By Nigel Maxwell

Local economy

Appetite renewed for new businesses in P.A, according to Mayor’s stats

Feb 1, 2019 | 10:00 AM

We are moving in the right direction but there’s room for improvement, according to the CEO of the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce regarding the current business climate in the city

Elise Hildebrandt was responding to comments made by the Mayor during his State of the City address Thursday. Greg Dionne said there were roughly 25 new business openings in 2018 from 2017 (1689 – 1714). Hildebrandt told paNOW she thinks the city is on the right track for attracting new business.

“We’re always taking a look at what we did do and what we can do better to make it easier on [the businesses]. Is everything perfect? No not yet but the day it does, you and I don’t have a job,” she said.

Among the openings last year were Popeye’s Chicken and Princess Auto. Lake Country Co-Op also opened a new private liquor store.

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Hildebrandt said she was excited by the recent announcement boat manufacturer Alumarine had been purchased by Tru-North RV, Auto and Marine. She said manufacturing businesses offer a variety of jobs, from entry level to management.

“So that would definitely be an area we would like to see developed better. It also starts our kids right when they are young,” she said.

Two businesses scheduled for openings in the next month are Edo Japan in the Cornerstone Mall area, and Big Wing’s beside Subway on 15th St. E and second Ave. W. Ian Litzenberger, Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce, said he and Hildebrant share the same opinion that more manufacturing businesses are needed.

“Every restaurant is great, every retail store is great, but those tend to be one isolated unit but when we broaden our manufacturing, we now broaden everything,” he said.

Despite the optimism surrounding new business, Hildebrandt had expressed concern earlier this week about the perceived over-regulation and bureaucracy facing Prince Albert businesses.

“We have heard from our members in regards to the regulation/red tape,” she told paNOW in an email. “We will continue to review the concerns of our members through surveys and round table discussions. Based on the collaboration of all involved, we will make a recommendation to the city of how the concerns can be addressed.”

Dionne acknowledged there was ongoing concern regarding red tape and called the city’s efforts to address matters “a work in progress.” But added he was eager to point out under his leadership the planning department was not allowed to use the word ‘no’ on ideas that came forward.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell