Gull Lake was chosen to pilot the Thrive Saskatchewan Program a few years ago. The program was created to assist communities in implementing long-term transformation while also executing short-term, low-cost, place-based activities that promote the local business sector and generate a sense of enthusiasm and momentum in the community.

Local stakeholders collaborated with Saskatchewan Economic Alliance, Tourism Saskatchewan, and Heritage Saskatchewan to develop priorities to assist strengthen the town's economy. While we did work on some of the established priorities, it may be time to revisit the list and see what is still outstanding, as well as identify any new priorities. The Thrive Saskatchewan group selected the following Established Priorities:

Established Priorities

1. Utilize vacant buildings

• Establish a Community Thrift Shop

• Evaluate potential for additional social enterprises

• Business Incubator strategy

• Window displays and beautification

2. Retain and expand existing businesses (BRE)

• Access effective courier/freight options

• Mitigate online shopping to retain and expand local businesses (buy local) • Internet — is it good enough to retain and expand industry?

• Leverage traffic from highway

• Leverage the regional population and business base

• Leverage the local theatre

• Explore potential to expand homebased businesses

3. Stimulate job creation. ✓ A business attraction strategy is required to include priorities identified by participants at the activation session, namely:

• Coffee Shop(community gathering place)

• Bar/Saloon(community gathering place)

• New Motel/Hotel

• Examine potential to capitalize on proximity to Swift Current and other communities in the region with potential new businesses. Examples are pet grooming/boarding and cultural entrepreneurship. ✓ Place a greater focus on entrepreneurship at all ages. ✓ Leverage the new normal of online shopping(can operate anywhere) to attract businesses to the community.

4. Increase population

• Build, create local places with atmosphere

• Taxi service — ride sharing — charter bus • Seniors taxi service

• Ensure adequate housing and zoned/serviced land is available

5. Establish an authentic community brand and marketing strategy

• A marketing strategy that captures the unique living and built heritage and translates into place making and business development strategies.

6. Fundraising to support economic development

• Generate more volunteerism from local residents

• Evaluate a regional community foundation in partnership with other communities

• Raise funds from special events and social enterprises

The town was not founded by a single individual or group. It was built by many people working together, and if we are to move forward and turn the town's fortunes around, we will need to do the same. A Community Action Forum will be held today to gather input on community development, tourism, and growth initiatives in Gull Lake and the surrounding area. It will be an excellent opportunity for everyone to share ideas and collaborate on ways to improve our community's fortunes. The discussion will be facilitated, and it should be an excellent opportunity to hear ideas and identify objectives on which we can collaborate. If you would like to attend you would be more than welcome just call Lindsay Alliban (306) 741-3775.

Blake Campbell

Gull Lake Events