Hearing the mayors of Battleford and North Battleford tell it, the state of their communities is solid indeed.
Battleford mayor Derek Mahon and North Battleford mayor Ian Hamilton were the main attractions for the second annual joint State of the City/Town Address, hosted by Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.
This year's edition was the first one held in the town of Battleford, at the Fort Battleford historic site.
It was also the first state of the town address for Mahon as mayor of Battleford, having been elected for the first time last year.
In his address, Mahon focused largely on the developments going on within the town of Battleford, starting with the Battle Springs subdivision.
"There's 32 R-1 residential lots that will be available for sale soon," said Mahon. The subdivision will feature three cul-de-sacs and the lots will have a view of Government House and the river valley. Lots will start in the neighbourhood of $75,000, he said.
Mahon also spoke about conceptual planning being done for future phases for Battle Springs. He also spoke about the 15th Street residential extension on the west end of that street, which has been subdivided into a number of lots.
He noted the progress in Battleford West including developing a service agreement with Battle West Properties. As well, Mahon pointed to the lot grading being done on Old Town Square, where a proposed Tim Hortons and other businesses are to go.
He also pointed to the service agreement with Kramer Caterpillar whose large new facility is still under construction near Highway 16.
Other subjects Mahon touched on included the new well that is part of the water treatment plant expansion project, local road improvements, as well as the ongoing Opera House project. He also spoke of the twinning of Highway 4 and the Urban Highway Connectors Program.
Recent changes were announced to the Highways Connectors Program, said Mahon, and "those discussions are ongoing."
While Mahon focused on the town's development, Mayor Ian Hamilton's State of the Town speech mainly focused on quality of life issues and the initiatives being done to address that.
Hamilton spoke glowingly of the completion of the Credit Union CUPlex and the city's centennial celebration. He also touted the establishment of the downtown business improvement district as a "further demonstration of the passionate commitment of the city's business community to make a difference." He also spoke of a recently-established HUB program focusing on making the community safer.
Hamilton said crime numbers have dropped in the community, noting crime has been declining over the past three years.
The mayor also spoke about the expanded duties for the Battlefords Tourism and Convention Association and the establishment of a destination marketing fee paid by hotels, to be put towards attracting conventions and tourists to the Battlefords.
The tone from both mayors was upbeat, with their speeches focusing on their communities' growth and opportunities.
However, neither mayor left the head table without having to address the one notable piece of bad news for the community this year: the Maple Leaf Foods plant closure and loss of 300 jobs.
In response to a question from the floor seeking an update on the situation, Mayor Hamilton had nothing new to report. He said efforts to find a new occupant for the Maple Leaf plant on Canola Aveue continue.
While there has been some interest expressed, Hamilton said there "was nothing concrete" at this point.
"It's a good asset, it's a good facility. It's something that should be and will be marketable. What would go in there would be the same size and same level of employment opportunities," said Hamilton.
