There were many positive things happening in North Battleford in 2018, but they were overshadowed by a few other events like the Gerald Stanley trial, where the farmer was found not guilty of 2nd Degree Murder in the death of Colten Boushie and a W5 television episode calling the city the Crime Capital of Canada.
Mayor Ryan Bater says poverty and a racial divide are issues the city has been working on and continues to work on with both Rural Municipalities and local First Nations, but it was 150 years in the making and it can’t be fixed overnight.
The City is trying to reinvigorate the downtown area and has brought in a tax incentive as well as working on some beautification.
The result is a few new businesses opening up and a Giant Tiger scheduled to open this year (2019) and a new cinema.
There are also two new hotels in the city, which Bater says helps to attract larger events and conventions.
In fact, January 8th to the 13th North Battleford is hosting the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling Canadian Open.
Bater hopes that’s a sign of more larger events to come.