NORTH BATTLEFORD North Battleford thrives with investment, services and ideal location Saskatchewan community takes proactive approach to economic development opportunities Photo by Anand George Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature North Battleford, Saskatchewan has been attracting in- vestment and growth with a combination of its excellent lo- cation, affordable land prices, available labour, lower operating costs, a high quality of life, and the city's bold de- cisions to invest in itself. The community has an ideal location on the national high- way grid connecting Winnipeg to Northern British Columbia, and equidistant between Regina and Edmonton and Saska- toon and Lloydminster. Mayor Ian Hamilton says significant investment is being made in steam-assisted oil extraction just northwest of the city. “Husky has three projects alone that will employ about 80 people as high-end operators,” he said. “We expect this will have a positive impact on us directly and understand that more oil and gas opportunities are coming.” He says the city is willing to work with business on a case-by-case basis to assess individual needs both for at- traction and retention. “We used to be laid back but now we’re embracing the growth in the province and thinking more proactively about what we are capable of doing.” The construction two years ago of the $850 million North www.rcph.ca email: rcph@sasktel.net Ph. 306.445.4344 Fx. 306.445.4497 841-106th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 1W3 32 – Fall 2014 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report Battleford Energy Centre has secured a reliable and consis- tent source of long-term power for the region. North Battleford also serves as a regional agricultural hub for a trading population of between 70,000 and 80,000. The community also has health services which Hamilton says are both extensive and excellent, including Saskatchewan's only psychiatric rehabilitation hospital. “The province announced this year it will rebuild the Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford, hopefully begin- ning next year. The $180 million project will include 188 mental health beds and will have an adjoining correctional facility with 96 cells for inmates,” he said. The hospital and nearby oilfield developments have de- pleted the community's available housing inventory, but the city can react quickly and will respond to new residential needs as they arise. Hamilton says North Battleford has demonstrated confi- dence in its growth and a commitment to maintaining its liv- ing environment through projects including the Co-Op Aquatic Centre opened in 2012 and the adjacent NATION- SWEST Field House, where dual fields can each accommo- date 250 spectators. “We also have a new six-sheet curling rink and our 380-seat Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts.” Nearby, just 20 minutes away in one direction, Hamilton says you can find the best downhill skiing in the province, and in the other direction, there are scenic lakes and provin- cial parks. The city has a robust construction industry. Hamilton says though year-to-date permits number around the same as last year, their value has risen from $10 million to $40 million. “Walmart is expanding to a full-service location and Home Hardware is doubling its footprint.” Eight first nations groups live in the area and Hamilton says the city recognizes that aboriginal youth represents the highest-rising demographic. He said work is ongoing to es- tablish training and development opportunities within this community to support future growth opportunities.