North Battleford weighs future of downtown security, public transit

Funding for the downtown security pilot is set to expire in December, leaving its future uncertain as the city prepares its 2027 budget.

The North Battleford Business Improvement District (BID) contracted MGBHLM Security, an Indigenous-led firm from Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation, to provide daily foot and vehicle patrols downtown, emphasizing culturally sensitive practices and non-violent de-escalation.

The pilot began in late May with $106,000 reallocated from the city’s RCMP contract surplus.

During the BID’s presentation, a council member asked how businesses had responded to the initiative and whether the organization would formally request continued funding.

BID representative Jesse Crozier said feedback has been mixed but generally positive.

“I think overall, it’s very positive. So we sure hope it continues,” Crozier said.

“There are always ways to improve, but we were delighted to see that we’ve been allocated budget funds for security because I know that’s front and center for a lot of people downtown.”

Council members said a formal request outlining the program’s costs, results and business feedback would help inform future funding decisions.

The BID’s proposed 2027 operating budget remains unchanged at $166,680, including $120,000 from its business improvement levy and a proposed $15,000 city grant.

Management expenses would increase from $84,680 to $98,710, while spending on programming and marketing would decline.

The organization also plans to continue downtown events, Clean Team activities, Art Alley, marketing and façade improvements.

Mayor Kelli Hawtin encouraged closer communication between the BID, the city and downtown businesses to better understand local concerns and support business recruitment and retention.

Transit system faces low ridership

Meanwhile, Battlefords Transit System is requesting $253,931 from the city for 2027, an increase of $25,606, or about 11 per cent, over its approved 2026 contribution.

The request includes $147,650 for conventional transit and $106,281 for Handi-Bus operations.

Transit general manager Susan Boyer said conventional service has been reduced from two buses to one, operating from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The service averages 30 to 32 passenger trips daily, which Hawtin noted could represent about 15 to 16 people making return trips.

With ridership remaining low, Hawtin questioned whether alternative transportation models could better serve residents while reducing costs.

She suggested taxi reimbursement programs and on-demand services that could eliminate the need for passengers to walk to bus stops or wait for scheduled routes.

Hawtin also raised concerns about the cost of replacing buses and the system’s long-term financial sustainability.

Boyer acknowledged that ridership has not increased and said the alternatives could be discussed at an upcoming transit committee meeting.

City administration also suggested developing a broader transportation strategy to identify service gaps and explore other options.

Handi-Bus operates three vehicles on weekdays, each averaging about 20 passenger trips daily. The organization is considering extending service hours and continues to provide medical charters, primarily to Saskatoon, at a cost of $380 per booking.

Dekker Centre faces financial pressures

The Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts is requesting $258,000 in municipal funding for 2027 after recording losses in two consecutive years.

Audited financial statements show losses of $108,775 in 2025 and $88,808 in 2024.

Hawtin questioned how the centre could become financially sustainable without relying heavily on taxpayers, noting the city is ultimately financially responsible for the organization.

General manager Kali Weber attributed much of the losses to disappointing ticket sales, saying none of the centre’s 19 productions met budget expectations.

The centre has since reduced its presenting series to 12 shows and revised its marketing strategy. It is targeting a 15-per-cent increase in presenting revenue, a 10-per-cent increase in rental revenue and $25,000 in fundraising.

Preliminary figures show a loss of $6,485 through September 2026.

Curling club requests $30,000

The Twin Rivers Curling Club is requesting $30,000 in municipal assistance as it projects a deficit of between $15,000 and $18,000 for the 2026-27 season.

Club president Al Gabert said previous city support has helped the organization move closer to financial sustainability, although rising operating costs remain a challenge.

The club reported 296 registered curlers and more than 250 school students registered for its winter programs.

It also plans to host provincial curling competitions and raise funds for equipment and facility improvements.

Golf club seeks capital support

The North Battleford Golf and Country Club is seeking $75,000 in municipal assistance toward $374,200 in proposed capital improvements for 2027.

The plan includes $167,000 for equipment, $99,700 for course infrastructure, $60,000 for tree management and $47,500 for pro shop and driving range improvements.

The club also identified longer-term needs involving irrigation and aging greens.

Funding decisions to come

City finance director Margarita Pena said council is gathering information before determining which requests could be included in the 2027 budget.

“For these groups, we will be discussing that, hopefully, the very last budget deliberation with council to see where we are gonna be, if we are gonna be including the additional requests into the budget, or how we’re gonna go with that,” Pena said.

No funding decisions were made during Monday’s meeting.

Budget deliberations are scheduled to resume Nov. 26 and continue through Nov. 30, with meetings beginning at 4:45 p.m. An additional meeting is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 3 if needed, with final budget approval set for Dec. 7.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung