Hamilton welcomes in 2014 at city council

"Let the future unfold" were the words from North Battleford mayor Ian Hamilton as he welcomed in 2014 at council.

Hamilton ushered in the first council meeting of the year of 2014 with an address that spelled out the initiatives and challenges city council will be taking on this coming year.

It also gave Hamilton one final chance to recognize the city's centennial year that just ended.

The mayor pointed to a "very eventful 2013. Most notably, our celebration of our centennial year as a city in this great province of Saskatchewan. Our theme or our motto this centennial was 'the past is told, let the future unfold.' And that is the torch being handed us as we enter the new year 2014."

He added the challenge was to "anticipate the future of our city" and also to "secure and sustain our strategic position as the hub of Saskatchewan's northwest."

Hamilton pointed to the city's investment in infrastructure in recent years, and investments in residential, commercial and industrial property development proposed in their Five-year Capital Plan. He also pointed to the adoption of the Official Community Plan to happen in 2014.

"The Official Community Plan recognizes the importance of partnerships in achieving successful outcomes," said Hamilton, pointing to health and educational authorities, regional municipalities including their neighbours in Battleford, First Nations communities, Chambers of Commerce and ag societies, and "those are to name a few."

He also noted the major changes in the ranks of city administration with several newcomers coming on board.

"We are excited to recognize the new faces in these chambers - our new fire chief, the director of economic development, the director of parks and recreation - and we await expectantly for the arrival of a new director of finance and of course new leadership in a new city manager."

"So as I see it, opportunity knocks," concluded Hamilton. "As I see it we must open the door. So, let the future unfold."