The Town of Battleford's online council meeting was held Tuesday. The town was allocated $636,573 for capital projects through the province's grant program aimed at stimulating the economy in municipalities. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

In the chambers

Town hopes to complete several projects with province’s MEEP funding

May 20, 2020 | 2:03 PM

The Town of Battleford is looking forward to starting several large infrastructure projects with new grant funding available through the province that will put a sparkle on the community and get more people working.

The province allocated the town $636,573 as part of the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) 2020 funding being distributed to individual municipalities on a per capita basis.

After updating some of the figures during the meeting, administration and the town’s finance teams recommended the town apply for the funding for the following projects: the 35 Street road overlay work from Second Avenue to 24 Street for $284,449; the Second Avenue sidewalk development from 19 Street to 21 Street for $90,000; a playground equipment replacement project at $90,000; the industrial drainage project for $27,123; the Battle Springs walking trail extension for $90,000; and the arena project which includes LED lighting and heat reclamation work for $55,000.

Council accepted the recommendation and authorized administration to apply for the MEEP funding for the proposed projects.

Mayor Ames Leslie said the funding will be good for the economy.

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“From a long-term perspective, it will cover a lot of these projects that tax dollars would generally go through. So it just means the taxes collected, and the taxes collected in the future will help only promote more projects to be completed, which is always nice to hear,” Leslie said. “I like it; I thank the government for doing it, and if they can find more money to give we will definitely find more projects to cover or do more. The Town of Battleford is ready to build. So give us more.”

Coun. Susan McLean Tady was also thrilled with the support.

“This was a nice surprise that our government has shared with us,” she said. “It couldn’t have come at a better time to get some of our economy growing again in the Battlefords. So it’s good news.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW