Yorkton appears poised for the commercial construction boom we had anticipated once the two canola crushing plants were in place and fully staffed.
That boom was muted initially by a general economic recession which gripped the world.
While generally Saskatchewan was insulated from the worst effects of the recession, its closeness to the United States where the economy is still mired in trouble, and a general tightening of credit worldwide put the skids on development.
It did not help that a rumoured Agrium potash mine south of the city never did come into play either, although those hopes have been rekindled by the emergence of BHP Billington which is doing extensive exploration south of the city, and have announced an aggressive desire to become a major player in the potash sector.
But even BHP couldn't out-influence the flood of July 1, last year. The widespread flooding in the city cooled the mood considerably.
While good for the economy in terms of renovation work, major development seemed once more put on hold.
That brings us to 2011, where it appears the hammers will be swinging busily this year building a number of projects in the city.
We already see signs of work on a new Dairy Queen on Broadway Street, and signage marking the spot for a new H&R Block location, and a new realty building.
There is also talk of a new strip mall, including a steak house, and hotel development on the corner of highways #9 and #10, adjacent to Sports Mart.
The hotel attached to the development is interesting given the pent up need in the city.
Whether talking to those involved with Tourism Yorkton, the Chamber of Commerce, or simply business in general, there is need for additional hotel/motel space in the city.
In recent years there have been numerous rumours of new hotel development and no new site has been started. However this year, in addition to the one on the highway corner, three other hotel/motels are being mentioned for the city, including the previously announced location adjacent to the Painted Hand Casino.
There is also a major development in the planning stages for the land across from Audio Warehouse.
Then to add to the activity moving forward are plans for a new Parkland College, and this week an announcement to have a conceptual plan for a new regional hospital in the city, the construction sector will indeed be booming.
It appears the city is finally be on the verge of the commercial development boom we had hoped for in the past two-to-four years.
