Herb Sutton pointed out many positives in his latest community safety monitoring report to North Battleford city council Monday.
Sutton was upbeat about the Hub table, saying it was “back on track” after some recent challenges.
He reported the Hub has a new chair in Penni Clarke, from Mental Health and Addictions. She takes over a position that had been filled on a rotating basis following the departure of previous chair Tonya Browarny earlier this year.
Mayor Ryan Bater welcomed the appointment, saying Clarke is “very passionate about this community and I think that’s a very good fit.”
Sutton also said a Hub table reboot is now complete, and pointed to that as well as supports from Community Safety and Well Being (the provincial overseer for Hubs in the province) for a sense of renewal.
“We really seem to be getting ourselves back on track,” said Sutton. “I know I’ve spoken in the past of concerns that I’ve had, and I really think we’ve got a renewed sense of energy.”
He noted referrals continue to come in, and interventions are carried out, and “that’s what Hub is intended to do.” He also said he appreciated the City’s full support.
Sutton is reporting the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design review committee is again partnering with Leisure Services to host four community barbecues. The first one is Thursdau at Connaught School at 5 p.m. and more are planned for St. Mary Thursday, June 7, Kinsmen Park Thursday, June 14 and Fairview Thursday, June 21. The intent is to connect members of the community to summer programming operated by the City, provide a venue for neighbours to get to know one another, and also talk about community safety.
“We’ve had great turnouts in the past,” said Sutton. The CPTED review committee is also encouraging and promoting neighbourhood block parties. They are planning some incentives for promotion and urge residents to look for more details at the City’s website.
Sutton had some good news to report on an Emergency Services Responder Program that has been proposed for the high schools. At a planning meeting last week, there was discussion about the program going forward and Sutton said it looked like they will be offering Emergency Services Responder Training 10 and 20 this year and 30 next year.
Fire Chief Trevor Brice noted at least two of those who have gone through the program decided they want to become first responders — one in EMS and the other in firefighting.
“The benefit of the program is certainly showing results,” said Brice.
A major item for Sutton was work on building regional government-to-government relations.
To that end, a breakfast meeting will be happening June 13 involving Mayor Bater, Mayor Ames Leslie of Battleford and seven surrounding First Nation Chiefs.
The purpose will be for the leaders to get to know one another, begin the conversations on regional government-to-government relations, and seek input from the chiefs on how it will work.
“We believe that we will be more effective in engaging the provincial and federal government if we come together as regional leaders and have one voice if we work regionally,” said Sutton.
Mayor Bater said he looked forward to those meetings. “It’s absolutely critical that we come together and start to develop that coalition, and then work from there on the provincial and federal level as well.”
