By Angela Brown

Chamber considers moving liquor store in N.B. to reduce crime

Sep 26, 2018 | 12:00 PM

The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce board is proposing moving the liquor store in downtown North Battleford in an effort to reduce crime.

Through the Action Battlefords initiative, the chamber announced Tuesday it would be sending its members an SLGA Relocation Survey to gather their feedback on the issue, to see whether they would also like to have the SLGA building, currently located at 1001-101 St., moved to another part of the city, away from the downtown area.

Chamber president Terry Caldwell said whatever members decide the board will follow.

“If our members say that they agree with what the chamber board says, then we will be lobbying on their behalf to get it moved,” he said.

If members favour moving the liquor store the chamber will lobby the province to relocate the site. Members were also asked if they would also lobby themselves in an effort to have the liquor store moved.

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One board member mentioned he believed the public liked having the liquor store downtown as an anchor for other businesses. 

“I agree with that. At the time, when they did that it was a good idea, but things have changed,” Caldwell said.

He said there is an impact from crime downtown, and the issue doesn’t simply involve people loitering.

“The majority of the crime downtown is alcohol related,” he said. “Taking it out of the picture will make us more focused as to where the problems actually lie.”

The board mentioned the timing seemed right to make the proposal about moving the liquor store since the new four-screen movie theatre will be opening downtown soon which is an opportunity for a fresh start for the area. The downtown area could look more inviting to residents and visitors if it did not have a large liquor store at the centre of the downtown core.

He said the chamber board would like to see the provincial government give the building the liquor store is housed in to the City of North Battleford to repurpose it.  

Caldwell said the gift would help “make up for some of the costs it cost North Battleford over the years.” 

“We would like to use it as a cultural centre or [for] Truth and Reconciliation, or something like that. Something positive for the Battlefords,” he said.  

The survey the chamber members will receive states that “downtown businesses, patrons, and the general public have expressed concerns regarding a liquor store being the ‘focal point’ of our downtown. Furthermore, issues with loitering, panhandling, public intoxication are exacerbated by the presence and availability of low-cost alcohol in the downtown available at the SLGA. Concerns have been raised about the divisive artwork on the exterior of the building. Ideally we would like to see the building donated to the community.”

 
angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow