After a year of refocusing exclusively on its business membership and in its new headquarters, the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce is wrapping up an eventful year. For the latter portion of the year, the business community has been focused, to an extent, on developments surrounding the BHP announcement of Stage 2 development at its Jansen Project site. Brent Fitzpatrick, Chamber director talks about the anticipation.  

“Based on the strong reaction the business community has made to that (announcement), there are a lot of people are looking at the future with better coloured glasses than they were before.” 

Fitzpatrick says the biggest concern for businesses is a rapid growth followed by rapid decline. However, the scenario set out by BHP foresees a steady and sustainable growth pattern. That drives the optimism. The initial rate of that growth stands to bring some pressure to the area.  

“The greatest challenge we’ve got is housing,” Fitzpatrick cautions. “We need about 400 roofs built in our region to satisfy what’s coming, not only because of staffing at BHP but also just the organic growth within our region.” 

In the chicken and egg scenario, there’s always a nest that’s necessary, Fitzpatrick says. It’s a phenomenon that will not only impact Humboldt but surrounding communities as well. That healthy competition means communities will need to be seen as attractive for new residents, and they will have to be attractive places for residential developers. That’s why municipalities and communities have been active participants in regional needs assessment initiatives.  

“There’s been lots of conversation with the folks at BHP about what’s needed and what we can do to provide that. A great example is with SaskPower and the new power station they’re building to the south. These are the types of businesses that are coming to the table to talk about local spending.” 

BHP and support services are one thing, but the region is also a well-known hub for established national and international manufacturers, all of which continue to thrive and contribute to the province’s economic well-being.  

“When you look on SaskJobs and see all these manufacturers from our region, they’re looking at growth positions. Those aren’t replacing exiting workers, by and large. They’re looking at growth.” 

Once again, that organic growth speaks to the continued need for housing in and around those anchor communities.  

The year end wrap-up conversation is Fitzpatrick’s pre-retirement swan song as he leaves the Director’s chair in December.  

“It was a position that fit perfectly when I came into it. I really love the Chamber of Commerce; I love what it does. We promote our businesses and our region – without question, we are very supportive of it.” 

The departure from the campground allowed for a greater focus on business development and support, Fitzpatrick maintains. It’s allowed staff to streamline those supports and provide a more immediate touch to the needs of a growing community. 

“The Board and Directors of the Humboldt and District Chamber of Commerce hope everybody has an outstanding holiday season. This is an amazing area of the country that is going to grow significantly in the next decade, and the Chamber of Commerce is there to help out.”