I read with interest and joy the downtown and community plan presented by the city in its effort to revitalize downtown. I applaud the vision and thought they have put into it. My challenge lies in that right now, as important as long term plans are, we need bold action and quickly.
There are two quick actions that could change our downtown but would require the city and province to make bold steps.
Firstly, we need to relocate the Saskatchewan Liquor Board outlet to as far away from the downtown area as possible and allow another organization, preferably a First Nations or Métis one, to occupy the present location. Although I am not of First Nations descent, I would find it insulting to have depictions of my people on a building that sells something that creates such challenges for our society, FNMI and non-FNMI. By repurposing, at little or no cost, the building for an organization like Treaty 6 Education Council or another FNMI governmental organization, we would send a message that our city holds our relationship with Indigenous peoples as an integral part of the city. It would also serve as the first step in removing liquor sales from downtown.
The second thing is a need to rezone the downtown area to be an area where liquor can only be served with meals. The triangle of the Beaver, the SLGA, and the Keg Room in the Travelodge has created an environment in the downtown area that is designed to serve liquor, not to enhance and grow our community. I am not against a social drink, ask anyone who knows me, but I am against making it as easy as possible to abuse liquor and as a result, creating a culture of crime and vagrancy within the area of easiest shopping for one of the products that causes it.
We need to make it as attractive as possible for business to move downtown. With the city’s efforts in landscaping and working with business to help revitalize the buildings they have made a good start. Now I ask the city to make the bold moves, fight the battles it may create, and rebuild both our downtown and the city’s reputation quickly.
Tom Hawboldt
North Battleford
