"A passionate topic amongst the folks in town."
That's what Battleford's Mayor Derek Mahon has called the subject of the local post office.
The historic downtown home of the post office was vacated by Canada Post last Thanksgiving, citing health and safety reasons. Among other issues, the building is inhabited by bats.
Canada Post is now operating out of a cluster of portable units on the north end of town, its second temporary location since closing the downtown location.
Recently, Canada Post announced it would not be renovating the old building, but would instead be offering it for sale and looking for a smaller facility.
The post office issue came up at Monday evening's council meeting, as it has numerous times before.
Council received a letter from the RM of Battle River supporting the post office building being retained.
The letter, written by administrator Betty Johnson on behalf of the RM council, stated, "The Battlefords have a huge historical value. It would be such a shame to see that old building torn down instead of restored and we believe the local population will feel the same."
Council has remarked in previous meetings that, despite the public's pleas to the town council to do something to save the post office, they have no say in the matter. It's Canada Post's decision.
Councillor Gordon Yarde said, "The feeling out there is that we have not spoken up strongly enough."
Mayor Mahon said, "Canada Post makes the decisions and they don't actually ask for input."
Chief Administrative Officer John Enns-Wind said the local MP, MLA and Mayor Mahon have all been in contact with Canada Post, as he has himself numerous times.
Councillor Shelley Boutin-Gervais said the Town should be writing to the prime minister, as she suggested a few months ago.
She also said residents have told her they would like the Town to renovate the old post office.
But it appears any renovations will be expensive.
Enns-Wind said, "I've heard anywhere from $1 to $1.5 in renovations, so it's quite an undertaking."
Mayor Mahon said council has talked about the building and about its position as a fixture of Battleford's downtown.
Enns-Wind said, "It's a wonderful opportunity for an entrepreneur to be able to pick it up and breathe new life into it and actually be a potential anchor for downtown."
He said the post office building going up for sale is not "all glumness."
"It allows room for imagination and new ideas, how can we re-spark downtown. I think we have to wait and see."
He added, "The jury is still out whether it's good change or bad change but there's a wonderful opportunity for new direction and new life."
Meanwhile, the condition of the present Canada Post site, behind the former House of Kwon just off Highway 4, is causing consternation.
Councillor Boutin-Gervais noted the muddy lot is "just nasty."
Public works lead hand Eric Bilanski said the Town can address the approach to the site, but the lot's condition is up to the owner.
