North Battleford mayor reflects on recent SUMA convention

“I came back inspired about what our BRCC table could possibly accomplish,” she said.

“I don’t have a specific project or goal in mind, but refreshed with the value of the partnerships we’re building here in our region and what the potential of that means for residents of the city and the region.”

Hawtin said those discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration between municipalities and regional partners.

“The value of the partnerships we’re building here in our region and what the potential of that means for residents of the city and the region. When we work together, we’re more efficient with tax dollars. When we work together, we can get bigger projects done.”

That approach, she said, applies to major local initiatives, including the proposed regional arena and events centre.

“The proposed regional arena and events center, how we build those good relationships to see a project through. But it could be in just reimagining any service that we have to think about when it comes to tourism in the area, or just sharing different types of services,” she said.

Hawtin said the SUMA remains a key advocate on broader issues affecting communities across the province, including pushing for a tripartite infrastructure funding agreement involving federal and provincial governments that could help fund the proposed arena in North Battleford.

“They’re right in Regina. So, SUMA is taking conversations to our provincial MLAs and the government on a daily basis. That is work that we just can’t always do as municipalities on our own. So I think it’s effective and I think it’s important.”

City council also raised the need to expand Police and Crisis Team units (PACT), which pair a mental health worker with an RCMP officer to respond to calls involving people in crisis.

“Currently, our detachment has two PACT teams, but we’ve been suggesting and advocating for PACT teams on all shifts for our RCMP detachment. So we have the ability to respond to crisis situations in a more well-rounded and compassionate way,” Hawtin said.

While no commitments are made during the convention, she said the discussions help ensure local priorities are heard.

“It’s important that those ministers do know what the priorities are in communities around the province,” she said, adding that municipalities must continue to follow up after the event to advance their priorities.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

North Battleford mayor reflects on recent SUMA convention

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