Mining makes sense in Saskatoon.

Saskatoon is a part of the natural resource buzz in a very major way. From potash to uranium to gold, Saskatoon is located in the centre of Saskatchewan's mining industry. Because most of the resources are distributed around the province, Saskatoon has become the centre of operations for numerous mining companies. And as a result, the infrastructure required to support. Saskatchewan's mining industry is in place and ready to serve.

Considered Western Canada's most diversified economy, the Saskatoon region hosts an experienced cluster of mining-related services to support the booming industry. The region is already home to some of the world's largest natural resource producers, including PotashCorp, Agrium, Cameco and Areva Resources Canada; as well as major manufacturing, transportation, and service companies that have provided years of support to the industry in the province.

Saskatoon offers all the amenities a company needs to do business on a local, national, and international level. And as worldwide demand continues to grow for Saskatchewan's natural resources, Saskatoon will be the host city for mining business and progress. Here are four reasons why Saskatoon is leading the way:

1. Location, Location, Location

Saskatoon is centrally located in Saskatchewan to service every corner of the province. The city is located within an hour's proximity by flight to major resource development areas, as well as Regina, Calgary, Edmonton and beyond. Local aviation companies such as West Wind Aviation schedule daily flights to northern Saskatchewan, where numerous exploration and mining companies are traveling on a daily basis. As well, Saskatoon's airport has regular outgoing and incoming connections to the United States and Canada's major cities. On the ground, the region lies at the junction of two of Canada's major highway systems: the Yellowhead, Highway 16 from Winnipeg to the Prince Rupert shipping port; and Highway 11, a four-lane highway with a direct connection to the Trans-Canada Highway. Both of these systems join the U.S. Interstate system, through border crossings that serve both the eastern and western states. The Canadian National (CN) Railway and Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway lines connect Saskatoon to the world. North American ports on the east coast, west cost and the Gulf of Mexico receive goods from Saskatoon. CN also has an inter-modal port in the region, allowing goods to be moved from rail to truck with case.

2. Cost Competitive on Every Level

From utility rates to industrial land costs, Saskatoon offers one of the most affordable markets in which to do business, especially when compared to other mining centres. Cost-comparisons of industrial land prices and office space rental rates have placed Saskatoon as one of the most affordable cities in Western Canada.

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Because Saskatoon is serious about attracting business from around the world, it also offers numerous incentives to make relocating a viable choice. Incentives such as tax abatements are currently available to new and expanding businesses.

3. Strong Support Network

Saskatoon has been in the mining business for quite some time, therefore a world-class support service has developed in the region. The city and region have numerous manufacturing, transportation and service providers that have contributed to the success of Western Canada's mining industry. As well, Saskatoon boasts the backing of world-class research and technical institutions that produce groundbreaking research and highly educated and skilled graduates. These institutions include Canada's national synchrotron research facility known as the Canadian Light Source, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Kelsey SIAST Campus, and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology.

4. Quality of Life

Saskatoon is considered one of Canada's most 'sophisticated' mining towns, boasting a vibrant cultural and arts scene throughout the year. With an accessible river running through the city centre and the cottage only an hour or two away, it is hard to imagine life anywhere else. An added bonus is the low cost of living compared to other major centres and a commute time that averages 15 minutes.

The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) Inc. is dedicted to the attraction, retention, growth and expansion of opportunities in the Saskatoon economic area. For more information go to www.sreda.com