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A map shows the location of city-owned land at 2430 Buhler Avenue in North Battleford, where city council has approved the sale of up to two acres for a proposed four-storey apartment development. (Image Credit: Google Map)
municipal matters

North Battleford clears way for new apartment project, finalizes 2026 tax rates

May 12, 2026 | 11:42 AM

North Battleford city council has approved a subdivision needed for a new apartment development in the city’s Fairview Heights neighbourhood while also finalizing 2026 property tax rates.

Council approved the proposed subdivision plan for a 0.81-hectare (1.99-acre) parcel along Buhler Avenue and Territorial Drive during Monday’s regular meeting. The land is being prepared for the development of an apartment building after the city entered into a sales agreement for the property.

The approval follows a January council decision authorizing the sale of up to two acres of city-owned land in the area to PG Brar Investment Group for a planned four-storey apartment development.

Under that agreement, construction must substantially begin within two years or the land would revert to the city. The city would then refund the sale proceeds to the purchaser, less a 15 per cent deduction.

Council also approved a four-year tax incentive at that time covering 100 per cent of the municipal portion of property taxes on the land and building improvements beginning upon title transfer.


(Image Credit: City of North Battleford)

(Image Credit: City of North Battleeford)

City Manager Randy Patrick said during January’s meeting the incentive would not immediately reduce city revenue.

“And right now, we’re giving up nothing because there’s no tax coming from that,” he said.

City administration said the subdivision complies with provincial regulations and municipal planning bylaws, adding no issues were identified during the review process.

In its report to council, administration said the project aligns with the city’s goals around “Economic Diversity and Community Growth.”

Mayor Kelli Hawtin said during January’s meeting the servicing tied to the development could support additional projects nearby.

“This servicing will also open up development on the north side of the road for multi-family as well,” she said.

The subdivision approval includes a condition requiring the certificate of approval to expire on April 27, 2028, meaning any request after that date would need to proceed as a new application.

The approval came as council also formally adopted the city’s 2026 mill rates, reflecting a previously approved 3.419 per cent municipal tax increase.

Under the finalized rates, the residential base tax remains unchanged at $893.36, while the residential recreation capital levy will rise from $189.33 to $208.26. The uniform mill rate increased from 17.69 to 18.93.

According to city estimates, an average residential property with no change in assessed value will see taxes increase by about $85.65 annually, or roughly $7.14 per month.

The city estimates an average commercial property will pay about $282.93 more annually, or approximately $23.58 monthly.

Property tax notices are expected to be mailed by May 27, with payments due June 30. Late payments will incur a 1.8 per cent penalty beginning July 1.

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com