(File Photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

REC committee

Hawtin and Ironstand appointed to rink project committee

Jul 11, 2024 | 4:00 PM

The dream of a new events arena in the City of North Battleford is getting one step closer in the process following Monday night’s council meeting.

Two councillors have been appointed to the Regional Enhancement Community Group (REC) to help shepherd the region into a new era of entertainment.

“(The) administration is recommending that this go forward and a councillor be appointed until the end of this term and be appointed again beginning of next term,” said Cheryl DeNeire, Director of Parks and Recreation.

Their role in the meetings would be involved with fundraising but not be in charge of a specific area. They will have voting rights and offer guidance and act as a liaison to the council.

“Instead of delaying it until the new council is in place, due to the fact that this committee needs to get going and everyone needs to be involved.”

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According to the report presented in chambers, the fundraising committee will oversee activities that will help towards construction of the rink project. Following the meeting, Mayor David Gillan said they weren’t sure whether the project would be rebuilding the current Access Communications Centre or building a new rink all together. The committee decided to meet on the second Wednesday of every month at noon, with the first meeting on August 7.

Following the presentation, Gillan opened it up to the council and what was originally planned to only have one councillor on the committee, quickly turned into two after Councillor Greg Lightfoot’s suggestion.

“This is probably one of the biggest projects we’re going to undertake over the next five to 10 years,” he said.

Noting there could be on occasion when one councillor couldn’t attend, he encouraged the council and the director to consider adding a second.

“It’s a good idea to have two people there to absorb all the information and workload that this is going to be.”

Councillor Kent Lindgren said he fully supported the idea and nominated Councillor Kelli Hawtin to the chuckles of council. Meanwhile, Councillor Thomas Ironstand submitted his name and both were approved.

Having the two councillors agree to let their names stand was “great” and he thanked them for joining.

“It’s such a big project and it’s going to take considerable work,” he said.

“It’s not just the fundraising committee but it’s also the administration of the city, consultants and there’s a lot of work to be done.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

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