The downtown area of North Battleford. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

By Kenneth Cheung

Public safety

Indigenous security firm to patrol North Battleford downtown in $106K pilot project

May 1, 2026 | 11:01 AM

A First Nations security company will begin patrolling North Battleford’s downtown core later this month under a pilot project supported by the city.

The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) said it has signed an agreement with MGBHLM Security, based in Mosquito Grizzly Bear’s Head Lean Man First Nation, to provide an increased presence in the area.

The company will offer culturally sensitive, low-level security services, with officers patrolling public spaces on foot and in branded vehicles at varying times each day.

The announcement follows city council’s approval in March of a $106,000, including PST, one-year pilot program as part of the 2026 budget to fund security services through the BID.

City manager Randy Patrick said at the time, the initiative is meant to support – not replace – existing services.

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“I want to emphasize it is not to do RCMP work, not even to do CSO work,” Patrick told council.

“It is just to do things in a more friendly, culturally sensitive way. Saying, ‘Hey, you know, maybe you need to move along, or can we help you?’”

BID board member Greg Lightfoot said, “This initiative is designed to address increasing social challenges within our community and, where appropriate, redirect them away from law enforcement intervention.”

“While certain issues will still require the assistance of Battlefords RCMP officers or Community Safety Officers, the North Battleford Downtown BID is pleased to collaborate with MGBHLM Security to implement an enhanced wellbeing strategy,” Lightfoot said.

The pilot project will run until Dec. 31, 2026.

It will be evaluated at the end of the year, with the BID planning to request ongoing funding through the city’s 2027 budget process if the initiative is successful.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Indigenous security firm to patrol North Battleford downtown in $106K pilot project

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