENT 2016

TABLE OF C NTENTS Mayor reflects on growth.....................................Page 1 Diversified economy ........................................... Page 2 Downtown blooms .............................................. Page 4

Market Square .................................................... Page 5 Farming flourishes .............................................. Page 6 Festivals, Events, Attraction ................................ Page 7 Frontier Days ...................................................... Page 9

The population of Swift Current has expanded significantly during Jerrod Schafer’s tenure as mayor. PHOTO: GRANT LIVINGSTONE

SWIFT CURRENT’S MAYOR REFLECTS ON GROWTH OF CITY A N D R EW L I V I N G S T O N E POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS

Air Show ........................................................... Page 9 CCA Rodeo Finals ..............................................Page 10 Craft brewing..................................................... Page 11 Cypress Health Region .......................................Page 12 ABOUT THIS CONTENT: SWIFT CURRENT – WHERE LIFE MAKES SENSE WAS PRODUCED BY POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS AS A RESULT OF ADVERTISERS’ INTEREST IN RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT THIS SUBJECT. POSTMEDIA’S EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT HAD NO INVOLVEMENT IN THE CREATION OF THIS CONTENT.

SPONSORS

Swift Current mayor Jerrod Schafer has spent 13 years in city hall, serving first as a councillor and then as the mayor. In that time, he has had the opportunity to observe a city on the rise, and, although he has announced that his tenure will end in October, his career provides a window into the decisions and events that changed his commu-

nity for the better. Schafer’s political career began with a choice that many Saskatchewan youth face. “I was born and raised here and grew up here and snuck away for university,” he said. “I didn’t leave for Alberta, but it was something that I was considering at the time. There wasn’t a whole lot of interest in growth or opportunity in the province, so, for me, I guess my choice was like for a lot of other folks: I could either try

and get involved in Saskatchewan, make a home here and try and improve it if I could, or I could leave. I decided to get involved in the community.” Ideas that might reinvigorate the community were under debate in the city, and Schafer decided to run for city council to play a role in implementing positive change. “There was a great movement already underway with a lot of loSEE MAYOR ON PAGE 3

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

DiversifieD economy keeps swift current strong A n d r ew L i v i n g s t o n e Postmedia Content Works

Optimism can suffer when a community is confronted with unforeseen challenges like the recent downturn in the oil industry, but Swift Current remains fundamentally unshaken. Between the draw of exciting events, a healthy real estate and construction sector, and the traditional economic foundation of agriculture, the growth that defined the city in 2015 is expected to continue throughout 2016 and beyond. “On the activity side, 2016 started out really interesting,” said Marty Salberg, director of community development for the City of Swift Current. “In some regards, it was the ‘fun factor,’ with many events that have taken place. It started out with Rogers Hometown Hockey, followed up with the fifth annual Living Sky Pow-Wow, and the second time we’ve hosted the Ford World Women’s Curling Championship. “That’s going to lead into the Cody Snyder Professional Bull Riding Invitational. Then, we have our internationally-renowned Long Day’s Night and Windscape Kite Festival this summer, followed by Frontier Days (our annual exhibition), and finishing off with the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo in October. The actual activity within the city has certainly not slowed down.” Such events do more than enrich the city’s culture — they support its economy through ticket sales and the stimulation of its hospitality industry. “Certainly, our tourism industry, events and cultural activities have been growing and are become ever increasingly important to Swift Current and area,” said Salberg, “We’re seeing fairly high hotel occupancy rates and many new people coming to Swift Current to see these really exceptional events.” Of course, the success of the tourism and hospitality sectors does not mean that the area’s traditional farming and ranching industries are suffering. “Agriculture has always been a critical component to life in general in Saskatchewan, and that’s no different for Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan,” Salberg said. “We’re fortunate that, given our location, in addition to the traditional cattle industry and cereal crops, we have significant acreages of peas and lentils — the pulse crops — which have been very lucrative over the last number of years.” Like tourism, agricultural activity around Swift Current feeds numerous related businesses, and those enterprises have been thriving of late. “We’ve seen, over

Swift Current simply is a really great place to live. the last number of years, some real enhancements or expansions, whether it be significant implement dealer expansions or manufacturing companies that focus on agriculture in general, and then of course all of the service industries that serve the agricultural sector,” said Salberg. “So, it’s always been important, and, with a downturn in the oil industry, agriculture will play an increasingly significant role.” The upgrades and expansions of agricultural support facilities are part of what made industrial real estate so desirable in the city in 2015. “With the oil prices and oil activity dipping towards the end of the year, we still ended up with our best year in history in terms of building permits with $88 million,” Salberg said. “In fact, we sold out our industrial park, and we’re now developing our expansion to it.” Swift Current’s banner construction year also included a great deal of residential development. “At year end in 2015, our real estate numbers also came in strong,” said Salberg. “The average sale price of a home was $250,000, up almost 11 per cent from 2014. We’ve had a strong economy, and people are confident to invest in new homes or buy existing homes with a commitment to staying in Swift Current.” Salberg attributes the growing interest in calling Swift Current “home” not just to the consistently strong economy, but also to the comfortable environment that newcomers find in the city. “Swift Current simply is a really great place to live, whether it is because of the affordability, the collective effort to be as open for business as possible and try to help new businesses locate in Swift Current, or because of the assistance in attracting and training employees. We have agencies and dedicated businesses and individuals who truly believe in the quality and positive characteristics of our community and enjoy sharing this belief.” Although the city’s unemployment rate is low, future developments promise to create even more work in the area. “SaskPower announced that we’re the location for a natural gas electrical generation facility, and that’s

close to a billion dollar project,” said Salberg. “The company to build it will be awarded the contract this summer, with completion of the project in 2019, so that’s a few years that will be extremely exciting for Swift Current. “There’ll be several hundred construction workers on the site at any one time throughout that time and 25 fairly well-paying, full-time positions to operate the facility once it’s complete. We’re pretty happy about that and look forward to all the economic impact that project’s going to bring to Swift Current. “In general, Swift Current is holding its own and that’s a testament to its diversity,” Salberg said. “All these things add up to a real diverse community that relies on agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, tourism, retail and service, and, over the last number of years, those have all been going strong. Oil is down in a challenging scenario right now, but we know that’s going to change, and look forward to this industry rebounding.”

Marty Salberg, Director of Community Development, City of Swift Current. Photo: Grant LivinGstone

Swift Current achieved a banner year for residential construction in 2015. The average selling price of a new home increased by almost 11 per cent in 2015 over the year previous. Photo: Grant LivinGstone

Having a facility like the Credit Union I-Plex has helped Swift Current bid for national events including the Canadian Cowboys Association

Thanks to the strength of the region’s agriculture sector, Salberg reports that several farm implement dealers in Swift Current have expanded or enhanced their facilities. Photo: Grant LivinGstone

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

W/ WE WERE LOVERS

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

W/ LITTLE JUNIOR

W/ DJ BABY DADDY SATURDAY, JUNE 25

LONG DAY’S NIGHT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Finals Rodeo. Photo: Grant LivinGstone

SUNDAY, JUNE 26

W/ NICK FAYE & THE DEPUTIES

For more information, please visit longdaysnight.ca Tickets are $30 per concert, or $95 for a festival pass and are available for purchase on ticketedge.ca REG00236338_1_1

REG00236340_1_1

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

MaYOR continued from Page 1

cal businessmen and community leaders called Action Swift Current, and the whole focus was to try and really spur Swift Current towards growth,” he said. The first election in which Schafer ran, for instance, included a plebiscite regarding the contentious plan to partner with File Hills Qu’Appelle tribal council in building a casino within the city. In 2003, Schafer was elected to the city council, and the construction of the casino was approved, a development that has benefited the city in many ways. “We had a performing arts centre attached to it, which has been a huge feather in the cap for our community, and Living Sky Casino has been a wonderful community partner for us as well,” said Schafer. “They’re a great sponsor, they’re very active in tourism, and they’ve done a lot of good in our community.” For Schafer, the addition of the casino to the city marked the beginning of Swift Current’s present prosperity. “That seemed to be a point when we started investing significantly in our infrastructure, upgrading our rinks, our wastewater treatment plants, our water treatment plants and all those other facilities that we use every day in Saskatchewan municipalities. We had great investment from the private sector and from other levels of government as well,” he said. “I think that was a good kickstart because it really got people focusing on what can happen when construction starts.” Like the city’s fortunes, Schafer’s career was about to enjoy a boost. “After serving two terms on city council and getting more and more involved, the opportunity arose where our mayor wasn’t going to be seeking reelection, and, for me, it was just a natural evolution that I would

try and take the next step to see my vision for the community through of being a growing, proud and thriving community here in Saskatchewan,” he said. When Schafer was elected mayor in 2009, he took the reins of an enthusiastic city in the midst of a booming regional economy. “I always say that, by the time that I had the opportunity to be mayor of Swift Current, I think we were a community with families and a business sector that was really hungry for growth and development,” he said. “I think we’ve had great economic times in the province, obviously up until the last year with energy prices. We’ve seen a real willingness of people to want to invest and see communities grow rather than maintain the status quo, which is what we did for a long time.” The result is an amazing surge in construction that the city can barely contain. “We’ve seen significant investments in our community like housing starts and private sector investment,” said Schafer. “We’re sold out of industrial land right now. We’ve had record housing starts. “Total construction in Swift Current’s been over $600 million in the last 10 years, and the previous 25 years before that, it was under $250 million. We’ve more than doubled in 10 years what it took 25 years previously to do, so that’s pretty significant. A lot of that’s been upgrading vital city facilities like water and wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and developing land for sale, but we’ve also been fortunate that we’ve had a lot of new business expansion here.” Meanwhile, more and more people are calling Swift Current their home. “Our population is now growing for the first time in that 60-year period, so things have certainly changed,” Schafer said.

The construction of the Living Sky Casino brought many benefits to Swift Current, including the development of a performing arts centre. Photo: SIGA

InITIaTIve enhanCeS CommunITy SafeTy

The population of Swift Current has expanded significantly during Jerrod Schafer’s tenure as mayor. Photo: Grant LIvInGStone

Satisfied with his role in fostering the prosperity and ambition of his city, Schafer has announced in April that he will not seek re-election when his current term ends. “I ran for council 13 years ago not because I had a great interest in politics or was seeking a springboard into a provincial or federal role — I wanted to get involved and make our community a more appealing place to build a career, raise a family and retire in,” he said.

“Now it’s just time to take a step back and focus on my career and my family. “I’ll definitely be staying in Swift Current and devoting all my energy on my family and my non-political career,” said Schafer. “I’m obviously very motivated to contribute to the community, so I’ll still be around and giving back when I can, but for now I’m looking forward to a little less stress and responsibility!”

Swift Current has much to be proud of, but mayor Jerrod Schafer identifies a particularly serious matter as his most important accomplishment. “Looking back at the history of Swift Current with Graham James and the sexual abuse tragedy with the Swift Current Broncos, our community partnered all these years later with Sheldon Kennedy in January of this year,” he said. “We launched a new youth certification initiative, which is some education and background checks to create another layer of safety in our community to help parents and kids be protected against predators, and I think that’s probably something I’m the most proud of in my time in this community.” Although the initiative is still new, it has already attracted attention. “There’s been a lot of interest from municipalities not only across Saskatchewan, but across the country,” said Schafer. “We’re fielding inquiries as to how we’ve rolled this out and what the impact is in our community. Hopefully, it’s something that will catch on in other municipalities across the country.”

Where Life Makes Sense Th City of Swift Current is the major population centre The of Southwest Saskatchewan. It is an energetic, progressive co community, boasting a vibrant downtown business core an and two shopping malls. In addition to a strong business indu industry, tremendous education system and first-rate health se services, residents benefit from extensive social, cultural, sporting and recreational amenities. As a city of family and friends, our efforts to maintain a high quality of life and favorable business climate are rivaled hi only by our desire to welcome new families to our city. Wi With so much to take advantage of, there is no doubt that residents of Swift Current enjoy a quality of life that is second to none!

Affordability Accessibility Education Health Security Recreation Culture Environment FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SWIFT CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES CALL: MARTY SALBERG - Director of Community Development Phone: (306) 778-2700 Fax: (306) 778-2194 Email: m.salberg@swiftcurrent.ca

www.swiftcurrent.ca

REG00236339_1_1

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

swift Current’s downtown blooms from deep roots A n d r ew L i v i n g s t o n e Postmedia Content Works

In many ways, shopping in Swift Current can be a very different experience than one could find in other urban centres. Diverse and cooperative enterprises can be found throughout the city’s downtown, which devotedly maintains its historic aesthetic character. “It’s a real experience for people to come down and enjoy the heritage of our buildings as well as the variety of shopping,” said Erin Gehl, Swift Current Main Street coordinator. The city safeguards its venerable structures by offering grants to landowners who preserve them and the result is impressive. “We do have outstanding heritage, and some of our older buildings are very beautiful,” Gehl said. “The Lyric Theatre is one of Saskatchewan’s oldest live theatre buildings that still operates with regular programming and it’s something that the community’s really rallied around.” Indeed, because downtown is lined with historic buildings, a first-time visitor might assume that they are all filled with similar antique merchandise, but the truth is far more interesting. “Our shops are very nice, but, every time that people go inside, they’re always amazed at the quality and creativity in the different products that different shop owners have,” Gehl said. “It’s not very often in a community of our size that you see such diversity. We go from our financial sector — finance is the heart of our business community downtown — to our regular retail and housing shops, to MailleTec,” which is a company that sells functional, flexible armour to both heavy industries that need the protection and Hollywood productions that need the authenticity. Beyond the traditional brick facades, Swift Current shops are telling fresh and diverse stories. “We’ve had a new women’s clothing store open up on the corner downtown called Bre’s Boutique,” said Gehl. “Bre’s is unique in the sense that she is a really good example of starting a business from home. She did clothing parties to start with and then found that there was a true following. She ended up being able to find

Swift Current’s downtown businesses offer a diverse variety of merchandise and services. supplied photos

Erin Gehl, coordinator of Swift Current’s Main Street, says that the downtown district’s heritage buildings attract attention for their unique character.

an excellent spot downtown and she’s grown with the customers coming in. She’s bringing in some high-quality lines that people usually can only find online or in larger centres.” Bre’s is not the only business downtown that is creating its own niche in the marketplace. “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our Optical Image store downtown, selling really oneof-a-kind frames, and then even

or eleven straight years, the SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival has welcomed an impressive cast of Celebrity Kite Flyers to present an incredible array of kites against the beautiful Saskatchewan sky. On June 25 and 26, 2016, the skies will once again be filled with a multitude of flying creations for the 12th Annual SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival. Over 40 national ational and international stars of kite performing g and kitemaking attend Windscape each year, many of whom have ave flown at some of the most prestigious us and largest st festivals in the world. Along with h the fantastic lineup neup of kite artists rtists and flyers, the SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival features a wide variety riety of activities for or kids.

The Children’s Tent offers many opportunities to keep kids of all ages entertained, including a bubble station, balloon sculpting, a straw bale maze, and a treasure-filled sand pile, as well as face-painting and tattoos. At Windscape’s ongoing kite workshops, everyone can create a custom made kite. With the assistance of skilled volunteers, both children and adults can construct a simple sled or bird-shaped kite guaranteed to fly. There is also a Windscape Kite Store where many kinds of kites, including inexpensive children’s kites

further up the street on Central Avenue, places like Pharmasave,” Gehl said. “We are proud to have the largest Pharmasave in Canada, so it’s really a one-stop shop. In that strip mall, we’re very fortunate to have things such as Sentiments. They’re a furniture store, and Elsie does a wonderful job of catering to her clients and clients from out of town. A long-standing business to Swift Current is Rittinger’s Menswear,

and I do believe our premier still shops there.” Interacting with Swift Current business owners and employees can be a different experience too. “If you walk into a store and you can’t find something, no one in Swift Current is afraid to recommend either their competitor or the business down the street,” said Gehl. “The individual business offers a bit more sense of community, and I think that it’s

something that, when you find it, you want it again.” “There’s an experience to be had in Swift Current,” Gehl said. “It’s a smaller community that offers very competitive and exciting merchandise, whether it’s shopping for technology, or a car, or clothes, or shoes — I do really believe that we have it all. On top of having it all, we’ve got that personal touch, and I think that that’s what keeps people coming back.”

and dual line kites for flyers of all levels and abilities. Knowledgeable staff can help you make an informed decision about the best kite for you and your family. Admission to the SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival is free, and visitors receive a free festival program and passport upon arrival. At Windscape, everyone can ex experience the thrill of flying in the vast Sask Saskatchewan air space with some of the wo world’s best kite artists and a performers. All kinds ki of kites are encour encouraged. New owners of dual-line stunt kites are invited to spe spend some time wit with our qualified ins instructor. A free les lesson will ensure you a successful aft afternoon of fly flying instead of a frustra frustrating day of kite crashing. If your kit kite takes one too many nose-dives, bring the bro broken kite to our free-of-charge kite hospital w where the repairs will be attempted by our celeb celebrity kite flyers. There is plenty to do at the SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival, but take time to sit back and enjoy the kites. Bring chairs and umbrellas to watch the parade of interesting kite performances. The Long Day’s Night Music Festival complements the kite festival. Each evening on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the main tent transforms into a cabaret. Everyone can relax and dance the night away with a tent full of local music lovers.

10am to 5pm

Hear screaming sport kites controlled by kite performers from across Canada and USA! See gigantic creature kites created by kite artists from Belgium! View amazing works of NQCRM GID LQ JCDP GIDCHDHE KPGIR DO juggle, leap off the gravity jump, and create your own spectacular kite or 8796: dragon! Enjoy hours and hours of fun children’s activities!

A World-Class Family Festival!

WindscapeKiteFestival.ca REG00236335_1_1

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

Market Square a SuMMer SenSation A n d r ew L i v i n g s t o n e Postmedia Content Works

The heart of Swift Current will swell with music and excitement on Saturdays throughout the summer as the city celebrates its historic downtown with Market Square. Every weekend from June 18 to October 1, the intersection of the corner of Chaplin Street East and Central Avenue North will host performances and shopping that will delight visitors of any age. “There’s always something for families to do,” said Marlene Johnson, the market manager of Swift Current’s Market Square. Each month will feature themes that enhance the flavour of the event and provide special opportunities for fun. On July 2, Market Square will partner with Frontier Days to kick off the “Western Days” theme, including horse rides and a petting zoo. In August, when the theme will be “Trains, Planes and Spaceships,” the city plans to hold a “Superhero Saturday,” complete with a costume contest and travelling Star Wars cosplay. Finally, September will be “Cruising Days,” which will feature an automotive show-and-shine. “We have a huge variety of music,” Johnson said. “We try to get a lot of local bands and musicians, but we like to try and catch people that are going through as well. We want to make people feel like they don’t have to be hired for that day, that they can stop and just go up onstage and play.” The performances need not be musical in nature however, and other entertainers, such as improv groups and puppet shows, have graced the stage in the past. Johnson said that the Market Square idea originated as a means of accomplishing several goals for the community. Economically, the city wanted to create a more vibrant downtown and promote the establishments there, attracting both locals and visitors to the area, which would benefit businesses throughout the city. Culturally, it wanted to support community-based initiatives and give the people of Swift Current the chance to enjoy their city and showcase their spirit. “A way of doing that started out as an initiative to have a Market Square,” said Johnson. “We looked at other markets, like Saskatoon and different communities, to see what they did. Our first year was a pilot project.” 2011 was the first year in which Swift Current experimented with its Market Square, but Johnson said that the project did not gather much momentum until 2012. “In 2012, we had a meeting with

Every Saturday throughout the summer, Market Square comes alive with music and entertainment. Head to the corner of Chaplin Street and Central Avenue, in the historic downtown district, and enjoy exciting family entertainment and irresistible shopping. Supplied photoS

the Swift Current Farmer’s Market, which was held every Thursday and Saturday at the Swift Current Mall,” she said. “When we partnered with them, they came downtown with us on Saturdays, as well as other vendors. That’s when it really took off.” The move benefitted both the Farmer’s Market and the fledgling Market Square. “There’s just some of those really good stories that are nice to see,” said Johnson. “There’s actually one lady in particular that I was talking to that sold honey at the mall with the Farmer’s Market, and, now that she’s downtown at the Market Square, what used to be a hobby and for extra money, has become a huge business — she sells that much more now.” Now, the site of Market Square has expanded to accommodate the burgeoning number of vendors and visitors. “The project overall just keeps growing bigger and bigger,” Johnson said. “It went from us trying to find people to come to be vendors at the market, to now, where people are phoning me in November or October for the next year. They’re booking at the end of the year of the market for the next year already and asking if they can have their same spot.” That degree of success might not have been possible without the support of the city’s financial com-

munity. “We couldn’t do it without our major sponsor, Standard Motors — they’re our presenting sponsor, which has really helped us to promote and advertise,” said Johnson. “We have Innovation Credit Union, to sponsor the stage, and Southwest TV News as our media sponsor.” Those major sponsors will be joined by “Featured Businesses of the Week,” which will contribute to a particular Saturday’s celebrations. “It could be a business like MNP, Stark & Marsh or Optical Image,” Johnson said. “We promote their business for free for that week. They get to start the market that Saturday and introduce their business. They have full use of the stage so they can do a promotion such as draws every half hour

or hour. Some of them just come and say, ‘Welcome to the Market Square,’ and say a little bit about themselves.” Johnson said that such investment from individuals, groups and

businesses is exactly what the city wanted the project to inspire when it began in 2011. “It’s an initiative that we wanted for the community, and for the community to embrace.”

REG00236332_1_1

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

Farming Flourishes in swiFt Current area A n d r ew L i v i n g s t o n e Postmedia Content Works

For Gerald Swystun, general manager of the agricultural equipment dealer Full Line Ag in Swift Current, the strength of the agricultural sector is evident in the success of both his community and his business. “We’re 100 per cent directly related to the ag industry — if they do good, we do well as well, and we’re doing fine,” he said. Full Line Ag’s relocation to a larger ‘superstore’ facility in February of this year is a testament to that. “Business is good. It’s steady. Since we’ve moved here, I’ve seen an increase in traffic, and there are lots of inquiries, lots of people pricing.” For businesses like Full Line Ag, it pays to court the agricultural sector through convenient and effective service. “When it comes to the size of the equipment, you can’t be in the city,” said Swystun. “We’re on 15 acres of land now, which gives us lots of room for new or used equipment. We’re in a 35,000-square-foot building, which gives us a lot more space. Our shop is a lot more efficient.” Full Line is not the only business to profit from the healthy agricultural industry. “You don’t have to be a farmer to be tied to agriculture,” Swystun said. “There’s the farm equipment industry, the trucking industry, the technology through research and development of crops and chemicals, veterinary science — it’s very diversified.” Indeed, the large scale of agriculture generates equally massive economic activity that invariably benefits the entire community. “People still relate the word ‘farmer’ to banjo playing and a guy with

To meet the increased demand for equipment from Swift Current area farmers, Full Line Ag expanded operations and relocated to a new ‘superstore’ facility in February of this year. Supplied photoS

a straw sticking out of his mouth, but most farmers do more business dollar turnover than probably 60 per cent of the businesses in Swift Current, so they’re big business people,” said Swystun. “They make huge dollar decisions.” Fortunately for Swift Current and all of the ancillary businesses

that are supported by agriculture in southwest Saskatchewan, the industry has been thriving in recent years. “That may be our bestkept-secret,” said Swystun. “The agricultural sector down in the Swift Current area is lentils, livestock and durum, and all three of those are doing very well.”

As an export industry, a low Canadian dollar boosts the agricultural sector, so the drop in the loonie due to the declining price of oil has provided an advantage over nations like the U.S., where a strong currency is currently undermining farmers. “With our low dollar, that gives Canadian farmers a high

commodity price,” Swystun said. “What their commodity is worth, and what they make, determines what they can purchase after they sell their commodities.” Inexpensive oil also benefits the industry before the commodities even reach the market. “You start looking at farmers that are doing 30,000 to 50,000 acres — that’s a lot of fuel,” said Swystun, who has seen savings in his own business due to the low cost of oil and gas. “They’re benefitting on fuel savings just from the cost. That’s a big bottom line.” Even before the price of fuel dropped, farmers were applying new technologies to make farming more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than ever. “Through GPS, there’s auto-boom, auto-spray, auto-steer, auto-turn, and every one of those makes agriculture more efficient,” Swystun said. “We’re not overlap spraying, we’re not overlap seeding, so you’re not wasting fertilizer and chemical. The newer stuff that’s coming out hits spots. There are technologies out there that can recognize a weed and it’ll spray just that weed.” Technology has even improved the crops themselves. Historically, cross-breeding and selection created seedless fruits and differentlycoloured roses, but genetic techniques are now putting plants onto farms that require less fertilizer, water and sunshine and are better able to compete with parasites and competitors. Like the new crops, farming in the Swift Current area has become a high-tech, resilient industry that flourishes even when other industries falter. “Agriculture is good,” said Swystun. “Agriculture is viable. You can make a career out of it.”

FINALS RODEO FOUR EVENT FILLED DAYS FIVE RODEO PERFORMANCES TRADE SHOW & CABARET

OCTOBER 19 - 22, 2016 SWIFT CURRENT, SK FOLLOW US ON

SWIFTCURRENT.CA

Photography by lewisimages

SWIFTCURRENTEX.COM

CANADIANCOWBOYS.CA REG00236342_1_1

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

See you in Swift Current! Festivals and events long day’s night Music Festival June 23 - June 26 Celebrate four of the longest days of the year with great music and lots of fun under a big-top tent at Marston Street and 11th Avenue SW. For festival passes and individual performance tickets, visit www.longdaysnight.ca.

cca Finals rodeo oct. 19 – oct. 22 The CCA Finals is one of Canada’s largest rodeo events. Activities include the traditional five rodeo performances, competitions, a trade show, rodeo cabaret, and countless opportunities for camaraderie with family, friends, visitors and competitors. www.canadiancowboys.ca

Photo: Lewis images/CCa

Guided tours are available for schools and groups. Open Monday through Friday year-round and on weekends during June, July and August. Windscape Kite Festival June 25 - June 26 Windscape Kite Festival is a familyfriendly, free-admission festival. See fabulous art kites, giant creature kites, roaring stunt kites, battling fighter kites, soaring kite trains and speeding kite buggies under Swift Current skies. www.windscapekitefestival.ca Frontier days Fair & rodeo June 29 - July 2 Ridin’, Rockin’ and Livestockin’. Capture the thrills and spills of bull riding, wild bucking horses and barrel racing. Activities include midway rides, grandstand concerts, horse and cattle shows, and 4-H competitions. www. swiftcurrentex.com chautauqua theatre Festival July 7 - July 9 Return to the 1920s, when travelling shows captivated audiences. Listen to lectures, musicians and raconteurs, drink sarsaparilla and enjoy worldclass, touring theatre artists performing original and critically acclaimed work. www.lyrictheatre.ca

sWiFt current and area attractions living sKy casino 306-778-5759 www.livingskycasino.ca Live it up at Living Sky Casino, Southwest Saskatchewan’s entertainment destination. Stay and play with partner hotels. The facility has a wide variety of slot machines, table games, restaurant, lounge and stage. The Event Centre offers theatre-style seating for live concert performances and catering services for conventions, banquets, weddings and anniversaries. sWiFt current MuseuM 306-778-2775 www.swiftcurrent.ca The Swift Current Museum showcases 10,000 years of history in the southwest. The museum is located on the Trans-Canada Highway and provides visitor services to the travelling public.

lyric theatre 306-773-6292 www.lyrictheatre.ca The historic Lyric Theatre was the first Vaudeville theatre constructed in Saskatchewan, and, for more than a century, it has been a place for people to gather to share music, drama and art. Vaudeville continues today, along with musical dramas, spoken word performances, regular open stages and new media events. Chautauqua is held in July and features four days of live theatre performances. art gallery oF sWiFt current 306-778-2736 www.artgalleryofswiftcurrent.org The Art Gallery in Swift Current, located at 411 Herbert Street East, features exhibitions of regional, provincial and national artwork and provides access to visual art culture and education. The gallery has become a well-respected resource for student education, offering tours and hands-on workshops.

MarKet square corner oF central avenue and chaplin street 306-778-2723 See what’s happening at Market Square, Swift Current’s events area downtown. Market Square occurs every Saturday from June 18 to Oct. 1, and features multiple vendors selling products alongside professional and amateur entertainers. Admission is free and hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kinetic parK 306-773-2944 www.swiftcurrentex.com Kinetic Park, 1700 - 17th Ave. SE, is where you will find Doc’s Town Heritage Village, the Mennonite Heritage Village and the West Wing Gallery. Learn about prairie history and the lifestyles of early settlers. Buildings on the grounds include a homestead, barn, church, school, blacksmith shop, tea room, gift shop and galleries. Open weekend afternoons throughout the summer months.

22nd annual WaterMelon Festival July 24, 2 - 6 p.M. Mennonite Heritage Village returns with the 22nd Annual Watermelon Festival. Watermelon and roll kuchen (a deep fried pastry served with cold watermelon) will be available throughout the afternoon. www.mennoniteheritagevillage.ca Photos: tourism swift Current

VISITOR & CONVENTION SERVICES IN SWIFT CURRENT Leader-Post Sources

Swift Current offers a full service convention centre, multiple facility rentals and supporting business services. The facilities have been a boost to the local economy, generating spin-offs to restaurants, hotels and retail trade. “We have 18 hotel properties that offer a total of almost 1,000 rooms,” says Jackie Moore from Tourism Swift Current. Six of these properties have a variety of meeting room sizes which can accommodate groups of 12 up to 260. Conventions and trade shows contribute to a $39 million tourism industry in Swift Current. “We’ve been seeing increases year over year in this area, and we are confident these numbers will continue to grow,” notes Moore. “Business travel, service crews and peak summer traffic have always been the driver behind those numbers, but with the convention facilities and supporting hotel properties we now have in Swift Current, we’re seeing new business from conventions, trade shows and annual events.” The Living Sky Casino Event 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 for conventions and trade shows. The house is raked, resulting in excellent sight lines for audiences, while state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems ensure optimal performance experiences. Since opening, the Event Centre has been a catalyst for the hospitality industry in Swift Current, allowing for local, regional and provincial organizations to hold meetings and conventions in a facility that is competitive to any market in the province. “We just hosted the 6th annual 49º x 110º Spring Conference in April and could not have been more pleased with the results,” says Moore. “49º x 110º brings together tourism, economic development and private business from across the province, but we could not put this event together without the Event Centre. It’s a great example of what you can do when you have supporting partners, and the event has become a showcase for the facility, the city and Southwest Saskatchewan.” Swift Current has facilities that add to the strength of the Event Centre. Unique venues include the historic Lyric Theatre, with a capacity of 190, and the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame, located in the Credit Union i-plex. The i-plex is a multi-purpose facility and can accommodate up to 800 people. Kinetic Park, with multiple buildings and ample grounds, has the capacity to host groups up to 2,500. Supporting these facilities is a growing list of event suppliers. Moore adds, “A successful event is the result of careful planning and attention to detail. Whether you’re planning a convention, sports competition, wedding or reunion, we can meet your needs with excellent facilities, services and amenities. Explore Swift Current and see what we have to offer!” Visitor & Convention Services are open Monday to Friday and available by calling 306-778-9174.

Living Sky Casino & Event 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:

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

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

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

P.O. Box 1480, Swift Current, SK S9H 3G6 Telephone: 306-778-9174

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

@SwiftCurrentSK

W W W. T O U R I S M S W I F T C U R R E N T. C A REG00236334_1_1

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

chinook golf courSe -778-2776 306 chinook golf courSe www.chinookgolf.ca. 306-778-2776 Bent grass greens and www.chinookgolf.ca. conditioned fairways Bent grass greens and provide 6,205 yards of conditioned fairways challenging play for all provide 6,205 yards of levels of golfers. challenging play forThe all 18-hole course levels of golfers.winds The through marshy winds areas 18-hole course and cut banks while it through marshy areas follows the Swift Current and cut banks while it Creek. include follows Facilities the Swift Current aCreek. restaurant, lounge Facilitiesa include a pro shop with aandrestaurant, a lounge equipment and a prorentals, shop powwith er carts, practice equipment rentals,greens powandcarts, a driving range. er practice greens

SaSkatchewan hockey hall of fame SaSkatchewan hockey hall of www.saskhockeyhalloffame.com fame 306-741-2532 www.saskhockeyhalloffame.com The SHHOF is open year-round and 306-741-2532 located in the Credit Union iPlex. The SHHOF is open year-round and Inductees include the 1989 iPlex. Swift located in the Credit Union Current Broncos Inductees includeteam; the Fred 1989SasakaSwift moose, who was the first First Nations Current Broncos team; Fred Sasakaplayer play in the thefirst NHL;First andNations Gordie moose,to who was Howe, one of the greatest hockey player to play in the NHL; and Gordie players of alloftime. are Howe, one the Regular greatesthours hockey Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 players of all time. Regular hours are p.m. Tuesday to Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5

p.m.

chinook Parkway 306-778-2787 chinook Parkway A perfect place for walking, jogging, 306-778-2787 cycling andplace bird for watching, popuA perfect walking,thejogging, lar and picturesque Chinook Parkway cycling and bird watching, the popuruns alongside SwiftChinook CurrentParkway Creek. lar and picturesque Native grasses and reeds provide runs alongside Swift Current Creek. nesting habitat songbirds and Native and grasses andfor reeds provide waterfowl and wildflowers. nesting and habitat for songbirds and

waterfowl and wildflowers. Swift current haS three major golf Elmwood and SwiftcourSeS current—haS threeGolf major Country Club, Chinook Golf Course and golf courSeS — Elmwood Golf and Sask Landing Resort all located Country Club, Golf Chinook Golf—Course and within a half-hour drive of the Sask Landing Golf Resort — allcity. located within a half-hour drive of the city.

Photo: tourism swift Current

Photo: tourism swift Current and a driving range. elmwood golf & country club SaSk landing golf reSort 306-778-golf (4653) 1-866-landing 691-golfgolf (4653) elmwood golf & country club SaSk reSort www.elmwoodgc.com -778-golf (4653) -866-691-golf (4653) 306 1www.sasklandinggolfresort.com Elmwood Golf & Country Club is Located 30 minutes north of Swift Curwww.elmwoodgc.com www.sasklandinggolfresort.com one of Canada’s golf Club courses rent, Sask Resort is wellElmwood Golf &oldest Country is Located 30Landing minutesGolf north of Swift Curand opened for oldest play ingolf 1919. This known for Landing its uniqueness andis7,000 one of Canada’s courses rent, Sask Golf Resort wellLes Farber designed play. and Every7,000 tee and opened for play incourse 1919. with This yards known offorchallenging its uniqueness 6,294 yards of play incorporates box gives golfers breathtaking views Les Farber designed course with yards of challenging play. Every tee surrounding and incorporates trees, while of Diefenbaker and the surround6,294 yards hills of play boxLake gives golfers breathtaking views the creek presents numerous chaling hills. Facilities include a clubhouse, surrounding hills and trees, while of Lake Diefenbaker and the surroundlenges to presents even the numerous most talented service proinclude shop, power carts, the creek chal- aingfull hills. Facilities a clubhouse, of duffers. Facilities include a resequipment rentals and a driving range. lenges to even the most talented a full service pro shop, power carts, taurant andFacilities lounge, include along with of duffers. a res-a equipment rentals and a driving range. fully stocked pro shop and a driving taurant and lounge, along with a Swift current iS located in range. heart of SouthweSt SaSk fully stocked pro shop and a driving the Swift current iS located inatchewan and Surrounded by range. the heart of SouthweSt SaSkfive deStination areaS: big mudatchewan and Surrounded by dy, hills, grasslands, fivecypress deStination areaS: big great mudSandhills and lakegrasslands, diefenbaker. dy, cypress hills, great

Sandhills and lake diefenbaker. lake diefenbaker Located 30 minutes north of Swift lake diefenbaker Current, 30 Lake Diefenbaker is Swift wellLocated minutes north of known forLake its golfing, boating and Current, Diefenbaker is wellworld fishing. With 800 knownclass for walleye its golfing, boating and kilometres shoreline, it isWith the largworld classof walleye fishing. 800 est body ofofwater in Southwest Saskilometres shoreline, it is the largkatchewan. Along the shoreline you est body of water in Southwest Saswill find beaches, sandcastles and katchewan. Along the shoreline you coulees explore. The area has and full will findtobeaches, sandcastles service marinas, 18 golf courses and coulees to explore. The area has full four provincial parks. service marinas, 18 golf courses and four provincial parks. cyPreSS hillS interProvincial Park cyPreSS hillS interProvincial Located 90 minutes west of Swift Park Current, the minutes Cypress west Hills of areSwift the Located 90 highest point of land in SaskatchCurrent, the Cypress Hills are the ewan. giantof plateau surhighestApoint land in once Saskatchewan. A ingiant plateau surThis arTicle was submiTTed by Tourism swifT currenT. PosTmedia’s ediTorial deParTmenTs had no involvemenT The creaTion of Thisonce conTenT.

rounded by glaciers, Cypress Hills is an oasis the open prairie. Hills The rounded byonglaciers, Cypress area a rich and open colourful history. is anhas oasis on the prairie. The For a gathering areamany, has a this rich has and been colourful history. place and people have camped in the For many, this has been a gathering hills Thecamped park is in home placefor andcenturies. people have the to rare wildflowers, towering stands hills for centuries. The park is home of pines, and 220 species to lodgepole rare wildflowers, towering stands of birds and mammals. lodgepole pines, and 220 species of birds and mammals. graSSlandS national Park Grasslands National Park Park is 90 mingraSSlandS national utes south of Swift Current. This is Grasslands National Park is 90 minwheresouth you will find wild plainsThis bison utes of Swift Current. is roaming free. the plains 80 kmbison Ecowhere you willTravel find wild Tour roadfree. in the Westthe Block and Ecodisroaming Travel 80 km coverroad stunning Tour in thelandscapes West Block and and culdistural history. It is a natural paradise cover stunning landscapes and culwith weathered untouched tural history. It badlands, is a natural paradise native prairie, badlands, and grassland flora with weathered untouched and fauna. Grasslands is the onlyflora one native prairie, and grassland of the country’s 39 national parks and fauna. Grasslands is the only one thattherepresents and isparks one of country’s prairie, 39 national of therepresents darkest Dark Sky Preserves in that prairie, and is one Canada. The East Block is the richest of the darkest Dark Sky Preserves in resource of East dinosaur in the Canada. The Blockfossils is the richest country, and, within the park boundresource of dinosaur fossils in the aries, there overthe 12,000 country, and,are within park ancient boundteepee rings. aries, there are over 12,000 ancient

teepee rings. great SandhillS Located one hour northwest of Swift great SandhillS Current is onehour of the largest and most Located one northwest of Swift impressive sets of active sand dunes in Current is one of the largest and most Canada. The Great Sandhills draw visiimpressive sets of active sand dunes in tors fromThe across countrydraw and visiis a Canada. Greatthe Sandhills veritable for country family fun in is thea tors fromparadise across the and sand. Theparadise dunes rise feet above the veritable for50 family fun in the ground and cover square sand. The dunes rise1,900 50 feet abovekilothe metres. Subjected strong winds,kilothe ground and cover to 1,900 square dunes are always moving, an metres. Subjected to strongcreating winds, the ever-changing landscape photogradunes are always moving,forcreating an phers, visitors and naturalfor wildlife. ever-changing landscape photographers, visitors and natural wildlife. big muddy Two hours southeast of Swift Current, big muddy the Big Muddy Badlands provide an Two hours southeast of Swift Current, incredible display of nature's archithe Big Muddy Badlands provide an tecture. In the heartofof nature's the badlands is incredible display archiCastle Butte, a relic from the ice age. tecture. In the heart of the badlands is This free-standing Castle Butte, a relicstructure from thewas iceused age. as a landmark by First Nations people, This free-standing structure was used the Police and as a North-West landmark by Mounted First Nations people, early Canadian settlers. Evidence of the North-West Mounted Police and early civilization can be found in the early Canadian settlers. Evidence of Big area in thebeform of in stone earlyMuddy civilization can found the effigies, ceremonial circles and anBig Muddy area in the form of stone cient buffalo jumps. circles and aneffigies, ceremonial cient buffalo jumps.

This arTicle was submiTTed by Tourism swifT currenT. PosTmedia’s ediTorial deParTmenTs had no involvemenT in The creaTion of This conTenT.

PIONEER CO-OP: CELEBRATING Pioneer Co-op marks their 80th anniversary in 2016. From humble beginnings, in July of 1936, a meeting of Swift Current Oil and-Gas shareholders officially proclaimed the company a co-operative and Pioneer Co-op was born. As part of the Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), Pioneer Co-op is independently owned by their membership but works closely with their sister stores throughout Western Canada to continue the long tradition of satisfying their customers and giving back to their community. Pioneer Co-operative Association Limited, located in Swift Current,

Sask. has grown into one of the largest co-operatives in Western Canada and one of the Top One Hundred Companies in Saskatchewan proudly serving the needs of Swift Current as well as fourteen surrounding communities and the agricultural industry. Just like their fore-fathers, the benefits of membership remain clear and Pioneer Co-op welcomes everyone, providing world-class customer service to members and non-members alike, while sharing their success within their communities. A lifetime membership is just $10 and you can join 24,000 members who reap the benefits every day.

80 Years!

Pioneer Co-op operates service stations, an agronomy centre, agro centre, fertilizer and bulk petroleum along with a department store, a home centre, family fashions, and food stores in Swift Current and surrounding communities. Last year Pioneer Co-op recorded sales of $271 million; these sales could not have been accomplished without their management and staff compliment of 470 employees who work toward providing you – the member/customer – with personal and professional service. You’re at home here! In the spring to fall season, their staff grows to 500 with the addition of summer students and seasonal positions. Giving back to their communities is what they do and nothing says community better than Co-ops. Whether they’re supporting schools, sports teams, local charities, the food bank, hosting a pancake breakfast or family skate, providing prizes or food for fundraisers, volunteering for Meals On Wheels, to name a few, they are there alongside their community members making a difference one event at a time. As plans come together to celebrate their 80th anniversary, please watch the media for upcoming events to be held in

Swift Current and surrounding branches. They hope you will celebrate with them, after all, You’re at home here! For more information on the rich history of Pioneer Co-op, as well as all they have to offer today, visit www.pioneercoop.ca.

(306) 778-8800 www.pioneercoop.ca REG00236318_1_1

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

Ridin’, Rockin’ and livestockin’ into FRontieR days 2016 by L e n o r A b e L L s s W i f t C u r r e n t a g r i C u lt u r e & e x h i b i t i o n a s s o C i at i o n

Swift Current Frontier Days Exhibition boasts the finest attractions the Southwest has come to expect on June 29, 30, July 1 and 2. All are welcome. In 1938, with a group of Kinetics leading the way, Frontier Days began as a gigantic celebration meant to bring cheerfulness back to the community after hard times during the ‘30s. What an event it was! Twenty-five thousand people descended on Swift Current, which had a population of 5,000. It was complete with a midway, historic western parade, street dances, rodeo queen contest and family reunions, all centred on the rodeo. Today, the Swift Current Agricultural and Exhibition Association carries on the tradition. Daily attractions include Lighthorse Events, Commercial Exhibits, Saloon, West Coast Amusements, West Coast Lumberjack Shows, West Wing Gallery, Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo and the Mennonite Heritage Village. Doc’s Town has home-cooked meals and homemade pies with ice-cream served daily. Country acts and rock and roll will make up the Frontier Days night shows at the grandstand. On Wednesday, June 29, visit downtown Swift Current for the kick-off Burning of the Frontier Days Brand ceremony during the cowboy pancake breakfast. At 4 p.m., take in the Kiddie’s Day parade, and then head on down to Kinetic Exhibition Park. At the 8 p.m.

Swift Current’s Frontier Days is an annual fun fest, jam-packed with exciting activities – from rodeo action, lumberjack shows and pioneer demonstrations to midway thrills! The Frontier Days Exhibition takes place June 29 through July 2. Supplied photoS

Grandstand Show, the Roberston Family Group is proud to present Linc Union and the Hunter Brothers, with all proceeds from this concert donated to Joe’s Place (Moose Jaw), The Centre and SwiftLink (Swift Current), Rock Solid Refuge (Shunavon) and barn upgrades for the Swift Current Ag & Ex. On Thursday, June 30, daily activities continue. Be sure and catch all the ground-pounding excitement of bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding at the three performances of The Canadian Cowboys Association Rodeo being held on Thursday at 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m.

On Friday, July 1, Canada Day, the Swift Current streets will be lined up with cheering crowds for the Rockin’ the Southwest Spirit Frontier Days Parade, which starts from the Swift Current iPlex at 10 a.m. There will be official Canada Day ceremonies at Memorial Park, and then the fun will continue at Kinetic Exhibition Park, with a day of midway rides, food, the CCA rodeo, the livestock show and equine events. In the evening, be prepared for a boot stompin’ good time at the grandstand with Julian Austin and The Road Hammers. Canada Day ends in spectacular fashion with the Living Sky Fireworks show by Big Band Fireworks. Saturday, July 2, daily activities

swift Current to host autumn air show Andrew Livingstone Postmedia Content Works

The sky above the Swift Current Airport will churn with convoluted contrails this Sept. 28 as the field showcases amazing piloting skills and death-defying formations in a special air show that will celebrate the location’s wartime history. Organizers are planning an air show that varies between solo and formation aerobatics and even daytime and nighttime theatrics. “We have Brent Handy and Yellow Thunder. Gene Soucy will perform a daytime show. We have the Snowbirds, and then we have Gene Soucy again doing his night routine,” said Todd Schultz, the superintendent of the Swift Current Airport. “It’s quite a privilege to have a show of this calibre in the community.” Not all of the show will be in the air. “There will be a number of static

displays highlighting the historical significance of this airport and other BCATP [British Commonwealth Air Training Plan] airports, and the contributions that service people have made throughout the years and today,” Schultz said. “We’re hoping to also have some vintage automobiles, some activities for families and children and there will be some static aircraft as well. “It’s the chance to get up close to aircraft that many members of the public often don’t get to see and interact with the pilots and flight crews, learn about the aircraft and, of course, be on the apron of an active airport when the aircraft take to the skies,” said Schultz. “It’s definitely something to take in if you’re an aviation enthusiast, but it’s an event for everybody to get up close with aviation.” Schultz credits Brent Handy, a former Snowbird and current solo

Living Sky Casino

Living Sky Casino is located on the

Trans-Canada highway in Swift Current and is southwest Saskatchewan’s top entertainment destination. The $35 million casino is a joint First Nations economic development with the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, Nekaneet First Nation and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. The casino’s Event Centre, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose multi-purpo pose po se entertainment venue, attracts additional additi tion ti onal on al business and travellers to the the ccommunity. ommu muni mu nity. ni SIGA has five Guiding Principles, Prin Pr inci cipl ci ples, two of pl which direct directly ctly ct ly relate rel elat ate with at th what we are talking abou about outt here. ou here he re.. Firstly there is the re guiding prin principle inci in cipl ci ple Wîtaskêwin; living pl together on the th land la is the fundamental value valu lue lu e conveyed conv co nvey nv eyed by the word Wîtaskêwin. ey SIGA’s vision SIGA GA’s GA ’s visio ion n “Sharing Success”” talks to the concept conc co ncep nc ept of sharing our land or, in ep today’s terms, sharing resources. This value valu va lue lu e di directs us to give back to the communities commun co unities where we live and work. un

Look to the skies for excitement on September 28 at the Swift Current Air Show. The program includes top notch solo and formation aerobatic performances by the Snowbirds, Gene Soucy, Brent Handy, Super Dave Matheson (pictured here) and more! Supplied photoS

aerobatic pilot, for helping to gather the requisite performers for a stellar aerial demonstration. “He performed here last year on Mother’s Day, so he was kind of our door into

continue along with the CCA rodeo finals, horse and livestock shows, commercial exhibits at the Stockade and meeting friends and neighbours. At 8 p.m. at the grandstand, have a rockin’ good time with Aim for Theo and Finger Eleven. The Ag & Ex Fireworks bring to a close the Ridin’ Rockin’ & Livestockin’ 2016 Frontier Days. Gate entry is $5 for each of the four days, with those 12 and under admitted free. The Frontier Days Platinum Package includes four days’ admission to Frontier Days, all three double-header concerts, plus the three CCA Rodeo performances for only $99. Individual grandstand concert and CCA Rodeo tickets are also available.

Tickets may be purchased online by calling the Ag & Ex office at 306773-2944; at Pharmasave or at Robertson Implements. Need more information? No worries. Check out the website — the chute is always open at: www.swiftcurrentex.com. The Swift Current Ag & Ex is a non-profit organization dedicated to its mandate of providing service to, and enhancing the life of, residents of the community and the region, in the areas of agriculture, entertainment, sport and culture. Since 1938, Swift Current Frontier Days Fair and Rodeo has been committed to benefiting youth, supporting education and aiding better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation.

the Snowbirds,” said Schultz. “He had suggested that we reach out to them if we wanted a performance this year, which we did.” The inclusion of Yellow Thunder is significant partly due to that team’s choice of airplane: the North American Harvard, a vintage, single-engined trainer vehicle that has been used in the area before. “What’s unique about having Harvards here is that Swift Current served as No. 39 Service Flying Training School during World War II, which was part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan,” Schultz said. “The Royal Canadian Air Force is recognizing the 75th anniversary of the BCATP this year, so that further embellishes the fact that we’ll have some aircraft that were used in this facility here.” As for the Snowbirds, a Canadian air show simply would not be complete without them. “They represent and demonstrate the capabilities of the Royal Canadian

Air Force,” said Schultz. “They’re world renowned, famous in the international air show circuit, and it’s a very, very exciting performance. It’s some of the finest high-calibre aerobatics you can see at any air show, and often the Snowbirds are the cap of any event. In Saskatchewan, we’re one of two venues for the Snowbirds this year.” Located approximately five miles east of the city, the Swift Current Airport is accessible from the TransCanada Highway or Highway 4. The event promises to be a rare opportunity to celebrate the historic airfield with world-class aerial performances and terrestrial educational opportunities. “We’re hoping to attract as wide of a crosssection of the public as possible, everyone from school kids right up to retirees,” Schultz said. “Of course, aviation enthusiasts are likely our target market, but, truly, this is an event that anyone would appreciate, especially if you haven’t been to an air show before.”

In living up to these Guiding Principles we want to be a part of the community and be involved where and when we can. Our involvement comes in various forms however the most enjoyment we have as a team is our giving back through our volunteer committee and volunteer program. Last year the Volunteer Committee completed over 525 hours in the community. Some of the programs were the Salvation Army Food Hamper Build & Drive; Dr. Noble Irwin Foundations Annual “Your Family’s Health Radiothon”; Royal Canadian Legion annual Veterans Cemetery Clean Up; Heart & Stroke Big Bike; and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Walk for Wellness.

We are also proud to be major sponsors with various community groups and events, including: The 2016 Worlds Women’s Curling Championships, Swift Current’s Frontier Days, Winsdscape Secondly there iis th the guiding Se ndly the idin principle incipl Kite Festival, WHL Swift Current Broncos Miyo‐wîcêhtowin; the value of getting and the Family Resource Centre. along with others is embodied in the word Miyo‐wîcêhtowin. By conducting We want to do our part to make our business in a manner that reflects our community a better place. our First Nations hospitality, traditions and customs, we are able to foster good Living Sky Casino General Manager – Trevor Marion relations with our customers. REG00236343_1_1

F10

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

Swift Current landS CCa rodeo finalS A n d r ew L i v i n g s t o n e Postmedia Content Works

In 2016, Swift Current will host the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo for the first time from October 19 to 22. The competition will demonstrate the vitality of rodeo culture and bring Canada’s finest cowboys together to decide which is the cream of the crop. Each evening from Wednesday to Friday at the I-Plex, the rodeo events will come fast and furious as athletes from around the country compete in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, tie down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. “These are the top cowboys in Canada that come out to this,” said Lenora Bells, event development coordinator for the Swift Current Ag & Ex. “These are the cowboys that have made the most money throughout the season, so you’re going to catch top quality competition happening here, and the stock — the horses and the bulls that they ride and the steers they wrestle — are all top quality.” These weekday rodeos will also feature less competitive events for the entertainment of the crowd. “There will be something like that added to each of the performances,” Bells said. “Sometimes, it’s kids doing their sheep thing and sometimes it’s wild ponies.”

For the first time ever, Swift Current will host the Canadian Cowboys Association Finals Rodeo October 19 to 22. The prestigious national event will attract top rodeo competitors from across Canada. Pictured here, Scott McLeod (heeler) and Tuftin McLeod (header) took the CCA Finals 2015 title in the Team Roping event. Photo: Lewis images/CCa

The competitive rodeos will culminate in two finals on Saturday, one in the afternoon and another in the evening, to determine the best of the best. For these elite cowboys and cowgirls, the goal is to earn a coveted spot in the professional rodeo circuit. Each weekday afternoon, before the adult events, younger members of the CCA will compete in the same events in youth rodeos for an audience of their peers. “It’ll still be set up with the real action of what would happen at an evening rodeo, but we’re inviting all school students to come,” Bells said. “Schools will get a notice that their classes can come and join us at the I-Plex and watch a rodeo for the afternoon.” These afternoon events are in-

tended to provide an education in the rural recreation and lifestyle that are so important in the area. “We’re hoping it’ll be a learning experience to keep the youth involved so that they have an understanding of this as a cultural thing, as our heritage,” said Bells. “This is to give the kids a feeling of where they come from, how it all works and an understanding of the sport.” Not all of the CCA festivities are sporting in nature however. Away from the I-Plex, the more commercial and communal sides of the event will be celebrated through a trade show and cabaret. Called the Southwest Showcase, the trade show will run from Wednesday to Friday in the Stockade

Kerry Maynes of Maple Creek skillfully directed her horse around the course to win the Ladies’ Barrel Racing event at the 2015 CCA Finals. Photo: Lewis images/CCa

Building in Kinetic Park. Attendees of the rodeos will be able to take advantage of shuttles to and from the I-Plex to reach it. Although it will include Western merchandise like tack, ranching gear and agricultural machinery, it will also feature goods and services with no special association to the CCA event. “A wide variety of goods are welcome for consumers to take a look at, and people can do some shopping there,” Bells said. On Saturday night, the Stockade Building will be transformed into a celebratory cabaret. Complete with food, entertainment and revelry, the event will conclude the CCA Finals in a relaxed, social environment.

GREAT PLAINS COLLEGE business

LETS YOU DAYS INN - SWIFT CURRENT SPEND LESS AND MORE! LETS YOU TRAVEL SPEND LESS

AND TRAVEL MORE!

Guests enjoy exceptional value and friendly service at Days Inn - Swift Current. This 65-room hotel offers travellers a free Daybreak Café breakfast full of healthy and delicious choices. To help you stay connected, enjoy a free daily newspaper, free local calls free high-speed Internet access. Each renovated room Guests enjoyand exceptional value and friendly service at newly Days Inn - Swift guest Current. This featureshotel a flat offers screentravellers TV, mini-fridge, and full hair of dryer. Guests 64-room a freemicrowave, Daybreakcoffee Café maker breakfast healthy and can choose from free a variety room types and including two queen beds, one queen delicious choices, dailyofnewspaper free high-speed Internet access.with Each sofa bed, Jacuzzi room and one bedroom spacious guest roomSuite, has awheelchair flat screenaccessible TV, mini-fridge, microwave and akitchenette comfortable bed. Guests choosefree from a variety of room Suites and suite. Therecan is ample parking for guests plustypes extraincluding space for Jacuzzi large trucks and wheelchair accessible rooms. buses. Parking includes free seasonal plug-ins. helptravellers travellers stay road thisthis hotelhotel features a fullyaequipped fitness room. ToTo help stay fit fitononthe the road features fully equipped fitness room. Smiley’s Lounge is conveniently is place a great to the relax Smiley’s Lounge is conveniently locatedlocated on-site on-site and is aand great toplace relax at at end the end of a busy day. Also on-site is a full service beer and wine store. The hotel of a busy day. Also on-site is a full service beer and wine store and an ATM for has 3 separate meeting rooms. The largest of the 3 rooms can accommodate up to your convenience. 200 guests. The hotel has ample truck parking For special events or a place to host your next meeting, the hotelwith has plug-ins. 4 meeting/ banquet rooms that can accommodate up to 250 people. The banquet area features Days Inn - Swift Current is a dance floor, stage, sound system, podium and screen. located at 905 North Service

RoadRoad East East and offers easy easy access Days Inn - Swift Current is located at 905 North Service and oﬀers to the many fantastic attractions access to the many fantastic attractions in the area: Shopping, restaurants, golf in Station, the area: Eastend Fossil courses, recreation facilities, Eastend Fossil Research Grasslands National Research Station, The Elmwood Park, The Great Sand Hills, Saskatchewan Landing, Lake Pelletier and more.

Golf & Country Club,Grasslands National Park, Thrillseekers RESERVATIONS: Recreation Inc., The Great Sand Hills, Saskatchewan Landing, Lake Pelletier, restaurants and more. TOLL FREE:

www.daysinn.ca/swiftcurrent

1 800 DAYS INN (1-800-329-7466)

In - Swift Swif Current C Reservations for Days Inn can be made by visiting www.daysinn.ca/ lling 1 8000 DAYS DAY A INN (1-800-329-7466). AY swiftcurrent or by calling

or book direct at

306-773-4643

graduate is taking on the gaming world I

t’s been a year to remember for Carson Montgomery, a recent Great Plains College business certificate graduate and part-owner of SKL eSports Inc. (SKLeague) – Saskatchewan’s first and only legitimate competitive League of Legends league. Just one year ago, Carson took a leap of faith into the world of entrepreneurship, turning his passion for the online video game League of Legends into a business. “League of Legends is the world’s most popular video game, with over 27 million users worldwide” Montgomery explained. “Competitive leagues exist all over the world, and with a large player base in Saskatchewan, we figured why not start a league here?” This past season, SKLeague had over 20 teams come out to compete in the qualification tournament, and only the top eight moved on to regular season play.

“Great Plains College was a great option for me because it offered a flexible learning environment and quality program instructors, right at home in Swift Current,” Montgomery said. The Business Certificate program offered at the Swift Current and Warman campuses promises just that – quality instruction and comfortable class sizes that make for a personal, supportive and productive learning environment. Business students learn about everything from insurance and business plans, to human resources and marketing. For Montgomery, the accounting aspect of the program was the most beneficial. “I’ve always been a fairly ‘self-taught’ guy, but you can’t beat face-to-face instruction for complicated subject matter like accounting,” Montgomery explained. “I’ll definitely carry those skills with me as my partners and I look to expand our business in the future.”

“This past season was our most successful yet,” Montgomery said. “We had interest from players Great Plains College offers a variety of certificate, across Western Canada and even some in the diploma and degree programs at its six locations. United States.” For more information on the Business Certificate The league wrapped up in May with a final or other programs at Great Plains College, visit championship tournament that was held in greatplainscollege.ca. Saskatoon.

Like a true entrepreneur, Montgomery is always looking for new ways to grow his business. With that continuous improvement attitude in mind, he made a decision to return to school to grow his knowledge of the business world.

To learn more about SKLeague, visit skleague.ca.

Make

it great 16-17 PROGRAMS

Spend Less. Travel More. • FREE Daybreak Café breakfast • FREE high-speed Internet access • Mini-fridge & microwave in all rooms

• Administrative Assistant • Adult Basic Education • Boom Truck, Crane & Hoist Operator • Business • Certificate in Health, Safety, and Environmental Processes • Continuing Care Assistant • Early Childhood Education • Electrician • English Language Training • Heavy Equipment Operator

• FREE large truck parking & plug-ins • On-site lounge with daily food & drink specials • Jacuzzi suite & wheelchair accessible suite • Fitness room • On-site beer & wine store • Banquet & meeting facilities

Plus, earn Wyndham Rewards® points on qualified stays! Days Inn - Swift Current 905 North Service Road East Swift Current, SK S9H 3V1

Bells said that Swift Current is an excellent choice to host the event due to its infrastructure as an agricultural community: “Out at the park here, we have six barns, arenas, the Stockade Building and the Palliser Pavilion, so we have lots of facilities here.” Rodeo is essential to the history and culture of the city, said Bells. “It’s part of the heritage of what we go through, that we can be proud of. That’s where we came from. To have it in Swift Current is something that’s very welcomed, because volunteers are willing to take part and it’ll bring in people from other communities to see what Swift Current is all about.”

www.daysinn.ca 1.800.DAYS INN | 306.773.4643 REG00236330_1_1

• Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development • Power Engineering Fourth & Third Class • Practical Nursing • Professional Diploma in Safety, Health and Environmental Management • Registered Nursing • Skills and Safety Training • Social Work • University • Welding • Youth Care Worker

1 (866) 296-2472 greatplainscollege.ca REG00236331_1_1

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

F11

Craft beer a labour of love at Black Bridge A n d r ew L i v i n g s t o n e Postmedia Content Works

When the Swift Current & District Chamber of Commerce named Black Bridge Brewery its Best New Business last October, it recognized the entrepreneurial effort that’s necessary for such a successful venture — but, for the couple who founded the brewery, the opportunity to create craft beer together and share it with the world is the true reward. “We make it because we love it, and that’s kind of where our story started,” said Kari Stenson, who co-owns Black Bridge Brewery with her husband Clayton. The transition from hobby to business took over a decade and involved a great deal of market research. “Clayton was home brewing for about 12 years before we decided to look at opening a brewery in Saskatchewan, and he took it really seriously,” said Kari. “At that time, in Saskatchewan, there was only Paddock Wood Brewery in Saskatoon as a craft brewery, so we really saw it as an opportunity to get into the Saskatchewan market because it was so new here still. Craft beer elsewhere is quite a large, booming industry.” Although the couple’s entrance into the craft beer market was researched with professional rigour, it met a more personal need. “We just wanted to change our lives and work together,” said Kari. So, the couple experimented with various flavours and selected those that would serve as their central product throughout the year. “We have our rye ale, IPA, milk stout and pseudo lager, and those are our four flagship beers,” Kari said. “They’re packaged separately, and then we also do a 12-pack Tasters Flight with three of each in there. “The rye ale is a rye-based malt, so it’s a little bit spicy and citrusy. The IPA is India Pale Ale — it’s hoppier with lots of aroma, bitter. Milk stout is a sweet stout. It’s very creamy, roasty, and it actually won a bronze award for that last June at the Canada

Brewing Awards. And our pseudo lager is more of a sessionable beer. It’s a little bit lighter craft beer.” In addition to those four, Black Bridge also brews seasonal beers, which are usually packaged in kegs. Quality ingredients for the brewery process can be hard to come by and often require planning, patience and creativity. “We have suppliers throughout Canada and the U.S. that we source from,” said Kari. “Our malt is pretty easy to get — it’s pretty standard. We do have contracts for the next three years for our regular flagship beers, but, when we want to do something a little special for the seasonal beers, you have to hunt for some different hops, and that’s where we run into some trouble.” The beverages have been a hit with all demographics over the legal drinking age. “We are reaching a lot of different people with our beer,” Kari said. “When we talk about people that come into the tap room to get growlers and buy off-sale from us, we really do get a wide range of people. We’re not catering to a specific person, we’re just trying to educate people about craft beer and why we’re making it, and that has really opened up a lot of people’s eyes.”

REG00236319_1_1

Craft beer fans applauded the opening of Black Bridge Brewery in Swift Current a year and a half ago. Owners Kari and Clayton Stenson are creating a sensation with their flagship beers. In its first year of business, Black Bridge won a bronze medal at the Canada Brewing Awards for its milk stout. Supplied photoS

Since Black Bridge opened its doors a year and a half ago, several other breweries have followed suit to fill Saskatchewan’s relatively untapped market for craft beers, and the resulting community of brewers has attracted visitors for whom a good beer is worth a long drive. “In Saskatchewan, we’ve now gotten 10 craft breweries,” said Kari. “It’s just really beginning to turn into not just an industry, but a tourist destination. We’re getting people that are travelling to come and see the breweries in Saskatchewan, so that’s exciting for us as an industry.”

REG00236310_1_1

F12

S A T U R D A Y, M A Y 2 8 , 2 0 1 6

REGINA LEADER-POST

Construction is wrapping up on the new Cypress Hills Health Region Long Term Care Facility in Swift Current. Photo: Grant LivinGstone

Long Term Care FaCiLiTy opens aFTer LengThy preparaTion A n d r ew L i v i n g s t o n e Postmedia Content Works

On April 30, the Cypress Health Region took possession of the new Long Term Care Facility that has been built in the northeast corner of Swift Current, and it is now preparing to relocate the facility’s future residents there from their former care homes. The move is the culmination of years of painstaking consideration, planning, construction and training. In a sense, preparations for the new facility began long before the idea was in motion, as healthcare professionals did their best to operate within the city’s three existing care homes. “We know that the buildings that we were providing care in are time-expired — one of them, for example, was never designed for Level Three and Four care,” said Beth Vachon, CEO of the Cypress Health Region. Because the facility was intended for more independent residents, who are classified as Level One or Two, “It was never designed for wheelchairs, or lifts, or some of the other equipment that we need, so we had to be very mindful of who went into that facility.” It was the drawbacks of those buildings that inspired the considerations that defined the new facility. “It’s just not ideal for the kind of care we want to provide,” Vachon said. “As we think about what kind of care we want to provide, we think about creating new space, we think about how we’ll be in that building for the next 50 or 60 years.” Indeed, so much thought and planning went into the design of the new building, which was initiated as a P3 project, that corrections during construction were not an issue. “It’s quite interesting how all of the work gets done upfront prior to actually awarding the contract,” said Vachon. “We knew exactly what the design was going to

look like, and we had spent many, many hours ensuring that the three proponents that were working on this had a very clear idea of what it was we were looking for. So, when we finally awarded this tender, we were very confident, and there haven’t been a whole lot of change orders in it.” With many ideas for better care in mind, various simulations were devised to give stakeholders the opportunity to experiment with the planned design. A full-sized mock-up of rooms within the planned facility was built that future residents and employees could experience for themselves and provide feedback on. Additional experience and learning were gained from Maple Creek’s Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility, which opened its doors in August of 2015 and is divided into three 16-bed homes. Some of the planning work has even allowed the healthcare professionals who will eventually staff the facility to acclimatize themselves to the new environment for a smoother transition from their former buildings. “We’ve been running a pilot project since last October at one of our facilities where we actually set up two 10-bed homes within the facility,” Vachon said. “Our staff have already created a lot of the workflow: how to prepare meals for those 10 people, care, cleaning, doing the laundry.” Of course, testing does not preclude the need for training, especially since many of the facility’s employees will be new to the field. “We have been working throughout the winter identifying the number of staff that we need,” said Vachon. “We’ve been doing a significant number of interviews each week. At this point, we’re estimating we need about 110 new staff, and that’s a variety of different kinds of positions in terms of the number of hours (full-time, parttime and casual).” Filling those positions requires

The Cypress Hills Health Region is training staff and adding the final touches to the new Long Term Care Facility, in preparation for the arrival of residents this summer. suPPLied Photos

the cooperation of educators, so the health region has worked with the city’s educational institutions to increase the variety of training options. “Anybody who comes into a continuing care assistant (aid program or position) within two years, needs to complete their Continuing Care Assistant certificate training,” Vachon said. “So, we have 19 people going through a full-time program right now so that when we open in the summer, they’ll have completed all of their class requirements and they can get all of their practical, on-the-job hours when they’re working. We’ve also increased the number of seats that we have available through the part-time programs, and then there’s also an online option.” Even long term care veterans will require a full introduction in order to transition to the new building. “We have our own regional orientation as well as orientation to the facility and the residents and the care that they’re providing, so that’s been a big part of it,” said Vachon. “Every time that we enter a new building, you

need to do orientation that’s specific to the building.” After all of that designing, testing and training, Vachon said that there is still the need for flexibility when preparations meet reality. “When we think about a move plan, there’s so many moving parts. It’s a fairly fluid plan as we’re working through all the hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of details that we need to be mindful of when we’re making a move of this magnitude.

“This really is such an important improvement to the Cypress Health Region, and we’re very fortunate to have been able to move forward with this,” Vachon said. “I can’t believe that we’re already at the point where we’re taking possession of the building. It’s gone very quickly, it’s been on time and it’s exactly as we envisioned when we were doing all of our pre-planning, so we’re very excited about the fact that we’re moving into our beautiful new facility.”

www.careersincypresshealth.ca

With over 1,700 employees, the Cypress Health Region is the largest employer in southwest Saskatchewan and is actively recruiting to a variety of positions in many communities. Interested in joining our respected, diverse, and engaged team? Joining Cypress Health means great wages, benefits, and opportunities for career development and personal growth. Benefits include extended health coverage, group life insurance plans, disability insurance, a strong employee pension plan through the Saskatchewan Healthcare Employees Pension Plan (SHEPP), generous paid time off, a safe work environment, and many others.

CT Examination Room at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current

For some positions, such as Maintenance Services Workers and Continuing Care Assistants, recruitment and financial incentives may be available. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a Continuing Care Assistant but have no experience, the region can offer employment while you take the necessary educationforthepositiontoearnwhileyoulearn. The health region has partnered with the University of Regina, the University of

Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and Great Plains College to offer local education specific to the health sector. The University of Regina/Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is a 4 year nursing program offered in Swift Current. The Great Plains College offers annual intakes for the Continuing Care Assistant program which has already produced many graduates that are now living and working in the Cypress Health Region. Trained health professionals are also in demand. Current hard-to-recruit positions available in the region include diagnostic medical sonographers, registered nurses, 4th Class power engineers, physicians, and others. The Cypress Health Region offers relocation assistance of up to $5,000 and up to an additional $5,000 in tuition reimbursement for new grads entering into hard-to-recruit positions. The Cypress Health Region is home to beautiful new health facilities including the Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility in Maple Creek, the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, and The Meadows 225-bed long term care facility (opening June 2016). To apply for a position visit www.careersincypresshealth.ca. Find a position that suits your needs and preferences and email your resume and cover letter to careers@cypressrha.ca. The Cypress Health Region is committed to maintaining a culturally diverse and representative workforce.

Join the Cypress Health Team!

Contact Human Resources

Become a Leader in Rural Health Excellence

(306) 778-5256 careers@cypressrha.ca

The Cypress Health Region has a number of positions available, including entry-level and support services positions where no training is required. If you’re a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, or other health professional, or if you are wanting to join our health care team as a Continuing Care Assistant and obtain the required education while you work, we have several options for you with many benefits. Relocation, graduation, and other financial assistance may be available. The Cypress Health Region provides services to 45,000 residents with more than 1,700 employees.

Saskatchewan

Cypress Health Region