Economic Development Regina (EDR) has given the local economy a B grade for 2025, down slightly from the B+ grade in 2024. While trade and geopolitical uncertainties pose new challenges, the Greater Regina Area’s (GRA) economy continues to show steady growth and resilience, with real GDP growth projected at 2.5%, outpacing the national average. 

Jobs (B) and housing (B) maintain positive trends 

With the employment growth forecast at 1.7%, and the unemployment rate falling to 5.3%, the GRA’s labour market remains among the strongest in Canada. However, the region still faces a significant skills mismatch, which costs the economy over $500 million annually. At the same time, Regina’s housing market remains strong, with average prices expected to rise 9%. 

Key sectors (B-) offer a mixed story 

Regina’s Agriculture and Food sectors continue to perform well, supported by investment and demand. At the same time, the manufacturing and energy sectors have experienced headwinds due to trade uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. New investments, like Cargill’s $350M canola crush plant, are paving the way for future growth, even as other major projects remain paused. 

Population growth (A-) offers opportunity 

Regina continues to attract newcomers, with the population expected to reach 293,000 in 2025. While this growth fuels local labour and consumer markets, the GRA will need to continue its focus on population growth and retention. 

Overall, Regina enters 2025 with cautious optimism, backed by a solid foundation, and a strong focus on taking on headwinds.  

View EDR’s 2025 Economic Report Card here. 

Moving into 2024, Regina’s economy will remain among the nation’s economic leaders – while maintaining the advantages that made Regina Canada’s 4th Most Livable City.

Download the PDF here

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May 31, 2023

(Regina) With spring seeding nearing completion across Saskatchewan, Economic Development Regina’s (EDR) Data and Analytics team is examining at the importance of this massive undertaking to local and provincial economies.

“Seeding is without question Saskatchewan’s largest annual megaproject,” EDR President and CEO Chris Lane said. “When you consider the impact of this work extending across our economy, it’s impossible to overstate the value of agriculture to our province and our city.”

EDR’s report, titled Saskatchewan’s Annual Megaproject: Spring Seeding, uses data from a range of sources to understand the impact of this investment – and examine the economic factors at play for producers as the crop year progresses.

All told, Saskatchewan producers will invest more than $11 billion getting their 2023 crops into the ground. While the work doesn’t end once the seed is planted, EDR’s report focuses on field preparation, seed, seed treatment, fertilizer, labour, energy, and other inputs necessary to get to that point.

In addition, the report focuses in greater detail on three key Saskatchewan crops: spring wheat ($3.3 billion), canola ($5.0 billion), and lentils ($922 million).

The report also discusses the impact that seeding, and the agriculture industry, have on Regina. While a comparatively small amount of primary agriculture takes place in the Greater Regina Area, secondary and supporting businesses play a central role in the city’s economy.

“We refer to Regina as ‘The Heartbeat of the New Prairie Economy’ for a reason. Regina’s economy is built on agriculture – so it’s no surprise we’ve become a vital hub for inputs, equipment, business services, trade, and innovation,” Lane said. “If you live here and you’re not directly involved in agriculture or agribusiness, chances are you know someone who is.”

EDR continues to seek and create opportunities to tell Regina’s story to investors, skilled workers and families across Canada and around the world.

For more information, contact:

Chris Bonk
Economic Development Regina
Regina, SK
Phone: 306-565-6388
Email: cbonk@economicdevelopmentregina.com

About Economic Development Regina

EDR is the lead agency for economic development for the Greater Regina Area. We are a not-for-profit public-private partnership and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, with the City of Regina as its sole shareholder. EDR has a special role as a strategist and activator in our community. We connect people with opportunity – enhancing quality of life and prosperity for citizens.

For more information about EDR and its work, visit www.economicdevelopmentregina.com.

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