Battleford residents question lack of communication on construction project

Now, with winter approaching, residents are concerned about whether the project will be completed before colder weather sets in and what further disruptions that could bring.

Residents said the construction has already affected several aspects of daily life, including school bus route changes that have forced parents to adjust their work schedules, vehicles being parked in back alleys and home renovation projects being delayed.

The concerns have also spilled onto social media, where residents have called for more consistent communication. Some said they would rather receive an update explaining that work is delayed than hear nothing at all, while others raised concerns about the lack of communication when a boil-water advisory ended.

“These aren’t simply inconveniences. They affect families’ daily routines, employment schedules, transportation arrangements, and children’s safety,” one resident said.

According to the Town’s most recent website update, once the new curbs have been poured and have had time to harden, the asphalt crew will proceed with paving, weather and site conditions permitting.

Airy said Mayor Ames Leslie personally reached out; however, he has not answered broader questions about how the Town will approach communication on current and future projects.

“What happens now with other projects? Is there going to be transparency? Is there not? Or is it going to be completed? I know there’s people commenting about other projects happening and questioning, is this going to be as long as this?”

Residents believe more regular updates through social media could help bridge the communication gap, making information easier to find for people who may not regularly navigate the Town’s website.

“I know for myself when I was going on to their page online, I had to try to figure out, what is this project called; Then trying to click everywhere to find it. It’s not something that’s in your face that someone, who might be 70 or 80 years old can see,” a resident said.

Ultimately, Airy said residents want to see the Town succeed, but they believe better communication could have made the construction process easier for everyone involved.

“We want the Town of Battleford to be seen as a wonderful place and to have that transparent communication,” said Airy. “I’m proud of what the town does, but this is something that could have been dealt with a bit differently.”

battlefordsNOW reached out to the Town of Battleford for additional comment, an update on the project and an anticipated timeline for completion but did not receive a response before publication.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

by battlefordsNOW Staff

Battleford residents question lack of communication on construction project

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