Merid and Magna to partner with Tourism Saskatchewan

By Joan Janzen

Kathy Warrington at Merid & Magna was taken by surprise when she received a phone call from Tourism Saskatchewan. “They had never contacted us before,” she said. “They had taken a deep dive into our business and thought we should partner with them.” She (the tourism representative) asked if they had plans for expansion, so they showed her their kitchen-workshop project.

Tourism Saskatchewan is partnering with Kathy and Keith Warrington, who are currently renovating their Quonset, transforming it into a kitchen and workshop space. This is a welcome addition to Merid and Magna bed and breakfast located between Marengo and Alsask. SUBMITTED

Merid and Magna is located one mile north of Highway 7 between Marengo and Alsask. “Merid used to be a village, but there’s nothing there anymore except our schools,” Kathy explained. This is their fifth year of operating their bed and breakfast in their beautifully restored schools, as well as offering local products at their mercantile.

“Ninety percent of our products that go into our preserves are grown on our farm,” she said, noting all the products are organically grown. So when Kathy saw a friend’s farm kitchen housed in a Quonset, she thought it was a good idea.

“Our little store has been so busy, and we’re selling so many preserves. It’s becoming too much for my house. I’d like a designated area for preserves and spice blends. We’re making more things for the store and planning to make talo products,” she said.

It wasn’t long before they began removing thirty years’ worth of stuff out of their Quonset and began renovations. The Quonset will hold a kitchen and workshop area, with plans for the renovations to be complete by May.

In the meantime, Kathy and Keith will be taking some training offered by Tourism Saskatchewan. In March, the couple will be taking some intensive training in developing tourism packages, which will include agricultural tourism like bread making, preserves, and linking people to farms.

“We’re looking at partnerships with ranchers and farmers in the area, although the specifics aren’t formulated yet,” she explained. “Sask Tourism is a really good resource.” Only six businesses were invited to the training, which will be followed by one-on-one coaching.

Tourism Saskatchewan is seeing a big increase in tourism in the province, so they’re putting money behind the expansion of tourism within Saskatchewan, especially when it involves agricultural tourism.

“Tourism is changing, and we need to provide more experiences for people. There’s a whole world of opportunity,” Kathy said. “Our local economy benefits when tourism happens.”

The Warringtons are collaborating with people from surrounding communities who are willing to provide workshops. “We can’t do it all. People need to know it’s an immersive experience,” Kathy said. “The majority of people who stay with us are from the city, and they’re very interested.” Ninety percent of their guests stay two or more days, which allows them a chance to participate in some interesting workshops.

“There’s such an opportunity out here. We’re bringing people into the community that would normally just drive by,” Kathy concluded.

Kathy and Keith may be retired, but they definitely haven’t stopped dreaming. “When you stop dreaming, you’re dead. So apparently I’m very much on the right side of heaven,” Kathy chuckled. And now Tourism Saskatchewan is partnering with their peaceful bed and breakfast in the middle of nowhere that continues to offer a little bit of heaven for guests to enjoy.