Mayor Ian Hamilton cited several areas of progress in North Battleford as he welcomed in 2012 at city council Monday.
Hamilton began the meeting with brief remarks to welcome the New Year. He said the year 2011 that just ended was "one of the most progressive years North Battleford has ever seen."
"There was new initiatives, new projects and certainly unprecedented building permits in 2011," the mayor said.
He said the projects contributed to the local economy receiving "a very nice boost which attracted provincial, national and even international attention for our city."
He cited business expansion during the year, as week as the new Glencoe 21-unit condominium as well as other new and improved homes and residences.
Hamilton noted 2012 promised further expansion with "completion of the Credit Union CUPlex, completion of Harwood Manor, the start of Glencoe's 21 condominium units, new businesses, new homes."
The mayor pointed to adoption in 2011 of a strategic plan that articulates a vision and core values that would guide council. He also said 2012 will see the official community plan be received and adopted to provide long-term direction to the city.
Hamilton also repeated a familiar theme from North Battleford city hall where the community is being promoted as a growing "have" city.
"I believe that we are currently positioned to recognize what we have in the city rather than what we don't have, capably able to assess and undertake what we can do rather than accept and believe we cannot and/or should not. I believe we are now able as a community to acknowledge our blessings and build upon our strengths," said Hamilton.
Hamilton closed by thanking "the citizens of North Battleford for your participation and for your support, especially to many volunteers who have devoted hundreds of thousands hours to the betterment of our community."
