Dear Editor
In my last writing on North Battleford's downtown core, I served notice that I would write a comprehensive, five installment article on the city's downtown. And so I will, but in advance of that, I would like to briefly comment on the day trip to Moose Jaw as well as dispel any notions that rebuilding North Battleford's downtown will be a simple matter.
First, I must give Brian Bell, president of Heritage Moose Jaw, a large thank you for helping me organize this trip and for giving us a grand tour of historic Moose Jaw. He arranged for us to meet with business owners, Mayor Hegel and a film crew from London who were making a documentary on the historic Walter Scott Building. He also hosted lunch at the heritage Gallery Restaurant. Second, a huge thank you to councillors Ron Crush and Ray Fox who made the trip with me. Finally, thank you to News-Optimist staff writer John Cairns for accompanying us and giving us detailed and professional coverage.
In my opinion, this trip was the best single thing I have done in my quest to save our built heritage, particularly the historic buildings downtown. I am convinced that both councillors were highly impressed with how Moose Jaw restored and manages it history, and has, in fact, made it a remarkable cultural and commercial success. I believe both councillors will have an important influence on their colleagues and the administration with respect to understanding how important downtown and our built heritage is to our citizens.
Despite our extraordinary day in Moose Jaw, and all of the ideas and information we acquired, we should not think that rebuilding North Battleford's downtown will be a straightforward matter. Far from it. It will be a massive, extremely challenging undertaking.
We will need to deal with the horrendous social problems downtown before businesses and professional groups will relocate. In addition to restoring North Battleford's historic buildings, we must create a beautiful, safe, business-friendly, prosperous and culturally and socially viable downtown. At the present time we do not have an accepted idea and plan, or the resources, or the leadership to accomplish this.
Richard W. Hiebert, Ph.D.
President, Battlefords Heritage Society
