The Town of Battleford is looking to cultivate business growth in the downtown area and give a promising horizon for next generation of residents. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Battleford Biz

Battleford hoping for better business future

Aug 23, 2021 | 3:05 PM

Heading into a busy fall season, the Town of Battleford is continuing to maintain a strong focus of growing its business core, particularly downtown.

Since gathering restrictions on events were lifted for the province of Saskatchewan on July 11, Battleford has hosted two large community events, one for the downtown core and the other a Family Fund Day at the Fred Light Museum. Town council has also proposed incentives to attract future businesses and motivate current establishments to renovate their spaces.

Mayor Ames Leslie said it’s a major focus and step forward for the Town to fill down vacancies and attract new businesses to Town, especially if they are base tenants that will consistently draw people in.

“If we can attract some more people travelling through the Battlefords via tourism [options], such as the fort, museum, baseball hall of fame, etc, as well as have businesses that support that tourism crowd,” Leslie said. “Then I think that would solidify the downtown for generations to come.”

The open house held earlier this month was specifically organized with that focus in mind. Leslie said the feedback they’ve received both that day and since is good, with business owners, developers, and realtors showing enthusiasm.

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“They hoped the town does something again and they would participate if that occurs,” he said. “Very good feedback and I think it only has room to grow.”

More business makes better business for others

For businesses in the downtown, there’s similar enthusiasm shared for this particular growth goal. Angie Friedrich, owner of Battleford Boutique and a board member with the museum, said they were one of the first organizations to hold an event like the family fun day and is encouraged by the attendance for that and the open house, with a wide variety in demographics in attendance at both.

“[It’s] really important, it really animates your [neighbourhoods] and makes people see the positive in the area,” she said. “It adds to the value and appeal of your community to have events like that are successful and family oriented.”

(Submitted photo/Chris Bajak)

Friedrich added she also had productive conversations with people during the open house, adding there’s a trickle effect on all of the businesses on the block when new additions start attracting more people.

“Right now, you almost have to be a destination business to get someone out here,” she said. “More options makes that [less of a requirement].”

Kim Desmarais, manager of the Remedy’s Rx Pharmacy, shared the view that the right additions would have a positive impact on the entire business community.

“It’s been about the same for several years for businesses that have been down here,” she said. “More foot traffic, more activity in the store, more business downtown, that’s a good thing.”

Another factor that plays in to the positive impact of growth is the quality of life for residents. Desmarais pointed out that having more stores downtown would save residents time spent having to cross the river to shop in the city.

“Just as a resident, I’m rooting for new businesses,” she said. “Then I don’t have to go to North Battleford if I can shop here.”

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josh.ryan@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports