Yorkton Community Profile

Community Profile
Updated By:
Economic Development Office
City of Yorkton
August, 2011
Table of Contents
Yorkton Fast Facts_________________________________________________________3
Economic Highlights ________________________________________________________4
Location & Climate_________________________________________________________5
Transportation & Distances___________________________________________________6
Economic Activity__________________________________________________________7
Income__________________________________________________________________7
Household Expenditures_____________________________________________________7
Retail Sales_______________________________________________________________8
Construction Activity_______________________________________________________8
Population, Demographics & Labour Force________________________________________9
Education Statistics_________________________________________________________10
Yorkton Labour Market Area__________________________________________________11
Commercial Facts__________________________________________________________12
Residential Facts___________________________________________________________14
Education________________________________________________________________15
Health & Emergency Services_ ________________________________________________16
Culture_________________________________________________________________18
Recreation_______________________________________________________________20
Services_________________________________________________________________23
Municipal Government and Contact Information___________________________________24
Other Yorkton Based Contacts_______________________________________________25
WELCOME!
Demographic and economic information
most often requested by companies and
individuals are contained in this document.
More information can be accessed on
www.yorkton.ca
After reviewing the relevant data and
commentary, please accept our warm
invitation to request further assistance. All
inquiries and information submitted to our
Economic Development Office will be treated
as confidential. Please direct your inquiries to:
Faisal Anwar
37 Third Ave North
Yorkton, SK S3N 2W3
Telephone: (306) 786-1747
Facsimile: (306) 786-6880
Email: [email protected]
YORKTON FAST FACTS
According to Saskatchewan health 2010, Yorkton has a population of 19,588. It is situated on the TransCanada Yellowhead Highway #16 between Winnipeg, MB, and Saskatoon, SK. Yorkton is the largest city
in East Central Saskatchewan within an area of approximately 14,000 square miles.
As an illustration of Yorkton’s large trading area, retail sales are at $542,234,363 and are projected to
increase to $567,278,743 by 2013 and $599,339,836 by 2016. Other main regional industries are
agriculture, potash mining, manufacturing, tourism, and health services.
One of the finest facilities of its kind in the Province, the City owned Gallagher Centre is able to stage
major events and conferences. The Centre offers a hockey arena, curling rink, convention centre, wave
pool and flexi-hall.
With more than 600 modern hotel rooms, events such as the inaugural of World Junior ―A‖ Hockey
Championship and Canada Curling Cup have been hosted by the City.
3
Economic Highlights
Two canola crushing plants, Louis Dreyfus Mitsui (LDM) Foods and Richardson International (RI)
were under construction in Yorkton and area. LDM Foods has started its operation in November 2009,
and Richardson International was operational in July 2010. These new developments had already created
more than 150 direct jobs. An estimated cost of these two plants is approximately $400m. Altogether,
these plants have a crushing capacity of 1.7 million metric tons per year.
The value of residential and commercial renovations, additions and alterations has increased in
the past three years. It reflects the investment by landowners in improving the quality of the existing
housing and commercial stock. Apart from the development of new facilities by Peavey Mart and
Yorkton Co-operatives, the City has experienced an expansion in Harvest Meats, Wal Mart, Best
Western Hotel, Ram Industries, and Real Canadian Superstore.
As an evidence of the rate of Yorkton’s economic growth, 161 single family residential homes
were constructed in the past three years. The City of Yorkton is accelerating development of additional
lot inventories to meet the increased demand. In addition, two private land developers from outside of
the province who have purchased land to the north and east (newly annexed) of the City, and are in the
process of developing both residential and commercial land.
The Yorkton sanitary landfill facility provides regional-scale facilities in the City’s trade
area, and the City’s new water treatment plant, existing sewage treatment plant, and a new fire hall
have sufficient capacity to provide needed services for the foreseeable future. The new water treatment
plant has begun supplying water to the City of Yorkton distribution system in January 2011. This Water
Treatment Plant uses a Greensand Gravity Filtration System and has the capability of treating 22,000
cubic meters of water per day.
Saskatchewan’s economic boom in mining, construction and value added industries has created a
need for more training capacity, specially, in the skilled trades’ area. The recent increase in demand for
skilled trades led Parkland College, Yorkton campus, to consider an expansion in its existing facility. The
college is planning a 78,000 square feet expansion in addition to the current college infrastructure in
order to meet the future training needs, which will create 6 to 12 new permanent jobs, and drive more
students in the City.
Two mining companies, Agrium Inc. and BHP Billiton are assessing the development of potash mines
in the South-West of Yorkton. The expected potash mining operation by these two companies will also
create new direct and indirect jobs in Yorkton and area. Therefore, in the next five years, the numbers
of direct/indirect permanent jobs from canola crushing plants and potash mining may exceed 1,500 jobs.
The Painted Hand Casino has relocated to a $30m newly constructed facility on the former West
Broadway Mall site. Painted Hand Casino operated by Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority
(SIGA) provides gaming facilities with more than 200 slot machines and seven live table games,
and theatre facilities having a seating capacity of 500.
4
Location and Climate
Altitude: 1,634 feet (498 meters)
Longitude: 102° 28’ W
Latitude: 51° 16‖ N
Region: East Central
Source: 2011 World Climate Index
5
Transportation & Distance
Highways
Yorkton is located along the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway #16 in East Central Saskatchewan
between Saskatoon and Winnipeg. It is 190 km northeast of Regina, 64 km west of the Manitoba border
and 326 km southeast of Saskatoon. Other highways servicing the area include Highway #10 (between
Yorkton and Regina) and Highway #9 from Hudson Bay to the US border.
Distances
Regina, SK
Kms
190
Miles
118
Saskatoon, SK
326
203
Winnipeg, MB
Edmonton, AB
451
851
280
529
U.S. Border
241
150
Railways
Yorkton is on the main line of the Canadian Pacific Railway. It is also on
the Bay Line which connects the Port of Churchill to the Canadian National
Railway mainline at Melville (38 km southeast).
Air
The Yorkton Municipal Airport is located three (3) kms north of the City of Yorkton on Highway #9
occupying a land area of approximately 720 acres. The airport is the base operation for both private and
commercial helicopters and fixed wing aircraft operators. The airport is operational 24hrs per day, 7
days a week. The maneuvering area
consists of two intersecting runways, a
joining taxiway system, a public apron and
a private apron. This Municipal Airport
operates with Runway 03-21 (paved
measuring 4,800 ft. by 150 ft.) and Runway
12-30 (graveled surface measuring 3,000
ft. by 100 ft.). Good Spirit Air Service
(www.goodspiritair.com) offers charter air
services. Flight training, aircraft rentals,
crop spraying, aircraft maintenance/
servicing and helicopter operations are
provided by the businesses located at the
airport. The Yorkton Airport is also used
by Westwood Aviation who operates “bank run” courier service twice daily. Occasionally, you may see
a C-130 Hercules assisting CANSERA search and rescue operations, small jets, corporate aircrafts,
military helicopters, fire-fighting helicopters or air ambulance flights.
6
Economic Activity
Yorkton serves one of the largest trading areas in the East Central region of the province. Largely
dependent upon agriculture, other major industries include potash mining, manufacturing, construction,
tourism, and health services.
Business in Yorkton Made Easy (www.yorkton.ca/business/bizpal/index.asp)
When you want to start or grow your business—or are already operating and want to verify that you
have all the correct permits and licenses—BizPal can help. BizPal is an online service that walks you
through the business permit and license process for all levels of government - local, provincial and
federal.
www.BizPal.ca
A service providing on-line information
regarding government licenses and permits
for businesses.
More information on economic and
quality of life may be accessed on
www.Saskbiz.ca
Income
Total Income Estimate
Per Capita
Average family Income
Average Household Income
$542,919,315
$31,583
$90,878
$72,216
Source: Financial Post, Canadian Demographics, 2011
Average Household Expenditures
2011 Estimates
Estimates (2011)
Food
Shelter
Clothing
Transportation
Health & Personal care
Dollars
$7,979
$12,651
$2,900
$10,025
$3,196
Percentage
11.44
18.14
4.16
14.34
4.58
Recreation, Reading, Education
$5,582
8.03
$16,136
$11,273
$69,742
23.14
16.17
100.00
Taxes & Securities
Other
Total Expenditures
Source: Financial Post, Canadian Demographics, 2011
7
Retail Sales (Historical and Projected Estimates)
Year
2002
2006
Retail Sales
$213,610,000
$371,740,000
Year
2011
2013
Retail Sales
$542,234,363 (estimate)
$567,278,743 (projected)
2009
$486,870,000
2016
$599,339,836 (projected)
Source: Financial Post, Canadian Demographics, 2011
Construction Activity 2005 – 2010
Source: City of Yorkton- Building Services-December 2010
Building Permit Value Composition (2010)
8
Population, Demographics and Labour Force
The City of Yorkton has a population of 19,588 representing a 13.28% growth rate over the last 5 years
(Saskatchewan Health 2010 estimates).
Year
Population
Growth rate
2001
16,898
Population Growth Rate in the Last 10 Years
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
17,032 16,916 17,186 17,261 17,006 17,260
0.80%
-0.68%
1.60%
0.43%
-1.48%
1.49%
2008
17,603
1.99%
2009
17,608
0.03%
Source: Sask Health, covered population – 2010
Population Age Group Composition
Age & Gender
Yorkton 2010
Age
Group
Under 1
1 to 4
5 to 9
10 to 14
15 to 19
20 to 24
25 to 29
30 to 34
35 to 39
40 to 44
45 to 49
50 to 54
55 to 59
60 to 64
65 to 69
70 to 74
75 to 79
80 to 84
85 to 89
90 to 94
95 Plus
Total
Male
Female
Total
112
476
591
638
667
641
564
596
622
559
692
694
634
465
379
367
276
250
153
50
19
9,445
103
457
563
545
635
673
642
582
607
631
698
686
601
540
451
458
409
357
285
155
65
10,143
215
933
1,154
1,183
1,302
1,314
1,206
1,178
1,229
1,190
1,390
1,380
1,235
1,005
830
825
685
607
438
205
84
19,588
Population Gender Composition
Source: Sask Health, covered population – 2010
9
2010
19,588
11.25%
English
Home Language
16,514
97.87%
Arabic
Cantonese
20
15
0.12%
0.09%
Chinese
German
10
29
0.06%
0.17%
Greek
10
0.06%
Ojibway
Polish
10
29
0.06%
0.17%
Spanish
Ukrainian
48
93
0.28%
0.55%
Other Languages
Multiple Responses
Total
56
40
16,874
0.33%
0.24%
100.00%
Private Households (2011)
Private Households, Total
Population in Private Households
Average No. per Household
7,518
16,874
2.2
Families (2011)
Families in Private Households
Couple Families
Lone-Parent Families
Average No. of Persons per Family
Average No. of Children at Home
Source: Financial Post, Canadian Demographics 2011
5,210
4,410
800
2.8
1
Source: Financial Post, Canadian Demographics 2011
Education Statistics – Levels of Schooling – Ages 25+
Level of Schooling
Number
No certificate, diploma or degree
3,303
High school certificate or equivalent
3,169
Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma
1,484
College, CEGEP or non-university certificate or diploma
1,835
University certificate or diploma below bachelor level
Bachelor’s degree
University certificate or diploma above bachelor level
Degree in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or optometry
Master’s degree
Earned doctorate
Total
Percentage
28.47
27.32
12.79
15.82
567
976
113
44
103
4.89
8.41
0.97
0.38
0.89
7
11,601
0.06
100
Source: Financial Post, Canadian Demographics 2011
Regional Labour Force – 2007 Estimates
Population of Nearby Centers
Canora
2,501
Esterhazy
2,827
Kamsack
2,106
Melville
4,621
Langenburg
1,321
Preeceville
1,383
Population
Labour Force
Employed
Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
Participation Rate
Source: Sask Health, 2011
64,100
43,300
41,400
1,800
4.2%
67.6%
Source: Labour Force Characteristics – Statistics Canada 2007
10
Yorkton Labour Market Area
The area covers approximately 32,600 square kms, 5.1% of Saskatchewan’s total area. According to
Service Canada (Saskatchewan Regional LMI Services), 64,100 people were living within this area in
2007. This represents about 7% of Saskatchewan’s total population.
Labour Force
2011 Estimates
In the Labour Force
Participation Rate
Employed
Unemployed
Male
4,624
72.4%
4,348
276
Female
4,492
61.3%
4,368
124
Unemployment rate
Not in Labour Force
6.0%
1,767
2.8%
2,839
Source: Financial Post, Canadian Demographics 2011
Occupation by Major Groups
2011 Estimates
Management
Business, Finance, and Administration
Natural & Applied Science, & Related Services
Health
Social & Government Services
Education
Arts, Culture, Recreation & Sports
Sales & Service
Trades, Transportation & Equipment Operations
Primary Industries
Processing, Manufacturing & Utilities
Male
498
333
314
133
140
85
156
947
1,222
482
266
Source: Financial Post, Canadian Demographics 2011
Regional Demographic Data
Population within 50 km radius
Population within 100 km radius
Population within 150 km radius
11
31,635
57,309
100,000+
Female
185
939
72
548
350
261
195
1,689
79
105
51
Commercial Facts
Shopping Malls
Parkland Mall, 277 Broadway Street East, Highway #10 East (www.parklandmall.net)
• 42 shops/services
• approximately 300,000 sq. ft.
• anchors: Zellers, Sobeys, Shoppers Drug Mart, Value Village (coming soon)
Linden Square Mall, 385 Broadway Street East, Highway #10 East
• 19 shops/services
• approximately 35,300 sq. ft.
York City Plaza, Broadway Street East, Downtown
• anchor: Liquidation World
• approximately 33,500 sq. ft.
Crossroads Centre, Broadway Street East
• approximately 28,000 sq. ft.
• anchor: Tim Hortons and Wendy’s, Giant Tiger, Block Buster
Broadway Centre Mall, 69 - 89 Broadway Street West
Flamingo Square Mall, 84-86 Broadway Street East
• approximately 22,400 sq. ft.
• anchor: Robin Donuts
Box Stores
• Wal-Mart
• Staples
• Superstore
• The Brick
• Canadian Tire
Commercial Land Prices
Gladstone Industrial Park………………$70,000+ per serviced acre
City-owned unserviced land……………price negotiable
Highway Commercial…………………...$240,000+ per serviced acre
Commercial Leasing and Rental
Quality commercial properties and premises are available for sale or lease, either in the downtown
core, the shopping malls or along the Highway corridors. Please contact our local Realtors for specific
information on current properties.
Communications
The community has a number of providers of high speed and regular Internet including SaskTel, Access
Communications and Image Wireless Communications. SaskTel Mobility and Rogers also provide
cellular service in the community.
12
Major Yorkton Exporters (which employ more than 50 people)
Harvest Meats (www.harvestmeats.com)
Since 1928, Harvest Meats (a division of Premium Brands) continues to expand and diversify.
Although specialty products play a key role in the company’s marketing plans, 75% of production is
pork products such as ham, bacon, sausage and wieners. In 2005, a $7 million expansion created a
140,000 sq. ft. state of the art processing plant employing 180 persons. In 2007, a $220,000 plant
modification was completed to increase production output and improve workers’ health and safety.
Leon’s Manufacturing Company Inc. (www.leonsmfg.com)
For 50 years LEON's has built high quality, rock-solid Material Handling Equipment that has stood the
test of time. Their products have earned LEON's a worldwide reputation for technical innovation,
reliability, and outstanding performance. Product quality is guaranteed on every Attachment, Rear
Blade, Dozer Blade, Front End Loader, Land Scraper and Manure Spreaders that bear the “LEON’s”
name.
Morris Industries Ltd. (www.morris-industries.com)
Morris Industries Ltd. is an international supplier of simple, practical, easy to use seeding, tillage and
haying equipment. They have maintained a commitment to research and development in order to
create simple, practical, easy to use agricultural equipment. Morris has been providing equipment to
North American farmers for over 75 years. Today, you will find Morris in Australia, Kazakhstan,
Germany, Ukraine, France, England, South Africa and Russia.
Grain Millers Canada Corporation (www.grainmillers.com)
Grain Millers Canada Corporation is a food processing company supplying industrial oat products to
many of the largest food companies in North America and beyond. They also package private label,
retail oatmeal products under many brand names on store shelves in Canada. The company
processes 6.5 – 7 million bushels of oats annually, the majority of which are purchased directly from
local area producers.
Ram Industries Inc. (www.ramindustries.com)
Ram Industries Inc. is a manufacturer of quality custom design and standard hydraulic and pneumatic
cylinders. For over 25 years, RAM cylinders have served original equipment manufacturers across
North America and throughout the world in a variety of industries and applications.
LDM Foods (www.ldmfoods.com)
Louis Dreyfus Mitsui (LDM) Foods, a canola crushing plant has started its operation in November
2009. The $200m canola crushing facility is producing roughly 500,000 mt of meal and 350,000 mt of
canola oil per year. Initially, it has created 75+ new direct jobs in the community.
Yorkton Business Improvement District (www.yorktonbid.com)
The Yorkton BID was implemented in January 2005 with a vision of
“assisting local business and property owners to revitalize and promote
their business and shopping district‖. Funding is provided by a special levy
on downtown business properties and a matching grant from the city.
The City of Yorkton has designated the BID as an Enterprise Zone, an
area targeted for economic revitalization and tax exemptions to
businesses in five categories: (1) Housing (2) Business Creation and
Expansion (3) Brownfield Remediation (4) Heritage Preservation (5) Facade and Site Improvement.
13
Residential Facts
From stately homes in well-treed, established areas to new housing developments, Yorkton offers an
excellent choice of private homes. Infill lots for new construction or relocation are available through-out
the city. Please call the City of Yorkton for lot availability or visit www.yorkton.ca.
Weinmaster Park
Weinmaster Park subdivision is located in the northeast area of Yorkton near the Parkland Mall.
Parkview Estates
Parkview Estates subdivision is located in the southwest area of Yorkton near the Hospital and the
Gallagher Centre.
Riverside Terrace
Riverside Terrace, a new subdivision located in the northeast area near the Parkland Mall. This
subdivision targets the needs of the upscale housing market. It is designed to provide opportunities for
discerning homebuyers to be part of the environmentally responsible philosophy that will govern the
neighbourhood character
Riverside Meadows Phase 1 and 11
Riverside Meadows, a new subdivision located in the northeast area. This subdivision targets the needs
of the medium to upscale housing market.
Riverside Meadows - Multi-Family
This subdivision supports development of duplex and semi-detached homes.
Residential Home Costs
The average overall housing price was $185,000 and $190,000 in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The
average resale housing price was at $157,000 in 2010. Among other external factors, the increase in
housing prices is attributed to the strength of our economy leading to job and wage growth as well as
in-migration. Average Building Costs: $200 per sq. ft.
Residential Rental Costs
Houses start at approximately $500 - $1000 per month
Fourplex and/or Duplex start at approximately $500 per month
Apartment Rent Data, City of Yorkton
Apartment
Type
Bachelor
1 Bedroom
2 Bedroom
3 Bedroom +
1,024 Rental
Units
Average Rent ($)
2008
2009
2010
2011
374
477
577
666
453
579
667
748
468
590
697
769
494
614
721
801
% Change
08 – 09 09 - 10 10 - 11
21.13
3.31
5.56
21.38
1.90
4.07
15.60
4.50
3.45
12.31
2.81
4.16
Average Rent $658 (2011)
Source: CMHC Rental Market Report - SK Highlights - Released Spring 2011
14
Vacancy Rate (%)
2008
2009
2010
2011
0.0
0.0
1.2
8.5
0.7
0.6
4.9
3.8
0.5
1.3
1.1
5.2
0.0
2.9
2.4
2.9
Average Vacancy Rate
4.9% (2011)
Occupied Private Dwellings
Occupied Private Dwellings
Owned
Rented
Single Detached Houses
Semi – Detached Houses
7,629
5,311
2,318
5,545
194
Row Houses
Apartment, Fewer than 5 Stories
230
1,418
Apartment, Detached Duplex
Other
61
181
Source: Financial Post, Canadian Demographics 2010
Public Housing
Low-income housing is provided by the Yorkton Housing Authority. It is operated by Saskatchewan
Housing under the provincial government. The Yorkton Housing Authority provides the following: 208
senior units, 29 family housing units, 24 self-contained apartments, one wheel chair accessible family unit
and 3 wheel chair accessible apartments. The City of Yorkton also operates an affordable housing
program through its wholly owned subsidiary, Yorkton Housing Corporation and provides the following:
40 bachelor suites, 39 one-bedroom duplexes, 20 one-bedroom suites and 10 two-bedroom suites.
Senior Housing – Life Lease Concept - Fairview Arms
Fairview Arms, a fifty-suite apartment complex targeting low-modest income seniors, is based on the
―life-lease‖ concept. Tenants invest financially (approximately $45,000) into their apartment. The
tenant’s contribution is refunded should they choose to leave their unit at any time. The Province of
Saskatchewan acts as landlord and guarantees the tenants’ contributions.
Education
As of September 30, 2010, the enrolment was 2,110 for elementary schools and 1,182 for high schools.
Elementary Schools – Public
Columbia…………………………….365
Dr. Brass…………………………….142
M. C. Knoll…………………………..286
Yorkdale Central……………………432
Yorkton Regional High School…759
Elementary Schools – Separate
St. Alphonsus………………………..150
St. Mary’s………………………….....172
St. Michael’s……………………….....288
(French Immersion K-8)
St. Paul’s………………………….......275
Sacred Heart High School……....423
15
Post-Secondary Education
Parkland College (www.parklandcollege.sk.ca)
For 35 years Parkland College has been serving the East Central region of Saskatchewan. Their five
campuses are located in Canora, Esterhazy, Fort Qu’Appelle, Melville (Administration Office) and
Yorkton.
Parkland College’s post-secondary opportunities include both university and technical skills programs.
They provide the largest off campus university program at any
regional college in the province. Students can enroll in a variety
of university classes from both University of Saskatchewan and
University of Regina. Bachelor of Social Work and Master of
Adult Education are two programs that students can complete
right at Parkland College. Parkland College works closely with
employers to offer a variety of technical training pro-grams as
well, which meet the labour needs of the province. Students can
enroll in a variety of SIAST credit courses in areas including
Health, Technology, Education, Business and Trades.
Saskatchewan Trucking Association (www.sasktrucking.com)
Addressing the demand of labour shortages in the province, the Saskatchewan Trucking Association has
opened a trucking industry training centre.
Health & Emergency Services
Yorkton is served by the Sunrise Health Region. The Yorkton Regional Health Centre is the largest
health care service provider for the City and the surrounding communities. Some of the health services
available include dental and physician clinics, optometry and chiropractor services. In addition, the
Health Centre offers general surgery and some specialty services. Yorkton residents have access to a
variety of health programs including those for children, seniors and others with special care
requirements.
The Sunrise Health Region has added a 16-slice computerized tomography (CT) Scanner to its
diagnostic capabilities. Approximately 5,700 scans will be performed annually with the new equipment
saving patients the time and expense of traveling to larger centers. Funding for the new equipment came
16
from the Province’s Medical and Diagnostic Equipment Fund and local donations. The Yorkton Regional
Health Centre has 87 acute-care beds with approximately 35 physicians with hospital privileges. The
attached Psychiatric Centre has a capacity of 18 beds.
The Yorkton and District Nursing Home, and Cornerstone Therapies are located near the Yorkton
Regional Health Centre. The YDNH facility provides 243 rooms for long-term, palliative care, respite,
transitional and convalescence care, seniors’ day centre, and various support services, including a chapel.
Cornerstone Therapies has physiotherapy and occupational therapy programs. The new dietary unit
provides meals to the nursing home, the hospital and Pine Unit.
The Sunrise Health Region also encompasses Public Health Services (located at 150 Independent Street),
inspections, community education, public health, nursing and additional specialty services. For more
information on health care services offered in Yorkton, please visit the Sunrise Health Region website at
www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca
Emergency Services
911 Service
A 911 system is in operation in Yorkton.
Police
The City of Yorkton is policed by a city detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The
surrounding boundaries of Yorkton and rural are policed by a rural detachment, which also houses the
Excise Branch, G.I.S. Branch, Identification, Provincial Police and Highway Patrol.
Fire Protection
The fire department consists of a Fire Chief, two Deputy Fire Chiefs, a permanent staff of fire fighters,
and additional volunteers. The fleet includes a rescue truck, a pumper truck and 100-foot aerial
equipment.
Ambulance
Crestvue Ambulance operates ambulances in the City offering 24 hour service. The Provincial Air
Ambulance services are also available.
Culture and Recreation
Yorkton has a flourishing art, cultural and recreational scene providing vast opportunities for children
and adults alike. Opportunities range from attending world class performances in curling to a
presentation of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, participation in numerous festivals, organized sports, casual
indoor and outdoor recreational activities, classes and programs. Tourism Yorkton and the Community
Development, Parks & Recreation Department provide a comprehensive listing of current events and
activities. For more information contact the department of Community Development, Parks &
Recreation at 786-1750 or visit www.tourismyorkton.com ―Events and Attractions” page.
Yorkton Festivals & Entertainment
Yorkton Spring Expo – April
Yorkton Short Film & Video Festival – May
Yorkton Exhibition – July
Threshermen’s Show and Senior’s Festival - August
Sunflower (Arts & Crafts) - September
Grain Millers Harvest Showdown - November
17
Culture
Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre
The home of a wide variety of cultural and artistic venues such as:
Godfrey Dean Art Gallery Inc. (www.deangallery.ca)
The Godfrey Dean Art Gallery curates, exhibits and promotes the work of local, provincial and national
contemporary artists. Comprised of two galleries with over 2,000 square feet of space, exhibitions are
changed every six to eight weeks throughout the year.
Yorkton Arts Council (www.yorktonarts.ca)
A commitment to promoting the arts … ―Stars for Saskatchewan Series‖
showcases productions ranging from ballet to jazz. The Sunflower Art and
Craft Show is held in September and is one of the largest non-juried
shows hosting the talents of crafts people across the province and
beyond.
Yorkton Film Festival (www.goldensheafawards.com)
The Yorkton Film Festival, now in its 65th year, the next festival will take
place in May 21 to 24, 2012. It is the longest running festival of its kind in
Canada. Over the years the festival has garnered an esteemed reputation
as one of the country’s top film and video festivals. The Yorkton Film
Festival offer films and activities for all ages throughout the year. For
more information, please check our website.
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Western Development Museum (www.wdm.ca)
The Saskatchewan Western Development Museum (WDM) Story of People is one of the four branches,
which exhibits the social and economic history for the Province of Saskatchewan. The Yorkton WDM
recreates the times and styles of some of the many immigrants who settled in Western Canada. In
addition, phase one of the new commemorative centenary exhibit, “Winning The Prairie Gamble, The
Saskatchewan Story”, paints a picture of the years leading to province hood.
Other Cultural Activities
Folk dancing and the folk arts are encouraged by Yorkton’s cultural organizations, especially the
Ukrainian community which is strongly represented. The richly decorated dome of St. Mary’s Ukrainian
Catholic Rectory, for example, is a tourist attraction for hundreds of visitors each year. Yorkton school
bands have won numerous awards and have participated in events such as the Grey Cup and the
Tournament of Roses Parade in California.
St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Rectory Dome
Library (www.parkland.lib.sk.ca)
The Yorkton Public Library is a Community Access Program Centre with internet access and
computers, free for use to the public. Programs are offered throughout the year for patrons of all ages.
Once known as the quiet study room, the Community pARTners
Gallery, in partnership with Yorkton Arts Council, exhibits works by
local and Saskatchewan artists. Interlibrary loan services are available
as well as a Shut in Service to patrons unable to come to the library.
It shares the facilities with the Boys and Girls Club of Yorkton which
offers programs after school and evenings during the year. The local
history room includes local histories from around the region and the
local newspapers on microfilm back to 1900. The meeting rooms are
available for booking through the Gallagher Centre. The children's room offers computers for use, an
early learning computer and educational toys. The Yorkton Public Library has a collection of books,
magazines, newspapers, movies in DVD and on VHS, books on cassette and CD. We serve Yorkton and
the region.
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Recreation
Yorkton Parks
A beautifully treed city, Yorkton boasts more than 30 parks and recreation areas offering many
opportunities to enjoy the outdoors year round.
Included are the neighbourhood parks with playgrounds,
barbeque pits, tennis courts, benches, winter skating
and pathways for leisurely strolls. Other more active
areas have fastball and baseball diamonds, football,
lacrosse, soccer, playground equipment and 2 spray
pool parks. All easily accessible, the city parks are
complimented by many school grounds with additional
playground equipment.
Skateboard Park
The City of Yorkton has purchased new skate park equipment
which was unveiled at the Centennial Skateboard Festival in
September of 2005. The skate park is located at the south west
corner of the Gallagher Centre parking.
Spectator Sports
Each winter the focus of community attention turn
to the Yorkton Terriers of the Saskatchewan
Junior Hockey League. Other spectator sports,
such as baseball and football,
are scheduled during the
summer season.
Gloria Hayden Community Centre
Since opening in 1999, the Gloria Hayden
Community Centre has become a favourite
recreation spot for Yorkton residents. The centre
has hardwood floor gymnasium accommodates a
basketball and volleyball court, three badminton
courts and a tennis court. The centre’s two courts
have moveable walls making them available for
both squash and racquetball. A 140 m rubberized
walking track comprises of two lanes is available
for running or walking.
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Gallagher Centre (www.gallaghercentre.com)
Yorkton boasts one of the province’s finest community leisure centers. Amenities to the centre are an 8
sheet curling rink, hockey arena, flexi-hall, agricultural facilities, convention centre, lounges and meeting
rooms. The Water Park is a major attraction featuring a wave pool with zero depth beach entry, 25metre instructional pool, whirlpool, lazy river, water slide and much more.
Conventions and Special Events
Ample parking and meeting spaces at the Gallagher Centre provide an ideal location for meetings,
conventions, workshops, events and festivals. The convention centre provides seating for up to 800
(theatre style) for conventions/events, and seating for up to 900 for events can be accommodated in the
arena. The indoor facilities are used regularly for banquets and award nights including the Yorkton Short
Film and Video Festival, Ducks Unlimited and sports organizations.
Yorkton currently has eight hotels/motels with a capacity in excess of 600 rooms. Tourism Yorkton
compiles a complete list of meeting facilities with accommodations. The information can be viewed at
www.tourismyorkton.com/convention.html
Participation Sports
School programs encourage participation and provide instruction in recreation activities and sports
including volleyball, basketball, football (senior grades), track and
field, baseball and softball.
Community leagues, especially in hockey, are very active with
planned activities for sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
Other sports, such as figure skating and swimming, have nationally
accredited coaches and organizations, which regularly plan clinics
and competitions.
Volunteers
Tourism Yorkton and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as many other non-profit organizations are
continually looking for volunteers. If you wish to volunteer for a specific organization, then please call
that organization directly.
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Ravine Ecological Preserve
Featuring a recently completed 2.5 km interpretative trail with
20 stations which explains the natural history of the ravine and
surrounding habitat. The ravine also boasts an arboretum area.
The area (with ongoing development) displays both native and
locally cultivated plant species.
Golf Courses
Golfing is inexpensive and easily accessible in the
region. Two of the most popular courses in Yorkton,
both with grass greens, concession and pro-shops, are
Deer Park Municipal Golf Course and York Lake
Regional Golf Course. Good Spirit Lake Golf & Family
Resort and Cherrydale Golf are located only minutes
from the city. In the winter, some of these courses
become popular trails for cross-country skiing.
Hunting and Fishing
Deer and game birds are plentiful near the city, with moose and elk further north. Qu’Appelle Valley
Lakes, Good Spirit Lake and Madge Lake in the Duck Mountain Forest Preserve all have good fishing.
Hundreds of lakes further north offer a “fisherman’s paradise” within an easy half-day drive.
Camping and Hiking
As with hunting and fishing, the parkland environment that surrounds Yorkton is ideal for those who
love to explore the outdoors. Canoeing, boating, hiking and cross-country skiing are popular pastimes.
Many new year-round developments, especially in the provincial parks and larger lake areas, are easily
accessible to Yorkton.
The Provincial Government annually publishes a complete listing of activities and facilities, including
schedules and rates. The City of Yorkton operates a summer campground in a well-treed and
supervised area within the City. York Lake Regional Park and Good Spirit Provincial Park offer a number
of campsites within minutes of the City.
Service Clubs and Organizations
Rotary, Kinsmen, Lions, Optimist and A.C.T. are all active in community service. Some other active
clubs include Boy Scouts\Girl Guides, Big Brother\Big Sister, Golden Agers, Business and Professional
Women’s Club, Toastmasters International, Beta Sigma Phi and University Women’s Club. Fraternal
organizations and their auxiliaries include Army Navy & Air Force Veteran’s, B.P.O. Elks., Knights of
Columbus, Masons, U.C.T. and the Royal Canadian Legion.
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Services
Shopping & Entertainment
Yorkton has one major indoor shopping centre, several retail service strip malls and box stores, along
with numerous other stores, restaurants, lounges and theatres. At the centre of a large trading area,
Yorkton is the location of many franchises and members of national chains. In total, there are
approximately 170 retail stores, 8 financial institutions and more than 40 restaurants. There are more
than 1000 businesses registered in the City of Yorkton.
Special events, sporting and cultural activities are listed in the community events calendar on
www.tourismyorkton.com - home page.
Public Transportation
Yorkton has a regular, scheduled dial-a-bus service and privately
owned taxies. Specialty equipped transit vehicles serve the needs
for individuals with disabilities. Society for the Involvement of
Good Neighbours (SIGN) offers a Senior Mobility Program.
Churches
Twenty-three churches, including those with all major religious
denominations, hold regular services and activities for the residents of
Yorkton and area. For a complete list of churches in Yorkton, please
visit the website at www.tourismyorkton.com, choose “events and
attractions‖, and choose “church” from drop-down box.
Media
Newspaper
Two local newspapers, the Yorkton This Week (www.yorktonthisweek.com), and The News
Review (www.yorktonnews.com) provide extensive local coverage. Daily newspapers also arrive from
Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, along with the national dailies, the Globe and Mail, and the National
Post.
Radio
CJGX 940 AM (www.gx94radio.com) Yorkton (50,000 watts) transmits a clear signal well in excess of
a 150 mile radius. Yorkton’s CFGW 94.1 the Fox FM (www.941thefox.com) began operation in the
summer of 2001. Many other radio stations, including those from Regina and Saskatoon, can be received
in the Yorkton area. Yorkton’s newest FM radio station, 100.5 The Rock (www.1005therock.ca) began
broadcasting on January 2, 2006. The station features contemporary Christian music, traditional, hymns,
country, gospel and more.
Television (www.ctv.ca)
CICC-TV (CTV affiliate), CKOS-TV (CBC affiliate), serves Yorkton and area. In addition, the major
American networks and specialty channels are carried on a cable television service operated by Access
Cable and SaskTel Max.
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Municipal Government
A Mayor and six Councillors, each elected for a three-year term, govern the City of Yorkton.
Mayor James Wilson
Councillor Bob Maloney
Councillor Ross Fisher
Councillor Les Arnelien
Councillor Chris Wyatt
Councillor Richard Okrainec
Councillor Larry Pearen
Administration
City Manager:
David Putz
City Clerk:
Bonnie Schenher
Director of Finance:
Lonnie Kaal
Director of Human Resources:
Nicole Chepil
Director of Planning & Engineering:
Gordon Shaw
Director of Community Development, Parks & Recreation: Darcy McLeod
Fire Chief:
Dean Clark
R.C.M.P.:
Joe Milburn, Staff Sergeant
Building Services:
Brant Hryhorczuk
City Solicitor:
Rusnak, Balacko, Kachur, Rusnak, S.G. Kyba
Auditors:
ParkerQuine
Economic Development Officer:
Faisal Anwar
Contact Information
All phone numbers, unless otherwise indicated, have the Saskatchewan 306 area code.
City of Yorkton
www.yorkton.ca
Central Switchboard
786-1700
Departments
Economic Development
786-1747
Planning & Engineering
786-1730
Finance Department
786-1721
Community Development, Parks & Recreation 786-1750
Tourism Yorkton
783-8707
Yorkton Business Improvement District 783-9243
Yorkton Chamber of Commerce
783-4368
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www.tourismyorkton.com
www.yorktonbid.com
www.chamber.yorkton.sk.ca
Other Yorkton-based Contacts
Canada Saskatchewan Career & Employment Services 786-1354
Godfrey Dean Art Gallery
786-2992
Parkland College – Yorkton
783-6566
1-866-783-6766
Partners in Settlement & Integration
783-2777
Saskatchewan Abilities Council
782-2463
Enterprise Saskatchewan
786-1416
Advanced Education, Employment & Immigration
786-5808
Service Canada (formerly HRSDC)
1-800-622-6232
Social Services
786-1320
The Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbors
783-9409
(SIGN)
Community Futures Ventures
782-0255
Yorkton Arts Council
783-8722
Yorkton Tribal Council
782-3644
Yorkton Housing Authority
782-7733
Yorkton Housing Corporation
783-0350
Yorkton Parkland Housing Society
783-6466
www.sasknetwork.ca
www.deangallery.ca
www.parklandcollege.sk.ca
www.YorktonNewcomerCentre.ca
www.abilitiescouncil.sk.ca
www.enterprisesaskatchewan.ca
www.aeei.gov.sk.ca
www.servicecanada.gc.ca
www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca
www.sign-yorkton.org
www.cfventures.net
www.yorktonarts.ca
www.yorktontribalcouncil.com
School Divisions
Christ the Teacher School Division
Good Spirit School Division
783-8787
786-5500
www.christtheteacher.com
www.gssd.ca
782-8400
780-6478
782-2408
782-1002
783-9433
786-3200
783-8595
786-4800
www.bmo.com
www.bdc.ca
www.cibc.com
www.cwbank.com
www.cornerstonecu.com
www.royalbank.com
www.scotiabank.com
www.tdcanadatrust.com
Financial Institutions
Bank of Montreal
Business Development Bank of Canada
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
Canadian Western Bank
Cornerstone Credit Union
Royal Bank of Canada
Scotia Bank
TD Canada Trust
Utilities
SaskEnergy
SaskPower
SaskTel
1-800-567-8899
1-888-757-6937
1-800-727-5835
www.saskenergy.com
www.saskpower.com
www.sasktel.com
Real Estate
Century 21 Broadway Park Realty
Re/Max Blue Chip Realty
Royal LePage Premier Realty
Ron Skinner Realty
CORE Real Estate Inc.
782-2253
783-6666
783-9404
782-7700
621-9680
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www.century21sask.com
www.remax-bluechip-yorkton-sk.ca
www.royallepageyorkton.com