The city is planning several initiatives to help the community in response to the COVID-19 situation. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff) 

By Angela Brown

City plans

City hopes to coordinate local volunteer groups offering COVID-19 assistance

Mar 19, 2020 | 5:08 PM

The City of North Battleford is working on three initiatives in response to the COVID-19 situation to help the community.

Mayor Ryan Bater said one of those efforts is to coordinate volunteers within the community.

“I know there are a lot of people who want to help. We feel the city can provide some leadership on coordinating that,” Bater told battlefordsNOW. “Once we develop a system, we will be notifying the public.”

The city hopes to find ways to assist groups that offer services to the vulnerable, such as the elderly and those in need in the Battlefords, whether the groups deliver food or other items for example.

“As a community we must explore ways we can assist those most vulnerable like the elderly and immune-compromised residents at the same time while practising social distancing,” Bater said in a statement.

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Local volunteer groups that wish to request assistance can contact localsupport@cityofnb.ca

The city is also encouraging people to access up-to-date information on COVID-19 by visiting the province’s website.

The city is also contacting the province to enquire about funding for organizations that help needy families in the community to access food.

Bater said the city would send a letter to encourage the province to develop some kind of funding program for non-profit organizations and food banks which are helping those amidst the spread of COVID-19.

“We’ve been made aware that food donations are rapidly declining,” the mayor said. “I think a lot of grocers are struggling keeping food on the shelves. This has an impact on organizations like that.”

Bater said many businesses are being impacted negatively, which “will likely result in a number of individuals temporarily losing their employment.”

“It’s really important that something happen in order to empower or provide resources to these non-profits so they can get food to the people who need it,” he said.

The city is advising it will make its facilities including the NationsWEST Field House or the city’s arenas available to the Saskatchewan Health Authority if it needs additional space.

“It’s entirely up the the SHA; they are the lead agency. But we are going to offer our support in that way,” Bater said.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW