BATTLEFORD — The Battlefords North West Historical Society with Debi Anderson, Jane Shury, and Joseph Campbell ,spoke to Battleford town council at their Dec. 12 meeting, asking for support for the Sask. Hospital Legacy trail fundraising campaign.
Council was presented with a budget, a map, and cards and brochures about the project so that council members could pass on information to interested parties. Anderson spoke about the history leading up to the legacy trail and how people in the community would be positively impacted.
During the presentation, Anderson expressed an idea the committee had discussed, which would have the town fund a portion of the trail overlooking Battleford.
Suggestions for the section of the trail included a telescope and information regarding Fort Battleford, the Fred Light Museum, and other Battleford landmarks as seen from the Sask. Hospital grounds overlooking the river.
“We welcome any support you'd be willing to provide to our project,” Anderson said.
The committee is looking to build eight to ten pedestals, with one already sponsored. The trail is planned to be about 400 meters in length.
“We're asking the province to fund the building of a trail from the new hospital to the chapel,” Anderson said, which they feel is an oversight on the Sask. government's part, as staff and patients have to walk on the road to reach the chapel.
“If fundraising went well, we'd be happy to do more.”
Shury also wanted to remind people that the cenotaph is a part of the plans as well.
Councillor Christensen shared her thoughts, saying she was excited and believes the legacy trail is extremely important to the history of the area, with tourism also aided by the development of the legacy trail. Council mirrored her comments enthusiastically.
“I think we will all try and advocate the best we can,” acting mayor Boutin-Gervais said.
There is no anticipation that construction of the trail will start until 2024, as the City of North Battleford and the Sask. Government are still working on the transfer of land.
For more information, you can visit the Sask. Hospital Legacy Trail website : saskhostpitallegacytrail.ca , or you can follow their page on Facebook.
