Historical reasons and potential development are motivators behind the Town of Battleford approving the purchase of land from the Oblates.
The Oblates are selling just under nine acres of land near Government House to Battleford for $75,000.
The area south of Battleford is a particularly historic one. The remains of the old Government House, built in 1876 are located there, as is the old Land Titles Registry Office.
The old Government House had many uses over the years, including the seat of government of the Northwest Territories, the Battleford Industrial School and a seminary. The building burned down in 2003.
At Monday’s town council meeting, Mayor Ames Leslie estimated the land price to be higher than regular farmland, although he said trying to buy the land back from someone at a later date would likely be more expensive.
Leslie also said at Monday’s meeting the area could be a site for residential development.
“It’s unexpected but as part of the bigger picture, we have to do it,” Councillor Doug Laing said.
