The Town of Battleford is continuing its pursuit of a solution to the slope instability that is causing damage in the northwest corner of the town's cemetery.
Recently, Mayor Derek Mahon, Administrator Sheryl Ballendine, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Randy Redding and Works and Utilities Superintendent Kevin Chaykowski took part in a conference call with the engineering firm investigating possible solutions.
Mahon told fellow council members Monday conversations have also been held with MLA Herb Cox and MP Gerry Ritz regarding the possibility of accessing provincial and federal disaster relief funds as it promises to be an expensive issue.
In May of 2013, Battleford town council approved a proposal for a geotechnical investigation into stability issues that were being seen at the cemetery. The investigation was to be done by P. Machibroda Engineering Ltd. of Saskatoon at a cost of $26,400. The expense had not been factored into the budget, so was to come from reserves.
Earlier this month, council approved another $2,000 for additional analysis.
It's been suggested upwards of 80 graves in the cemetery's old section from the late 1800s to early 1900s, including some members of the North West Mounted Police, could be affected by the instability. The cemetery is located on the edge of the North Saskatchewan River Valley, west of the traffic bridges.
