Swift Current June 15, 2015

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SWIFT CURRENT 2015

TABLE OF C NTENTS

WEN O BY PHOT

CCA Finals in Swift Current Community gathers to enjoy rodeo action, great food and cabarets PAGE E3

A sense of community Long-term care facility will be linked into other facilities PAGES E4 & E5

Attractions, festivals and events Much to see and do in southwest Saskatchewan PAGE E10

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CO�OPERATIVE SPIRIT DRIVES DEVELOPMENT IN SWIFT CURRENT By Andrew Livingstone For L-P Special Projects

Swift Current hosts World Championship Women’s Curling Championship at iPlex in 2016 PAGE E2

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maller communities are known not only for their safety and simplicity, but also for their fellowship, and the people of Swift Current have achieved a great deal in recent years by cooperating and collaborating even as the city’s population grows. “I think the strength of Swift Current is built on partnerships — a lot of very committed and passionate groups, whether it’s in sports, culture or arts — that work very hard to make their events or their projects very successful,” said Jerrod Schafer, mayor of the City of Swift Current. Tourists can observe Swift Current’s spirit of cooperation in the many cultural events that enliven the year. “We’ve got a really vibrant arts community here in Swift Current, so whether it’s music, visual art or anything like that, there’s always opportunities to participate in culture, with a great variety of recreation mixed in,” said Schafer. “A lot of our groups are very passionate — for example, minor ball is very passionate about the time that they invest in that, and they’ve done a great job of hosting many events that bring people into our community.” And the people are coming, some to visit and

some to stay. “If you look at Health Card numbers, we’re really excited by the fact that our population is growing for the first time since the 1960s,” Schafer said. “It’s changing a half-decade-long period of stagnant population, and to see it increasing is exciting.” With so many newcomers, many from abroad, it has been important for long-time residents to come together to welcome them into the fold. “Several years ago, the college formed a partnership, and it’s out on its own now as the Newcomer Welcome Centre, as a place for them to come and seek resources about getting integrated into the community or finding things to do,” said Schafer. “They help with employment, residency issues, all that sort of stuff, and they’ve done a great job.” That burgeoning population has stimu-

… we’re really excited by the fact that our population is growing for the ﬁrst time since the 1960s. There’s a really different vibe in our community.”

SWIFT CURRENT MAYOR JERROD SCHAFER

lated several recent construction projects, undertakings that exemplify the people of Swift Current’s focus on collaboration. “A number of years ago, the city started to partner with our local school divisions, both public and Catholic, as well as the health

region and other partners like Great Plains College,” said Schafer. “Instead of working independently, we started working together to try and find solutions to help build out the community. “As a result of that, we’ve had a new regional hospital, we’re just in the construction phase of a brand new regional long-term care facility and two new schools were built in the community. It’s all happening in an area that we’ve designated as an integrated facility space, because we’ve got education and healthcare there, and, as the city looks to replace some of our facilities like aquatic, fieldhouse, potentially art galleries or libraries into the future, they would be all connected with that.” Hospitals, schools and other communal facilities immortalize the cooperative spirit in concrete, but Swift Current has demonstrated that it is also possible to use more natural materials. “Another really exciting one is a partnership we developed with the Elmwood Golf Club in Swift Current,” Schafer said. “It’s a hundred-year-old course that desperately needed to be redone. So, we created a partnership — the City owns the land, of course, and Elmwood operates the golf course — and, by working together now, the community will boast a Les Furberdesigned championship golf course with a premier residential housing development.” If Schafer has his way, such cooperative enterprises are only the beginning. “What’s most exciting about 2015?” he said. “Just keeping the momentum! Last year was our third best construction year ever, and we are already ahead of the numbers at this time last year. We have fantastic events coming up and we are anxiously awaiting some very significant announcements for the community!” As the community develops, its familiar camaraderie remains strong. “There’s a really different vibe in our community,” said Schafer. “There’s a real sense of excitement.”

Swift Current Mayor Jerrod Schafer

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SWIFT CURRENT’S DIVERSE ECONOMY SURGES FORWARD

By Andrew Livingstone For L-P Special Projects

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he recent downturn in the petroleum market may provoke concerns for the future of an economy as oil-rich as Saskatchewan’s, but Swift Current’s economic outlook remains strong. The fruits of a decade of growth and a diverse economy are expected to allow the city to maintain its overall success, regardless of a slowdown in any particular sector. “We’ve got a diverse economy here, given the agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas, retail and service sectors,” said Marty Salberg, director of community development for the City of Swift Current. Agriculture in the Swift Current area has been particularly lucrative in recent years. “In terms of the crops and the cattle industry, both have been really, really strong, and we’ve got some very good producers in this area that have done very well,” Salberg said. “With a focus on peas, lentils and canola as well as your traditional cereal crops, coupled with very good yields, the last number of years have been quite strong.” The success of the agricultural sector, like the oil boom, has provided manufacturers in Swift Current with buyers for their products. “We have manufacturers that deal with oil industry products, companies that manufacture agricultural products such as grainmoving and grain-handling equipment and custom products for farmers,” said

Salberg. “All these businesses that do cater to the ag industry have really taken advantage and invested significant dollars knowing that the future of the industry is going to remain strong.” In addition to the expansion of manu-

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We’ve seen a few new hotels open the last couple of years taking advantage of this trend, and I think they’re doing extremely well.” — MARTY SALBERG SWIFT CURRENT DIRECTOR

OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

facturing facilities, entirely new structures have appeared. “The long-term care facility will be the largest project that I’m aware of that has ever been built in Swift Current,” Salberg said. “Along that same area, we’re seeing new houses getting built, we’re seeing an expansion to the Canadian Tire, a new Mark’s Work Wearhouse and we’ll be able to welcome

Marty Salberg Swift Current director of community development.

a new Sport Chek. That’s the commercial side. On the industrial side, we’ve sold out our entire industrial park.” With its convenient location on the Trans-Canada Highway, the city is finding success in its efforts to attract more tourist dollars. “We have a lot of sporting events, and cultural events and those types of exciting activities bring a lot of

people to Swift Current,” said Salberg. “We’ve seen a few new hotels open the last couple of years taking advantage of this trend, and I think they’re doing extremely well.” With the economy thriving, Salberg expects that people will continue to flock to the city. “Our council and administration, in our strategic plan, are planning for

PHOTO BY WENDY FRIESEN

25,000 people by 2025,” he said. “That’s what we’re striving for, and we believe that the pieces to that puzzle are falling into place, whether it be the investment in infrastructure that the community is taking, or the confidence of business and investors in the commercial, industrial and residential side of things in Swift Current.”

IPLEX CHOSEN TO HOST WORLD WOMEN’S CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FOR SECOND TIME

By Andrew Livingstone For L-P Special Projec ts

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he best rocks will glide into the house when Swift Current’s Credit Union iPlex hosts the World Women’s Curling Championship in 2016. Held from March 19 to 27, the event will pit the best curling rinks from across the globe against one another. “It will gather 12 of the world’s best curling teams who will have qualified their country for the right to compete for the World Championship title,” said Kelly Schafer, vice chair of the Host Committee. “The competition is set to be extremely exciting, with not only the Women’s World Championship title on offer but it is also the first of two World Championships, 2016 and 2017, where teams will be able to earn qualification points towards direct entry into the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games curling competition,” Schafer said. “These teams have to come and do well in order to qualify their country for a place in the Olympics.” Festivities will accompany the competition, though the entertainment has yet to be determined. “At the moment,

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY SCHAFER

Swift Current will host the World Women’s Curling Championship in 2016. The city hosted the event in 2010 (above), which was such a great success that Curling Canada choose the same venue for 2016.

we’re just in the planning process for what we need for game-day ceremonies, opening and closing banquets and things like that. Previously the competition has seen the involvement of pipe bands and some of the First Nations people providing some music and entertainment, and we would hope to engage some of these things again,” Schafer said. “Usually, in

the patch, we have a variety of bands that also play, and as of yet they haven’t been confirmed yet either.” This is the second time that the championship has been held in Swift Current, as the city also hosted the event in the Credit Union iPlex in 2010. “It was filled to capacity,” said Schafer. “I’m sure it was a profitable event for Curling Canada

as well as the local curling community, and I’m sure there were over 400 volunteers.” It was the success of the 2010 event that prompted Curling Canada to choose the same venue for 2016. “It was just so well attended, so well represented and supported by volunteers and I think the host committee did such a fabulous job of running the event last time,” Schafer said. “We were so happy with the championships: how it was run, the people that were involved, it was truly an amazing atmosphere to play in as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. There was great feedback for what we did the last time around, and so I think it made it easy to come and ask Swift Current to do it again.” Schafer was able to observe the 2010 championships from the ice, and, as a competitor, she was impressed with both the crowd and the conditions. “It’s a fantastic venue, actually,” she said. “I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the best arenas I’ve ever played in for curling — the ice, crew, fans and volunteers were fantastic. It does make for an ideal setting.” The Swift Current area in general is

a natural location for the event. “I only moved in 2011, but, from what I can see, there’s a big farming community, and, as you know, historically, those that were farmers were big curlers,” said Schafer. “Even now, it’s associated, and we never start curling until harvest is done, and that brings back the curlers for that season.” “What’s interesting about this area that I’ve noticed is we have such a variance in age, and especially an older population that’s very knowledgeable about curling,” said Schafer. “That makes it even more fun for the people that want to come along and watch. Even now, with some of the curling programs in the schools, we have such an interest from so many different ages of curlers, that that’s one of the great things about it. To sit in an arena and have knowledgeable spectators makes it a little bit more fun for everybody.” Tickets for the 2016 World Women’s Curling Championship are already on sale via the Swift Current Broncos Ticket Box office: www.scbroncosboxoffice. showare.com. The organizing committee is also recruiting volunteers to assist in the event and interested persons can sign up at www.curling.ca/2016worldwomen.

These stories were produced by Leader-Post Special Projects to promote awareness of this topic for commercial purposes. The Leader-Post editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

Living Sky Casino

For Living Sky Casino, giving back to the community is a priority. The 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 File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, Nekaneet First Nation and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority. The casino’s Sky Centre, a state-ofthe-art multi-purpose entertainment venue, attracts additional business and travellers to the community. With a strong customer base from the community, the casino feels it’s important to return the favour, explained Living Sky Casino Marketing Manager Lindsay Gerbrandt. “As a part of this community and a contributing member to not only the city, but the whole region of Southwest Saskatchewan, it’s important that we show our support to what different organizations are doing to make our community a better place,” Gerbrandt said. Gerbrandt said the casino has established a volunteer program whereby its staff members venture out into the community and give their time to support various initiatives. For example, they take part in Meals on Wheels, helping provide home-delivered meals to people in need. Each spring, staff members volunteer to clean the Swift Current Veteran’s Cemetery, which provides people the opportunity to recall the contributions and sacrifices of Canadian soldiers during various wars. Some of the casino’s other volunteer partners include: Royal Canadian Legion, Special Olympics, Salvation Army, Dr. Noble Irwin Healthcare Foundation, Heart & Stroke

Foundation and the Windscape Kite & Long Days Night Festivals. “While our staff members love serving our customers, they enjoy the opportunity to take a break and serve the community,” Gerbrandt said. “They are proud to make a difference in the place they call home.” Gerbrandt noted that the casino is also proud to be a major sponsor of many community groups and events, including: Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos, Frontier Days, Windscape Kite & Long Days Nights Festival, Western Major Baseball League’s Swift Current Indians, Swift Current Drag Racing Association, the Dr. Noble Irwin Healthcare Foundation and many more. “We want to do our part to make the community a better place,” Gerbrandt said. This story was produced by Leader-Post Special Projects on behalf of Living Sky Casino to promote awareness of this topic for commercial purposes. The Leader-Post editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content. REG00214493_1_1

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Swift Current ropeS CCA finAlS rodeo By Andrew Livingstone For L-P Special Projects

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he hooves will thunder and the lassos will fly for four days in October of 2016 as Swift Current hosts the Canadian Cowboy Association’s (CCA) Annual Finals Rodeo. From the 19th to the 22nd, rodeo fans from across the country will converge on the city to watch cowboys and cowgirls demonstrate how the west was won, but Swift Current will have much more to offer than just the competition. “In 2016, the finals will be hosted at the iPlex in Swift Current,” said Susan Motkaluk, chief administrative officer for the City of Swift Current. “It’s just very exciting for our city, and we’re quite honoured that they have made the decision to bring it to Swift Current.” The competition will comprise of several classic tests of rodeo proficiency. “What we are expecting is seven events:

saddle bronc, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling and the ladies barrel racing,” Motkaluk said. “In addition to that, though, there’s also two novice and two junior events that’s hosted as part of it — for example, junior barrel racing is also part of it.” The finals will conclude a season of competition between rodeo athletes throughout the country. “Across the year, cowboys compete to qualify for the finals, and it’s the top 11 contestants that qualify in each of the major rodeo events who compete in these finals,” Motkaluk said. “Then, they crown their champions.” Those champions will earn their victories in the presence of thousands of spectators. “For the CCA, there are about 60 sanctioned rodeos that they host across the year, and generally they say there are about 25,000 rodeo at-

tendees each year,” said Motkaluk. “For this particular event, they expect about 20,000 people in attendance over the course of a number of days.” Although local rodeo fans and those who have flocked to the city will have rodeo foremost in their minds, every age group will find a variety of entertainment options available to supplement the central competition. “This is definitely a family-focused event,” Motkaluk said. “We’re expecting all the young, and all the old and all the inbetween, so it’s certainly several days of family fun. As part of the CCA Finals, there will be cabarets with bands playing music, some great food and, of course, just a great gathering as a community.” Swift Current institutions like the Agriculture and Exhibition Association and the Broncos are expected to offer their own opportunities for rev-

elry. “We’ve partnered with the Ag & Ex and Broncos, and they will provide great support, additional activities, and a strong community presence for the CCA Finals,” said Motkaluk. As visiting tourists and local rodeo enthusiasts take in the rodeo and everything else that the city has to offer, the finals should provide a lucrative source of revenue for the city’s entertainment sector. “We’re expecting a really good turnout with a lot of people in attendance, and it’s over several days,” Motkaluk said. “We’re expecting that it will bring a lot of dollars into our community as well, and also a fantastic event. So, we’re excited to have them here.” Motkaluk views the CCA’s decision to bring its Rodeo Finals to Swift Current as a homecoming of sorts. “The Canadian Cowboy Association was formed in 1963, and I understand that some of those very first meetings to formulate

the CCA were hosted in Swift Current,” she said. “Due to the fact that they have decided to move their finals here, we’re very excited and honoured.” Fortunately, Swift Current is still a hotbed of rodeo interest, and the city is more than equal to the task of hosting the event. “All in and around here, rodeo is really popular, very traditional and really rooted in the families and communities around Swift Current, so it just seems quite natural,” said Motkaluk. “We’ve got great facilities, the room to accommodate such an event and some fantastic attractions in and around the area for anyone coming out to the CCA Finals. “We’ve got some great golf courses in the area, we’ve got some fantastic family events, including Market Square, that will be going on leading up to it, so there’ll be lots of reasons for people to come and visit Swift Current.”

SuPPlIed PhoTo

Swift Current hosts the Canadian Cowboy Association’s Annual Finals Rodeo in 2015. It will include events such as saddle bronc, bareback riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, ladies barrel racing and two junior events. The rodeo takes place June 19 to 22 at the iPlex.

Where Life Makes Sense Th City of Swift Current is the major population centre The of Southwest Saskatchewan. It is an energetic, progressive community, co 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 hi quality of life and favorable business climate are rivaled high only by our desire to welcome new families to our city. With so much to take advantage of, there is no doubt that Wi 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

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A SENSE OF HOME, A SENSE OF COMMUNITY Carefully planned and tested

ARTIST’S RENDERING SUPPLIED BY CYPRESS HEALTH REGION

LONG�TERM CARE TO BE PART OF INTEGRATED FACILITY

By Andrew Livingstone For L-P Special Projects

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ublic planners in Swift Current have recently embarked on an ambitious project to construct several linked facilities, including a new long-term-care facility. Not only will the facility house the 198 people who are currently in long-term care within the city and create an additional 27 beds, but it will also upgrade their quality of life through its innovative design and easy access to amenities. The single-storey facility will be broadly arranged in a semi-circular shape, with 21 10-bed houses and one 15-bed house attached to either side of a curved hallway. That corridor will provide indoor access to the entire complex, though each individual home will also have its own exterior entrance. Temporary guests of the facility will be lodged in the lone 15-bed house. “It’s for short-stay residents who need a few weeks of respite care and then would go back home with their caregivers at home,” said Beth Vachon, chief executive officer, Cypress Health Region. “It would be for people who might need a bit of extra time after rehabbing after a surgery or stroke but still have the ability to go home at some point. Within that home, we’re also

creating three palliative care rooms that are bigger than all of the other rooms in the facility and allow for families to come and stay.” The 10-bed houses, on the other hand, are designed as smaller communities in which long-term residents will enjoy an intimate, self-sufficient and engaged lifestyle while still benefitting from inclusion in a much larger complex. For residents, communal comforts and supports will be easily accessible. “There are three neighbourhoods within this complex, and each neighbourhood has an activity room that connects off of this internal corridor so people can get to the bigger rooms where people gather and do activities,” said Vachon. “They can use it for a birthday party with family if they want, but it also takes you to the big community centre/town hall that has the opportunity to host large events of 200-300 people.” Within each of the 10-bed houses, “There’s a kitchen, a laundry room and a spa room,” said Vachon. “In the kitchens in each home, there are three different levels of counters that, depending on what kind of wheelchair you might be in, you’ll be able to pull up to the counter and participate in what’s happening in the kitchen, or, if you are mobile, you can pull a chair up.”

Outside of each home, there are areas in which residents and their guests can enjoy fresh air and outdoor recreation. “There’s a yard surrounding each home where there’s grass and green space, and there’s a patio where, if people in that home decide they’re going to have a barbecue that evening, they’re able to do that,” Vachon said. “If family want to come and have a special celebration, we’ve got lots of space for that in our new facility that we just can’t accommodate right now in our existing facilities.” Although there is communal space, each room includes a private washroom with a shower and enough living space to relax and entertain visitors. “By creating smaller environments with private bathrooms, there’s the ability for people to have their private, quiet space,” Vachon said. “It’s easier for people to come, visit and spend time with their relatives without having to go somewhere else in the building to have that privacy or not disturb roommates.” By contrast, existing facilities in the city often require residents to compromise their privacy and cleanliness. “We have one facility, currently, in Swift Current where there are up to three people sharing a room,” Vachon said. “Bathrooms are down the hall, which are long corridors… In a

large institution, people might only get a tub bath once a week. With showers in every single room, there’s the opportunity to take care of that personal hygiene in a different way.” The long-term care home is being constructed adjacent to the Cypress Regional Hospital in the northeast corner of Swift Current. Just as the single-story, interconnected structure of the facility allows access to the entirety of the home, another walkway will connect the long-term care home to the hospital. “We know that we’re often having to bring residents from long-term care over to the hospital, often by ambulance, for routine X-rays or if they’re having a medical concern that they need dealt with,” said Vachon. “By connecting the two buildings, it’s a matter of walking through the hallway and into the hospital.” Preparations are currently underway to build other public services linked to the long-term care facility, hospital and two recently completed schools for even greater accessibility. “For the past many years, once the hospital was built, we started to do some significant planning with our partners within Swift Current,” Vachon said. “It was the separate and public school divisions, the city and, of course, all of our health services, so

the vision for the area that the hospital, long-term care and schools are at will become a campus.” It is hoped that the ease of access to services both inside and outside the long-term care facility will encourage residents to remain active and engaged with the community. “In old buildings, we create dependencies for people because the environment doesn’t allow them to maintain their independence for as long as they possibly can,” said Vachon. In the new facility, not only will the walking distances between homes be shorter, but the campus design will allow residents to reach public services without fear of being caught in inclement weather or slipping on ice. Even without access to the wider campus, the new facility is expected to improve the health, happiness and longevity of those who live within it. “We’re really talking about a home-like model of care, really trying to honour people’s at-home routines as much as we possibly can when they come to us,” Vachon said. “By virtue of creating small homes with fewer people in each house, we think that there are outcomes that are going to improve as a result of this environment and the way that our staff are going to be working in the homes.”

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A drone-mounted camera captures the progress of work at the site of Swift Current’s new long-term care facility.

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Swift Current’s new long-term care facility will be arranged in a semi-circular shape, with 21 10-bed houses and one 15-bed house attached to either side of a curved hallway.

Many elements of the design of Swift Current’s new long-term care facility are the result of input from stakeholders, who had the opportunity to experience prototypes of the planned architecture. “We have made our staff, family members and residents all part of this planning process,” said Beth Vachon, chief executive officer, Cypress Health Region. “As we were going through, we actually mocked up bedrooms and kitchens so our residents were able to move around in the bedroom and bathroom.” Long-term care residents are often limited in their reach and require more space to maneuver. “We brought residents in all different sizes of wheelchairs, and they had the ability then to move around in this space to tell us what would work and what wouldn’t,” Vachon said. “Part of that is allowing people to maintain as much independence as possible. We need to make sure that things are the right height and that they’re able to actually wash their own hands. “This facility has been very wellthough-out, with lots of planning.”

RICHMOND

JUNE 21 MAD SUNDAY

CADDIES

To volunteer for Windscape Kite Festival or Long Day’s Night, please visit windscapekitefestival.ca

For more information, please visit longdaysnight.ca Tickets are $30 per concert, or $95 for a festival pass Tickets are at Swift Current Pharmasave or TicketEdge.ca

PHOTOS BY WENDY FRIESEN

Construction is well underway at Swift Current’s new long-term care facility. REG00214521_1_1

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or ten 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 20 and 21, 2015, the skies will once again be filled with a multitude of flying creations for the 11th Annual Windscape Kite Festival. Over 40 national and international stars of kite performing and kite-making attend Windscape each year, many of whom have flown at some of the most prestigious and largest festivals in the world. This year’s event will feature flyers Bernhard Dingwerth and Andreas Napravnik from Germany, an amazing kite designer, Malcolm Goodman and The Flying Squad from England, Orlando Ongkingco from the Phillippines and many more. Along with the fantastic lineup of kite artists and flyers, the SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival features a wide variety of activities for kids. The Children’s hildren’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. Decorating supplies are provided to make the kite as beautiful as desired.

There is also a Windscape Kite Store where many kinds of kites, including inexpensive children’s kites as well as creature and cartoon character kites, are available to purchase. The store carries single line 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 SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival is free, and visitors receive a free festival program and passport upon arrival. The program provides helpful information about the festival, and the passport is a small autograph book to collect the signatures of all of the flyers. Prizes are awarded for the most autographs collected. At Windscape, everyone can experience the thrill of flying in the vast Saskatchewan air space sp with some of the world’s best kite artists and an performers. There is plenty to do at the SaskPower Windscape Sas Kite Festival, but take time to sit back and enjoy the kites. Bring chairs and umbrellas to watch the parade of interesting kite performances. TheLongDay’sNightMusicFestivalcomplements the kite festival. Each evening on Thursday to Sunday, the main tent transforms into a cabaret featuring a vast genres of music from the best in Canada and USA. Kite flyers and families come, relax, and dance the night away with a tent full of local music lovers.

A World-Class Family Festival!

810 South Service Road East 306-773-4608 • safariinn.ca

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Free movie channels 306-773-4608 per •Flat screen TV night* safariinn.ca •Fridge & microwave Includes: *All packages and rates subject toPackage price change and availability.

1510 South Service Road East 306-778-3994 • choicehotels.ca

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Free hot breakfast 306-778-3994 per •Pet friendly choicehotels.ca night* •Free Wi-Fi *All packages and rates subject to price change and availability.

1185 – 5th Avenue NE 306-778-6060 • motel6.com

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Newly built 306-778-6060 per •Pet friendly motel6.com night* •Continental breakfast *All packages and rates subject to price change and availability.

405 North Service Road East 306-778-6088 • super8.com

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Free SuperStart breakfast 306-778-6088 per •Indoor pool & hot tub super8.com night* •Guest laundry *All packages and rates subject to price change and availability.

105 George Street West 306-773-4660•bestwestern.sk.ca

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Free hot breakfast 306-773-4660 per •Free high speed internet night* bestwestern.sk.ca •Indoor pool & hot tub *All packages and rates subject to price change and availability.

June 20 & June 21 in Swift Current, SK

Build your own kite! Learn to juggle! See giant creature kites!

JUNE 20 - 21, 2015 WINDSCAPEKITEFESTIVAL.CA

Free admission!

Create amazing bubbles! Fly a two-line kite! Climb the straw bale maze!

VISITOR & CONVENTION SERVICES 44 ROBERT STREET WEST, SWIFT CURRENT, SK S9H 4M9 @SWIFTCURRENTSK 306-778-9174

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Mond ay, Jun e 1 5 , 2015

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Mo n d ay, Ju n e 1 5 , 2 0 1 5

A SENSE OF HOME, A SENSE OF COMMUNITY Carefully planned and tested

ARTIST’S RENDERING SUPPLIED BY CYPRESS HEALTH REGION

LONG�TERM CARE TO BE PART OF INTEGRATED FACILITY

By Andrew Livingstone For L-P Special Projects

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ublic planners in Swift Current have recently embarked on an ambitious project to construct several linked facilities, including a new long-term-care facility. Not only will the facility house the 198 people who are currently in long-term care within the city and create an additional 27 beds, but it will also upgrade their quality of life through its innovative design and easy access to amenities. The single-storey facility will be broadly arranged in a semi-circular shape, with 21 10-bed houses and one 15-bed house attached to either side of a curved hallway. That corridor will provide indoor access to the entire complex, though each individual home will also have its own exterior entrance. Temporary guests of the facility will be lodged in the lone 15-bed house. “It’s for short-stay residents who need a few weeks of respite care and then would go back home with their caregivers at home,” said Beth Vachon, chief executive officer, Cypress Health Region. “It would be for people who might need a bit of extra time after rehabbing after a surgery or stroke but still have the ability to go home at some point. Within that home, we’re also

creating three palliative care rooms that are bigger than all of the other rooms in the facility and allow for families to come and stay.” The 10-bed houses, on the other hand, are designed as smaller communities in which long-term residents will enjoy an intimate, self-sufficient and engaged lifestyle while still benefitting from inclusion in a much larger complex. For residents, communal comforts and supports will be easily accessible. “There are three neighbourhoods within this complex, and each neighbourhood has an activity room that connects off of this internal corridor so people can get to the bigger rooms where people gather and do activities,” said Vachon. “They can use it for a birthday party with family if they want, but it also takes you to the big community centre/town hall that has the opportunity to host large events of 200-300 people.” Within each of the 10-bed houses, “There’s a kitchen, a laundry room and a spa room,” said Vachon. “In the kitchens in each home, there are three different levels of counters that, depending on what kind of wheelchair you might be in, you’ll be able to pull up to the counter and participate in what’s happening in the kitchen, or, if you are mobile, you can pull a chair up.”

Outside of each home, there are areas in which residents and their guests can enjoy fresh air and outdoor recreation. “There’s a yard surrounding each home where there’s grass and green space, and there’s a patio where, if people in that home decide they’re going to have a barbecue that evening, they’re able to do that,” Vachon said. “If family want to come and have a special celebration, we’ve got lots of space for that in our new facility that we just can’t accommodate right now in our existing facilities.” Although there is communal space, each room includes a private washroom with a shower and enough living space to relax and entertain visitors. “By creating smaller environments with private bathrooms, there’s the ability for people to have their private, quiet space,” Vachon said. “It’s easier for people to come, visit and spend time with their relatives without having to go somewhere else in the building to have that privacy or not disturb roommates.” By contrast, existing facilities in the city often require residents to compromise their privacy and cleanliness. “We have one facility, currently, in Swift Current where there are up to three people sharing a room,” Vachon said. “Bathrooms are down the hall, which are long corridors… In a

large institution, people might only get a tub bath once a week. With showers in every single room, there’s the opportunity to take care of that personal hygiene in a different way.” The long-term care home is being constructed adjacent to the Cypress Regional Hospital in the northeast corner of Swift Current. Just as the single-story, interconnected structure of the facility allows access to the entirety of the home, another walkway will connect the long-term care home to the hospital. “We know that we’re often having to bring residents from long-term care over to the hospital, often by ambulance, for routine X-rays or if they’re having a medical concern that they need dealt with,” said Vachon. “By connecting the two buildings, it’s a matter of walking through the hallway and into the hospital.” Preparations are currently underway to build other public services linked to the long-term care facility, hospital and two recently completed schools for even greater accessibility. “For the past many years, once the hospital was built, we started to do some significant planning with our partners within Swift Current,” Vachon said. “It was the separate and public school divisions, the city and, of course, all of our health services, so

the vision for the area that the hospital, long-term care and schools are at will become a campus.” It is hoped that the ease of access to services both inside and outside the long-term care facility will encourage residents to remain active and engaged with the community. “In old buildings, we create dependencies for people because the environment doesn’t allow them to maintain their independence for as long as they possibly can,” said Vachon. In the new facility, not only will the walking distances between homes be shorter, but the campus design will allow residents to reach public services without fear of being caught in inclement weather or slipping on ice. Even without access to the wider campus, the new facility is expected to improve the health, happiness and longevity of those who live within it. “We’re really talking about a home-like model of care, really trying to honour people’s at-home routines as much as we possibly can when they come to us,” Vachon said. “By virtue of creating small homes with fewer people in each house, we think that there are outcomes that are going to improve as a result of this environment and the way that our staff are going to be working in the homes.”

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY CYPRESS HEALTH REGION

A drone-mounted camera captures the progress of work at the site of Swift Current’s new long-term care facility.

VOLUNTEER

*Must be a Windscape or Long Day’s Night volunteer

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SHRED KELLY

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LEE HARVEY OSMOND STEVE HILL FRIDAY JUNE 19

BEND SINISTER SATURDAY JUNE 20 YUKON BLONDE ONDE SCOTT

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Swift Current’s new long-term care facility will be arranged in a semi-circular shape, with 21 10-bed houses and one 15-bed house attached to either side of a curved hallway.

Many elements of the design of Swift Current’s new long-term care facility are the result of input from stakeholders, who had the opportunity to experience prototypes of the planned architecture. “We have made our staff, family members and residents all part of this planning process,” said Beth Vachon, chief executive officer, Cypress Health Region. “As we were going through, we actually mocked up bedrooms and kitchens so our residents were able to move around in the bedroom and bathroom.” Long-term care residents are often limited in their reach and require more space to maneuver. “We brought residents in all different sizes of wheelchairs, and they had the ability then to move around in this space to tell us what would work and what wouldn’t,” Vachon said. “Part of that is allowing people to maintain as much independence as possible. We need to make sure that things are the right height and that they’re able to actually wash their own hands. “This facility has been very wellthough-out, with lots of planning.”

RICHMOND

JUNE 21 MAD SUNDAY

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To volunteer for Windscape Kite Festival or Long Day’s Night, please visit windscapekitefestival.ca

For more information, please visit longdaysnight.ca Tickets are $30 per concert, or $95 for a festival pass Tickets are at Swift Current Pharmasave or TicketEdge.ca

PHOTOS BY WENDY FRIESEN

Construction is well underway at Swift Current’s new long-term care facility. REG00214521_1_1

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or ten 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 20 and 21, 2015, the skies will once again be filled with a multitude of flying creations for the 11th Annual Windscape Kite Festival. Over 40 national and international stars of kite performing and kite-making attend Windscape each year, many of whom have flown at some of the most prestigious and largest festivals in the world. This year’s event will feature flyers Bernhard Dingwerth and Andreas Napravnik from Germany, an amazing kite designer, Malcolm Goodman and The Flying Squad from England, Orlando Ongkingco from the Phillippines and many more. Along with the fantastic lineup of kite artists and flyers, the SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival features a wide variety of activities for kids. The Children’s hildren’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. Decorating supplies are provided to make the kite as beautiful as desired.

There is also a Windscape Kite Store where many kinds of kites, including inexpensive children’s kites as well as creature and cartoon character kites, are available to purchase. The store carries single line 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 SaskPower Windscape Kite Festival is free, and visitors receive a free festival program and passport upon arrival. The program provides helpful information about the festival, and the passport is a small autograph book to collect the signatures of all of the flyers. Prizes are awarded for the most autographs collected. At Windscape, everyone can experience the thrill of flying in the vast Saskatchewan air space sp with some of the world’s best kite artists and an performers. There is plenty to do at the SaskPower Windscape Sas Kite Festival, but take time to sit back and enjoy the kites. Bring chairs and umbrellas to watch the parade of interesting kite performances. TheLongDay’sNightMusicFestivalcomplements the kite festival. Each evening on Thursday to Sunday, the main tent transforms into a cabaret featuring a vast genres of music from the best in Canada and USA. Kite flyers and families come, relax, and dance the night away with a tent full of local music lovers.

A World-Class Family Festival!

810 South Service Road East 306-773-4608 • safariinn.ca

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Free movie channels 306-773-4608 per •Flat screen TV night* safariinn.ca •Fridge & microwave Includes: *All packages and rates subject toPackage price change and availability.

1510 South Service Road East 306-778-3994 • choicehotels.ca

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Free hot breakfast 306-778-3994 per •Pet friendly choicehotels.ca night* •Free Wi-Fi *All packages and rates subject to price change and availability.

1185 – 5th Avenue NE 306-778-6060 • motel6.com

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Newly built 306-778-6060 per •Pet friendly motel6.com night* •Continental breakfast *All packages and rates subject to price change and availability.

405 North Service Road East 306-778-6088 • super8.com

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Free SuperStart breakfast 306-778-6088 per •Indoor pool & hot tub super8.com night* •Guest laundry *All packages and rates subject to price change and availability.

105 George Street West 306-773-4660•bestwestern.sk.ca

Package Includes: •One night’s accommodation •Kite from the Windscape Kite Store with free onsite lesson •Four coupons to the Main Stage performance COME FLY WITH US STAY AND FLY PACKAGE •Twenty-five children’s activities tokens Fri, June 19 & Sat, June 20, 2015 •Two coupons for the kite building workshop Swift Current, Saskatchewan •Free hot breakfast 306-773-4660 per •Free high speed internet night* bestwestern.sk.ca •Indoor pool & hot tub *All packages and rates subject to price change and availability.

June 20 & June 21 in Swift Current, SK

Build your own kite! Learn to juggle! See giant creature kites!

JUNE 20 - 21, 2015 WINDSCAPEKITEFESTIVAL.CA

Free admission!

Create amazing bubbles! Fly a two-line kite! Climb the straw bale maze!

VISITOR & CONVENTION SERVICES 44 ROBERT STREET WEST, SWIFT CURRENT, SK S9H 4M9 @SWIFTCURRENTSK 306-778-9174

WindscapeKiteFestival.ca

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GREAT FINDS FOR SHOPPERS IN SWIFT CURRENT

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or essential items and exceptional finds, shoppers need only stop into Swift Current, where world-class outlets mingle with local businesses for a shopping opportunity unlike any other. On any day of the week, downtown Swift Current is an excellent place to browse for the most stylish clothes and accessories, toys and games, vehicles and automotive parts, and even the tastiest flavours. “There’s quite a unique blend of shops, restaurants and coffee houses,” said Susan Motkaluk, chief administrative officer for the City of Swift Current. “It’s quite a wonderful

atmosphere.” The merchandise ranges from the very old to the very new. “We just got an antique shop called Fresh Vintage Décor, and it’s fantastic,” Motkaluk said. “For kids and all of the youngat-heart, there’s just a fabulous toy store downtown, and it’s called Sputtergotch. It’s a new shop in that it’s only four years old, but they have thousands of products there, and the shopping experience is fantastic for anyone who’s got kids because they really promote the idea of playing with and experiencing the toys, so it’s one of

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Downtown Swift Current’s Market Square features great entertainment, tasty food and fun for the whole family.

MARKET SQUARE THRIVING AND GROWING EVERY YEAR By Andrew Livingstone For L-P Special Projects

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very Saturday from June 13 until the end of September, downtown Swift Current will come alive with the excitement of Market Square. Since its inception, Market Square has served to reinvigorate Swift Current’s downtown area. “We dreamed up an idea or an attraction to bring people into our beautiful downtown, and what we formed was this market activity,” said Susan Motkaluk, Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Swift Current. “The focus was on downtown revitalization and drawing visitors and tourists into our great community. We’re entering our fifth year, if you can believe that, and I think that’s just amazing. It’s grown year over year, we’re getting vendors all the way from B.C.” In that time, Market Square has grown from a single-block affair to include a

courtyard, two parking lots and half of First Avenue. Such rapid expansion is due to the enthusiastic interest of attendees and the efforts of local featured businesses, which donate their resources to making the event a success. “Every Saturday, there’s a business that sponsors our downtown Market Square, and they just do all kinds of wonderful and exciting things,” Motkaluk said. As in past years, the streets will ring with the melodious tunes of accomplished and acclaimed musicians every Market Square. “We’ve got Tyler Gilbert, Country Strings, Al Hudec, Crossroads Harmony, Zan Zee and Creek City,” said Motkaluk. “Conrad and His Prairie Pals will be playing. Megan Nash is coming again, and another band is called Boomtown.” While enjoying the sound of music, visitors will savour flavours both local and exotic. Stalls offering local

those shops where you can touch and feel it and see if you like it.” Visitors can stride out of the city in the finest footwear, regardless of their tastes. “Swift Shoe Repair has fantastic shoes — when you drive by, you think it’s just a repair shop, but they also sell shoes and they’ve got a fantastic variety,” said Motkaluk. “We also have a Cowtown downtown, and they sell cowboy boots, shirts and paraphernalia.” Walking, of course, can only take shoppers so far, but the city has a selection of car dealerships to provide the right vehicle for the right price.

honey, preserves and baking will line the streets, and Hutterite colonies from around Swift Current will sell their fresh produce. From further afield, “We’ve got BC fruit that comes every Saturday — cherries, peaches and things like that,” Motkaluk said. As for international fare, “We’ve got some Mexican food, Indian food, just as a couple of examples.” Those who wish to make a longer jaunt for tasty treats will hop on the Tea Run, a horse and buggy tour to Kinetic Park, where rodeo and animal events will be held and a tea shop will serve homemade pies, teas and lemonade. Families will be drawn downtown by an assortment of fun features for children and the young at heart. “We’ve got a lot of great children’s activities: bouncy castles, petting zoos — every Saturday, there’s something new and exciting,” said Motkaluk. “We’ve also got Tap Snap coming again — Tap Snap is basically a great big iPhone, and they take photos of you and your family and put in various backgrounds and dress up in themed costumes.” Market Square days may even prove informative. “We’ve got the Saskatchewan Science Centre booked again a couple of times,” said Motkaluk. “They do a really fun, educational presentation for the kids, but, in addition to that, they have a booth set up and they teach the kids about all kinds of cool and interesting things. Last year, I think they taught them how to build rockets, and they teach them about different chemical reactions, gravity and things like that.” Children of all ages can also anticipate Market Square’s popular theme days, of which there will be three this year. June 27 will be Frontier Day, a Western-style occasion featuring horse-drawn carriage rides; August 8 will be Planes, Trains and Spaceships, a costume-themed day that will see Sputtergotch Toy Company bringing in cosplayers masquerading as Star Wars characters; and September 19 will be Cruising, which will include a ‘show and shine’ and cash prizes for the best automotive offerings. The intention for Market Square was to bring the community together, and that is exactly what it has done. “The only thing that people would like to see is they’d like to see Market Square get bigger,” Motkaluk said, “so that’s what we’re working on.”

“Downtown, we have Standard Motors and Knight Dodge, and, on our service road, there’s a number of auto dealers, like Honda, Nissan and Cypress Motors,” Motkaluk said. “I know that the auto dealers in Swift Current have been very creative with their marketing, and also creative with their pricing, so I think it’s worth a trip to explore and test drive.” As enjoyable as shopping in downtown Swift Current can be throughout the week, the Market Square experience comes alive every Saturday from June to September. See story,

below left. Although Swift Current’s downtown is thriving, shoppers can find much to enjoy throughout the city, as several stores have recently renovated or expanded. And, as always, the two shopping centres, Wheatland Mall and Swift Current Mall, provide a full complement of standard shopping opportunities alongside local flavours. Whether buying for a beloved person, to celebrate a special occasion or simply to meet one’s everyday needs, Swift Current is the place to shop.

Plenty to see and do in Swift Current’s downtown

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wift Current’s slogan is “Where life makes sense,” and nowhere is that more apparent than in its downtown core. “We’re very fortunate to have a vibrant downtown in Swift Current — we have a unique blend of shops, restaurants, and services that cater to virtually every need. Swift Current is also known for its courteous, hospitable service, making every experience feel like a visit with old friends,” said Susan Motkaluk, chief administrative officer for the city. Swift Current celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Its downtown was built around the Canadian Pacific Railway operations, and it flourished from the very beginning. Today, downtown Swift Current includes a diverse mix of retail stores, restaurants, theatres and an impressive array of service-orientated businesses like accountants, doctors and lawyers. “On top of that, our Market Square is thriving. Saturdays from June to September are literally packed with laughter and atmosphere downtown. At Market Square, there’s really something for everyone: live entertainment, more food than you could imagine, arts and crafts; the list is endless,” said Motkaluk. Market Square creates great foot traffic for the entire downtown core, matching the great accessibility of the entire city. The Chinook Pathway system allows residents to walk, run or bike throughout the city. A new public transit system was rolled out in April, but driving is always an option, with parking available close to most amenities. No matter how you get there, downtown Swift Current has plenty of entertainment to offer. Looking to take in a play or a live performance? The historic Lyric Theatre offers a wonderful blend of entertainment and ambience, while the Swift Current Little Theatre puts on performances at their space in the Great Plains

College. There are also several popular restaurants and lounges where people can unwind over a glass of wine, and nightclubs with live music and dancing. Swift Current was one of two communities recently accepted as Accredited Members of the Main Street Saskatchewan program, designed to revitalize historic downtowns through a combination of government and private investments. Main Street Saskatchewan is an ongoing, community-driven program that works to revitalize historic downtowns and commercial districts. It combines community organization, economic restructuring, heritage conservation and design, marketing and promotion to conserve and capitalize on the unique strengths and assets of Saskatchewan communities. In their first year, accredited communities receive a one-time $25,000 matching grant to support the development of their community vision and work plan. Accredited communities are also eligible for all three additional grants: the Main Street Heritage Conservation Grant, the Main Street Enhancement Grant and the Main Street Capacity Building Grant. Combining great events with natural beauty, and a sense of history with contemporary amenities makes Swift Current’s downtown experience exciting for residents and visitors alike. “What stands out about our downtown is its beauty. We’ve put a lot of energy into downtown revitalization in the past few years to add to its appeal,” said Motkaluk. The last 100 years has seen continued growth and improvement in the downtown core, and the commitment of businesses and downtown organizations, along with the support of residents and visitors alike, makes it clear that the next 100 years for Swift Current’s downtown will be a century of success and evolution.

‘Ropin’ Into the Future’

with Frontier Days Looking for some fun to begin the summer of 2015? June is the month, and Swift Current Frontier Days is the place to be. The Agricultural and Exhibition Association is celebrating 77 years of traditional western culture by ‘Ropin’ Into the Future’. Everyone is welcome! In the beginning, Frontier Days featured events of the ranching lifestyle – the Rodeo. Now Frontier Days not only continues this traditional event, but has added attractions throughout the years. This year, Frontier Days grandstand stage hosts highly regarded entertainers. On Thursday, June 25th take in something new - The Knights of Valour. This is the real thing with Jousting and a Medieval style evening of entertainment. Friday night is the Canadian Cowboys Association Rodeo. Check out the ground-pounding action of the best cowboys and cowgirls in action and the toughest stock. Saturday be prepared for some classic rock with Chilliwack, and later on stage Here Comes the Thunder with Tim Hicks! The spectacular line-up continues on Sunday with Link Union and Lonestar. All of this entertainment happens at Kinetic Exhibition Park, plus - A huge commercial exhibits featuring vendors of all interests; a carnival midway of rides, food & games; at Doc’s Town Village you can enjoy a slice of homemade pie and ice-cream or delicious dinner; and Doc’s Town Blacksmith Shop; and visit art works from local artists. The Southend of Kinetic Exhibition Park has even more standout experiences. The arenas and barns feature competitive cow-pen shows, ranch horse and cutting horse shows, Lighthorse events and, of course, the Gentle Giants – the heavy horse competitions. The Swift Current Ag & Ex is very proud of our young people. Youth members of 4-H are an important aspect to Frontier Days as many clubs participate. They are involved with the lighthorse open show and the livestock experiences. Witness judging competitions and be part of the huge 4-H steer sale. Frontier Days, as in the past, invites everyone to visit and enjoy the celebrations. This year’s celebrations promise to be fun for the whole family. For more detailed Frontier Days information visit www.swiftcurrentex.com.

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PhOTOS by Wendy FrIeSen

A $51 million joint-use education facility was opened in Swift Current in October 2014. École Centennial (top) and All Saints Catholic schools were designed to be one component of the Swift Current Integrated facility, which, in addition to the existing hospital, will include a fieldhouse, a wellness centre, a library, an art gallery, a long-term care facility and an aquatics centre. The two schools will share practical and applied arts space, band rooms and a child care facility.

Pioneer Co-op — the beneﬁts of local community service In July 1936, a meeting of Swift Current Oil and Gas shareholders ofﬁcially proclaimed the company a co-operative, and Pioneer Co-op was born. Since then, Pioneer Co-op has grown to become one of the largest cooperatives in Western Canada, serving the needs of Swift Current, over a dozen other communities and the agricultural industry throughout the area. As part of the Federated Co-operatives Limited, Pioneer Co-op is independently owned by its members, but works closely with sister stores throughout Western Canada to continue the long tradition of satisfying customers and giving back to the community. 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. “We cover everything: agricultural services, building supplies, contractor needs, as well as our food stores, where our motto is ‘Full and Fresh.’ We pride ourselves with fresh scratch baking and fresh-cut meat daily at our mall location,” said Shirley Dafoe, Pioneer Co-op human resources manager. 2014 saw record sales of $275 million for Pioneer Co-op, which employs 500 people locally while being owned and controlled by 24,000 members. “Membership is just $10

and only needs to be purchased once. Anyone who shops with us can buy a membership. Once you get your Co-op number and start shopping with us, you have equity in the Co-op and all purchases are recorded; then dividend payouts are set by the board of directors,” said Dafoe. The beneﬁts of membership are clear, but Pioneer Co-op welcomes everyone and provides world-class customer service to members and non-members alike, while sharing their success with their communities. “We are always giving back to our community, supporting various organizations such as 4-H, the United Way and hockey clubs in the area, just to name a few” said Dafoe. Pioneer Co-op has established itself as a successful, locally driven ﬁxture in Swift Current and the surrounding area, and is proudly looking forward to celebrating its 80th anniversary next year. For more information on the rich history of Pioneer Co-op, as well as all they have to offer today, visit http://www.pioneercoop.ca. This story was produced by Leader-Post Special Projects on behalf of Pioneer Coop to promote awareness of this topic for commercial purposes. The Leader-Post editorial department had no involvement in the creation of this content.

Swift Current AND BRANCHES AT • Abbey • Cabri • Consul • Frontier • Gull Lake

• Herbert • Hodgeville • Kyle • Maple Creek • Morse

• Ponteix • Sceptre • Stewart Valley • Tompkins

Proud to be a Top 100 Company in Saskatchewan!!!

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Round-up youR family and fRiends foR swift CuRRent fRontieR days’ Ropin’ into the futuRe

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he Swift Current Agricultural and Exhibition Association is inviting everyone to Southwestern Saskatchewan for the wildest, most thrilling, truly exciting fun for the whole family, June 25 to 28. Since 1938, Swift Current Frontier Days Fair and Rodeo has been committed

PhoTo by WenDy FrieSen

to benefiting youth, supporting education and aiding better agricultural practices through exhibitions and event presentations. The Swift Current Ag & Ex continues to celebrate that commitment with this year’s event,

Frontier Days offers something for the whole family. West Coast Amusements midway is open on Thursday, June 25 from 4 p.m. until midnight and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon until midnight.

themed: Ropin’ Into the Future. Find your favourite pair of blue jeans and country-style shirt, pull on your cowboy boots and proudly wear that cowboy hat. Start the festivities with family and friends on Thursday at the Kick-off Pancake Breakfast and Burning of the Frontier Days Brand. Later in the day, take in the Kiddies Day Parade. The Kiddies parade has the same theme as the Frontier Days Saturday morning parade: From Country Days to Modern Ways. Then head on down to Kinetic Exhibition Park, where you can rustle up some fair food, enjoy the thrill of the rides, play a few games, and so much more. Family entertainment is free with a $5 gate admission and includes a funfilled line-up. The Cutest Show on Earth has volunteer audience members as the performers; dogs perform tricks and stunts with The Canine Stars; ‘Prevo’ the baby T-Rex dinosaur mascot wanders around for perfect picture opportunities; circus performers feature a juggler and comedy acts; SaskPower presents an interactive display; and the Wobbly Balls and kids tractor pulls are returning. Country performers and rock and roll will make up the 77th edition of the

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

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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.

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Frontier Days Grandstand night shows. Thursday, June 25, at 8 p.m.: Knights of Valour – Jousting and Medieval entertainment Friday, June 26, at 7 p.m.: Canadian Cowboy Association Rodeo Saturday, June 27, at 8 p.m.: Chilliwack, Tim Hicks Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m.: Link Union, Lonestar Platinum passes are available for $105, and provide four days of gate admission, three Canadian Cowboy Association Rodeos and spectacular grandstand entertainment. Individual tickets for each of the grandstand performances are also available. Contact the Ag & Ex office, Pharmasave, Innovation Credit Union or Robertson’s Family Group for tickets. Frontier Days also offers a great opportunity to take in ranch events. Members of 4-H will be displaying the finest cattle at the barns, and the arenas will host the premium of Southwest cowboys and cowgirls in the open 4-H Lighthorse, Ranch Horse, Heavy Horse and Cutting Horse competitions. Witness the thrills and spills of the always electrifying Canadian Cowboys Association Rodeo for timed events and

the rough stock along with slack rodeo. Must-see places include the H-Hut Art exhibit, Artist at the Ex, historic buildings at Doc’s Town, the blacksmith shop and the huge commercial exhibit area in the Stockade Building. Enjoy the good ol’ Western hospitality throughout the four-day event, and you may want to take in the Frontier Days Saloon and the 4th Barrel at the Grandstand Jerry Myers Arena. On Sunday, Robertson’s Pancake Breakfast and an interdenominational church service take place in the morning and, following the rest of the day’s events, the spectacular Big Bang Fireworks display at 11 p.m. brings the Frontier Days week-end to a close. The biggest show in the Southwest welcomes you! Frontier Days 2015 Ropin’ Into the Future truly has something for everyone. For more information, contact the Ag & Ex office at 306-773-2944 or check out the website where the chute is always open: www.swiftcurrentex.com. Submitted by Lenora Bells, Event Development Coordinator, Swift Current Agricultural and Exhibition Association

reat Plains College is a dynamic organization that aims to provide effective training and education programs to ensure the skills acquired by students meet the demands of the labour market in Saskatchewan.

The college maintains six locations in western Saskatchewan (Kindersley, Swift Current, Warman, Biggar, Maple Creek and Rosetown). And, offers a number of postsecondary certiﬁcate, diploma and degree programs as well as university courses, Skills & Safety Training, Adult Basic Education and English language training. Recently, the college conducted an assessment of the economic impact of college operations in its service region and the provincial economy for the 2012-13 academic year. Based on that study, completed by Praxis Research/Strategy, it was revealed that a combination of student, graduate and operation impacts created or maintained 792 jobs in Saskatchewan. Those jobs translated into $31.2 million is new wages and salaries and $15.2 million in federal, provincial, and municipal government revenues.

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 on-site is service a full service beer andstore wineand store. The hotel of a busy day. day. Also Also on-site is a full beer and wine 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/

Each year the college captures institutional performance data through Student Outcome and Annual Graduate Surveys in order to gage its performance in relation to learning outcomes and graduate employment.

located at 905 North Service

The most recent 2013-14 Student Outcome Report, completed by Fast Consulting in December 2014, further demonstrated the positive impact Great Plains College contributes to the lives and prosperity of its graduates. Within 60-90 days of graduating and completing their program of choice, 77 per cent of post-secondary students had secured fulltime employment.

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.

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:

The 2012-13 Annual Graduate Survey, completed by Fast Consulting in December 2014, revealed that 84 per cent of graduates found employment within the Great Plains College region and 98 per cent found employment within Saskatchewan.

www.daysinn.ca/swiftcurrent

Great Plains College supports a growing Saskatchewan and strives to continually build a responsive, innovative and results-orientated institution, providing high-quality education for its students and the communities it serves.

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

Reservations for Days In Inn - Swif Swift C Current can be made by visiting www.daysinn.ca/ lling 1 800 0 DAY A INN (1-800-329-7466). AY swiftcurrent or by calling DAYS

or book direct at

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2015-16 PROGRAMS • 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 • Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development

• FREE Daybreak Café breakfast • FREE high-speed Internet access • Mini-fridge & microwave in all rooms • FREE large truck parking & plug-ins • Jacuzzi suite & Wheelchair accessible suite • Fitness room • Lounge, 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

• Power Engineering Fourth Class • Power Engineering 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

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Monday, June 15, 2 015

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. This 60,000-square-foot facility has a wide variety of slot machines, table games, restaurant, lounge and stage. The Sky Centre offers theatre-style seating for live concert performances and catering services for conventions, banquets, weddings and anniversaries.

JUNE 18 � 21 LONG DAY’S NIGHT MUSIC FESTIVAL

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 more information, visit www.longdaysnight.ca

SWIFT CURRENT MUSEUM 306-778-2775 www.swiftcurrent.ca

Showcasing 10,000 years of history in the southwest, the city’s new museum isn’t just an educational stop for visitors; it’s an easy one, too, since it’s situated next to the Trans-Canada Highway. Stop by and see Big Bert this summer. Guided tours are available for schools and groups. Open Monday through Friday year-round, and on weekends during June, July and August.

ART GALLERY OF SWIFT CURRENT 306-778-2736 www.artgalleryofswiftcurrent.org

The Art Gallery in Swift Current 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.

LYRIC THEATRE 306-773-6292 www.lyrictheatre.ca

The Lyric Theatre in Swift Current 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 as part of the Lyric program today, along with musicals, spoken word performances, regular open stages, and new media events. Chautauqua, held July, features four days of live theatre performances.

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 13 to Sept. 26, 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 is where you will find Doc’s Town Heritage Village,

Swift Current festivals and events

PHOTOS BY WENDY FRIESEN

Six spray parks are among the many attractions to be found in Swift Current. The city also has two swimming pools: The Aquatic Centre, an indoor swimming facility located at 1100 11th Ave. NE, and Fairview Pool, an outdoor swimming facility located at 270 Gladstone St. W. During the summer when the outdoor pool is open, The Aquatic Centre Pool is closed.

the Mennonite Heritage Village and the West Wing Gallery. Learn about prairie history and the lifestyles of early settlers. Buildings on the grounds includes a homestead, barn, church, school, blacksmith shop, tea room, gift shop and galleries. Open weekend afternoons during the summer months.

SASKATCHEWAN HOCKEY HALL OF FAME 306-741-2532

This attraction is open year-round and located in the Credit Union i-plex. Inductees include the 1989 Swift Current Broncos team; Fred Sasakamoose, who was the first First Nations player to play in the NHL; and Gordie Howe, known as Mr. Hockey and considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Regular hours are Tuesday to Saturday from1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

CHINOOK PARKWAY 306-778-2787

A perfect place for walking, jogging, cycling and bird watching, the popular and picturesque Chinook Parkway runs alongside Swift Current Creek. Native grasses and reeds provide nesting and habitat for songbirds and waterfowl, while over 60 different wildflowers call this area home. SWIFT CURRENT HAS THREE MAJOR GOLF COURSES � ELMWOOD GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB, CHINOOK GOLF COURSE AND SASK LAND� ING GOLF RESORT � ALL LOCATED WITHIN A HALF�HOUR DRIVE OF THE CITY.

CHINOOK GOLF COURSE 306-778-2776 www.swiftcurrent.ca

Bent grass greens and conditioned fairways provide 6,205 yards of challenging play for all levels of golfers. The 18-hole course winds through marshy areas and cut banks while it follows the Swift Current Creek. Facilities include a restaurant, a lounge and a pro shop with equipment rentals, power carts, practice greens and a driving range.

ELMWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 306-778-GOLF (4653) www.elmwoodgc.com

Elmwood Golf & Country Club is one of Canada’s oldest golf courses. The 18-hole championship course first opened for play in 1919. The 6,295yard course incorporates surrounding hills and trees, while the creek presents numerous challenges to even the most talented of duffers. Facilities include a restaurant and lounge, along with a fully stocked pro shop and a driving range.

SASK LANDING GOLF RESORT 1-866-691-GOLF (4653) www.sasklandinggolfresort.com

Located 30 minutes north of Swift Current, Sask Landing Golf Resort is well-known for its uniqueness and 7,000 yards of challenging play. Every tee box gives golfers breathtaking views of Lake Diefenbaker and the surrounding hills. Facilities include a clubhouse, a full service pro shop, power carts, equipment rentals and a driving range. SWIFT CURRENT IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF SOUTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN AND SUR� ROUNDED BY FIVE DESTINATION AREAS: BIG MUDDY, CYPRESS HILLS, GRASSLANDS, GREAT SANDHILLS AND LAKE DIEFENBAKER.

LAKE DIEFENBAKER

Located 30 minutes north of Swift Current, Lake Diefenbaker features expansive waterways and, with 800 kilometres of shoreline, it is the largest body of water in Southwest Saskatchewan. It is well-known for its golfing, boating and world class walleye fishing. The lake is also home to four provincial parks — Sask Landing, Danielson, Douglas and Buffalo Pound

CYPRESS HILLS

Located 90 minutes west of Swift Current, the Cypress Hills are the highest point of land in Canada between

the Rocky Mountains and Labrador. A giant plateau once surrounded by glaciers, Cypress Hills is an oasis on the open prairie. The park is home to rare wildflowers, towering stands of lodgepole pines and 220 species of birds and mammals.

GRASSLANDS

Drive 90 minutes south of Swift Current to find Grasslands National Park. Travel the 80 km EcoTour road in the West Block and discover stunning landscapes and cultural history. This is a natural paradise with weathered badlands, untouched native prairie, and grassland flora and fauna. Grasslands is home to the wild plains bison and is the only one of the country’s 39 national parks that represents prairie. It is the only place in Canada where colonies of black-tailed prairie dogs still exist, and it’s also the new home of the black-footed ferret, once thought to be extinct

GREAT SANDHILLS

One hour northwest of Swift Current is where you will find one of the largest and most impressive sets of active sand dunes in Canada. The Great Sandhills draw visitors from across the country and is a veritable paradise for family fun in the sand. The dunes rise 50 feet above the ground and cover 1,900 square kilometres. Subjected to strong winds, the dunes are always moving, creating an ever-changing landscape for photographers, visitors and natural wildlife.

BIG MUDDY

Two hours southeast of Swift Current, the Big Muddy Badlands are an incredible display of nature's architecture. In the heart of the badlands is Castle Butte, a relic from the ice age This free-standing structure was used as a landmark by First Nations people, the North-West Mounted Police and early Canadian settlers. Evidence of early civilization can be found in the Big Muddy area in the form of stone effigies, ceremonial circles and ancient buffalo jumps.

JUNE 20 � 21 WINDSCAPE KITE FESTIVAL

Miller Express Market Square Internationally acclaimed and award winning, the 11th Annual Windscape Kite Festival is a family-friendly, free-admission festival. For more information, visit www.windscapekitefestival.ca

JUNE 25 � 28 FRONTIER DAYS FAIR & RODEO

Show Window of the Southwest 77th Annual Frontier Days Fair & Rodeo is the largest event of the year with midway rides, grandstand concerts, horse and cattle shows, and 4-H competitions. For more information, visit www. swiftcurrentex.com

JULY 9 � 12 CHAUTAUQUA THEATRE FESTIVAL Speedy Creek Racing A return to the 1920s with worldclass, touring theatre artists performing original and critically acclaimed work at the historic Lyric Theatre in Swift Current. For more information, www. lyrictheatre.ca

JULY 26 WATERMELON FESTIVAL

Mennonite Heritage Village will be hosting the 21st Annual Watermelon Festival at the village this summer. Roll kuchen and watermelon highlight the festivities. For more information, visit www. mennoniteheritagevillage.ca

SEPT. 25 � 27 RANCHMAN’S RIDIN’ & RECITIN’ MARKET SQUARE YOUNG RANCHMAN'S ALL BREEDS LIVESTOCK SHOW

Come out and watch the top hands from across the Southwest. Cowboy poetry, good food and cold beer are all part of the package. For more information, visit www.swiftcurrentex.com

V I S I TO R & C O N V E N T I O N S E R V I C E S I N S W I F T C U R R E N T 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 17 hotel properties, almost 1,000 rooms and a wide choice of rental facilities,” says Jackie Moore from Tourism Swift Current. “Seven hotel properties also have their own meeting rooms that can be booked for groups up to 260 people.” Conventions and trade shows contribute to a $30 million tourism industry in Swift Current. “We have been seeing increases year over year, and with all that is taking place in our city, we expect these numbers will continue to grow,” notes Lee Friesen from Tourism Swift Current. “Business travel and peak summer traffic have 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 events.” 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 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. The facility is part of the Living Sky Casino complex and was built in 2008 at a total cost of $35 million. Since opening, the Sky Centre has become a showcase for 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. “The Sky Centre offers all of the amenities you’d expect, and its size lets us provide personalized service,” says Catering and Events Coordinator Ashley Peterson. “Customer service is our priority and we are able to provide the supporting staff that organizers require to host an event.” Swift Current has additional facilities that can be rented. Unique venues include the historic Lyric Theatre, with a capacity of 190, and the Saskatchewan Hockey Hall of Fame, which is 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. Jackie 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 very competitive in price, quality and service.” Visitor & Convention Services are open Monday to Friday and available by calling 306-778-9174.

Living Sky Casino & Sky Centre, Swift Current, Saskatchewan TOURISM SWIFT CURRENT

VISITOR & CONVENTION SERVICES

Street Address: 44 Robert Street W, Swift Current, SK S9H 4M9 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1480, Swift Current, SK S9H 3G6 Telephone: 306-778-9174

Visitor & Convention Services are located in the Swift Current Museum. The facility is open year round, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and during June, July and August, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.

@SwiftCurrentSK

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