Mayor Ryan Bater was beaming Monday night over the development happening in the city of North Battleford.
One reason Bater was enthusiastic was because of the proposed strip mall development for the 1500 block of 100th Street, for which a discretionary use application was approved at Monday’s council meeting.
He called that project “great to see.” But the mayor made clear he was also enthusiastic about the public’s reaction to other construction activity in the city.
“I’m excited. These are exciting times,” said Bater to reporters.
“I have been stopped by so many people, I’ve received emails, people telling me how great the downtown looks, how exciting it is to see so much construction downtown, construction in the southeast quadrant. The whole city is seeing development right now, and it’s an amazing time to be here. This is during a time when most of the province is still in an economic downturn.”
He adds the development activity is “really lifting the spirits of the people here, and I’m loving it, I’d like to see more of it.”
The most notable development activity downtown has been the Magic Lantern four-screen theatre project at 11th Avenue and 101st Street, now into its fifth month of construction.
In the southeast quadrant, the new Comfort Inn and Suites is now open, while another new hotel project is slated to go up, as well.
The year 2018 has been a good one for building permits in the city. Through July, 79 permits have been issued for $16,296,600, up from 75 for $15,989,125 for the same period in 2017. Updated numbers through August are expected at next week’s planning committee meeting.
In speaking to reporters Monday, Bater reiterated the City’s commitment to downtown revitalization efforts. The mayor said he hopes their plans are being communicated to investors so they know where the city is going.
“We’re in year two of a five-year facelift for downtown. So we still have three years to go. And investors are seeing the Ccity’s commitment to that. They’re seeing the results of it, we’re seeing new business downtown, not just ones being constructed but new businesses filling up old vacant properties as well. It’s really exciting and I think we’re going to see more of it in the years to come."
Bater also voiced enthusiasm for the 100th Street strip mall development. The development would be the new location for Aaron Cadrin’s Sun Life Financial business, as well as other potential commercial tenants.
“It will add some more options for commercial properties,” said Bater. “As well, part of the feature of this property, which was approved tonight, is the residential option, which is intended for managers or owners of those businesses to live above them.”
