News from PA Chamber of Commerce

Each New Year brings reflections on the past year and thoughts and plans for the upcoming year.  While our past year was excellent, it is with the New Year in mind that I write this column on behalf of the Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce.

My first thoughts rest, once again, with infrastructure. The Chamber and its partners will continue to plan a strategy to see improved infrastructure throughout our region. The Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce continues to focus on the value and critical importance of infrastructure in our region. 

We recently partnered with a number of other groups to commission a report by V-Max Management Canada, titled “Regional Business Case for a Second Vehicle Crossing over the North Saskatchewan River, Near the City of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan”. A few brief insights into some of the points included from the report include: approximately 75% of vehicle crossings originate from outside our community, further restrictions can create a varying degree of impacts from minimal to detours that require using the next available crossing at a distance of over 100 km outside Prince Albert, to where an outright closure could have a financial impact of 1.8 million/ day.  

These points clearly signal the need for a second crossing and our region and province must begin planning for this. 

What is of great concern is the current attention our existing Diefenbaker Bridge is receiving. The 2013 Stantec report on the current structure outlined recommendations for maintenance that would cost over $7 million.

Imminent need

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A few moments ago

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Clearly, we need a second bridge, but the question is whether our first one will last until we can get all required parties to come together to complete the critical planning to focus on creating a stable infrastructure? 

The Diefenbaker Bridge is currently lacking a functioning asset management plan that would actively complete the required maintenance and strengthening efforts needed to ensure this first bridge will last until the end of its projected useful life.

What is clear is that our Region and Province can’t bear the economic costs of not achieving the critical infrastructure that will drive and support our future growth. Through focused efforts, the Diefenbaker Bridge requires maintenance to slow the deterioration while the region and province plan for a second bridge that could be eight to 14 years down the road.

With infrastructure a priority in our area, the Chamber will be co-hosting a summit on infrastructure in the coming months. Part of the focus will be to expand on the details of the recent Diefenbaker Bridge Report by V-Max Consulting.

On another note, Prince Albert businesses continue to grow and we hope 2015 includes many new expansions and start-ups. We look forward to the city’s efforts to promote and attract new opportunities to realize more of the excellent potential that exists in Prince Albert. 

Finding employees and filling out our workforce has been challenging. While skilled labour will likely remain a challenge, one great tool for employers to look at is the Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant. This program can assist employers in building and strengthening the labour pool they require. Employers can receive up to $10,000 per trainee, and may complete multiple applications to a maximum of 250,000.00 annually. The first step is to review the information and then complete the eligibility checklist. Use this link for more information: www.economy.gov.sk.ca/job-grant

As with each new year, we are looking forward to our Annual State of the City Address and luncheon with Mayor Greg Dionne on January 29, 2015.  It will surely be a great event with thoughts from the past year as well as insights into what the new year holds for Prince Albert. Contact the Chamber office or visit our website to register. www.princealbertchamber.com.