PREECEVILLE, Sask. – With Small Business Week approaching, leaders in rural Saskatchewan communities say economic development is increasingly about retaining existing businesses, filling service gaps and finding opportunities for sustainable growth.
Representatives from Preeceville and Kamsack say their communities still see signs of business activity but face challenges common to many small towns, including aging infrastructure, vacant properties, and the high cost of new construction.
In Preeceville, Chamber of Commerce president James Bodnar said economic development efforts are largely focused on maintaining the businesses already operating in the community.
"I think most of what's going on is kind of holding our own and not losing businesses," Bodnar said.
The town has seen some new commercial activity over the past year, including an accounting firm establishing an office in a former law office building. Another building was recently purchased, although plans for the property have not yet been announced.
While Preeceville continues to offer a variety of services, including restaurants, hardware stores, insurance agencies and accommodations, Bodnar said there are still areas where the community could benefit from additional businesses.
The town recently lost its massage therapist and could use more health-related services, he said.
One of the biggest obstacles to attracting new businesses remains the cost of development and property improvements.
"I think getting new ones built, the cost is horrendous," Bodnar said. "Some of the old ones are so dilapidated that they're hard to fix up."
The challenge is common across rural Saskatchewan, he added.
Agriculture continues to be a major economic driver in the region and has helped keep younger generations connected to the area.
"I do see it a little bit more on the farm end of things," Bodnar said, referring to younger people remaining in or returning to the industry.
Looking ahead, he said attracting new industry would help strengthen the community, although securing investment can be difficult. He pointed to local hog barn developments as examples of projects that create jobs both directly and through supporting industries such as trucking.
While Preeceville's focus is largely on retaining businesses and services, Kamsack is managing growth opportunities amid a shortage of available commercial space.
Chief Administrative Officer Barry Hvidston said the town continues to receive inquiries from entrepreneurs interested in opening businesses, including restaurants, but finding suitable locations can be challenging.
"We don't have a surplus of buildings in Kamsack right now," he said.
Although several downtown buildings remain vacant, some property owners have been unwilling to lease or sell them, limiting options for prospective business owners.
Despite those challenges, Kamsack has seen several recent business developments. A new private liquor store has opened, the local motel has changed ownership and several established businesses have expanded or changed hands.
Home Hardware recently sold to a new owner as the longtime proprietor prepares for retirement, while T&J Plumbing and Heating relocated to a larger facility to accommodate growth.
"We've got new businesses that are replacing some of the old ones," Hvidston said.
The community has also benefited from investments by Cote First Nation, which has purchased local businesses including a restaurant and an automotive-related operation. Hvidston described the relationship between the town and the First Nation as positive and collaborative.
Looking to the future, Hvidston said Kamsack's proximity to Duck Mountain Provincial Park presents opportunities for additional economic development.
"We need something to bring the park visitors into Kamsack," he said.
Additional retail, marketplace and commercial offerings could help attract tourists travelling through the region, he added.
Both communities say rural economic development is often measured less by rapid expansion and more by maintaining services, supporting local entrepreneurs and ensuring businesses can continue operating.
As Small Business Week draws near, community leaders say continued investment, available commercial space and access to essential services will remain key factors in the long-term sustainability of Saskatchewan's rural towns.
