BATTLEFORD - The Town of Battleford has agreed to have a seat at the table on the board for discussions on the future plans for the Access Communications Centre (ACC) in North Battleford.
The Town agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with other signatories on the board.
"The City of North Battleford is asking Regional members to sign an MOU which allows them to come to the table to be part of discussions of whether or not the ACC, the Civic Centre, the different names across the generations, is to be replaced or even if it's a consideration of a rehabilitation or a renovation," Town of Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie said during council's recent meeting. "The MOU is, as noted by the City, [North Battleford] Mayor [Kelli] Hawtin as well as City Manager [Randy] Patrick, that there is no commitment financially to this, no commitment to build it, if we sit on this board or sign this MOU here today."
Leslie noted by signing the MOU, it allows the Town of Battleford to be in the planning process discussions.
The MOU reads that the Town of Battleford and the City of North Battleford wish to jointly evaluate and consider the development of a new regional arena and event centre, and each community is willing to partner for the development of a regional facility. The parties, therefore named, will work together to create a regional arena and events centre that is expected to be operational by 2032."
Leslie added that if it turns out the project is not viable, then different considerations will be looked at.
Coun. Doug Laing was in favour of the proposal.
"We need to be at the table to have these discussions to support this project going forward...," he said. "We've got to be at the table."
Coun. Kevin Russell agreed.
"As an entire region, we want to have a voice about what we want and what we can help out with...," he said. "I'll speak for myself, I campaigned on youth, and this is a big driver for our youth."
Mayor Leslie also agreed.
"It's the first time in my 13 years, or over 12 years at sitting at this table, it's the first time the region has openly been wanting to have a discussion about a project ...," he said. "I look to what this direction will be."
Leslie added he appreciates the work that North Battleford Mayor Kelli Hawtin has put into this initiative.
Leslie stressed after the meeting that being on the board does not mean the town will be required to put any funding into the project.
"The Town is not committing to invest a single dollar into the rink at this point," he said. "We just feel in listening to council, given the direction, that we need to be part of that discussion from a regional partner [perspective]."
