We’ve all heard of ghost towns, but we know that cities don’t become ghosts overnight. It happens gradually. This is sad considering rural and remote communities are crucial to the economic success of Canada , contributing 30% of the country’s GDP. Here in Saskatchewan , rural , remote , and northern communities are also the underlying social fabric of the province.

Rural communities’ impact on provincial and national GDPs is often overshadowed by the larger urban centers, which leads many to believe they are going the way of the dodo. But with so many opportunities for growth for communities in Saskatchewan – social and economic – the importance of rural economic development should not be overlooked by the citizens, businesses, not-for-profits, governments, and local leaders.

That’s why I was pleasantly pleased when I saw the City of Humboldt, Saskatchewan promote its ‘big-city amenities with small-town charm” in a new video campaign, “Be Part of it All, In the Heart of it All”. It’s critical for more communities to promote their competitive advantages and market themselves to existing and future residents, investors, and governments.

Current and future employees and employers are looking for communities that provide a great quality of life at a reasonable cost. I hope to see more communities focus on economic development, regional collaboration, and quality of life fundamentals. It is the recipe for creating and keeping good-paying jobs, attracting the right kind of investment, and ensuring the well-being of all community members.

In case you’re wondering, Humboldt is strategically located in the heart of Saskatchewan, approximately 50 minutes from Saskatoon, and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the province!