The Saskatchewan Hospital New Beginnings campaign will not be receiving any money from the City of North Battleford.
Mayor Bater confirmed to reporters following Monday’s council meeting that the City decided it will not provide any contribution to the project.
He explained the City had met in camera with the campaign’s proponents and a presentation had been made. The proponents have been informed of the decision.
In speaking to reporters, Bater explained the City’s spending priority is on City projects.
“While we recognize the massive importance of this facility, not just within the province but especially within the Battlefords, that contributing to this particular effort wasn’t necessarily within the municipal purview and we need to focus our resources on those projects that are municipal purview.”
Earlier, the Town of Battleford had approved approximately $115,000 towards the Sask. Hospital campaign, which raises money for furniture and equipment at the new hospital.
Still, that commitment from Battleford is far below the original amount asked for by the Sask. Hospital New Beginnings campaign. Former Prairie North Health Region CEO David Fan had previously made presentations in 2016 to the city, town and surrounding RMs asking for an overall $4 million commitment.
Since that time the New Beginnings campaign has had considerable success attracting private donations.
According to their website the campaign has raised $6,430,000, but they still require another $1,570,000 towards reaching their $8 million target.
