SSEP research identified six resource-clusters for creating a vibrant, stable and sustainable future for the next generation. We call these our Regional Economic Pillars.
Carefully organized around our excellent location, freight advantages, abundant natural resources, geography, skilled workforce and rich regional history, these pillars form the foundation of our Economic Development Plan.
Our strategic plan aligns with our core values, vision and mission, and provides a balanced approach to our long-term social, environmental and economic sustainability. This section explores each pillar in more detail and compares their potential.
The Pillars
- Overview & Looking Forward
- Destination Tourism
- Logistics and Distribution Hub & Municipal Infrastructure
- Water for Economic Development
- ValueAdded Agriculture Processing & Resource Innovation
Destination Tourism
This region is steeped in colourful history that lends itself to creating a destination for tourists.
The development of a few key tourism features would also open up a range of opportunities within the hospitality industry. This could include small and medium-sized services, such as accommodation, food and beverage, vehicle rentals, hunting or angling guides and other tourism-based businesses.
Further possibilities include the in-depth exploration and development of the rich regional history, including the illegal alcohol trade with Al Capone during prohibition; the coal mining history and development of an interpretive centre; historical sites in Bienfait with the train and the museum. Additional opportunities could include using the history as a launching point for a local theatre and performing arts centre.
There are also natural areas that currently draw visitors such as the Roche Percéerocks and hiking trails in the local spill piles. There is also tremendous potential for development at Rafferty Dam starting with the upgrade and/or expansion of the marina.
The goal would be to develop the area with access to Rafferty, fishing, camping, golfing, and so forth, so that visitors will stay at least a few days rather than just making a day trip into the area.
The landscape lends itself to branding as a badlands in the same way that the Canadian Badlands has successfully leveraged its unique environment.
The Southeast Sask Economic Partnership is working with the RMs of Estevan and Coalfields and the Town of Bienfait to bring new ecomonic opportunties to our region.
