Gull Lake 2035 Continues—Small Town, Big Possibilities: Breaking the Myth of Doubt
- Gull Lake Events
- 12 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Myth: “That will never work here.”
The assumption is that when new ideas or opportunities arise, they simply won’t work here—especially businesses, because of our proximity to the city, or in other cases because the idea of change can be hard to accept.
Reality: Proof in Our Own Backyard
Gull Lake has lived both sides of this myth.
• Campbell’s Accommodations
When my wife and I converted long‑term rental units into short‑term accommodations, some said visitors would prefer to stay in Swift Current. The assumption was that Gull Lake couldn’t compete. Yet guests attending local events, working on construction projects, and even those based in Swift Current have chosen to stay with us in Gull Lake. One company from British Columbia recently stayed nearly a year while completing a project in Swift Current.
What some saw as a risk, we saw as an opportunity to show confidence in Gull Lake. We started with just one unit and grew to four—proof that when the right options are available, people will stay here. For us, it was more than a business decision; it was a statement of belief in what our town can achieve.
Niche Businesses in Town
Whenever a new business opens its doors, skepticism often follows. Yet our own history shows that those doubts fade when people see the results—proof that small towns can sustain both tradition and innovation.
Our business community reflects this balance. Downtown anchors like the theater, long-standing shops, and newer shops give Gull Lake its identity, while businesses across town—from accommodations to trades—add strength and variety. Many enterprises are home‑based, proving that innovation doesn’t always need a storefront. Together, we show how small towns can sustain both tradition and innovation.
These are the types of businesses that shape Gull Lake’s economy and identity:
Accommodations—motels, furnished short‑term rentals, and home‑based options that meet the needs of event visitors, construction crews, and travelers who prefer staying local.
Specialty retail—antique shops, book store, gift shops, and hunting supply outlets that provide unique products not found in big‑box chains.
Food and hospitality—restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores that thrive on local flavor and personal connection.
Professional and service providers—hair salons, fitness studios, appliance repair, small engine repair, and photography services—some with storefronts, others home‑based.
Community and entertainment spaces—a movie theatre, and a library that enrich community life and give residents pride in their identity.
Trades and industry support—carpentry, plumbing, welding, and water hauling—are businesses that keep the town’s infrastructure and workforce strong.
Oil and energy services—companies supporting drilling, maintenance, hauling, and field operations that remain a backbone of local employment and investment.
Agriculture and agri‑services—farms, feed suppliers, grain handling, and crop support businesses that drive the rural economy and connect Gull Lake to regional markets.
These businesses prove small towns can compete—not by being bigger, but by being different. They succeed because they’re rooted in community—and we choose to support them.
The Campground Relocation
Several years ago, Council explored the idea of relocating the campground as a way to address declining stays and limited capacity. The existing campground is very nice and continues to earn good reviews, but some sites are small, and larger units often require combining sites—reducing the overall number available.
Relocation was considered as a way to expand options. The first phase was modest: planting trees over several years to test what the opportunity might look like. Beyond a new campground, relocation would also have opened space for a new subdivision ready for housing—a chance to expand residential options and prepare for future growth.
In the end, skepticism carried weight, and the plan did not move forward. Today, the Kiaskus Trail remains as the most visible piece of that vision. Whether or not relocation would have proven feasible, the discussion reminds us of a larger truth: when doubt becomes the default response, opportunities fade before they’re fully explored.
• The Downtown Investment Initiative
The lesson isn’t just historical—it’s unfolding right now.The Gull Lake Property Development Co-op has launched a community investment initiative to restore its historic downtown drugstore, inviting residents to purchase shares in the project. Many have already invested, showing strong belief in the town’s future. To date, the initiative has raised approximately $35,000, but more investment is required before the vision can become reality.
This initiative matters because it embodies the very opposite of the “it will never work here” prophecy. Instead of focusing on obstacles, residents are focusing on opportunity—pooling resources, taking ownership, and laying the groundwork for renewal. It’s a reminder that small towns don’t have to wait for outside rescue. We can invest in ourselves, and in doing so, we create both economic and community momentum.
The downtown investment initiative could be proof that when we act with confidence, we don’t just preserve history—we build the foundation for tomorrow. Learn more or purchase shares through the Gull Lake Property Development Co‑op here.
Lesson: Confidence vs. Skepticism
When we say, “That will never work here,” it often isn’t about the idea itself—it’s about our lack of confidence in the community’s ability to attract and retain new businesses and opportunities. Obstacles are real, but they should never be the only lens we use.
The easiest way to become a prophet with the prophecy “it will never work here” is to focus only on shortcomings and difficulties. That prophecy requires no effort other than skepticism to make it come true. It’s easier than looking for ways to overcome obstacles, but it ends in nothing changing—and in some cases, decline.
The harder, braver path is to focus on opportunities and ask, "How can we make this work?" Communities that choose confidence over doubt and persistence over resignation are the ones that grow.
“Skepticism is effortless. Confidence takes work. But only confidence creates change.”
Closing Note & Call‑to‑Action
Economic development in Gull Lake isn’t about waiting for outside rescue. It’s about choosing to believe in our own capacity, supporting those who take risks, and recognizing that even ideas that don’t fully succeed can leave behind new assets. The downtown investment initiative could be proof that when we act with confidence, we don’t just preserve history—we build the foundation for tomorrow.
Don’t buy into the myth, and don’t sell our town short. What can be done here has been done here—and will be done again. When a new business comes to town, they’ve done their homework. And when the opportunity for a new community project presents itself, the group has done their homework too. They know what they can achieve. Our role is to understand and support their confidence, because every step forward strengthens Gull Lake’s future.
👉 Support a local business today, invest in our community’s future, and help Gull Lake prove that small towns can achieve big things. Find details on the downtown investment initiative here.
💡 This is just one of the many stories shaping life in Gull Lake.
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