By Angela Brown

Local residents get update on city projects, construction

Mar 22, 2018 | 10:00 AM

North Battleford residents had a chance to see some of the city’s planning and development projects in the works at a pop-up open house at the Civic Centre, Wednesday.  

The pop-up event also included a presentation on the Underground Pipeline and Asphalt Rehabilitation (UPAR) Program work planned for this summer. 

City engineer Bob Anthony said the city will be working on three streets this summer: the 1300 and 1400 block of 101 Street; the 1700 block of 98 Street; and the 1000 block of 105 Street, replacing sewer and water pipes and rehabilitating the streets. 

“We plan to start early in the season when the frost comes out of the ground, usually about the middle to end of May,” said Anthony. “We have a lot of work planned this year, so we’ll be going right through to September or October when the weather stops us again… Our plan is to get everything finished by the fall.”  

Anthony said the underground portion of the downtown project is expected to take a few weeks, while the roadway portion of the work will take a little longer. For the 101 Street work, he said crews will complete it in two phases and only close one block at a time to reduce disruptions for property owners. 

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The construction project includes the downtown revitalization work as well as the underground pipe replacement project to replace aging infrastructure.

 There was a good turnout for Anthony’s presentation to residents.

“I think they are happy to have some information,” Anthony said. “Communication is definitely key. If [we] can meet people face-to-face and establish relationships with them before we get to their house and start digging up their street, the more successful and smooth the project goes out in the field.”

City representatives also talked with residents one-on-one about other projects including the city’s initiatives to make the community safer, a plan for designating neighbourhood names, directions to help residents prepare their own block parties, as well as the city’s ongoing work to revitalize the downtown, among some of the initiatives.

Director of Planning and Development Jennifer Niesink said some of the city’s plans ahead for this summer also include putting lights in the trees at Central Park located beside North Battleford Library, so outdoor events can be held in the park during the evening.

“It creates an atmosphere,” she said. “It will be fantastic.”

Mayor Ryan Bater said about he has seen about 50 residents streaming into the pop-up open house in the first hour of the event and expected many more to come through.

“There’s a lot of great information here,” he said. “I’m very encouraged by the discussions. It’s really an opportunity not only for city administration to present the plans for this year but (also) for city administration  and those of us on council who are here to hear from people about how they feel about it, and that helps us make more informed decisions.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW