1) INTRODUCTION
The Town of Wakaw was incorporated in 1954 and at that time the population was recorded 1035 people. The Town name (Wakaw) was derived from the Indian word meaning "Crooked Water" which describes the Lake adjoining the Town's eastern boundary. Wakaw was settled by early European farmers in 1903 and obtained village status in 1911 and grew to be a town in 1954. The town's economic base was grain and mixed farming and the population consisted mainly of established families enjoying post war prosperity and the Town became the focal point of serving the needs of an agriculture community. Like many small rural communities across North America Wakaw then suffered a decline in its population and out migration of its youth. *See Attached Article #1 in Time Magazine dated 10/13/2003 titled "Slow Death-Canada's small towns are fading away-Should we care?"
By 1969, Wakaw was documented as a retirement center, as its population had increasing numbers middle aged and senior citizens. Its population had dropped below the 1000 mark and with it came a decline in commercial activity, as changes in the Agriculture Industry occurred. Wakaw's decline was not as great as many small towns due to its location, having a good hospital and offering a good quality of life for its residents. It was also providing a valuable service to the newly growing industry of recreational activity associated with the growing numbers of Cottage Owners on nearby Wakaw Lake. The Link to the Lake has been deeply rooted in Wakaw's history. Wakaw was unique and did unique things to address opportunities to grow and prosper. Early insight into this can found with its moving its town site from the Lake to 1 km away, adjacent to a newly constructed railway. This clearly shows the foresight of the early Town Forefathers in seeing economic growth stemming from the new railway, but it did not separate the Town and the Lake.
Today, the railroad has been abandoned, elevators closed and only a local service line remains open. The Agriculture Industry and Transportation Industry have adapted to consolidation and redevelopment to meet changing economics and demographics.
The current Town administration has recognized that change is a necessary key to survival and has for several years understood that with changing demographics and Industry trends, it too must plan for change to adapt and service the needs of the new marketplace. In review of the growth of recreational properties in close proximity to major centers and growth of retirement housing to areas offering desirable living, Wakaw with its being within 1 hour drive of 1/3 of Saskatchewan's population has many things to offer as a place to live and conduct business. Its link to the Lake has been again recognized as an important contributor to future growth.
In early 2001 a volunteer group of local businessmen, the Town of Wakaw administration and local residents joined together to undertake a Feasibility Study to look into the re-establishing the Link to the Lake, with building a canal to link the Lake to the Town. (a distance of 1 km.) AMEC Earth and Environment Ltd. were commissioned to undertake the study with 5 main goals in mind:
1) To study the Physical Feasibility of building a canal linking the Town of Wakaw to the Lake.
2) Study the Environment Feasibility of doing the same.
3) Provide an analysis of Economic Feasibility.
4) Identify the potential social, economic and environmental fit of the canal concept to the Town and
surrounding municipalities.
5) To develop a concept plan from the study conclusions.
The Town of Wakaw and Western Economic Diversification funded the Study and it was completed in
March 2002.
It concluded that:
1) The project was technically feasible and has little or negative effect on the Environment.
2) Further tests on economic and financial feasibility indicate that the Canal Project would provide an economic engine of growth for the Town of Wakaw and surrounding communities.
3) The cost of development was estimated at 10 million dollars and a concept drawing was
developed which included the Canal, residential housing along the canal, a marina at the Town
end of the canal and commercial development.
The study results were presented at a public open house with the local community and enthusiasm for the concept and an expressed willingness to invest in the endeavor *(See Attached Article #2 in The Saskatoon Star Phoenix dated Saturday April 20th, 2003). These developments prompted the Town Administration to move to the next step. (i.e. Development of a Business Plan.)
2) DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS PLAN
The Town of Wakaw's Mayor and Town Council approved the undertaking of a Business Plan in December 2002. They formed a 9 person Committee to oversee the plan development and awarded a contract to Russell Baker, a retired Management Consultant to write the plan in consultation with the committee. The Committee set up consisted of:
1) Peter Huziek - Mayor of Wakaw
2) Steve Skoworodko - Alderman and Committe Chair - Owner of Wakaw Ambulance Service
3) Ray Sheverhoha - Alderman and Owner of The Crossroads Service Station
& Restaurant
4) Marjorie Biccum - Alderman and Owner of The Wakaw Recorder
5) Sheri Schitka - Town Adminstrator
Rick Kindrachuk - Current Toen Administrator
6) Ed Kidd - Owner of Wakaw Marine and Partner of Sure Lift Systems Corp.
7) Daryl Rudichuk - Owner of Rudichuk Agencies and Past Mayor of Wakaw
8) Russell Baker - Management Consultant - Former Vice President of Intercontinental
Packers, Past President & C.E.O. of Thomson Meats Melfort,
Past President Canadian Meat Council, Currently Retired and
Consulting
9) Dewell Linn - Land Developer, Saskatoon
The committee set out to develop a Vision and Mission Statement which was endorsed by the Town Administration.
Wakaw's Vison Statement is fitting to this major undertaking.
Wakaw will be a unique community, providing a four-season destination, boasting eco-tourism, attractive living, economic development, sustainability and growth.
The Mission Statement is:
Our Mission is to partner in securing the Future of Wakaw, through an aggressive Business Plan, centering on building a Canal, Marina, and an attractive Housing Community, within the next 5 years, that links the Town of Wakaw to the Lake.
Wakaw, Saskatchewan
Wakaw is located in close proximity to over 1/3 of the province's population and is ideally situated for those looking to relocation to recreational property, which this project will provide. Wakaw Lake now accommodates over 600 cottages with many converting to year round residences. (A trend that is expected to continue along the shores of Wakaw Lake as Baby Boomers retire to Lake communities.)
A new Regional water supply system further enhances the attractiveness of Wakaw for residential and commercial/industrial use. Also several Wakaw citizens commute to Saskatoon, Prince Albert and other smaller centers to work, reflecting the appeal of Wakaw as a place to live. Good highway access to Saskatoon (Saskatchewan's largest city) and Prince Albert (with the new bridge construction at St. Louis) will further enhance the appeal of Wakaw, with nearby Wakaw Lake, as a place to locate.
There is currently a moratorium on further lake front development and there is reason to believe that a mixed subdivision back from the lake with access to it will have market appeal in association with the development of the Canal. There is further reason to hope that as Baby Boom populations of Saskatoon (Est. 42,000 between the ages of 45-65) and Prince Albert (7000 between ages 45-65) reach retirement, Wakaw will benefit from population growth as retirees move to lakeside and other attractive locals.
As the Business Plan evolved and upon consultation with several land developers and input from Dewell Linn and his partner H. K. Kang and Assoc., we felt the appeal of the project would be further enhanced with addition of an 18 hole Golf Course and Housing spread out along the Canal and Golf Course and the committe endorsed this change to the original concept plan. Further a proposed Hotel/Convention Center/Spa was added along with propsed Retirement Housing facilities, adding to Wakaw's current appeal to retirees requiring assisted living. The Project has grown in cost and new estimates bring the cost close to 20 million dollars. This is considered to be an impossible task for a small community to undertake on its own. Significant input from the local community and outside investors will be required to make the Business Plan for the Wakaw Canal succeed.
The plan has some tremendous potential for securing the future of Wakaw and its surrounding communities, through its tourism potential and new housing development, employment oppotunities and significant economic growth related to service industries related to recreational property development.
II. THE PROJECT
1) SIZE
As outlined in the introduction the Project has expanded from its original concept plan outlined in the Feasibility Study. The project now includes the following: (* See attached Concept Plan)
a) Construction of a 1 km long Canal linking Wakaw Lake to the Town of Wakaw.
b) Construction of an 18 hole Golf Course.
c) Development of a 245 residential lot subdivision surrounding the Canal and Golf Course.
d) Construction of a 100 boat Marina at the Town end of the Canal and other commercial development.
e) Construction of a Hotel/Spa/Convention Center.
f) Construction of Senior Citizen Housing
g) Other related developments*
1. unique park facilities
2. landscaped areas with natural plantings
3. green space walking paths
4. return flow for the Canal with a series of ponds and naturalized areas
For details see sections 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8 of the Wakaw Canal Development Concept
Feasibility assessment dated March 27th, 2002 - Appendix #1
2) LOCATION
The proposed location for the development will be within the Town of Wakaw's boundaries on two one quarter sections of current privately owned land with legal description part of NE-30 42 26 and part of SE-30 42 26 and extending to a parcel on NE-19 42 26 West of the 2nd which is currently not in the Town of Wakaw's boundaries. This would have to be annexed from the RM of Hoodoo to the Town of Wakaw.
The Canal will be constructed on NE-30 42 and 26 with the return flow following the natural flow to the Lake. The proposed channel, Marina and return flow ponds cover a surface area of approximately 1.5 hectares.*
*See sections 5.1, Landform Setting, 5.2.1. Wakaw Lake watershed and 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 of the
Feasibility Study. --
Appendix #2*
*See also letter from Kang & Associates, Town of Wakaw, Saskachewan
Preliminary Plan Statistics
3) OWNERSHIP
As the cost of development is beyond the scope of undertaking by a small Rural Town, it is planned to have the project undertaken by a large developer, who would develop the infrastructure, the land and coordinate the building of the Canal, Housing and Golf Course, with the Town of Wakaw providing bylaw changes and the resale of the land to the developer for development. The Town of Wakaw would assist with finding a Retail and Hotel Developer to undertake this part of the Project.
The developer would agree to a servicing agreement as per the standard servicing agreement, under the Planning and Development Act 1983 as per Article #17.
4) COSTS
The following are cost estimates for the different phases of the Project:
a) The Canal
* Excavation/Grading ...............................................$ 732,000.00
* Erosion Protection .................................................$ 128,000.00
* Rock Features and Lake Edge ...............................$ 150,000.00
* Entry Feature .........................................................$ 130,000.00
TOTAL ...................................................................$1,140,000.00
b) 18 Hole Golf Course
Based upon construction costs of similar Saskatchewan Golf Courses at Elk Ridge, Rosthern, and
Nipawin, costs are estimated at $100.000 per hole, with $1,000,000 being allocated to equipment
and Club House.
TOTAL ...................................................................$2,800,000.00
c) Residential Subdivision - 3 phases of approximately 80 lots each
TOTAL ...................................................................$5,520,000.00
d) Marina Construction & Retail Development
* Excavation/Grading ...............................................$ 163,000.00
* Erosion Protection .................................................$ 110,000.00
* Circulation/Aeration ...............................................$ 200,000.00
* Dock Systems .......................................................$ 100,000.00
* Office, Servicing, Promenade,Stairs, Lighting etc. ...$ 815,000.00
* Retail Development - Market Square .....................$ 310,000.00
TOTAL ...................................................................$1,698,000.00
e) Construction of Hotel/Spa/Convention Center - 60 Rooms
* Estimated Cost @ $90,000/room is ......................$5,400,000.00
* Restaurant est. cost ...............................................$ 600,000.00
TOTAL ...................................................................$6,000,000.00
f) Construction of Senior Citizen Housing
* To be determined by Developer.
g) Parks, Natural Areas, Boating Access & Habitat Channel
* Estimated costs .....................................................$ 738,000.00
h) Planning and Design
* Estimate ................................................................$ 900,000.00
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST........................................$18,797,000.00
5) BENEFITS
A project of this size is estimated to pump over 60 million dollars directly into the development of a
unique recreational housing and tourist attraction in Rural Saskatchewan. With the problems of
sustainability of small towns in Saskatchewan, the closing of rural elevators and hospitals, this
development is felt to be the economic engine for growth and survival of the Town of Wakaw.
Based upon historical data for construction projects of this type there will be over 2000 man-years
of employment generated. It is estimated that there will be over 200 direct jobs created along with an
estimated 300 indirect jobs. This will go a long way in providing employment opportunities for youth in
the area as well as for 1st Nations People at the nearby One Arrow Reserve.
Significant tax dollars will be generated for the Town of Wakaw from the assessments of the upgraded
upgraded properties and this alone is estimated to be in excess of $500,00.00 annually. Along with
this will be that tax collected from commercial development, which has not been calculated,
Based upon data obtained from the Saskatchewan Government Economic Development Department the
spin off effect on other segments of the province would be a factor of 1.5 resulting in another 90
million dollars being put into the economy of Saskatchewan.
With the Tourist attraction of having an 18 hole Golf Course as well as a Hotel/Spa in close proximity to
Wakaw Lake, the project would provide a center for other tourist attractions in the area, such as
Batoche, Minichinas, Seager Wheeler, etc.
The growth in population, afforded by the new housing is estimated to be in excess of 600 people.
This would go a long way to sustainability of the Local Hospital and its serving the needs of the
Retirement Community.
The linking of the Lake to the Town is felt to also provide a Partnership with the Lake Community that
has been missing for a number of years.
III. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
The Project can be defined as an economic development initiative, designed to appeal to the current trend
of baby boomers moving and retiring to recreational properties that are in close proximity to urban centers.
1) COMPONENTS
The Project has appeal to retirement living, recreational activities, quality of life and tourism. It provides
an element of revitalization of Rural Saskatchewan and is an economic engine providing growth for the
Town of Wakaw and surrounding areas.
The Major components are construction, housing, leisure activities, retail, hotel, and tourism enhancement
Also provided are variety of ecological experiences.
2) PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The committee under the direction of the Wakaw Town Council is doing the current project
management. When the project goes ahead , the management of the project will be done by the Town
Adminstrator and the hiring of an Economic Development Officer to work with the chosen developer
and his staff to ensure time lines and regulatory compliances are met.
3) THE MARKET AND MARKETING PLAN
Marketing in the technical sense is defined as " Getting the right goods and services to right people
at the right price with the right communication and promotion."
The Wakaw Canal Project's targeted market is the soon to retirees looking for affordable resort
locations for their primary residences. This group typically has above average disposable incomes and
and interest in nature, the environment and authentic experiences with culture and nature.
Location decisions are typically based on:
* Quality of the resource, views - lake, natural habitat, recreational uses (i.e. Golf Courses etc.)
* Distance from high order service centers (major shopping)
* Availability of services (i.e. access to health care and quality municipal services. i.e. Wakaw
Hospital and safe water from the Wakaw Water Treatment Facility.)
* See (7.4) of Market analysis of Wakaw Canal Project in Wakaw Canal Development
Concept Feasibility Assessment --
Appendix #3
The Wakaw Canal Project has the right appeal at the right time and the market is currently hot for
developments of this type. See the attached Star Phoenix Article dated Aug. 10th/04 titled
Building Boom Forecast - Article #3
Interest rates are at an all time low and compounded with the low down payment requirements, demand
for attractive affordable retirement locations, in close proximity to large urban centers is high. The huge
baby boom population that are soon to retire are sure to find this project appealing. All across North
America, the trend is the same. In a recent article in USA Today (May 14th, 2002) it says:
"Boomers are retiring a short hop from their cities to active adult communities, where it's day spas and
the net, not bingo. Many of the nations 78 million baby boomers born between 1946-1964 want to
move when they retire. But a growing number also want to stay close to home. They want to live around
people their age in new developments that combine the comforts of suburbia with the perks of a resort."
*See attached Article #4 - "Retirees Staying Put" - USA Today May 14th, 2002
Our targeted market is the baby boom population of Saskatoon (Approximately 42,000 between 45
and 65) and Prince Albert (approximately 7000 between 45 and 65) as well as Saskatchewan boomers
who have moved to Alberta and want to come home to retire.
Communities in Western Canada that have seen successful growth can be seen as Chestermere Lake,
just outside of Calgary, Alberta.
*See Attached Article #5 "The Toen of Chestermere - A New Wave of Life."
Chestermere has grown from a village of 450 people to a Town of over 6.000 people over the last
20 years because of a vision and the market appeal to this development. Many of the attractions of the
Chestermere project have been duplicated in this project:
* Close proximity to major centers
* Close proximity to recreational lake activities
* An 18-hole golf course
* Spa/Hotel
* Environmental friendly green space walking paths
* Planned 4 season activities
Combined with affordable pricing of 75 ft x 150 ft lots (estimated to be $50,000 - $60,000, fully
serviced) and housing in the $125,000 - $225,000 range and the big demand for housing having access
to water, the appeal of this project is certainly market driven. Lakefront properties, according to a
recent (May 18th, 2004) article in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix, indicate lakefront properties in North
Central and Northwest Saskatchewan, will set you back $200,000 - $300,000 and $150,000 in
Southern areas.
*See attached article #6 - "Prices Rise On Lake Front Properties In Province."
Wakaw Lake has a current moratorium on Lake Front development and with the Canal and Marina
providing access to the Lake, with attractive housing facing the Canal, the alternative of those wanting the
pleasures of living close to water is there.
The successes of other Saskatchewan developments such as Elk Ridge Resort Community and Golf
Course, and the recent developments at Candle Lake, near Prince albert are clear proof of the market
appeal to the right market segment.
The Town of Wakaw has historically been a retirement community and its current population has over
50% over the age of 65. The average age is 53.4 and expanding of Senior Citizen housing, combined
with the recreational appeal of this project will only enhance the marketing appeal of Wakaw as a
place to live and retire and enjoy the benefits of access to beautiful Wakaw Lake and surrounding
district.
The Wakaw Canal Project is offering affordable retirement housing, suitable to the retiring baby
boomer with close proximity to major urban centers (less than 1 hour drive to 1/3 of Saskatchewan's
population), close to recreational activities - (Wakaw Lake and planned 18 hole Golf course) as well as
the opportunity to live with access to the water or along side the Golf Course. The media and the
general public have showed interest in the project as the results of the Feasibility Study were published
in major newspapers in Saskatchewan and communication networks. Awareness and interest is high.
The Developer will do further marketing and promotion of the development.
Housing Market Research
There is plenty of evidence to support the demand for recreational property in Saskatchewan and to
support that people will relocate to areas that offer the quality of life and where housing is affordable
and commute to major urban centers to work. In a recent May 17th 2004 Royal Le Page survey it was
reported that Waterfront cottages were up 10% in Canada. " The poll results suggest that within the
next 3 years, six percent of Canadians are planning on purchasing recreational property, while
eight percent would consider purchase.Currently 10% of Canadians own a cottage or other type of
recreational property." It further states "Baby boomers once again lead the charge for recreational
properties driving activity in the vast majority of Canadian markets, Re/Max said. The youngest
boomers are buying with their young families in mind, while the oldest, now approaching 58 years of age
are securing future positions with plans on retiring being front and center."
Also see Article #6 from Saskatoon Star Phoenix titled, Prices rise for lakefront getaways in
province in which it says, " The price of recreational properties is going through the roof - even in
Saskatchewan." According to reports released Monday, May 17th, 2004 by two national real estate
firms recreational properties will set you back $200,000 to $300,000 in North-Central and
Northwest Saskatchewan." Further Miller an owner broker for Re/Max Reality said, "Baby
boomers are driving the Market for recreational properties, mostly as weekend getaways but
some for retirement purposes."
Garth Turner, a well known financial advisor, in a Star Phoenix article recently wrote, buying a cottage
a smart long-term investment. In it he states, "yes, the Canadian population is getting older and
traditionally cottage ownership has been most popular amongst people 50+ and older. After all
that's where the money is and it is the group most able to afford a 2nd home. Many of them do
so with the intention of turning it into a permanent retirement home."
In a recent USA article titled Trends it describes examples of the current market for seniors housing
and those looking for retirement housing. It states " Jean and Erwin Anderson left a small farming town of
Wahpeyton, N.D. as a couple. Their work took them to New York, San Francisco, Minneapolis, but
when it came to retiring they weren't lured by warm weather or previous adventure. They
moved to Ottertail Lake in Minnesota, 40 miles from Wahpeyton - close enough to family and
friends, but far enough to feel like they've gotten away from it all. While it may seem as if retirees
are interested in spending their days playing golf and basking in the sun, the reality is that lifestyles don't
change much when people retire. Studies show that 90% of seniors are unwilling to move more
than 100 miles from home after they retire". It further states that baby boomers are buying
properties now so they can have it for their retirement.
This Trend is supported by the growth of lake properties in close proximity to major centers in
Saskatchewan. Near to Saskatoon the communities of Thode and Shields Town sites on Blackstrap
Lake, according to statistics Canada, have grown by 47.8% and 78% respectively from the 1996
to 2001 census. Candle Lake, East of Prince Albert has grown by 8.6% in the same period and
currently is in the development of a 79-unit development (ref. - Article #6 - "Prices rise on lakefront
getaways in the province") See interview with Clint Mauthe, Administrator of Candle Lake on the
recent growth of Candle Lake - Article #7
Lakeland has grown by 14.7% and Chertermere, near Calgary by a remarkable 78.6%.
See Article #* statistics/ Statistics Canada on Population and dwelling counts for Canada -
2001 - 1996 Census.
Note: In the same period Canada grew by 4%, Saskatoon by 3.1%
Based upon the data obtained from the Royal Le Page Survey 6% of Canadians are planning on
buying recreational property, within the next 3 years and our targeted market of baby boomers
looking for recreational properties in close proximity (Wakaw, within 1 hour drive of 1/3 of
population of Saskatchewan) and baby boomer populations of 42,000 in Saskatoon and 7000
in Prince Albert, we should see a potential market for 2940 properties in our targeted area.
Saskatoon's average family income of $62,451, the 2nd highest in the province in 2000 (Stats
Canada), can certainly afford the type of housing being proposed in our development. See
attached - Article #20 - Mortgage Table.
Assuming we can capture 10% of this number we can more than justify our 245-lot project in
the next 7 years.
Supporting the market for those willing to commute from areas where housing is affordable and in close
proximity to major centers is the growth of Towns around Saskatoon such as Martensville (Growth
of 25.4% or 350 new housing starts between 1996-2001) Stats Canada, Warman at 22.6% growth or 395 new housing starts in the same period. Osler saw growth of 33.2% and
Dundurn growth of 25.2% see Statistics Canada Population and Dwelling Counts For Canada
Metropolitan areas 2001-1996 Census, Article #8.
Also see Article #9 from August 11th 2004 Saskatoon Star Phoenix which states " The CMHC
statistics show the biggest gain in single family starts occurred outside city limits where the
surrounding rural municipalities and bedroom towns to the north have absorbed 160 starts so
far this year versus 113 for the same period last year."
While there is a net migration out of Saskatchewan in the same period, Saskatoon saw growth of 3.1%
and significant growth in areas around it. This would support the trend to relocation to areas where a
commute of less than i hour is happening.
Wakaw has seen evidence of this and the Town in the 2001 Census showed growth of 1.7% and the
Lake of 3.7% and in a recent Wakaw Recorder article reference has been made to the current trend of
commuting and the current increase in new housing starts in Wakaw. See attached Article #10.
These new starts are for homes in the $100,000 value range and show a significant increase in size and
value from average home sales in the past.
Based upon the success and growth of other small towns in close proximity to Saskatoon and their over
745 new housing starts as indicated by Stats. Canada most recent Census and the combined growth of
Warman of 405 new starts in the last 5 years, a 10% capture of this market would not be unrealistic.
This would yield 74 additional potential properties appealing to those wanting to commute and
live near attractive recreational properties.
Wakaw Lake has traditionally been cottage type development and has seen modest growth of 3.7% in
the 2001 census. However in the past 5 years there have been 23 new building permits issued,
(R.M. of Hoodoo) despite a moratorium on any new lakefront development. With the recent natural gas
service to lake areas we are seeing a trend to year round homes developing. A recent ML survey of
sales of larger year round homes around the Lake indicates price points in the low $110,500 range to
a high of $189,000 on recent sales of 960 sq. ft. to 2576 sq. ft. homes on 19 recent sales. See attached
copy of ML listings -Article #11
The market is strong for other Sask. Lake properties and in a recent Star Phoenix Article of July/2004,
it says lake properties at Turtle Lake are selling for a high of $89,000 to a low of $39,000. At a small
lake North Lake Lenore near Melfort, Sask., a develppment at St. Brieux has lots starting at $39,000.
A 2085 sq. ft. year-round home at Poplar Beach (Wakaw Lake) is asking $175,900 supporting the
market for similar properties to our proposed project. See attached Star Phoenix Ad, "Cottages For
Sale". Article #12
There is ample evidence of a market to support the 245 lot development of the Wakaw Canal
Development Project and with the right promotion and marketing by the chosen developer the
capture of more than 10% of the market is quite realistic in the next several years to come.
The proposed 18-hole Golf Course has not had a detailed Marketing Plan done, as the Developer will
undertake this. However there does appear to be demand for Golf courses and Attractive Housing
built facing Golf Courses and recent developments at Elk Ridge and Deer Valley, as well as the
expansion of the Willows have given strength to this market in Saskatchewan. Local investors could be
approached to invest in this endeavor and outside Professional Sports Personnel that have a connection
to the area are another source of investment potential.
*See Articles #13,14,15 & 16- interviews with Arne Peterson (Elk Ridge) and Glen Trentini
(Deer Valley) and article on The Willows (Saskatoon). Also see article "Bring Your Game To
Saskatchewan". Saskatchewan has 227,00 golfers and thousands of golfing tourists".
Marketing of the Hotel/Spa to uotside investors or Hotel Operators has several opportunities. The
Blairmore Group from Saskatoon has been talking about a similar development at the old Gathercole
site in Saskatoon and these efforts seem to be stalled. This group with Mike Stensrud and Betty Ann
Latrace Henderson of the Quality Hotel are good candidates to pursue for this development.
It will be the Town of Wakaw's job to Market the Project to a prospective Developer and there are
currently two who have shown considerable interest in the undertaking. they are J-Rob Homes
(Saskatoon) and Truman Developments (Calgary). The town should invite both of these prospective
developers to visit, at the Town's expense and review the Business Plan and determine their interest in
becoming a partner in the project outlined in the plan. Should neither of these 2 identified Developers be
interested a published offer to bid on the project should be undertaken in major newspapers in
Western Canada. Costs of Marketing the Project are included in the Financial Plan.
4) PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Steps:
a) Decision to proceed or postpone ---October 15th
b) Acquire a Letter of Intent to purchase land from landowners or negotiate purchase by the Town
of Wakaw ---October 30th 2005
c) Submit proposal to the R.M. of Hoodoo 401 to annex parcel of land on North side of
Highway 41 described as part of N.E. 30 42 26, currently owned by Ernie Isinger and
agreement re road closure at the end of the Lake ---November 30th 2005
d) Arrange Financing for Land Purchase and negotiate Terms for Development with proposed
Developer and move to signed Servicing Agreement with Developer. *See Article #17 copy
of Std. Servicing Agreement under the Planning and Development Act, 1983.
Hire - Economic Development Manager
December 30th 2005
e) Town to apply and obtain approval from Saskatchewan Environment for potable water or
wastewater facilities before any construction takes place by submitting an application to
to construct. See Article #18- letter from Jennifer Merkowsky dated January 15th, 2004,
Saskatchewan Environment.
"Existing Potable water supply is deemed to be adequate for service to an additional 600 people
so no additional work needs to be done re: facilities. Hook up to the Town supply is required."
Darin Orb, Saskatchewan Water Treatment Plant, Wakaw. See Article #21 - Letter from
Ron Barss, Sask. Water Business Development dated August 18th/04, confirming this. There
may be a need to update the Town's Reservoir, as it is currently in aging condition according
to the Town's Foreman.
" Existing Sewage Lagoons appear to be adequate to service the new project." Bob Neufeld
UMA Engineering. The Primary cell has a capacity to handle 2000 plus pop. and the storage
cell exceeds the 2000. See Article #22 - Fax from Bob Neufeld
Note: If the project goes forward a copy of the detailed proposal should be sent to Randy
Sequin with Environmental Assessment in Regina for review.
*See Article #19 - a copy of letter from Richard Orr, Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
dated January 7th, 2004, re: development of the required detailed project proposal.
Time --- January 2006 -March 2006
f) The Town of Wakaw to change zoning or any bylaw changes, required to convert existing
Farmland to allow Residential, Canal, Retail, and Golf Course development to proceed.
Time--- March 2006
g) Once all agreements and approvals are in place, start construction of the Canal. If started by this
time frame, it is estimated to be a 6-month completion. (Dewell Linn) If a bridge is required to
deal with the channel opening in the road, this would be started here. At the same time construct
the proposed 100 boat Marina.
Time --- March 2006
h) Start Construction of first approximately 92 Housing units facing the Canal. Note: Lot size
25m x 150m or 75 ft. x 150 ft.
Start --- September 2006
Completion --- September 2008 (re: Town of Warman Example)
i) Start Construction of Hotel/Spa and 18 Hole Golf Course and 60 additional Housing Units.
