Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie reflected back on a busy 2023. (File Photo/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Leslie Look Back

Town of Battleford mayor looks back on 2023 big projects

Dec 26, 2023 | 5:00 PM

The past year has been a busy one for the town of Battleford and for Mayor Ames Leslie, one of accomplishments.

“I think by and large, 2023 was a very successful year from a perspective of projects from the town, our management and staff were able to execute on all our projects on time, on budget and sometimes under budget,” he said.

There were a number of initiatives that kept the town busy but among the ones that stand out include the Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man (MGBHLM) First Nation’s new Cultural Centre and Art Gallery.

“We’re looking forward to partner with the (MGBHLM Economic Development Team) and have that built on top of the Ridge, overlooking the river valley and the Town of Battleford,” said Leslie.

“Just another acknowledgement of the relationships that we’re building with our indigenous neighbours to both work together to improve our (communities) as a whole,” he added.

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The mayor also spoke to balancing a budget.

“No increase to the municipal side and a levy increase to focus on…in our infrastructure deficit repair, I think is a pretty big celebration that the community should realize that this council is, and our staff are really looking to make Battleford the best place to live, [but]…also affordable as possible.”

Looking over the past year, Leslie said they are proud of the newly added sidewalks down Second Ave., along with the near completion of the walking paths.

“The Town of Battleford is almost completely connected by walking paths so, a person can start on one side and safely walk around the whole town and not have to walk on very many streets if they wanted to,” he said.

The project he’s most proud of? The opening of the walking bridge that connects the town and the city.

“That was a $7-million project that we got funding through the federal government and the provincial government, and it was closed for about a year and a half,” said Leslie.

The mayor said that when it was closed, people really noticed what a difference it made once they no longer had it.

“Everybody in the Battlefords and in the region realized how much that bridge was important to all of us.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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