There was some unexpected and welcome good news in the provincial budget estimates for the Battlefords.
Mayor Ryan Bater has confirmed $413,000 has been allocated in the budget estimates for a rapid access to addictions medicinal clinic in North Battleford.
Bater says that at this point the details he has been made aware of are the level of investment and that the clinic will be up and running by July 1. There are few other details at this time, but nevertheless Bater calls it good news.
“They have identified the need clearly but they also heard clearly from the community about the need for this facility,” said Bater.
“It will obviously serve the entirety of northwest Saskatchewan and it is something ours and other governments in the area and community based organizations and health care professionals have been calling for for quite a long time. It’s really great to see them making this investment.”
Details about the location and what it would contain are still being developed, Bater indicated.
The budget estimates had allocated $434.5 million from the Ministry of Health for mental health and addictions supports and services. This funding includes increased access to mental health and addictions treatment beds and supports and provide for intensive supports for children and youth. Estevan is also getting specialized crystal meth inpatient treatment.
There was other good news in the budget, from Bater’s perspective. The revenue-sharing formula is being maintained with increased funding coming to North Battleford. As well, the city was happy to hear about increased funding to the Community Airports Partnerships grant to $850,000.
Bater acknowledged that when it comes to budgets right now, “given everything that is happening in the world right now, budgets need to be considered to be quite fluid.”
He noted that their own municipal budget will need to be reviewed in the wake of COVID-19, citing the impact on revenues on all levels of government.
“All levels of government are going to have to review their revenue figures in order to address the COVID-19 pandemic.”
