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Building a Community

Jun 25, 2012 | 9:08 AM

Summer has officially begun, perhaps now the weather will cooperate and we will see more of our annual 2200 hours of sunshine. This time of year also results in significant increases in the amount of visitors to Prince Albert, traffic increases have been quite apparent with many boats and trailers headed north. Activities in Prince Albert also pick up during the summer. Prince Albert just completed its 9th annual street fair, hosted by the Prince Albert Downtown Improvement District Association. The event was welcomed with great weather and a grand turn out of attendee’s, The Chamber’s annual Taste of Prince Albert is approaching and will also look to bring a large influx of attendees to the downtown as well. It is my hope that events such as this encourage our community citizens to engage in being an active part of their community. I’m sure that if one focuses on finding negatives about their community or areas of, that examples extolling the negatives could always be found. Positives on the other hand can be found with the same amount of energy and can be just as infectious in instilling perceptions and can foster a positive sense of community spirit.

As this Provinces third largest city, we are able to enjoy the many aspects that make our community great; knowing community members by name, commutes measured in minutes, constant engagement of our community businesses, who work to enhance and promote a positive and vibrant community.

Some of the Chambers recent activities have focused on future changes or growth that would also prove to assist our community. Our partnership in the Build a Second Bridge Campaign has resulted in approx 1000 letters of support being received so far. On June 18/12 the Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce along with various Chamber members met with consultants who are working to complete a study on our needs and benefits of a second bridge. The meeting also allowed for representatives from the Department of Highways to hear firsthand, the needs and benefits of a second bridge, as well as the risks and impacts that were associated with a single bridge that is subject to restrictions and lane closures. On June 19/12 The Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce and participating Chamber members met with representatives from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce to host round table discussions regarding pending changes to

Saskatchewan’s Labour Legislation. The discussions resulted in multiple recommendations which will be forwarded to the Saskatchewan Government, as they look to amend, consolidate and improve the current labour legislation that is currently directed by 15 different Labour Acts.