Council briefs: North Battleford approves arena spending and road repairs

Coun. Rodney Fedler asked whether inviting two bidders instead of three would save $150,000. Enns-Wind said administration considered that option but concluded a third team would strengthen competition.

Mayor Kelli Hawtin asked how the expenditure fits with council’s previously approved $15-million contribution and requested an updated overall project estimate. Staff confirmed revised costing had not yet been presented at a public meeting.

Enns-Wind said staff are refining estimates to account for additional costs and reduce financial risk as the city awaits a federal funding decision.

“At the end of the day, we don’t want to be surprised.”

Rental review due in February

Council also deferred its proposed residential rental property registration bylaw, directing administration to return with options and recommendations no later than Feb. 22, 2027.

The proposal was developed in 2024 following concerns about residential fires and deteriorating rental properties. Staff recommended reassessing the available tools before proceeding.

Coun. Bill Ironstand expressed frustration over the delay and supported tabling the proposal with a deadline.

Hawtin questioned whether a voluntary registration approach would reach the properties causing concern. Ironstand pointed out that the draft wording prohibits offering unregistered rental housing; Hawtin said administration had proposed voluntary implementation rather than knocking on every door to enforce registration.

The mayor also requested information on use of the city’s excessive-use-of-protective-services bylaw, refusals of access for property inspections and warrants sought to obtain entry.

Ironstand questioned whether existing enforcement tools were being used.

“But no use having a law or a bylaw if you’re not going to use it.”

Fire Chief Lindsay Holm said he and his deputy could handle inspections resulting from a standalone bylaw or another approach involving business licensing.

Territorial Drive moves up funding list

Council approved four provincial road-funding applications after adding Territorial Drive resurfacing to its priorities.

Engineering director James Johansen warned that delaying resurfacing could allow the underlying road base to deteriorate, making repairs much more expensive.

The first priority is a $1-million East Territorial Drive project between Carlton Trail and 13th Avenue, including lighting, median, lane and paving improvements. An overlay between Airport Road and Highway 4 North ranks second.

A proposed $600,000 off-ramp from westbound Highway 16 to Highway 4 and River Road ranks third, followed by $1-million improvements at Territorial Drive and 15th Avenue.

Staff linked the off-ramp to the proposed casino development. Holm said it would also help emergency vehicles return to the city after responding on the highway bypass, avoiding a trip to Battleford to turn around.

The Don Ross Hill intersection was excluded from this intake pending further engineering work.

Applications are due Oct. 15. The report identifies a provincial share of 70 to 80 per cent, with the city responsible for the balance. Council’s decision authorizes applications; funding has not been secured.

Repaving approved for 97th Drive

Council approved $99,000 to mill and repave 97th Drive between 96th Street and 21st Avenue after water-valve repairs and installations damaged the asphalt.

The work will use the 2026 UPAR program’s contingency funding, which had approximately $110,000 uncommitted. Staff want it completed before the asphalt plant closes for winter.

Fedler supported the repairs but cautioned against treating project contingencies as money available for other work. Staff said expanding the program required council’s approval.

Leaking fire hall roof to be replaced

Council awarded Svenska Builders Ltd. a $298,761 contract, including PST, to replace the fire hall roof and approved a $30,000 contingency.

The roof sustained hail damage in 2024. Holm said water leaks into fire apparatus during severe storms, and staff want work to begin as soon as the contractor can proceed.

The report estimates a new metal roof would last 40 to 70 years. Available reserves total $393,834, including $73,834 in insurance proceeds.

A proposed transfer of roughly $65,000 in remaining funds to RCMP roof reserves was left for a future meeting.

Airport seeks backup power funding

Council authorized a provincial funding application for a backup generator serving airport runway lighting and committed up to $221,550 toward the project.

Operations director Stewart Schafer estimated the project at about $443,000, with the province and city each covering half if funding is approved.

Council approved transfers from airport lighting, fencing and maintenance-building reserves to cover its share.

Schafer said an earlier attempt in 2023 did not proceed because insufficient money had been budgeted. The new application is due Oct. 15.

Tree bylaw receives first reading

Council gave first reading to its urban forestry protection bylaw, which proposes minimum penalties of $500 for a first offence, $750 for a second and $1,000 for subsequent offences. The bylaw has not been adopted.

Those amounts increased from $100, $250 and $500 in the earlier draft.

It would require permits for specified work on or within six metres of trees on city property, subject to exemptions, and explicitly make proceeding without a required permit an offence.

The city could recover tree-damage and replacement costs separately from fines. Maximum fines upon summary conviction would be $10,000 for individuals and $25,000 for corporations, with additional fines of up to $2,500 a day for continuing offences.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Council briefs: North Battleford approves arena spending and road repairs

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