The City of North Battleford will receive more than $2 million in funding for infrastructure projects. (File photo/Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Economic stimulus

North Battleford receives over $2 million in infrastructure funding

May 13, 2020 | 3:35 PM

The injection of $320 million for infrastructure projects announced by the Saskatchewan Government last week is a welcome development for business in the Battlefords, as municipalities, the Chamber of Commerce and business owners continue to navigate the landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of $150 million will be handed out on a per-capita payment across the province through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP). North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater said they were informed of their allocation on Tuesday, which amounts to $2,057,000. It’s a total they weren’t expecting, but are very appreciative of the benefits it brings.

“This is going to be used for shovel-ready infrastructure construction projects,” Bater said. “In order to get economic activity happening within the city.”

Bater said it’s encouraging to see the provincial government economic support seriously. Local councillors feel it’s urgent construction projects proceed to ensure job creation, he said.

“That was part of the rational for the city proceeding [with infrastructure projects] and it’s nice to see that the province sees that as well,” Bater said.

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“Anytime that infrastructure projects to get support to help develop, it’s key to stimulating the economy and moving forward,” Battlefords Chamber of Commerce C.O.O. Linda Machniak said.

The chamber’s focus is now largely on individual businesses whose needs are not yet met. Machniak said they’re encouraging business owners to search for those solutions as some, despite wage subsidies and small business payments, aren’t receiving support.

“The challenge we’re finding is that some are falling through the cracks,” she said. “And those are the ones that need to come forward.”

Machniak said they’re working with partners across the country in navigating the next months, in order to help map out the path forward for certain sectors.

“Tourism, hospitality, the food services industry, what’s that going to look like?” she said. “That’s some of the key things the chamber network is working on nationally.”

In the short term, North Battleford will have some stimulus in construction. Bater said they expect to convene a special council meeting on Tuesday evening after the planning committee. The discussion will focus on where the funding will go, such as the 100 Street service road rehabilitation.

“That project has been delayed for 13 years now, because it’s been unfunded,” Bater said. “And there’s the potential to see it funded now.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports