The building at 1232 100th Street is owned by Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation and is the property for which the band is seeking federal approval to establish an urban reserve, following council’s approval of a required municipal services agreement. (Screenshot/Google Map)

By BattlefordsNOW Staff

MUNICIPAL MATTERS

North Battleford signs agreement clearing path for urban reserve application

Dec 9, 2025 | 5:11 PM

North Battleford city council has approved a municipal services agreement with Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation (MGBHLM), clearing the way for the band to apply for urban reserve status for the post office property downtown.

City Manager Randy Patrick told council Monday the city has no authority to create an urban reserve, but must outline how municipal services and payments will function once the land is converted. He said the agreement mirrors those used in previous applications.

“We don’t charge taxes to governments,” Patrick said. “What we do is we’re providing services, so we say it’s a service agreement. The agreement itself says that they’ll pay basically an equivalent to tax.”

He added the amount would still be based on assessment “like anyone else.”

Patrick said the First Nation must also reach agreements with local school boards before the federal review can proceed.

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He described urban reserves as blending seamlessly into the surrounding community.

“Usually you can’t tell where the urban reserve starts and where the city ends,” he said. “Because the idea is that it is supposed to be part of the urban environment.”

The First Nation owns the building at 1232 100th Street, where the Canada Post office operates. Patrick estimated the federal process could take one to two years and said the property will continue paying regular taxes in the meantime.

Mayor Kelli Hawtin said the service agreement lays out how the city will charge for fire protection, policing, road clearing and other services once the land receives reserve designation.

“With urban reserve properties, we do that as a service agreement, which essentially comes to the same number as taxation,” she said. “It’s calculated mill rate based, mill rate by assessment.”

Hawtin said the city has not been informed of any planned changes to post office operations. She noted the First Nation’s motivations were not part of the presentation, but said urban reserve status can provide certain employment and service-delivery benefits.

“We’re happy to work with our neighbours and we’re happy to see continued development in the community and I believe it’s a net positive for all of us,” she said.

Council passed the agreement unanimously.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com