Newcomers visit Nipawin to explore life in rural communities

“Over lunch, participants heard presentations from the Town of Nipawin, Northeast Newcomer Services, Nipawin Handiworks, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and the Nipawin & District Chamber of Commerce,” Seckinger said. “Each presentation touched on local operations, current job openings, and future opportunities across sectors such as hospitality, government, healthcare, and agriculture.”

Seckinger said the Chamber was able to share its expertise on business opportunities and support in the area. The luncheon was followed up by more visits to local sites.

“In the afternoon, the group toured the Nipawin Hydroelectric Station, the Nipawin & District Museum, and a driving tour of the town showcasing amenities like recreation facilities, schools, and green spaces.”

The visit happened, in part, due to the presentation from the Nipawin contingency at the job fair. Seckinger said they were able to promote available jobs and the quality of life the community offers.

“For many in the group, affordability and opportunity were key motivators,” said Seckinger. “As most participants had only been in Saskatchewan for a year to 18 months, they were less interested in “escaping the big city” and more drawn to the chance to build stable, affordable lives in a welcoming community.”

Seckinger said they were able to highlight Nipawin’s strengths, including the river system, natural beauty, abundant green spaces, recreational opportunities, daycare capacity, and access to education and healthcare.

“Presenters emphasized that Nipawin is not just a place to find work—it’s a place where newcomers can raise families, get involved, and thrive,” Seckinger explained. “We also highlighted regional opportunities in agriculture, trades, and healthcare, reinforcing that newcomers would have multiple career paths open to them here.”

The visit, according to Seckinger, was less about being ‘tired’ of the big city, but more about affordability, opportunity, and quality of life. He said the participants had not had a chance to experience the appealing aspects of living in a smaller centre.

“The group was impressed,” Seckinger said. “They spoke highly of the beauty, and the range of amenities for a town of Nipawin’s size.”

He believes the tour opened the group’s eyes to opportunities they hadn’t considered previously.

The Town is open to working with the CECS and the group again if they wanted to promote NIpawin to others, or if they choose to return for further exploration. Seckinger said the visit wasn’t so much about enticing the group to stay, but to give them the tools to explore their options.

“Showcasing Nipawin to newcomers not only helps address workforce needs but also enriches the cultural and social fabric of the community. If tours like this become a trend, it could play a role in attracting new families and workers who will help the community thrive.”

Seckinger thanked the CECS for including Nipawin in the initiative, and the newcomers for making the trip to explore the community. He believes they were able to highlight what Nipawin has to offer, and what makes them “Exceptional by Nature.”

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Newcomers visit Nipawin to explore life in rural communities

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