It was a year of change at City Hall in North Battleford as Ryan Bater took over as mayor from Ian Hamilton after the 2016 municipal elections.
The municipal vote, which saw three incumbents joined by three newly-elected councillors, was certainly big news at council in 2016.
The other big news was the Husky oil spill into the North Saskatchewan River, an event that resulted in long hours for City staff dealing with the crisis. The spill forced the shutdown of the F.E. Holliday plant that accesses water from the North Saskatchewan River.
A special meeting of council was called to approve an agreement with the Town of Battleford to obtain potable water from a supply line over the North Saskatchewan River, as well as to approve construction of four new wells at Water Treatment Plant No. 1 and obtaining a GE filtration system, among others.
But there were many other items on the agenda this year at City Hall and here is a rundown of some of them:
Community Safety
A constant at council in 2016 were the reports of Community Safety Co-Ordinator Herb Sutton on efforts towards addressing public safety issues in the community.
A big concern throughout the year was the funding situation at The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords. In January Sutton reported to council that a meeting took place Jan. 8 involving officials with The Lighthouse and the City, after Social Services had informed The Lighthouse a number of clients would not be funded by the agency.
That created a 50 per cent budget shortfall, Sutton said, and he added "if I'm short 50 per cent of the budget, I'm not going to be in business very long."
Efforts to try to resolve the funding woes were ongoing behind the scenes throughout 2016. In February the City contributed $25,000 as a matching contribution, matching the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising event for The Lighthouse.
Despite a difficult year, The Lighthouse Serving the Battlefords remained open by year's end, though the need was still there for a more sustainable funding model.
Saskatchewan Hospital
Another issue that was before council in 2016 was the Saskatchewan Hospital New Beginnings campaign. Prairie North CEO David Fan went before council in May seeking a special levy from the City that could help pay for new furniture and equipment at the new hospital.
His campaign had sought a $4 million contribution from the area's municipal governments, but North Battleford council made it clear they were not enthusiastic about the idea of a municipal levy for furniture or equipment.
Animals
It was a big year for animals at City Hall.
A debate came to council about whether to approve an application by a resident to keep two laying hens in a back yard.
The extensive discussion brought the City's Animal Control Bylaw under the microscope as the City discovered they could, technically, allow urban hens in the city under that bylaw.
In the end, council turned down the request to allow hens in a backyard.
However, not long after, council did approve a request by a residents hoping to keep a pot-bellied pig in the city limits.
Transit
Some important changes took effect April 1 within the North Battleford Transit System. A new two-bus route system came into effect, cutting down ride time for passengers to reach their destinations. As well, there was expanded service into the Killdeer and Fairview areas. Council approved the changes in February.
Movie Theatre
The biggest project in a long time in the downtown was announced this summer as Magic Lantern Theatres announced a five-screen movie theatre for the King Street Station area.
But it was not without controversy as some critics questioned the sale of the land for $1, as well as accusations that the owners of Capitol Theatre were not consulted in advance.
But Mayor Ian Hamilton said those owners had in fact been approached. Councillor Ryan Bater also defended the deal. "As a member of this council I stood by that decision. I'm very proud to still stand by it."
Goodbyes and Hellos
The October 17 council meeting was the last one for retiring Councillor Ray Fox and Mayor Ian Hamilton. It would also turn out to be the last one for coun. Cathy Richardson.
City Manager Jim Puffalt paid tribute to Hamilton for his time as mayor. "Your leadership, your contribution to the city is incredible."
On Nov. 7, Hamilton was back in council chambers once again as he handed over the mayor's chain of office to new mayor Ryan Bater at the swearing-in ceremony of the new council at City Hall. After he took his seat, Bater made his opening address.
“We live in a great city, a city that is vibrant, diverse, inclusive, caring and whose citizens enjoy a very high quality of life,” Bater said.
“We have some of the best recreation facilities in the province, one of the highest per capita green space ratios in western Canada, a beautiful and scenic river valley, thriving arts community, entertainment centres, the best tasting water and a thriving and strong economy. We are North Battleford and we love our city.”
