Looking at old photographs in the history books of Wawota, it can be somewhat alarming to see the town once boasted more shops and businesses along the main drag than it does now. Certainly, there was a downturn when the railroad closed decades ago, but unlike other communities along the line, Wawota survived. These days it continues to thrive as a vibrant town with a reputation for having a determined heart beating at its centre.
In the last few years, economic expansion has come once again to the little town on the Pipestone valley. Fairly recent developments include the building of a new furniture store for Front Porch Interiors on Railway Avenue, the expansion of "Murray's" Farm and Auto store at the corner of Railway and Lonsdale, and the installing of new gas pumps at the C-Store. And now the western approach to the town is looking quite different, as a small hill has been levelled and major commercial construction has been started.
Entering the town along Highway 48 from the west, the skyline is now dominated by a large, 15,000 square-foot structure that is scheduled for completion in about a month. It's the new home of W.G.G. Construction and represents approximately $600,000 of new investment for the local company. The 18-year-old firm undertakes construction in the oil field, and also has a sand and gravel division. But the building will additionally house a full-size truck wash, a workshop, and become the new location for Keystone Oil. Hopes are high the expansion of W.G.G. will bring new jobs to the town.
Right beside W.G.G. the construction of a smaller building is also well underway. This will be home to a new business to be opened by local businessman Clarence Lamontagne, well-known for his existing venture C & M Homes. The new building represents a $250,000 investment, and the business will rent out bays to the oil industry for the housing of equipment. There will also be some building that takes place on site, most likely smaller items such as cabinet construction. Expected completion of the 4,800 square-foot building is early August.
The third complex that will grace the area has not been started yet. Drainage issues call for some landscaping before Running Bear Rentals can begin construction of their 2,400 square-foot shop, their 960 square-foot office facility, and the additional storage garage. The company opened a year ago in April and currently operates out of Carlyle, but the owners are now residents of Wawota and want to bring the business here also. Running Bear Rentals can supply light towers, generators, excavators, scaffolding, pumps and general construction equipment on a rental basis. Like W.G.G. they are hopeful new employment will come to the town when their $220,000 facility opens later this year.
Whatever the future holds for these three companies, their new facilities certainly change the look of the town, sending a clear message through south-east Saskatchewan that Wawota is open for business.
