Category Archives: Saskatchewan

‘Green light’ for St Patrick’s celebrations around the world!

16 March 2017:  Over 250 iconic landmarks and sites around the world will be illuminated green over the coming days – as part of Tourism Ireland’s 2017 Global Greening initiative to celebrate the island of Ireland and St Patrick.

The annual initiative, now in its eighth year, which sees a host of major landmarks around the world turn green for St Patrick’s Day, has grown from strength to strength, with many new landmarks signing up to take part this year.

Stadiums, statues, castles and towers will go green to celebrate our national day (17 March) with exciting additions for 2017 including the One World Trade Center in New York – the main building of the re-built World Trade Center in New York and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Canadian landmarks going green this year include the Toronto Sign, Casa Loma, Whistler Ski Resort, Calgary Tower, Cabot Tower, The Big Fiddle, the Museum of Nature, the Big Nickel, the Distillery District, the Sails of Lights, the Futalognkosaurus (dinosaur) in the Royal Ontario Museum, Montreal City Hall, Complexe Desjardins, and La Tour McGill.
Click Tourism Ireland’s Global Greenings for footage of the world turning green.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “This is the eighth year of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative and each year I am delighted to see even more well-known attractions and landmark sites wishing to get involved. The eagerness of cities and countries everywhere to take part underlines the strength of the deep connection that people all over the world feel to Ireland. More than 70 million people around the world claim links to the island of Ireland and St Patrick’s Day is a truly unique opportunity to reconnect them with their heritage.”

Of course, the ‘greenings’ are just one part of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The place to be on 17th March is Ireland where there are two festivals which shouldn’t be missed.

In Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, the ‘St Patrick’s Festival’ will last for four great days, taking in the weekend and running from 16-19 March.  The city will be alive with music, film, arts, dance, culture, fun and even international rugby.

Each year the festival has a different theme with this year’s ‘Ireland We Are’ giving the city a chance to showcase all that Ireland stands for today.  Festival favourites include the world’s largest outdoor céilí, world-class museums hosting free workshops and guided historic walks including famous sites such as the Guinness Storehouse. The main event, the St Patrick’s Festival parade, is held on Friday 17 March in Dublin’s city centre.

In Northern Ireland, the newly curated ‘Home of St Patrick Festival’ celebrates St Patrick, the man and the saint, as one of the world’s most inspiring and loved saints of all time. Taking place in the beautiful landscape of Counties Armagh and Down, which was once Patrick’s home, the festival will culminate on Sunday 19 March with ‘The Voice of the Irish’ closing concert in spectacular Newry Cathedral.

Golf n’ Stay packages in Mainstay Inn & SageView Golf Course, Saskatchewan 2013 summer news

Packages for staying in Mainstay Inn and play Golf in SageView Golf Course

Weekdays only $134.00

Weekends (May, June, September) $154.00  per person Plus Taxes (price based on double occupancy)

Price includes following:One night accomodation, two-18 Hole rounds of golf with power cart, evening meal and full Breakfast.

To reserve call (306)353-2077

Canada Day celebration with Parks Canada

Free admission to Parks Canada sites to celebrate Canada Day

OTTAWA, June 13, 2013 /CNW/ – Parks Canada reminds that admission will be free in all 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas on Canada Day.

To celebrate Canada Day, Canadians are invited to participate in an array of activities offered across the country.

For details on celebrations across the country including activities involving Parks Canada in Canada’s Capital, please visit: www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/celebrations2013.aspx#Canada.

You can also follow us on these social media networks:
www.facebook.com/ParksCanada
www.twitter.com/ParksCanada

Joke…;) Saskatoon, Saskatchewan!

A Saskatchewan farmer and his wife, on their way back home in January, are at an airport in Arizona awaiting their flight.
They were dressed in heavy boots, parka, scarf, mittens … all ready to head home to the Canadian winter.

An older American couple standing nearby is intrigued by their manner of dress. The wife says to her husband, “Look at that couple. I wonder where they are from?” He replies, “How would I know?” She counters, “You could go and ask them.” He says, “I do not really care. You want to know, you go and ask them.”

She decides to do just that and walks over to the couple and asks, “Excuse me. Looking at the way you are dressed, I wondered … where you are from?”

The Canadian farmer replies, ” Saskatoon , Saskatchewan “.

The woman returns to her husband, who asks, “So, where are they from?”

She replies, “I don’t know. They don’t speak English.”

Travelling with Wild Women Expeditions

Canada’s leading outdoor adventure company for women celebrates 22nd anniversary
Wild Women Expeditions unveils 2012 schedule of wilderness adventures, getaways and retreats

12 October, 2011 (Woody Point, Newfoundland) — Wild Women Expeditions (WWE), Canada’s largest all-women adventure travel company, enters its 22nd season with fun and unique adventures in every region of Canada. Wild Women Expeditions specializes in outdoor adventure travel exclusively within Canada.

In 1991, the company started as an all-women canoe tripping company and over the last 20 years, Wild Women has expanded across Canada and is now offering kayak, flatwater and whitewater canoe, hiking, cycling, surfing and yoga adventures in eight provinces and territories. Yoga and art retreats compliment multi-sport adventures in a variety of outstanding wilderness destinations, including Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim, the Rockies, Charlevoix Quebec, Northern Ontario, New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy and Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park.

In 2011, WWE broke new ground with the wildly popular “Wild Yoga Retreats” in Gros Morne, Newfoundland and Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, combining a wellness-based program with outdoor adventure activities. WWE Director Jennifer Haddow said, “Women are looking to experience the wild in a holistic way, with other women who share their values and interests. Women’s-only travel resonates with more and more women who want more than a typical getaway vacation. They want to be part of a meaningful wilderness experience and they talk about the connections with other woman on our adventures as being as valuable as the experience of the destinations themselves”.

From the beginning of June through to September 2012, many traditional favorites and some brand new expeditions are available. A greater number and range of trips have recently been added to meet the growing demand of women wanting to explore and experience the natural beauty of Canada’s wilderness.

Recognized nationally and internationally for excellence in all-women wilderness trips, Wild Women Expeditions accommodates both the absolute beginner and the well-seasoned tripper.

“WWE has had a steady climb, increasing our activities and business by almost 20 per cent in the last year, and is poised to grow even more in 2012.” said Haddow. “We are increasing our specialized trips, such as trips exclusively for lesbian and bisexual women, as well as building on trips for mothers and daughters and meeting more specific needs of the women’s travel community”.

The complete 2012 schedule is available at www.wildwomenexp.com, or for more information               1-888-WWE-1222       .

In 2011, WWE also launched a unique new blog ‘Women Going Wild’ (www.womengoingwild.ca) as a forum to share the stories of women about their empowerment and experience in Canada’s wilderness.

Tourism Saskatchewan News. May 2011 issue

   

“Saskatoon rules! I went antique shopping there. I like to shorten Saskatchewan… Like ‘I got this lamp in Saskatch.'”

– Taylor Swift, Country Music Superstar (Via Celebrity Twitter)

eBulletin – May 2011

Saskatoon to Lead Economic Growth in 2011

A new report from the Conference Board of Canada says Saskatoon will lead Canada in economic growth in 2011 and each year after that until 2015.

The report says Saskatoon’s real GDP will expand by 4.1 per cent in 2011, outpacing the 2.0 per cent growth expected in Canada. The growth in Saskatoon will be led by strong resource development in Saskatchewan and significant construction plans in the city.

From 2012-2014, the Board says real GDP will grow 4.2 per cent, tops in the country, and Saskatoon will have led Canada over the 10 year period from 2006-2015 with 3.6 per cent growth.

There was some job erosion in Saskatoon in 2010, with unemployment reaching a six-year high of 5.4 percent. Employment should rise 1.2 per cent in 2011 but the unemployment rate will remain high at 5.3 per cent before dropping yearly until reaching 4.4 per cent in 2015.

Housing starts are expected to remain strong, with an average of 2,500 new homes being built each year for the next two years. The demand for housing is keeping prices high, with an average resale price of $278,895 in 2009.

For apartment dwellers, vacancy rates have rebounded to 2.1 per cent after hitting historical lows a couple of years ago. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the city was $923 in 2010.

Overall, construction in Saskatoon will increase 5.6 per cent in 2011, advancing to 6.9 per cent in 2012 before falling back to 5.9 per cent in 2013.

Projects currently under development include the $200-million River Landing complex backed by Karim Nasser, the new $60-million Art Gallery of Saskatchewan and a $30-million bridge to replace the Traffic Bridge.

Source: Global Toronto

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The Sheepdogs: Cover of the Rolling Stone?

Saskatoon band the Sheepdogs are one step closed to making the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

After two rounds of voting, the Sheepdogs have made it to the final four in the Do You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star contest put on by Rolling Stone magazine.

The Sheepdogs are the only Canadian band left in the competition that began two months ago. They are up against Fictionist from Provo, Utah, Empires from Chicago and Lelia Broussard from Los Angeles.

Voting in the next round runs until May 13 with the groups recording new songs with a top producer, filming live performances and doing Q&A sessions in New York.

The top two groups advance to the final round – a battle of the bands in June – with winner being announced on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on August 2nd.

Source: Global Saskatoon

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Bike Rental Business Approved at River Landing

The city’s executive committee approved a lease agreement Monday with a local company to provide bicycle rentals are River Landing starting this summer.

The company, Saskatoon Bicycle Rentals, will lease unoccupied land across from the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market at $40 per month.

The business will operate out of an 18-foot trailer that will be brought on to the site and removed at night, a city report says.

The bikes for rent will be Dutch-style cruisers, including three-speeders, tandem bikes, adult tricycles, childrens bikes and mountain bikes.

According to the city report, Tourism Saskatoon receives roughly 12 calls per week in the summer inquiring about bike rentals.

The company will offer picnic baskets with rentals and historical tours, the report says.

Source: The StarPhoenix

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Great Western Brewing Company Takes a Gamble

It’s not all that often that you hear about small brewers succeeding on a provincial scale. In Ontario, it’s a coup if a brewery gets into an LCBO release. The stakes are different in Saskatchewan, however, where there are fewer players in the game.

Take, for instance, the Great Western Brewing Company, which has recently released Original 16 Pale Ale. For the first time in their history, Great Western is rolling out a product to all of Western Canada at once. It’s a crisp, smooth beer with incredibly persistent carbonation that is double aged for a total of 31 days. There are some slight citrus and floral aromas present, but there’s no overwhelming hop presence. In short, it’s the kind of beer you really want to drink on a hot day in the prairies. Possibly in large quantities. Hydration is important.

Great Western CEO Michael Micovcin related to me that Original 16 is the brewery’s foray into the premium market in Western Canada and envisions the beer holding its own against brands like Keith’s and Blue. I can’t say that I disagree with him about this possibility, if only on the strength of the marketing.

Great Western, as you may know, is the little brewery that could. In 1989, when the brewery (a Molson-owned property at the time) was going to shut down, a group of 16 employees banded together in order to purchase the facility, which takes up a city block in downtown Saskatoon. Since then, they have garnered a number of accolades, including a gold medal from the 2010 Canadian Brewing Awards for their Brewhouse Light and a 2009 World Beer Award in the Best Standard Lager category.

It’s an improbable story, not only for the amount of pluck and determination shown by the owners of the brewery, but also because Molson decided to sell it to them in the first place, instead of shutting the door on possible competition.

Original 16 Pale Ale is the result of nearly 18 months of research and development on the part of the Great Western Brewing Company and is timed to coincide with the 20-year anniversary of the first bottle to come off the production line.

It’s a sophisticated marketing decision. The website for the product (www.original16.com) features a documentary in which many of the founding owners of the brewery appear to tell their stories. It’s thoughtful and touching and the kind of thing that is likely to produce a single manly tear if you’re a beer enthusiast. In a market where brand recognition is based on ideas and images, Great Western has instead made the decision to proudly display their history. Sure, it’s a play to emotion, but it’s a true story; one where the little guys win.

It remains to be seen exactly how successful the product will be in Western Canada. Original 16 is the result of a number of consumer taste panels, meaning that it has been designed to appeal to the popular preference. While it’s certainly a well-made beer, I think it’s the story that will put them over the top. Choosing a beer to drink will always be a matter of taste, but the legend will at least get people to try it. Sometimes, that’s what makes the difference.

Source: Toronto Sun

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Kinsmen Park Rejuvenation

When the finishing touches are put on Kinsmen Park, it will include amenities like an activity centre for children, enhanced site connections between both sides of Spadina Crescent, and a re-use of the Mendel Gallery Building.

The rejuvenation of Kinsmen Park and area is in the planning stages.

The City of Saskatoon and Space2Place Landscape Architects have been getting input from the public as to the what the final result should be.

There was a public workshop earlier this week, and discussions with elementary students for their views on the park.

Sandi Shultz with the City of Saskatoon, says some of the priorities for the public from the input they have received so far is the train, the ability to cross-country ski, and to make the park more accessible.

The architects will be showcasing some options in June.

The Master Plan should be complete by the end of this year, with the goal to begin construction in the spring of 2012.Source: Saskatoon Homepage

For more information on the Kinsmen Park & Area Master Plan, please see the City of Saskatoon website .

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22nd Annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Celebrated

Saskatchewan’s tourism industry honoured businesses and individuals at the 22nd annual Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala, which was celebrated on Wednesday, April 20 at TCU Place in Saskatoon.

“The Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence Gala pays tribute to entrepreneurs, volunteers, businesses, and attractions committed to a ‘culture of quality’ for our sector,” Dr. Lynda Haverstock, President/CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan, said. “It is a privilege to honour those who soar above and beyond expectation to make our province a superb destination. Tourism Saskatchewan is delighted to host this annual celebration. Our congratulations are extended to all of the award recipients and nominees.”

A 12-person tourism industry committee selected the 40 finalists and 13 award recipients from nearly 60 nominations. The Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient was selected by Sue Schigol, Chair of Tourism Saskatchewan’s Board of Directors, and the Outfitter Legacy Award recipient was chosen by the Saskatchewan Outfitters Association.

The awards gala was among the highlights of the fourth annual HOST Saskatchewan Conference, an impressive tourism showcase held on April 19-20 at TCU Place in Saskatoon. A joint venture of Tourism Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Outfitters Association, the two-day event featured informative workshops and networking opportunities.

The winners of the 2010 Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence from Saskatoon and area are:

Business of the Year Award
(Over 50 Full-time Employees)
Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon

Since it opened its doors in 1935, the Delta Bessborough Hotel has been more than just a hotel on the riverbank in Saskatoon. Because of the beautiful setting and grandeur, it has naturally been a destination hotel over its 76-year lifetime, and the city’s signature landmark. From the moment a visitor enters the impressive lobby, it is evident that the staff are there to be of service. With a philosophy of exceeding expectations, their friendliness and efficiency speak to a culture that cares about those who enter its doors. The Delta Bessborough Hotel is a tourism business that definitely draws visitors to Saskatoon, and the province. It is because of this commitment to unparalleled customer service that the hotel has witnessed successively stronger business performance over the past decade. The Delta Bessborough is Saskatoon’s hotel of reputation, occasion, and destination because it is dedicated to creating a positive experience for all visitors.

Event of the Year Award
(Budget Over $20,000)
IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, Saskatoon and Regina

In 2008, it was decided to create a Saskatchewan-wide bid to host the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, mainly in Saskatoon and Regina, to benefit the entire province. The Bid Committee’s mission was to host the best event in the championship’s 34-year history. Not only was the bid successful, but the event, held December 26, 2009 to January 5, 2010, was an unqualified success, showcasing the province, upgrading sports facilities, and bringing major tourism dollars into communities in Saskatchewan. About 302,000 spectators attended the 31 games, and 23,500 more took part in six pre-tournament games held throughout the province. Approximately 21,000 out-of-town visitors attended games in the two host cities. The total economic impact was estimated at over $81 million.

Gil Carduner Marketing Award
(Budget Over $20,000)
Trails of 1885

The Trails of 1885 initiative partnered sites related to the North West Resistance of 1885 in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, focusing primarily on product development and marketing to ensure long-term viability. This interprovincial trail provided a rare opportunity for the Prairie provinces to collaborate and mutually develop Aboriginal tourism initiatives. In 2010, Trails of 1885 succeeded in bringing together over 125 coalition members and developing eight battle sites and six related locations to engage resident and short- and long-haul markets. More than $250,000 was spent on promotion of the Trails of 1885 product theme. Elements of the successful marketing campaign included: highway signage, billboards, radio ads, a high-profile media launch, website development, 1885-branded merchandise, and the distribution of a 16-page travel guide to 350,000 households throughout Saskatchewan.

Human Resource Development Award
Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA)

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) employs more than 2,100 people at seven locations throughout the province. SIGA casinos entertain millions of guests annually and offer the excitement of slot machines, table games, a full line of food and beverage services, and live entertainment. The casinos feature traditional First Nations hospitality and SIGA’s focus on hiring and building First Nation’s capacity within its workforce is clearly identifiable. Managers are accountable for implementing measures to ensure business success and a satisfied and stable workforce. Programs such as the Tuition Reimbursement Program, employer paid certifications and memberships, paid time off to attend annual/regular seminars/events, professional development, and improved chances for promotion are all a part of SIGA’s human resource development initiatives.

Online Marketing Campaign of the Year Award
SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, Saskatoon

For 10 days each summer, the city of Saskatoon bursts into song as the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival plays host to hundreds of world-class artists. Each year, over 70,000 music fans enjoy the sounds of jazz, blues, funk, pop, and world music at what is considered the second largest jazz festival in western Canada, and the fifth largest in Canada. Over the past two years, ticket sales have increased by 70 per cent, and organizers credit a shift in its marketing strategy. Since 2009, following a rebrand, the festival has had a more significant online presence with an updated website, use of social networks (Facebook and Twitter), email marketing, Google advertising, and a MP3 business card. This deliberate combination of online and traditional marketing has helped transform the SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival into an even stronger provincial event and an undeniable success, generating over $3 million in tourism revenue.

Service Excellence Award (Individual)
Colleen Norrish, Trails of 1885, Saskatoon

Since November 2008, Colleen Norrish has held the position of Project Manager for the Trails of 1885 initiative. To mark the 125th anniversary of the Northwest Resistance in 2010, Colleen, with the assistance of numerous individuals and partner organizations, developed and implemented 61 events in 39 communities across Saskatchewan. As part of a project that extended across three provinces, Colleen forged and maintained numerous relationships. Ultimately, she helped acquire more than $500,000 in support for core funding, marketing and promotion, and legacy projects to permanently improve awareness about the events surrounding 1885 and the various related sites across Saskatchewan. Colleen was able to bring together stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds and initiatives to achieve a common goal – to tell the story of the 1885 Resistance.

Travel Media Award
Robin and Arlene Karpan, Saskatoon

Robin and Arlene Karpan published their latest book, Saskatchewan Wild – A Wildlife Photographic Journey, in April 2010. This 128-page, hardcover book features 183 stunning colour photographs of Saskatchewan’s wildlife and wild places, complemented by a well-researched and entertaining commentary. As the first ever high-quality hardcover photographic book devoted entirely to Saskatchewan wildlife, it will be valuable in helping to raise the profile of the province as a nature and wildlife destination. The Karpans have long been recognized as travel journalists with a special expertise in Saskatchewan travel and tourism. Through their publishing company, Parkland Publishing, which they started in 1998, they have completed 10 books on Saskatchewan. Many of these have been Canadian best sellers, and over the past few years, cumulative sales of these books have topped 75,000.

Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Arne Petersen, Elk Ridge Resort

Arne Peterson is a true entrepreneur and visionary. In 1975, he started Precision Service and Engineering in Prince Albert. Twenty years later, he sold the company and it was the success of that business that led him to his next venture – Elk Ridge Resort. In 1991, development began on the ambitious project, located just outside of Prince Albert National Park. Starting with a nine-hole golf course, club house, and pavilion, Elk Ridge Resort has developed into a four-star, four-season facility with a 27-hole championship golf course, hotel and convention centre, three restaurants, saltwater pool, and full-service day spa. The resort also features a RV park, rental cabins, condominiums, and private residential lots. In 2009, Arne was awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit for his outstanding contributions to Saskatchewan’s tourism sector.

Source: Tourism Saskatchewan

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