Here is a summary of some of the topics that were up for discussion at a busy North Battleford council meeting Monday night.
The Battlefords Early Childhood Community Planning Network requested a meeting with councillors on the issue of transportation services for children and families. In a letter to the city dated Sept. 29, chair Colleen Sabraw stated families from a number of areas are particularly impacted by the lack of public transportation.
She cited the Northwest (Panton Avenue area), Riverview, Fairview Heights, and Northeast (St. Laurent Drive) as particularly impacted.
Councillor Grace Lang said she wanted council to extend an invitation to the organization to meet on the issues raised. City Clerk Debbie Wohlberg said she will write a letter to that end.
Council also expressed appreciation for North Battleford Fire and Emergency Services for their participation in anhydrous ammonia training with Viterra. Viterra holds the training with their emergency response teams as a way to improve their skills and abilities in case such an event happens, and councillors praised the force's participation and preparedness for emergency situations.
During the announcements and inquiries portion of the meeting, Councillor Trent Houk wanted to know whether a review of the alley maintenance had been completed by administration, and whether a contractor had been, or could be, hired to get work done on the alleyways. Public Works Director Stewart Schafer said options are being looked at.
Houk's inquiry came on the heels of the recent wet and cold weather that had hit the area, which he said led to "more back alley complaints."
Winter was on the mind of Lang as well, as she expressed her concerns about bus passengers at the Greyhound bus depot having to wait outdoors for buses during cold weather conditions.
She noted a situation where a bus arrived an hour and a half late, with passengers forced to wait outside for the bus to arrive because the depot was closed at that hour on weekends. She worried what might happen when the temperatures got worse.
"What happens if it's thirty below?" she said.
Director of Business Development Denis Lavertu said he would research the situation and make inquiries on the situation.
There was considerable discussion on the issue of off-site advertising for non-profit organizations. That will be reviewed by the Municipal Planning Commission and Steering Committee as part of the official community plan process.
Finally, council chambers were opened up to the public the next evening, Tuesday night on another issue of importance to the city: planning for the inaugural Christmas parade downtown.
The first annual Downtown Christmas Parade is set for Sunday, Nov. 21 in North Battleford. The Tuesday night meeting provided information to those interested in participating and entering floats in the event.
The event is being spearheaded by the Battlefords Boys and Girls Club, alongside the City, as an effort to revitalize the downtown core and allow businesses and organizations to open their doors and get into the holiday spirit.
The parade run from the Venice House location on 100th Street, turn at 11th Avenue and then go up 104th Street, then turn down 12th Avenue before ending at the library on 101st Street. Prizes are also planned for best store/business front along the route.
Those seeking more information can call Sheri Woolridge at 445-0002.
