Saying they want an assurance of their future in the city, the Battlefords Agriculural Society went to city council Monday to ask for a 25-year lease for their property.
In a presentation, Ag Society director Harvey Walker called for the long-term lease, 25 years on the current property as well as contiguous property that the Ag Society would need.
He called for a policy to be put in place that recognizes the importance of the Ag Society and allow certainty for future operations.
On hand in the gallery were Ag Society directors Dianne Winterhalt, John Eberle, Dana Alexander, Kay Berry and manager Jocelyn Ritchie.
Walker outlined a number of issues the Ag Society had, in particular about the land they lease from the City and use for various Ag Society events. Walker is concerned about plans to build a BTC Heritage Park in the area. He said plans for the park could include Ag Society-leased land all the way up to the current Agriplex. Walker said if the Agriplex goes "we're toast."
Walker talked about the current 10-year lease with the City that has a six-month termination clause.
"Effectively, it is a six-month lease. You can't do anything with a six-month lease," said Walker, saying it impacts negatively on buildings and other plans for the Ag Society.
City officials explained the current plans for the BTC Heritage Park do not include Ag Society leased land.
Also brought up was an old proposal for a road to extend from Carlton Trail through the Ag Society grounds, through where the Agriplex is located. Councillor Trent Houk asked about that proposed road, and City Manager Toye confirmed that proposal was a "concept" only and was not part of the official plan.
Toye explained that as part of the deal with the City, the Battlefords Tribal Council had acquired land to the east and south of the current Gold Eagle Lodge location. It did not include the Agriplex, he said.
Councillor Ron Crush said he was not happy to hear the Ag Society feels undervalued by the City.
"The value speaks for itself," said Crush, noting the events that go on there. Crush voiced support for the Ag Society and said the organization should be considered in the City's future planning. Crush also said he did not want the society to put its ambitions on hold because of the planning.
Walker indicated he was comforted by Crush's comments and by the information the City had provided about the land.
No final decisions were made at Monday's meeting on the lease request.
Before going too far in his presentation, Walker issued his own personal public apology for a letter to the editor he wrote a year ago, a piece which Walker described Monday night as "intemperate" and "aggressive in tone."
He described Toye as being hurt and "personally insulted" by the letter, and Walker said Toye personally met with him and accepted his apology in private. "This is my first opportunity to make my apology public," Walker said.
