Donald Meriam will run for a seat on North Battleford's City Council this fall. (Submitted Photo/Donald Meriam)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Council Run

Donald Meriam running for seat on city council

Feb 23, 2024 | 5:00 PM

,A new candidate is looking to unite and amplify progress in the City of Battleford.

Donald Meriam, a life-long resident, officially announced he will run for a seat on city council this fall.

“I’ve seen so many versions of North Battleford and I want to help to make version something that we can take pride in,” he said.

“I believe North Battleford needs renewal, a fresh perspective and leadership to ensure continued success.”

Meriam, a two-spirit man, currently works as an executive assistant with the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs. Last year, he was honoured with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee metal for philanthropy, serves as a youth advocate for UNICEF Canada and works closely with Acahkos Awasisak – Star Children.

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“I’m an advocate for many things, including… animal welfare, LGBT issues, mental health, gender and sexual diversity, equitable policies, and social stewardship,” said Meriam.

Should he get that coveted seat, he wants to focus on economic development and beautification efforts.

“I want to see the city expand,” Meriam said referring to a growth in housing and neighbourhood development.

“I want to help revamp the city, revamp downtown, I want to be…I want to be able to help the city regain it’s economic development,” he added of the onetime fastest growing city.

To do that, Meriam believes the city must open itself up to outside business along with local business.

“When I was a kid, downtown was packed,” he said of the panoply of shops that once graced the core.

Building new structures that “echo the heritage of the city” from an architectural standpoint along with an amphitheatre downtown are all part of the vision he can see for the community he loves.

“I feel like if we expand and bring in more economic development, it would be able to bring more people in to stay longer,” he said.

Ultimately, Meriam wants to help bring back North Battleford’s glory years and create spaces for people to gather. With nearby First Nations communities and provincial parks and attractions, he sees a number of options.

“You know, as a son, a brother, uncle and godparent, I want to keep this town a great place to raise a family. I know that I can bring a fresh perspective with my decision-making skills to city council, I know I can truly make a difference and I will work hard and make sure everyone in this city’s voices are heard.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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