Larissa McEwen

In March 2024, building permits in Saskatchewan totalled $176 million. This value represents the dollar amount of construction permits issued for both residential and non-residential buildings.

Statistics Canada data indicate that Saskatchewan's GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion in 2023, increasing by $1.2 billion, or 1.6 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the country for real GDP growth, surpassing the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Urban housing starts in Saskatchewan have increased according to recent numbers released by Statistics Canada. 

Housing starts refers to the number of housing projects started in a particular month. In March 2024, the number of urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased by 12.1 per cent, compared to March 2023. Housing starts for single-family dwellings also increased by 35.7 per cent, and multiple units increased by 3.8 percent compared to March 2023.  

On Friday, Highways Minister and Estevan MLA Lori Carr announced provincial funding for short-line rail infrastructure in Saskatchewan. 

The $530,000 in funding will be split over 13 short-line rails across the province. Several of the railways receiving funding are located in the southeast, including Stewart Southern Railway from Stoughton to Regina, Red Coat Road and Rail in the Ogema area, and Great Western Railway near Coronach. 

Efforts to expand regional tourism in the southeast are underway through new funding opportunities for municipalities. 

Southeast Sask. Economic Partnership is bringing those through federal grant money, and by providing a space for them to advertise their historic and tourist attractions. 

“We have a website called exploressep.ca and any business event or attraction can upload their own information on there. It's free and I encourage people to do that," said Managing Director of the SSEP, Tim Keating. 

A patch of dirt road south of the city is finally getting paved over. 

The Roadway Rehabilitation Project will encompass the area of First Street from Eighth Avenue to Ninth Avenue and from First Street to Valley Street. 

The Saskatchewan government says its removal of the federal carbon tax from heating contributed to an overall reduced inflation rate in the province.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index report released by Statistics Canada, the inflation rate in the province decreased from 2.7 per cent in December to 1.9 per cent.

The report states, 'In Saskatchewan, the collection of the carbon levy ceased in January 2024, contributing to the province's year-over-year price decline of natural gas (-26.6%).'

NDP leader Carla Beck says she's disappointed that the Saskatchewan government and the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation are back at an impasse. 

The Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee and the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation resumed negotiations at the beginning of the week but those talks quickly came to an impasse.

NDP leader Carla Beck says she's disappointed that the Saskatchewan government and the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation are back at an impasse. 

The Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee and the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation resumed negotiations at the beginning of the week but those talks quickly came to an impasse.

Drivers may experience wildlife collisions any time of year, and they can be unnerving. Following these safety precautions can help to avoid or minimize damage when you can't make a clean escape from large wildlife on the road. 

“Wildlife collisions are very common in Saskatchewan, and in some cases are difficult to avoid,” said Tyler McMurchy, media manager with SGI. “But there are some steps drivers can take to avoid being in a collision.”  

Drivers may experience wildlife collisions any time of year, and they can be unnerving. Following these safety precautions can help to avoid or minimize damage when you can't make a clean escape from large wildlife on the road. 

“Wildlife collisions are very common in Saskatchewan, and in some cases are difficult to avoid,” said Tyler McMurchy, media manager with SGI. “But there are some steps drivers can take to avoid being in a collision.”