As 2023 draws to a close, battlefordsNOW is taking a look back on some of the most important and impactful stories of the year.
For the City of North Battleford, the past year was a busy one with developments on many fronts.
In June, during National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, the city announced its plans to start a cultural development at the top of King Hill. The city is working with several different local groups, individuals, Elders, and major funders to develop a new permanent landmark connected to the city’s trail system on top of King Hill.
Mayor David Gillan noted the development will be a cultural pavilion, incorporating the Cree word “Tawȃw,” meaning “Welcome,” in its name that will be entitled: “Tawȃw Point.” The project will be designed to commemorate and celebrate the region’s Indigenous and Métis heritage, history and culture.
In January, the city’s economic development manager, Jan Swanson, announced the Economic Development Strategic Plan for 2023 to 2030. He noted it’s not just economic development for the city, but for the region, if people want to participate. The plan aims to promote the city as a regional hub to foster relationships with surrounding communities, improve relationships with area First Nations and neighbouring municipal governments, and promote investments that benefit the region as a whole.
In March, the city held its State of the City Address for the community. One of the highlights Mayor David Gillan discussed was the importance of partnerships. A key partnership the city has been involved in is developing connections. A few years ago, the city joined with partners – the Town of Battleford and five-member First Nation communities – Moosomin, Sweetgrass, Saulteaux, Little Pine First Nation, and Lucky Man Cree Nation – to form the Battlefords Regional Community Coalition.
The city is also focused on helping its Indigenous neighbours work on creating urban reserves in North Battleford. Looking at crime stats, Mayor David Gillan pointed out the violent Crime Severity Index (CSI) numbers are dropping, but unfortunately, the non-violent CSI index numbers have been rising in the last few years. He said work is being done to tackle the issue of crime in the area, including the success of the RCMP Gang Task Force unit in the Battlefords.
Fire Chief Lindsay Holm, top left, the “Pushing-In” ceremony, the blessing of the fire truck, and Mayor David Gillan, bottom right, at the celebration to welcome the new pumper truck in March. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)Also in March, the City took part in the official “Pushing In” ceremony at the North Battleford fire hall to welcome the fire department’s brand new pumper truck. The new fire truck, which costs about $761,000, is a significant investment for the community and community safety. City council initially approved the purchase in August 2021.
In April, the City of North Battleford announced it was approved for funding to complete its new Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. The plan was to involve the City of North Battleford, surrounding municipalities and area First Nations. The aim was to update the last community safety plan that was approved by council in 2014. The city received a grant for close to $50,000 through the Saskatchewan Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety for the cost of the 2023 initiative.
The City of North Battleford passed many bylaws in 2023 to improve community safety.
In October, it adopted the Late Evening Alley Access Bylaw that would prohibit people from accessing alleys from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting on Jan. 1, 2024, unless they have a legitimate reason to be there. Offenders could face a fine from $250 up to a maximum of $2,500.
Battlefords RCMP Insp. Jesse Gilbert previously noted Prince Albert and the Town of Nipawin also use the bylaw. Nipawin in particular has seen about a 50-per-cent reduction of people accessing back alleys overnight as a result. Later, in December, North Battleford’s council approved the third and final reading of its new Protective Services Cost Recovery bylaw.
Bylaw 2144 would see properties that have an excessive number of calls annually for emergency services, such as criminal activity, mischief, excessive noise, and parties, potentially receive a fine that would be paid for by the property owners. Fines would range from $85 to $1,200 per hour. City Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief Lindsay Holm previously advised council that some problem properties were receiving up to 30 visits per year from emergency services.
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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com
On X: @battlefordsnow
