North Battleford council to consider $300K to cover arena proposal costs

“Given the significant investment required to develop compliant submissions, honorariums help attract and retain highly qualified proponents, strengthen competition, and increase the likelihood of receiving innovative, value-driven solutions.”

In exchange, the city would retain rights to concepts and design approaches from unsuccessful proposals for potential use in the project.

Council can approve, change or reject the proposed additional expenditure.

Rental bylaw faces further review

A proposed residential rental property registration bylaw is also returning to council, though administration recommends delaying its introduction while other options are examined.

First presented in 2024, the bylaw was developed in response to increasing residential property fires, including in rentals, and deteriorating conditions in some rental properties. It was intended to address safety and minimum housing standards while gathering information about the city’s rental housing.

The proposal drew concerns from the Sask Landlords Association and a local landlord, who addressed council in September 2024.

Councillors Ironstand, Fedler and Feser sought to bring the bylaw back for debate this year, with council approving their motion in July.

City Clerk Stacey Hadley’s report recommends tabling consideration until administration investigates other regulatory measures. A full registration program could require another Protective Services staff position.

Road projects seek funding

Council will also consider supporting provincial funding applications for three road projects under the Urban Highway Connector Program, which could cover 70 to 80 per cent of eligible costs.

The top priority is a $1-million proposal for East Territorial Drive between Carlton Trail and 13th Avenue, including lighting, median and lane improvements, and paving.

A second application would seek funding for a $600,000 off-ramp connecting westbound Highway 16 traffic to the Highway 4 and River Road intersection. Administration said the link could become critical when the proposed casino develops.

The third project involves $1 million in improvements to the Territorial Drive and 15th Avenue intersection, for which a previous funding application was unsuccessful.

Administration recommends deferring another unfunded intersection project at Highway 4, South Railway and West Territorial Drive because its complexity requires further examination.

Applications are due Oct. 15. The province is prioritizing projects for potential construction in 2029-30, subject to funding approval. The city would also have to budget its share.

Fire hall and paving

Council is being asked to award Svenska Builders Ltd. a $298,761 contract to replace the fire hall’s roof, damaged by hail in 2024, with an additional $30,000 contingency.

Administration favours a new metal roof, expected to last 40 to 70 years. The project has $393,834 in reserves, including $73,834 in insurance proceeds.

Council will also consider $99,000 in milling and repaving on 97th Drive between 96th Street and 21st Avenue after water infrastructure work left the roadway in poor condition.

Administration proposes completing the repairs before winter, using money from the existing 2026 road program’s contingency budget.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

by battlefordsNOW staff

North Battleford council to consider $300K to cover arena proposal costs

Rental bylaw faces further review

Road projects seek funding

Fire hall and paving

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