A picture taken during a previous council meeting at the Don Ross Council Chamber in North Battleford. (Image Credit: battlefordsNOW staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

meeting preview

North Battleford council to weigh cannabis store cap, shipping container rules and feel hikes

Feb 23, 2026 | 11:19 AM

North Battleford city council will face a mix of policy questions and cost adjustments Monday night, including a request to limit cannabis retailers, possible changes to shipping container regulations and proposed increases to recreation fees.

The most contentious item comes from a resident asking the city to consider capping the number of cannabis retail stores permitted within municipal boundaries.

A letter submitted to council argues the current open-market approach has led to an over-saturation of cannabis storefronts and calls for a formal limit on future licences. 

The resident says a cap could help preserve retail diversity, reduce exposure for youth and support the viability of existing legal operators.

The correspondence will be received for information but could prompt future discussion or referral to a planning committee if council chooses to explore regulatory options.

budget talks

Premier Moe hints at 'challenges' in upcoming provincial budget

39m ago

AWARENESS

'Gangs are never an option': Thunderchild First Nation hosts community anti-gang conference

1h ago

meeting preview

North Battleford council to weigh cannabis store cap, shipping container rules and feel hikes

3h ago

Council will also consider whether to update zoning rules governing shipping containers following multiple inquiries about their use across the city.

Current bylaws restrict shipping containers to industrial or certain commercial districts, limit sites to a maximum of two containers and prohibit them in residential areas or front yards. Containers must also be screened from public view and used only for storage related to the primary use of the site.

Administration is asking council to direct staff to draft amendments that would allow containers to be used as building materials in more situations, with guidelines on design, screening and the number permitted based on site size and zoning.

City planners say the review follows requests ranging from backyard storage proposals to larger commercial developments, many of which cannot be approved under existing regulations.

On the financial side, council will review a proposed update to parks and recreation fees covering 2026 through 2028.

Administration recommends annual increases of about two per cent to most rates to reflect inflation and support facility maintenance and renewal.

A three per cent seasonal increase is proposed for the David Laird Municipal Campground, while some programs tied to lifeguard and instructor recruitment would remain frozen or only minimally adjusted to stay accessible.

The city says recreation facilities currently recover about 58 per cent of operating costs overall, with lower recovery rates at the aquatic centre and field house, and that updated fees will help support infrastructure upkeep and sustainable operations.

Council can approve the proposed fee schedule, reject it or recommend alternatives as part of its decision Monday night.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Don Ross Council Chambers and will also be available via Zoom. 

—

cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com