Executive Summary

This study applies GIS technology (Geographic Information Systems) to identify and classify the physical, climate and economic conditions of Saskatchewan communities using maps. GIS allows a broad range of information to be quantified into standardized databases, which can be developed into maps for communities across the province.

The intention of the maps is to provide a starting point to compare the relative attributes required in a site locational assessment of identifying the range of opportunities for new agricultural developments. It is a tool for community planners to assess the strengths and some of the barriers in developing value added agriculture. The study also provides a macro view of the province and can be used as starting point for external investors who are looking for a Saskatchewan location relative to other North American jurisdictions.

Once the database of variables was developed a cluster analysis was conducted to show complementary groupings of communities.  From the grouping of communities we identified the basis of where possible locations for developing new “Agri-Value Industrial Parks.”

These Parks would be multi functional and provide a multi-sectoral plan of community development as opposed to singular Agriculture development.  The GIS based “Asset Map” approach provides a multifunctional tool for entrepreneurs, economic development and investors for assessing and identifying agri-value economic development to revitalize rural communities.   

 These Agri-Value parks could be site specific in a town or could be regional with major components in each community. The following listing of towns was generated from the Cluster analysis, as these towns were complementary to each other. 

Complementary Towns

Wynyard, Foam Lake, Wadena          

Shaunavon, Maple Creek

Spiritwood, Shellbrook, Big River

Watrous, Outlook, Davidson                     

Indian Head, Esterhazy, Melville

Canora, Kamsack

Kindersley, Biggar, Outlook

Battleford, Unity, Biggar

Melfort, Tisdale, Nipawin

These towns interact or clustered in the analysis thus providing a larger base to support added value processing.

These towns were located in areas where there are fewer similar centres to cluster with:

Meadow Lake, Assiniboia, Hudson Bay, Moosomin.

By assessing the relative natural strengths of towns and communities to produce and access markets will assist in overcoming some of the physical and economic barriers to make choices in the types of agriculture and economic development that would have the most success in a region.