New estimates to preserve historic church less than expected

“It is part of our history,” Leslie told reporters following the meeting. “But at the same time, I also recognize that it’s a lot of taxpayers’ dollars that don’t necessarily benefit all of the community.”

Leslie said he was surprised the new estimate to completely restore the building was less than the over $1 million previously projected.

Council received three different levels of costing options, depending on the work involved: $50,000 to maintain the condition of the structure so it doesn’t get any worse, $500,000 to preserve it, or $750,000 to fully restore the building that dates back to 1883.

“It’s good to have definite numbers in place … council can look at,” said Leslie.

Here are some other noteworthy items from council’s meeting.

Citizens on Patrol visit. David Fortier, a representative from the Battlefords Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) and a Battlefords Chamber of Commerce member, gave a presentation to council about the program. The Battlefords Chamber of Commerce had also been involved in raising awareness of the benefits of the COPP program in the community.

Fortier said the COPP volunteer group has increased its numbers significantly in the past year, up to about 40 members, from eight a year ago. The group are comprised of residents of North Battleford and Battleford who travel throughout both communities acting as extra “eyes and ears” for the RCMP, to keep the community safe. They report any criminal or suspicious activity they see. Fortier made a proposal to the town to help make the community safer: by erecting Battleford’s COPP signs at 10 major entry points to the town, installing signs indicating when homes or businesses are monitored by security cameras, and to participate in a campaign called “Light up the Night,” similar to the “Eyes That Care” campaign introduced in North Battleford. As part of the Light up the Night program, the town would provide participating residents solar motion sensor lights they can install at their properties. The aim of the project is also to deter crime before it happens. Fortier said the COPP signs, in particular, are already installed along the Hwy. 4, and Hwy 16. corridors, heading into North Battleford. He added the motion sensor lights could be purchased on sale at a reduced cost. As well through COPP, some of the aluminum security camera signs could be provided to property owners for free.

“We appreciate all you are doing,” Coun. Susan McLean Tady said to Fortier.

Mayor Ames Leslie said the town will discuss the issue further and look into what kind of interest there may be to support the proposal.

Permit values a boon. Building permits values for the town have been excellent for 2018 so far. Mayor Ames Leslie attributes a large part of this year’s boon to the new cannabis production facility being developed. New housing development also made a positive impact on the total tally. For the year to date (January to October) the total value was $27 million for 32 permits. In comparison, last year for the same period the town saw 37 permits for $5.9 million in value. This year’s increase reflected almost $22 million more in building permit values for the current year to date. “It’s good to see the investment continuing in the town of Battleford,” said Mayor Ames Leslie.

Keep snow off the road. Residents are asked not to shovel snow into the middle of the street when they are clearing their properties. Mayor Ames Leslie raised the issue at council adding that it can create a safety hazard.

No burning garbage. The town’s Public Safety Officer, Alain Manibal, reminded residents they are not permitted to burn garbage in their backyards since it is a safety hazard and creates a great deal of smoke. He said the town had a number of backyard fires to deal with in October as a result.

Pumphouse tour. Residents are invited to take a tour of the new West Park Water Pumphouse and Reservoir during an open house on Dec. 12 from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Thanks for support. Mayor Ames Leslie took a moment at the start of council’s meeting to thank everyone in the community who helped the firefighters in tackling the blaze at former mayor Derek Mahon’s residence on First Ave. W. on Nov. 12. Leslie, also a volunteer firefighter helping in the effort, also thanked Coun. Kevin Russell for assisting. Leslie said it took firefighters about five hours to put out the blaze. The extreme cold temperatures made the task even more difficult for everyone involved. Leslie thanked residents for doing their part to help the firefighters. “Members of our community that make the Town of Battleford and the Battlefords the best that they are, stepped forward,” he said. “They brought food, they brought coffee, … and water. They assisted the firefighters as they came out of this building exhausted,” helping them until they went back into the building again. Following the meeting, Leslie expressed his condolences to the Mahons on the loss of their home, adding he knows how difficult it is for a family to lose their home and all their memories and memorabilia.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

New estimates to preserve historic church less than expected

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