North Battleford is partnering up with the province in its efforts towards downtown rehabilitation.
The City has been accepted as one of the new communities in the Main Street Saskatchewan program. The program is designed to revitalize historic downtowns through a combination of government and private investment.
North Battleford Business Improvement District Corp. was accepted at the affiliate level. It is one of three communities accepted at the level, the others being Carrot River Community Branding Committee and Redvers Regional Agricultural and Commercial Endeavours Committee.
In a statement Lisa Kissick, executive director of the Downtown North Battleford BID, welcomed the news.
“Downtown North Battleford has strived over the past several years to implement positive changes and create events and attractions to entice citizens and tourists to visit our historic downtown,” said Kissick.
“The Main Street Saskatchewan program vision aligns with the goals of the North Battleford BID to create an inviting, vibrant downtown. The board of directors and staff are very excited about this great opportunity to continue the revitalization of Downtown North Battleford through the Main Street Saskatchewan program.”
There was also good news for another Northwest community. North Lakes Economic Development Corporation (Town of Spiritwood) was one of two communities accepted at the top accredited tier. The other is the Humboldt Downtown Improvement District.
Previously Spiritwood had been involved at the affiliate level. Officials there welcomed the news of their upgrade to the accredited tier.
“On behalf of the Town of Spiritwood, I am thrilled to be part of Saskatchewan's Main Street program at the accredited level,” said Northern Lakes Economic Development Corporation Managing Director Bevra Fee in a news release.
“Our town has seen several significant and positive changes over the past year as an affiliate, and we have many more ideas for implementing Main Street program initiatives. This is a very exciting day for Spiritwood!”
Main Street Saskatchewan is a community-driven revitalization program that focuses on Saskatchewan’s downtowns. It uses a trademarked four-point approach of community organization, economic restructuring, heritage conservation/design and promotion.
The list of communities that have joined Main Street Saskatchewan is a long one.
Swift Current, Melfort, Regina, Watrous, Kerrobert, Nipawin, Moose Jaw, Langenburg and Shellbrook entered in 2014. Prince Albert, Maple Creek, Indian Head and Wolseley entered in the program’s pilot year 2011.
In a news release, the province touted figures from the first four years of the program of 132 new jobs, 43 business openings, $4.9 million committed to historic building and streetscape improvements, 44 historic buildings rehabilitated, $6.5 million in property acquisitions and more than 14,000 hours of volunteer time contributed to Main Street-related activities.
“Our government is pleased to welcome the new communities into the Main Street Saskatchewan Program,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said in a statement.
“As the heart and soul of Saskatchewan’s communities, historic downtowns are important to our growth and well-being. They support cultural and economic development, attract tourists, and allow us to embrace the Saskatchewan story."
