Spirit of innovation applied to agriculture, energy, & manufacturing in Saskatchewan’s capital. Government, mining & manufacturing add value
Regina’s economy is propelled by natural resources, geographic location, and the can-do attitude of its workforce. As the capital of Saskatchewan, Regina largely relies upon agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, and crown corporations for its economic well being. A strong mix of traditional industry and forward-looking innovation have Regina well-positioned for ongoing economic success.
One of Goldbeck’s top Senior Recruiters, Karen Epp is from Regina and carries a fondness for her hometown.
“The Queen City is forever in my heart,” says Epp. “If you want to feel welcomed and be a part of the community, Regina is the place to go. The people are hospitable, welcoming, down to earth, and hard-working. I believe this comes from being grounded in the agricultural industry.”
Agriculture & Agribusiness Lead the Way
There’s no doubt about it, Saskatchewan is ag country.
The province is the world’s largest exporter of numerous crops and home to more than 40% of Canada’s cultivated farmland.1 As a result, Regina sees economic windfall in the form of agriculture, agribusiness, agrivalue, and agritech.
The combination of quality inputs and agricultural technical expertise helped the provincial agri-value sector nearly double its revenue between 2012 and 2021, going from $3.5B to $6.8B.2
Supporting the health of the sector are two significant intermodal hubs, the Global Transportation Hub and Chuka Creek Business Park.1 Regina is positioned within a day’s drive of 60 million consumers, and within two days of 270 million.1
The city is home to over 220 agribusiness and food companies, including Mosaic, FCC, and Viterra.1
Agtech is another important economic component, with advancements being made in automated agriculture, precision farming, carbon sequestration, and by-product innovation.
Regina will continue to rely upon this abundance of natural farmland and spirit of entrepreneurialism to power its economy into the future, as they seek to tackle the world’s food challenges.
Energy Sector Looks to the Past and the Future
Saskatchewan is a major producer of oil and gas, making the energy sector a major component of Regina’s economy. While these traditional energy sources remain vital to the city, there is also significant innovation taking place, including research being conducted at the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute on the campus of the University of Regina.3
The area is rich in both sunshine and wind, suggesting a bright future for both solar and wind energy.
Mining for Potash and Uranium
Saskatchewan’s mining industry also creates significant economic activity in the capital city.
The province is a global leader in potash production. The crucial fertilizer component is in high demand, provincially and globally.
Saskatchewan is also rich in uranium, helping make Canada the world’s second largest producer of the heavy metal, trailing only Kazakhstan.4
Manufacturing Supports Other Sectors
Manufacturing and innovation is another significant component of Regina’s economy.
Not only does the industry employ a significant number of people, but it also plays a large role in supporting the province’s ag, mining, and oil and gas sectors.
Grain handling, storage and transportation, mining and industrial equipment, livestock and forage equipment, and oil industry machinery are all produced in the city.5
Government & Crown Corporations Employ Many
As the provincial capital, many in Regina hold good government jobs. Crown corporations include Sasktel (information and communications technology) and SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance), employing a significant number of Regina’s residents.
Tourism and Events Contribute to Economy
Notwithstanding a failed attempt at a wonky rebrand,6 the city of Regina benefits from tourists who enjoy the city’s arts, entertainment, and attractions. Regina’s REAL District is the largest interconnected EventPlex in the country,7 and home to Mosaic Stadium, where the province’s beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders play their CFL home games.
The Future Belongs to Hard Working Innovators
According to Economic Development Regina, the city is the 2nd youngest major provincial city in Canada, which will serve it well as it looks to both the past and the future to strengthen its economy. In doing so, the city will leverage abundant natural resources and the strong work ethic of its population to gain momentum and thrive in a diversified economy.
Cited Sources
1 “Agriculture & Food ” Economic Development Agency for the City of Regina.” Economic Development Regina, September 14, 2023. https://economicdevelopmentregina.com/sectors/agriculture/
2 “Ron Kehrig.” Government of Saskatchewan. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/investment-and-economic-development/key-economic-sectors/agriculture-and-agri-value
3 “Energy & Environment ” Economic Development Agency for the City of Regina.” Economic Development Regina, September 12, 2023. https://economicdevelopmentregina.com/sectors/energy/
4 “Saskatchewan Second-Largest Global Producer of Uranium.” Government of Saskatchewan. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2023/june/13/saskatchewan-second-largest-global-producer-of-uranium
5 “Advanced Manufacturing ” Economic Development Agency for the City of Regina.” Economic Development Regina, September 12, 2023. https://economicdevelopmentregina.com/sectors/manufacturing/
6 Postey, Drew, and Donovan Maess. “City of Regina Agrees to Take over Tourism Responsibilities from Real.” Regina, November 9, 2023. https://regina.ctvnews.ca/city-of-regina-agrees-to-take-over-tourism-responsibilities-from-real-1.6637729
7 “Sport and Event Complex Canada.” REAL. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://www.realdistrict.ca/
