NORTH BATTLEFORD - North Battleford council got down to business Wednesday night in looking at the extensive list of capital needs facing the city.
At a special planning committee meeting at Don Ross Centre chambers, council were presented with a 2024 draft capital budget and long term capital overview.
The focus for the roughly four-and-a-half hour meeting was discussion of capital items and a lengthy list of projects and needs was presented, with administration seeking input and feedback.
“We have a lot of big projects that are going to have to be funded,” City Manager Randy Patrick told council members. “They are critical, some of them. Absolutely critical.”
No final decisions were made on what will go ahead — those will wait for the budget deliberations later this year — but there was good discussion on what the priorities ought to be. Here is a broad look at some, though not all, of the major capital items being proposed for the city of North Battleford over the coming few years:
City Hall roof replacement:
A roofing assessment in 2021 found the City Hall roof was noted as having “severely deteriorated.” Total cost is estimated at $955,000. Other capital projects contemplated for City Hall include renovating the old council chambers and a main floor washroom.
City wide security camera solution:
Citywide surveillance cameras are being contemplated to provide an enhance response to crime in the city. The total capital cost is $500,000.
Highway 4 and West Territorial/South Railway Intersection:
A major project is being contemplated to upgrade the intersection on highway 4 heading south from downtown to prepare for signalization in 2024-25. Total cost is $1,960,000.
Intersection of Territorial and Carlton/ Pioneer Ave:
The project to improve the pedestrian crossing, rebuild road structure and upgrade traffic signals at this intersection is estimated at $1.2 million, with taxation required of $510,000.
Fire hall upgrades:
Roof decorating on the fire department building is being proposed to extend the life of the building. Cost is $320,000.
Aerial ladder truck:
The fire department is also looking for a new replacement aerial ladder truck, but the cost is steep at $2.3 million, and the recommendation is to defer the purchase to 2028 for that reason.
Airport security fencing:
The cost is $50,000 for a security fence that could address issues in keeping both animals and even human beings off the runways.
Wheel loader with front snowblower:
This item for the roadways department is estimated at $600,000 and is among a number of equipment items being contemplated.
Landfill compactor:
A landfill compactor for the Waste Management Facility is estimated at $1.5 million.
Reconditioning of Access Communications Centre:
As was discussed at Monday’s council meeting, a host of renovations are being proposed for Access Communications Centre at a cost of $5.4 million, with the view to extend the life of the building to 2038. The work would address a host of structural issues at the facility.
A new chiller is also needed at the ACC for $125,000 and washroom upgrades in the lounge are estimated at $70,000 to improve accessibility.
Permanent outdoor rink:
A cost of $150,000 is contemplated for an outdoor permanent rink in the city, which will have lights so play can continue after dark.
Splash Park:
$180,000 is the estimate for a splash park at Connaught School park, which is contemplated to be a joint venture with Rotary Club of the Battlefords.
FE Holliday plant renovations:
$2 million is the total cost for this project, which would provide backup power generation capabilities in the event of a power outage, in order to maintain enough water in the reservoirs to supply the city. The City has applied to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund for funding.
Water Tower backup generator:
$800,000 is the estimate for a backup generator to keep the water system functioning in event of a power outage. The city has applied for Federal Disaster Mitigation Funding.
New Water Production Well No. 30:
This would ensure a constant water source for the Water Treatment Plant No. 1, and is estimated at $600,000.
