As the City of Swift Current continues to work towards their goal of '25,000 people by 2025', a positive has been a reportedly strong year for building permits issued.

More than 160 permits were issued, totalling approximately $30 million as of the end of November. That total is close to that of 2016.

"Well it's been a really exciting year in Swift Current in terms of the construction activity," says Marty Salberg, Director of Community Development with the City. "Although we didn't have any large government or institutional projects as we've seen in previous years, the general construction activity was strong."

The sector that experienced growth this year especially was the residential side.

"Within our current figure that includes 86 residential units that were constructed (single family, duplexes, and multi-family units) - that's compared to about 32 in 2016," Salberg notes. "This residential construction includes single family homes, along with 30-unit modular multi-family complexes, as well as the start of an addition 25-unit rental complex, all located in the Sask Valley sub-division."

"We've also seen the construction of single-family and duplexes in the Cypress Point sub-division, as well as next to the Chinook Golf Course, and various other residential homes throughout the city of Swift Current," he adds.

That aforementioned goal of a population of 25,000 in the next eight years is a lofty goal, Salberg admits, but they are confident that steady increases in building permits and the business landscape in Swift Current make it possible.

"It's an aggressive target, and we're sure working towards that. We know that in order to reach that, we have to have a good solid economy, and a business-friendly atmosphere in Swift Current," he says. "We know that there are lots of opportunities, that we maintain one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, and I believe we have a quality of life that's second-to-none."

"With this vision of '25 by 25', we'll continue working without partners - locally, provincially, and nationally - to attract new businesses and residents to our city which will obviously be part of reaching that goal."

Shifting to the year ahead, the Director of Community Development believes thorough promotion of life in Swift Current will be a big boost to building permits, and their population goal.

"Well we certainly want to market Swift Current and are the best we can, and I believe that moving into 2018 we're going to have a stronger focus on strengthening our marketing efforts to areas throughout the world, promoting Swift Current and area. We know that we're very strong in terms of attracting newcomers to Swift Current. I think all of that tied together will help us reach that goal, and we're well on our way."

A good sign lingers on the horizon, as all three phases of Munro Industrial Park are expected to have all the final infrastructure completed in the spring of 2018.

Munro Industrial Park will offer 32-acres worth of industrial land for the City of Swift Current to offer prospective businesses - they currently have none available for sale.