Downtown Master Plan adopted in principle

The Downtown Master Plan has been adopted in principle by North Battleford city council.

The master plan, developed by consultants Crosby, Hanna and Associates, was adopted by council unanimously Monday.

The plan, aimed at downtown revitalization, has been in the works for the last couple of years. The finished document was presented to the public at an open house last month at North Battleford Public Library, including plans to set up “character zones” in the downtown and various provisions for lighting, benches, sidewalks, streetscaping and other items. 

The master plan was adopted quickly and without much debate, as the discussions had gone on behind the scenes for a while. 

Mayor Ryan Bater emphasized the vote that evening was on adopting the plan in principle. Specific decisions on what work to do, as well as possible name changes to downtown streets, would be decided piece by piece, he said.

“It will be part of our ongoing budget discussions on a regular basis,” said Bater to reporters. “There are other recommendations within the plan that can be dealt with throughout the year.”

Bater indicated other decisions such as the proposals to rename 101st Street as King Street, and part of 100th Street as Main Street, could be dealt with outside of budget, he said.

“It’s up to this council for the next three years, and future councils to take this plan and to work with administration to use it as a guiding document and set the course for downtown revitalization in the next 10 to 20 years.”   

Some of the work has already been approved for 2017. That includes streetscape work in the downtown “character zones,” which is due to begin this summer, Bater noted.

City administration welcomed the approval by council so that they could move ahead with revitalization efforts.

“This is an opportunity for us to formalize this agreement,” said City Manager Jim Puffalt.

“We understand that as budgets come and go, that some things may change, but again, it’s an overall philosophy by city council that says downtown is important, we’re going to spend some efforts to revitalize.”

The public response was also welcomed in the process, with Councillor Greg Lightfoot appreciating the feedback from the public from the open house.

“It’s really good to see the public take some ownership of this, also, because that’s going to drive this,” said Lightfoot.