Kenaston's Business Plan 2003 - 2006: The time frame of our first business plan is winding down. Much of the initial four-year plan has been accomplished, although admittedly some was overly optimistic. However, it is said that if you don't plan your own future it will get planned for you, so it has been with this in mind that we have taken steps towards a viable future under our own terms. The community of Kenaston, with its compliment of people and facilities, is worth the effort it will take to ensure that we find a "new sense of purpose(1)" to maintain a healthy population and thereby support our services and our school. In the future, if we are to survive, our community will change and we need to support that change is okay.

According to a recent lecture by Mark Partridge (Canada Research Chair in the New Rural Economy) we must depend on commuters, at least in part, to sustain our population base. As housing in our community and area comes available it would be exciting and ideal to have those homes and farmsteads purchased or occupied by new families rather than sit vacant. Kenaston is close enough to Saskatoon to be within commuting distance for those families who, although employed in Saskatoon, seek a community lifestyle and an escape from the high cost of city life. A vibrant Kenaston with services, warmth and spirit can attract families to surrounding farm land and acreages too.

As family numbers increase, so too does the potential for entrepreneurship and service based businesses, which in turn, attracts more population. The chamber and council understand the importance of promoting Kenaston to attract families to your real estate, and all projects undertaken are geared toward keeping Kenaston attractive to potential home owners and businesses.

As Partridge also points out "The declining population of rural Saskatchewan is not unique to this province but a part of a general pattern in the Great Plains region of North America that extends to west Texas." Partridge is currently investigating the underlying causes of different community growth rates across Canada by assessing the alternative roles of economic opportunities, quality of life, and government policies with the aim of improving local governance arrangements.(2)" Small communities, he says, are increasingly unable to go it alone and must work with other communities to achieve results… and the long-term sustainability of communities depends on achieving a high quality of life.

When it comes to having a voice in political and funding issues, regional collaboration on projects and proposals is becoming an essential mandate. SUMA, SARM, the Mid Sask REDA, and a newly formed MLCC all stress the need to develop regionally. Chamber and Council's are working towards regional cooperation in order to participate in any potential projects that may develop.

In Kenaston, our initial four year business plan has encouraged the Chamber to keep informed on opportunities for the community. We have successfully structured a strong community communication and marketing tool. We have initiated positive tourism growth projects. We continue to enhance our image through beautification projects and promote a welcoming environment for new businesses and regional services. We enthusiastically encourage community spirit and support for all of our existing businesses and services.

During 2006, interested individuals will need to gather formally and informally to make plans for 2007 - 2010. If you can bring an encouraging attitude to the table, please consider joining in to create the new business plan. We cannot wait for "that someone else" to see us through. As with any other community in our region it will require a strong, proactive approach in order to survive and your Chamber, having limited volunteer hours, is receptive to your energy, input and ideas. Our 5 project teams are business, tourism, community spirit, beautification and the school.

References:

1) "Sense of Place" - John Ikert
2) Mark Partridge

One Tonne Challenge: Improving your home's energy efficiency is one of the best investments you can make, paying tax-free dividends immediately in the form of lower heating costs. Retrofitting a house is simply upgrading it so that it will keep the heat in. This means adding insulation, caulking and weather stripping, improving or replacing windows and doors, and improving the heating system. Retrofitting also means including energy-efficient measures in all your renovation and repair activities. After having your home evaluated for heat loss, called an energy audit, you will qualify for Government of Canada grants for reimbursements. The energy audit will customize recommendations to address the heat lost from your home most effectively.