There was good news to report from mayors Derek Mahon of Battleford and Mayor Ian Hamilton of North Battleford Thursday.
They presented their joint state of the city/state of the town address hosted by the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce at the Chapel Gallery.
Both mayors talked about progress and projects in both communities. Mahon pointed to the efforts of his administration and council, several of whom were in attendance.
"I asked council 'what did you want me to say?'" Mahon said at the start of his speech.
"I was told 'tell them everything is good, taxes did not increase and if you don't live in Battleford why don't you join us and be a part of it?'"
Mahon said two out of the three town-owned lots in the industrial park were sold to trucking companies, with the second of those companies "expected to be announced at Tuesday's council meeting." Construction by the Leading Manufacturing Group also has begun on a $6.7 million oil tank facility in that area.
He described several ongoing projects, including development at Battle Springs, improvements at Fort Battleford, conceptual planning for a new fire hall location and the ongoing Opera House project, which is now in the conceptual design phase. He had artists' renderings of the Opera House available.
He noted $750,000 was set aside by BATC CDC towards that design and fundraising efforts for that project continue.
Mahon also noted the development in Battleford West with the arrival of Tim Hortons, the opening for business of the Kramer Ltd. dealership, along with other developments such as the future Co-op gas location. Mahon also noted the associated infrastructure developments there.
Mahon pointed out this year is the 30th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, and "we can say that the big bat is coming soon on the property of the Baseball Hall of Fame."
"In closing, I would just like to mention the town of Battleford will be 110 years old this year and we look forward to many more successful years," said Mahon.
Hamilton noted the changes seen at City Hall over the past year including several new administration officials.
He talked about a "significant capital investment" in the economy, with $15 million in building permits issued in the first four months alone. He said that compares to just over $20 million issued for all of 2013.
"Investor confidence in our business and future may never have been as strong as it is right now," said Hamilton, who pointed to the investment made in the southeast quadrant as a major catalyst.
He described efforts to create a new official community plan and reiterated a commitment to the downtown. He also noted the changeover to the new garbage and recycling cart regime in the city.
"These are exciting times. Provincial and regional prosperity abounds, new faces, new residents to the community, fresh ideas and different perspectives will result in a reinvigorated corporate culture with an emphasis on rule number one: we are open for business," said Hamilton. "And a corporate-wide object to make NB the best it could be."
Hamilton also said the crime issue would continue to be a prime concern for council and administration, but also acknowledged the lack of progress in obtaining provincial money.
"In co-operation with Inspector John Sutherland and several administrative personnel, we prepared and presented to the minister of Corrections and Public Safety a multi-faceted crime reduction strategy," said Hamilton. He said the City sought financial assistance for more officers, implementation of a peace officer program and community mobilization personnel.
"To date, we have not received any indication that any of our proposal would be supported, as there was nothing provided for in the provincial budget."
Instead, he confirmed to the audience the decision made to reallocate $33,000 in funds towards a community program contract position, to provide needs and gap assessment and support to the HUB steering committee in a six-month term.
"Sometimes you can't afford to wait for an answer. You just have to do it," said Hamilton.
