In 2011, Humboldt was declared Saskatchewan’s second fastest growing city, and the city’s mayor says the growth hasn’t slowed down.

Michael Behiel says in recent years, Humboldt has attracted numerous large events such as the Living Skies Music Festival taking place tomorrow, featuring the James Barker Band.

“It’s an exciting entry into the world of country music festivals, and we’re very, very excited about the premier year. We’re hoping it will expand into a larger multi-day event in the coming years.”

On Sunday, the city is hosting a PBR event, and next weekend brings the Filipino Cultural Festival. The Sheep Breeders Association holds their convention in Humboldt as well, which takes place in late July.

“We have been working hard to secure those, and we are becoming recognized as a provider of these type of events.”

Humboldt’s population is nearly 6,000, and Behiel expects a massive boom in several years when BHP’s Jansen potash mine comes online. Behiel says to prepare for what he estimates to be 2000 people moving to the city, several infrastructure upgrades will have to be made.

“We are working with developers to try and bring in an additional amount of mid- to low-cost housing. We are working with our infrastructure and public works to build a brand-new wastewater facility.”

The new wastewater system will be equipped to serve up to 15,000 people.

“I believe that we are the shining example in the province of growth, culture, inclusivity and recreation. We have it there, and people are seeing that more and more and are wanting to come be a part of this community, recognizing that this is the place to be in the province.”