“TheDifference is Worth the Drive”

Regional Optimist
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The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014 - Page 16
After 27 years in the furniture,
appliance and electronic business
Battleford Furniture continues to
“PROGRESS”
It all started in 1988 when Chris
Odishaw re-opened the family business … Chris’s Mom and Dad had
remodelled the original municipal
hockey arena in Battleford in 1979
and after operating the company
until 1986, sold the business to the
then expanding company “Buy-Rite
Furniture”.
By 1988 Buy-rite closed their
doors and the building was sitting
empty …. Chris was persuaded to
stay in the Battlefords and give the
furniture business a try …. The rest
is history!
Chris learned some basic rules
of business and by putting his
psychology degree to work came up
with some basic principles ….
1.Treat everyone like you want
to be treated …..
2.Everyone loves a great deal!
3.Make a little bit of money
from a lot of people instead of
making a lot of money from a
few people
4.Put more back in than you
take out! (Works for business,
community and family too!)
5.You can’t sell from an empty
wagon!
And the empty wagon is where
Battleford Furniture is sitting today
…. They are short of warehouse
space and are currently building
a brand new warehouse and
distribution center in Battleford!
This will be the first new building
ever used by Battleford Furniture!
The best part of the new building
is that it will be large enough to
stock a lot of inventory … current
inventory levels are stored in several
locations …. That number will rise
to 3 million in one single facility
….. this means that Battleford
Furniture will continue to be able to
buy in large quantities to get the best
possible pricing and the wagon will
be full …. When you need product,
it will be in stock, ready for pick up
or delivery! …. And yes, Always at
Guaranteed lowest prices!
Battleford Furniture would like
to thank their many friends and
customers who have supported
them throughout the years and
Chris promises to continue to make
“THE DIFFERENCE IS WORTH
THE DRIVE”!
Battleford Furniture
o
t
s
e
u
n
conti
“Progress”
Located at 192-24th Street West, Battleford - 2 Blocks north of the Post Office in the Town of Battleford
• Toll Free 1-877-937-7474 • Local 306-937-7474 • Fax 306-937-7676 • Check us out at www.battlefordfurniture.com
Page 15 - The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014
Regional Optimist
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How non-financial benefits can be a game-changer for your business
By Jonathan Hamelin
What is the cost of losing a good employee?
Entrepreneurs know it can
be high.
At Frima Studio, a fastgrowing video game maker,
the challenge of attracting
and keeping talent got
harder five years ago, when
a pair of deep-pocketed
multinational competitors
opened offices nearby. “We
couldn’t compete on salary,
so we decided to create an
attractive workplace—one
that was fun and inspiring,”
says Nathalie McLaughlin,
Frima’s Human Resources
Director.
Twice a year, Frima
emulates the “Dragons’
Den” TV show and invites
its employees to pitch innovative projects to a panel
of judges. “If we judge a
project to be solid enough
and to have sufficient marketing potential, we will release its creators from a few
of their usual tasks so that
they can devote one day a
week to the development of
their amazing idea. A few
months later, we review the
state of the project and decide if it’s worth pursuing,
in which case we greenlight its production and
marketing. This program is
already starting to yield impressive results,” explains
McLaughlin.
The array of benefits
designed to make Frima’s
employees’ lives easier includes flexible work hours,
as well as a week of paid
vacation time between the
25th of December and the
New Year. The
company offers employees
gaming areas
and an on-site
gym.
Twice
a month, two
massage therapists and a
hair stylist also
drop by.
Frima isn’t
alone in turning to creative
ways to provide
employees with
non-monetary
rewards.
“Companies
in all industries—not just
high-tech—increasingly see
non-financial
compensation
as vital to their
growth,” says
Nathalie Gélinas, Senior
Vice President, Consulting, at the Business Development Bank of Canada
(BDC). In today’s challenging economy, it’s harder
than ever for many entrepreneurs to find the resources
to draw in and retain skilled
employees, she adds. At
the same time, boomers are
quitting the labour market,
leading to labour shortages
in many fields. This means
businesses are increasingly competing for good
back. Losing an employee
is very costly. Human capital is the most important
resource a business has,”
she says. “The ultimate
challenge is to mobilize employees. Salary alone will
workers, but they have less
money to do it with.
The good news: nonfinancial benefits can be
inexpensive and can even
boost a company’s productivity, Gélinas says. “The
cost is a lot smaller than
what the employer gets
never mobilize or retain
talent over the long-term.
Businesses should be creative about finding ways to
attract and engage talent.”
At Frima, the employeefriendly workplace became
a beacon for smart, enthusiastic workers who helped
THE BATTLEFORDS
We see the Hope and Potential in
every young person.
We believe in the holistic development of
youth – Physically, Spiritually, Emotionally and
Socially as Jesus modeled for us to do. There are
over 4,000 youth in the Battlefords area; we have
much more work to do.
How do we impact youth? – Transforming
a generation one life at a time. Battlefords YFC
impacts over 100 youth each week, mobilizing
staff and volunteers. Building strong mentoring
relationships with youth is the key.
What do we do? – Our Initiatives.
Two42 Youth Drop-in Centre provides a safe,
fun place for youth to connect with caring adults.
TWO42 is a youth center located at 1371-103
St Living Faith Chapel building in North Battleford.
This program offers free sports for youth ages
12-18 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
from 7-9pm each week.
propel the company’s explosive growth. “The key
to our success is our work
culture,” McLaughlin says.
“We listen to employees
a lot. People always talk
about the customer experience. We have
developed the
employee experience.
It
means people
don’t want to
leave.”
Frima also
has a performance
reward
system
that
awards points
that employees
can exchange
for
services,
thus
reinforcing the company’s commitment to helping employees
maintain workfamily balance.
Perks include
tax preparation,
lawn mowing,
babysitting,
movie/dinner
combos and more. “Our
office is completely different from anything else in
the area. It’s really made
a difference in attracting
people,” McLaughlin says.
Frima’s success shows
that while pay is important,
it isn’t what makes employ-
ees happy at work, Gélinas
says. Employees want flexibility, trust and the chance
to develop as part of a team,
she adds. “We spend a lot of
time listening to customers
to serve them better. We
also need to listen to employees.”
How to Compensate
Without Cash
Entrepreneurs
should
listen to employees to learn
what benefits they value
and work on non-financial
compensation
constantly
until it becomes part of
the company’s way of life,
BDC’s Nathalie Gélinas
says. Here are three types of
non-financial compensation
to consider.
Flexibility. A flexible
workplace is increasingly in
demand. You can offer flexibility in terms of time (variable work hours) and space
(opportunities to work outside the office).
Trust. Employees like to
have responsibility, work in
a harmonious environment
and be trusted to make decisions. At the same time,
you should hold employees
accountable via solid performance appraisals.
Self-development. Entrepreneurs should think about
how to help employees develop themselves. The result
will be more a productive
and motivated workforce.
YOUTH FOR CHRIST
Box 2368 Battleford SK S0M 0E0
phone: 1-306-490-7502
email: [email protected]
website: www.yfcbattlefords.com
Jedidiah Youth Home – Jedidiah is the Hebrew
word meaning “Loved by God.” Located in the
Battlefords, the home is meant to assist youth
aged 12-18 transition to inter-dependence. The
home is comprised of ¿ve beds and is staffed 24/7,
providing parenting support and programming for
each youth. The home gives youth a place where
they are safe, loved and know they belong. One
of the most powerful tools in transformation is
building relationships and the youth are able to
stay connected after they leave the home.
1371-103 STREET
NORTH BATTLEFORD
(LIVING FAITH CHAPEL BUILDING)
We see the hope and
potentiall in every young person
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302 - 22nd Street
Battleford, SK
Phone
306.937.7001
www.cogent-cga.com
By Terri Eger
As a growing accounting rm, Cogent
Business Consulting has the ability to provide
individual, specic services to its clients.
“Cogent Business Consulting stands out
because we have the growth and size to be able
to specialize in certain areas,” explained Gerry
Pohl, one of ve partners in the rm. “We are
able to concentrate people on certain areas so
they are more focused for our clients.”
The rm works with its clients to meet
their specic needs and nd solutions to their
problems.
“We can work with our clients to pinpoint
areas that need to be worked on whether it be
turning over inventory faster or proper use of
accounts payable,” said Pohl.
Cogent Business Consulting provides tax
services such as payroll services; estate and
trust tax preparation; and tax planning and
preparation. They offer accounting services
such as audits; review and compilations;
bookkeeping and write up; cash ow and
budgeting analysis; and nancial forecast
Second Debut
Second Debut is becoming a
clothing destination in the Battlefords area. With high quality, new
and gently used clothing for the
entire family, the store is attracting
customers of all ages, sizes and
genders.
“We are putting more than 200
new items on the floor each day so
there is lots to see,” said owner Alanna Priel. With inventory that is
on display for a maximum of three
months, shoppers are encouraged
to visit often.
Since purchasing the business in
January, Priel has made a number
of changes in terms of renovating
and reorganizing the store to enhance the shopping experience of
her customers. With a background
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014 - Page 14
and projection. The business also provides
consulting services such as estate planning;
business consulting; business succession
planning; management advisory services;
purchase and sale of a business information;
retirement planning; accounting software
selection and implementation; nancial
planning and employee benet plan
information.
“We provide corporate and personal income
tax nancial statements as well as those for
small and large entities, organizations, nonprot groups and governments,” said Pohl.
He added that they offer advanced
tax services, and can advise clients on
organizational restructuring and other business
consulting services which are benecial. In
addition, Pohl said that they are knowledgeable
in many different industries.
“We are well versed in oil and gas
accounting which is becoming more and more
important in the Battleford area.”
Cogent
Business
Consulting
was
incorporated in 1994 with three partners in
Weyburn. The business expanded in the early
2000s with the acquisition of a Regina rm and
continued to expand in 2004 with an ofce in
Meadow Lake. This spring, further expansion
took place when the rm acquired a practice
in Battleford. The rm is led by a total of ve
partners with Pohl being the partner in charge
of the Meadow Lake and Battleford ofces.
The rm employs approximately 60 people
year-round and increases its payroll to 70
people during the busy tax season.
While the topic of taxes may not appeal to
some people, Pohl explained that there are a
number of reasons why he continues to enjoy
his career.
“I love the variety and the challenge,”
he explained. “I enjoy being able to answer
questions for my clients and, when I don’t
know the answer, I enjoy doing the research so
I can answer the question.”
With such a deep passion for the business,
clients can be sure that they will benet from
that same passion when they put Cogent
Business Consulting to work for them.
2741 - 99 Street, North Battleford, SK
306-446-2855
in managing clothing stores, Priel’s experience is showing through
as the store takes on a fresh, new
teens, men, women and seniors
with sizes ranging from petite to
plus. The store also carries acces-
look and feel.
Second Debut features wearable
items for the entire family including clothing for babies, children,
sories such as purses, jewelry, and
shoes. With everything from casual clothing to formal wear, there
is sure to be something that attracts
your attention.
Second Debut has a high standard in what items are accepted on
consignment. Items displayed for
sale are in clean, wearable condition and are free from damage of
any kind. Shoppers are sure to find
a clean, fresh store with high quality items.
Owning her own business has
always been a dream of Priel’s and
she is happy to be able to bring her
past experience to Second Debut.
“I have a passion for clothes and
for customer service,” said Priel. “I
love being out there making outfits
for people.”
Stop by Second Debut today to
see what is in store for you and
your family.
Consignment Clothing Store
THE SEWING MACHINE STORE
1160 - 101st Street, North Battleford
306-445-3715
The Sewing Machine Store is quite possibly North Battleford’s best kept secret
“People who know us, love us,”
says owner Kathy Kennedy, and
welcomes anyone interested in
sewing to stop by and visit.
After operating a fabric store for
seven years, Kennedy opened The
Sewing Machine Store in Saskatoon
in 1992 and was able to expand her
business to North Battleford eight years
ago. Kim Rose, the full time staffer in the
North Battleford store would love to help you
with any sewing needs you may have.
The store offers a full range of sewing
machines, sergers and accessories for machines
as well as a selection of quilting fabrics. As
the name suggests, The Sewing Machine store
specializes in sewing machines, offering Pfaff,
BabyLock and Janome brands in the North
Battleford location.
In addition to sales of machines, the business
Get your Sewing Machine ready for Winter
STORE HOURS: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
also offers machine maintenance.
CHECK OUT OUR COUPON
SPECIAL
WITH
THIS
WRITEUP. Kennedy explained
that, like all machinery, sewing
machines must be maintained on a
regular basis.
Hemming and alteration services are
also available. Drop in the store and ask Kim
to help you with any sewing you need done.
SAVE $8.00 OFF THE REGULAR SERVICE PRICE
REGULAR PRICE FROM $66.95
Valid thru to
Dec. 1, 2014
Monday to Friday…get in on the secret…today!
discover the possibilities
We understand the importance of professional work,
eye catching imagery and affordable pricing.
Thatʼs why our hardworking sales team is here to help.
Valorie Higgs
Sales Manager
Maureen Charpentier Jessica Woytowich
Sales Consultant
Sales Consultant
Call 306-445-7261
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Page 13 - The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014
Regional Optimist
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SpesMed established
Lyle Schell renovated the building in record time in 2011 and had it move in
ready in September. Since moving in, our patient base has grown signiÀcantly,
yet the ample parking, close proximity to amenities and ground level access,
has remained one of the main assets of the property.
In September of 2012 the ofÀces closed for 3 days and the entire venture
went on to become paperless. Daunting at Àrst, but with the support of the
Saskatchewan Medical Association and with Prairie North Health Region
making signiÀcant upgrades as to how things are done in the Health care
system we are proud to announce that serving our patients are now a paperless
joy without harming the environment.
Plans were to accommodate the 2 Internists due in the Battlefords. However,
with the arrival 3 Internal Medicine Specialists we have in town now, it was
considered more practical to accommodate them on the hospital premises.
At the moment the building contains of 2 Obstetrician Gyneacologists, 3
General Surgeons, a Psychiatrist, a Physiotherapist , an Urodynamics Clinic
and soon to be Female Wellness Clinic that will provide care to pregnant
mothers and female speciÀc health concerns. Improving access for under
served and marginalised patient will be a key priority, providing quality care
and primary care prevention services. The Physiotherapist will focus on
Pelvic Floor strengthening, urinary incontinence and pelvic pain, while the
Urodynamics clinic complement the Regional Pelvic Floor Pathway initiated
by Regional Nurse Practitioners. The Female Wellness clinic will guarantee
care consistent with National guidelines to all pregnant patients. This service is
coordinated by Dr Prollius who recently relocated to Saskatoon.
Dr’s Oyewole and Fadare, are onsite Specialists in Obstetrics and
Gynecology and will be providing the specialist back up and support to the
Female Wellness clinic. Discussions are under way to include midwifery
services as part of the comprehensive care package for Female Welness.
The Boardroom functions incredibly well for Educating purposes, often
including group patients sessions for Regional initiatives such as the Diabetes
in Pregnancy program, Maternal Health Quality initiative, Patient Order sets
and physician continued medical education.
2591 - 99th St. N
North Battleford
OBS GYNE:
Dr K Fadare
Dr S Oyewole
SURGEONS:
Dr M Gieni
Dr H du Plessis
Dr M Retief
PHYSIOTHERAPIST:
Lizelle Craib
PSYCHIATRIST:
Dr Y Mahmood
1SPC&QQCLAC4RSBGM:MSPPM?BRMGLLCPNC?AC
Practicing yoga has had an extremely positive effect on
Mandy Lehman’s life and that’s something she wants to
share. Lehman discovered yoga as a way to relieve tension,
increase flexibility and as a road to inner peace. As an
athlete with injuries, a physical therapist suggested she turn
to yoga as a way to stretch her muscles and heal her body.
After practicing yoga for a few years, Lehman opted to
take a semester off of university and found herself in the
Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania. From there she
travelled to India, a culture with a long tradition of
practicing yoga. She was able to get her initial
teacher’s training while travelling in the country
and later returned to her hometown to start her
own studio.
“My whole perspective on life and myself
has changed since I started practicing yoga,”
she said. “I love the daily meditation and
everything about yoga.” Lehman explained
that a learning disability made academic, linear
thinking a real challenge for her as a student.
“Sitting for hours at a time was not my forte,” she
said. Her trip to India taught her a great deal about herself.
“When I came back I was able to focus and had a lot
more clarity in my life. I was able to be open about my
disability and finish university,” she said. “Learning was a
lot more enjoyable.”
For Lehman, yoga has been a spiritual path to personal
healing and that is something she wants to share with all
of her clients. “It’s knowing what you are doing is true and
right for you.”
Pure Essence Studio offers a full range of yoga classes
and massage therapy.
“It’s a great marriage in healing,” she said of the two
disciplines.
Lehman runs the business from her home which makes
raising her six year old son Lukamus easier.
“Being there for him is important,” she said. ”He has
been a catalyst for me opening the business and running the
studio.”
In addition to the regular classes, Lehman holds, she also
goes out into the community to speak to people about the
healing effects of yoga.
“I love going and speaking about the mind and body
connections for a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “I teach from
my own personal experience and love to share things that
are able to inspire other people.”
Pure Essence Studio is an integral
part of the community. For the
past three years Lehman
has taught yoga, meditation and breathing to the Battleford
North Stars, students and faculty at educational institutes
in the community. Additionally, she has created a four-day
youth activity yoga camp.
Lehman encourages people to come out and try the
different styles of yoga she offers.
“Together we can find a class that is right for you and
help lead you on the path of healing.”
www.pureessencestudio.ca | 10935A Scott Dr., North Battleford | 306-480-9789
Regional Optimist
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The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014 - Page 12
Downtown North Battleford Business Improvement District
When people work together
great things can happen. This
holds true for businesses as well
and the Downtown North Battleford Business Improvement
District is proof of that. The BID
was formed to connect business
in the downtown core of the
community and attract consumers to the area.
“The purpose of the BID is to
improve, beautify and maintain
public property in addition to
city beautication and improvements, create a safe and secure
environment,
market and promote the BID
as a business
and shopping
area, develop
and host special events and
provide vision
and a voice
for the downtown,”
reads
the group’s website.
“The North Battleford Business Improvement District is
working hard to help change the
face of downtown,” said Executive Director Lisa McEachern.
“Not only with signature events
but with beautication projects
throughout downtown.”
The BID has made a number
of improvements to the area including the addition of benches
and garbage cans to 100th Street,
banners on all of the light posts
throughout the district and
Christmas decorations exclusive
to downtown. The clean team
has removed 18,000 pounds of
refuse from the core of the community.
Façade improvement Grants
were offered to six downtown
businesses to assist with the costs
of renovations made to the street
facing façade of their buildings.
“The renovations are still underway on most of the buildings
but are making a big improvement to the look of downtown,”
said McEachern.
Many fun events are scheduled for the BID this fall in-
cluding the Winter Festival and
Christmas Parade on November
22.
“There will be street hockey for the kids, hot chocolate,
marshmallows and hot dogs,
sleigh rides and the Christmas
parade,” she said.
With the success of last year’s
event, the second annual Win
Your Wish List Contest is being
planned for December. McEachern explained that shoppers
need only visit three participating businesses in the downtown
core, get their passports stamped
and then enter them in a draw.
Participating businesses have
donated prizes valued at a minimum of $150 each.
“Last year on Christmas
Eve the lucky winner took
home a prize package valued at
$5,000.”
Another great event that is
sure to draw people to the downtown core this year is the Unsilent Night. This international
event gives people the opportunity to participate in a live musical event where different versions of a certain musical piece
are played simultaneously.
“People can
pick a version
of the song
that they like
and they walk
around
the
downtown area
while playing
the music on a
portable system,” said McEachern.
The event has been a big hit
in major cities around the world
and the local Business Improvement District is excited about
participating in early December.
Details will be announced.
While successful in their
own right, businesses that have
been joined together through the
Business Improvement District
are able to do even more as a
cohesive unit. With promotions,
events and beautication strategies, the BID is improving the
downtown core of the community for the benet of everyone.
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Page 11 - The Battlefords,Thursday, October 30, 2014
Better Plan
Better Life...
Harwood
Manor
Aging in Place
AT HARWOOD MANOR,
a Licenced Personal Care Home!
Harwood Manor in North
Battleford has a wide variety of care
options available to meet the needs
of a diverse clientele. Administrator
Sharon Meena explained that the
Personal Care Home has a total of 72
rooms in four different sized suites
allowing couples to live together if
they choose.
“We provide all levels of care
including independent living and
assisted living with personal care,”
she said. Aging in Place options
include advanced levels of care
and Memory House is specifically
designed to meet the needs of people
with dementia including a wander
guard security system. Respite care
is also offered as an option for those
requiring care when their families are
unable to.
At Harwood Manor, individuals
have their own private room complete
with full bathroom. The facility is
also equipped with walk-in tubs,
jetted full size tubs and lift systems
to assist with mobility issues.
Harwood Manor and its staff put
the needs of the clients first and offer
recreational, exercise therapy as well
as a complete kitchen and housekeeping staff.
“24 hour care is provided by trained
Personal Care Workers with Nursing
present seven days a week, 10 hours
each day,” she said. “There is always
a Nurse on call as well to deal with
any afterhours issues. We are also
able to provide a Lab collection
service weekly which decreases the
need for the resident to have to go
PHONE: 306-445-6990
FAX: 306-445-6995
Email: [email protected]
PERSONAL CARE HOME
out for blood collection. There is
also a dedicated Physician who visits
weekly and is able to accept new
residents who do not have a family
physician, again decreasing the need
for a resident to make a trip out which
can be quite stressful for them.”
Meena, who is a Registered Nurse,
understands that needs vary based on
the individual.
“We sit down with the resident
and their families and develop a care
plan that is based on their individual
needs,” she said. “We try to tailor the
care to fit the specific needs of the
resident.”
Yearly reviews take place with
Harwood Manor staff, residents
and their families to ensure the care
being provided meets the needs of
the clients.
“We want to make sure that the
care that is in place is meeting their
needs and to make changes where
necessary.”
Ongoing teaching with the staff
is also implemented to increase the
comfort level of both the residents
and the staff.
Meals are prepared in the main
kitchen and delivered to each house
where a maximum of 17-19 residents
live. Meals can then be eaten together
which fosters a sense of community.
“We have created a smaller
community feel and have a lot of
social activities that exercise the
body and the mind,” said Meena.
A wide variety of recreational
activities are held regularly and
include things like baking days,
bingos, shopping trips, exercise
programs and live entertainment.
“We also provide escorts to doctor’s
appointments and other appointments
if needed,” she said.
Meena welcomes anyone who is
interested in the facility to make an
appointment for a tour.
“I’m happy to give people a tour
and show them what a great place
Harwood Manor is to live.”
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well-stocked and efficient parts department that works
diligently to meet every customer’s parts needs. It is
Tingley’s Harvest Center’s commitment to service that
makes them stand out from the competition.
In addition to carrying the full line of CLAAS
equipment from the LEXION combine series to the all-
306-445-8010
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014 - Page 10
Tingley’s Harvest Center is a full-service CLAAS dealer with three locations
providing experienced customer service in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. First
incorporated in 2003 based out of Lloydminster, AB, Tingley’s Harvest Center
expanded next into Vegreville, AB in 2009 and just this spring opened its third branch
in North Battleford, SK. The current location of the North Battleford dealership is
in McMillan Industrial Park, which was opened as a temporary location to meet the
immediate needs of growers in the area. There are plans for a new permanent location
to be constructed and operational by next summer.
As a CLAAS dealer Tingley’s Harvest Center offers growers a wide variety of
technologically innovative combines, forage harvesters, tractors, balers and hay tools.
The design and reliability of CLAAS equipment have made the brand an international
market leader and Tingley’s Harvest Center
brings that innovation and performance to
North Battleford and area fields.
With over 40 employees spread
across three locations, each branch has a
knowledgeable service department with
fully trained technicians both in the shop
and out in the service trucks. In total there
are seven service trucks providing field
support to customers throughout Alberta and
Saskatchewan. Along with an experienced
service department, each branch has its own
new in North America XERION tractor line, Tingley’s the diverse inventory of used equipment.
sells SeedMaster seeding equipment HORSH and
To find out more about Tingley’s Harvest Center
SUMO tillage equipment, Richiger grain baggers, Elmer and what they can offer your farm operation check out
grain carts, Highline bale processors, Bunning manure their website at www.tingleyshc.com or follow them on
spreaders, MacDon and HoneyBee headers, McCormick twitter @TingleysHC. They are also on Facebook at:
tractors as well as MERLO telehandlers, not to mention www.facebook.com/TingleysHarvestCenter.
McMillan Industrial Park, North Battleford
www.tingleyshc.com
w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a
Page 95 - The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014
Regional Optimist
Blend
As the name suggests, Blend
Restaurant and Bar, takes the best of
many things and blends them together.
Formerly known as Venice House, the newly
renovated business is keeping the favourite
dishes from the menu and adding new
items in the perfect blend.
“We have a blended family at
home and we have a blended family in
the business,” said owner Robin Petersen
explaining that he has people from all over
the world working at the restaurant.
Originally opened in 1979, Petersen
worked as the kitchen manager and head
chef for five years before purchasing the
business 14 years ago. Recent renovations
have given the entire business a redesign.
“We have completely changed the entire
restaurant and bar,” he said. “Everything is
brand new.”
The menu has even been revamped
with great dishes being added and an
increase to 10 draft beer being offered in
the bar along with a complete selection of
wine, beer and liquor.
Blend Restaurant and Bar provides
several options for a night out. The full
service restaurant is perfect for family
gatherings or larger functions in the private
dining room which can seat up to 70 people
or be separated for smaller gatherings.
The dining area offers fine dining while
the bar and patio provide a more relaxed
atmosphere.
“We can really accommodate every
occasion,” said Petersen.
In addition to the in-house services
available, Blend Restaurant and Bar also
caters events of all sizes. Plated service,
buffet style or butler served appetizers are
great for small functions or events with
hundreds of people.
“We cater to weddings, business
functions, conferences and are one of the
caterers through the Dekker Centre for the
Performing Arts in town,” said Petersen.
Off
sale,
keg
service
and
liquor
catering at any type of
event add to the versatility
of the business.
“We set up the
entire bar for you,” said
Petersen. “It’s a hassle
free way of having
alcohol at any event.”
With a menu that offers everything
from Italian to Asian dishes, Blend Restaurant
stays true to its name, serving the best
blends from around the world.
As a chef, Petersen is still involved
with the food side of the business and
enjoys cooking, however, it’s the people
he enjoys most. His staff and their families
are welcomed into the Petersen home as
the blended family continues to grow.
“I really enjoy working with the public
and my staff,” he said.
As Blend Restaurant and Bar opens
following the renovations, Petersen wants to
personally invite the community to check it
out.
“I know they are going to love the
changes we’ve made.”
Regional Optimist
w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a
The Battlefords,Thursday, October 30, 2014 - Page 8
BATTLEFORDS
LOOK F
BRIGHT OR THE
G
BUILDINREEN
G!
FLOORING
With 35 years in the Western Canada retail flooring
business, Larry Sager retired and moved back to
his home town of North
Battleford. In 2012,
together with his
son
Daniel
and
wife
Collyne,
t h e
family opened Battlefords
Flooring Centre.
Larry’s experience in the
business has ensured that
Battlefords Flooring Centre
offers only the best quality
in flooring from the most
reputable suppliers.
Battlefords Flooring Centre
is part of 2600 Mohawk Color
Centres in North America and
is one of only six in Western
Canada.
The business keeps its
focus on flooring, providing
all types of flooring
such as hardwood,
laminate,
vinyl,
carpet
and
ceramic tile.
“If you
need
flooring and need to know
about flooring, come and talk
to us,” said Larry. “We know
flooring and we do it well.”
The business has the
largest showroom in Western
Canada, offering a wide
selection of flooring options.
“We offer a lifetime
guarantee on your personal
satisfaction on the products
we sell as well as lifetime
warranty on the labour,” said
Larry.
“Our installers are very
professional. They have a
vested interest in the business
and work hard to meet the
needs of the customer.”
Due to the positive
reputation the business has in
North Battleford, Battlefords
Flooring Centre does a
lot of insurance and
restoration work.
“We
also
deal with
a
number of reputable builders
in the North Battleford area
because of our pricing,
selection and labour.”
“Most of our business
comes from repeat and
referral
customers,” said
Larry, adding that new
customers
are
always
welcome.
“People are the most
important part of our
business. We look
forward to visiting
with them and
meeting
t h e i r
needs.”
BATTLEFORDS
Flooring
“Love your Floors”
306-445-4690 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
B a t t l e fo r d s f l o o r i n g @ h ot m a i l . c o m
W W W. B AT T L E F O R D S F LO O R I N G C E N T R E . C A
• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9:00 am - 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday & Friday
9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday & Holidays 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Page 7 - The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014
Regional Optimist
w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a
1281 - 100th Street, North Battleford 306-446-4300
For the past 20 years the North Battleford
area has been able to rely on Kelly’s Computer
Works for all of their computer needs.
Darryl Arnold began working at the business
for original owners Kelly & Heather Parkinson
when the business was initially opened and,
together with his wife Cathy, purchased nine
years ago.
“I still see Kelly quite often and am always
sure to ask if his computer is working,” Arnold
joked.
Arnold was given the opportunity to increase
his knowledge and skills in running a business
with Kelly and has been able to expand his own
business in recent years.
“We have a full range of computer sales and
service,” he said, explaining that the business
offers a complete range of electronic products.
Kelly’s Computer Works is a Telus and
Koodo dealer and carries computers, laptops,
Panasonic TVs, surveillance systems and much
more.
“We can help you link your phone to your
laptop or do all of the data wiring for your
house,” said Arnold.
“We are always looking for different
opportunities to help our customers,” he said.
Working with the customer is at the heart of
Arnold’s business.
“We are devoted to customer service. The
people we deal with are the reason we are in
business,” he said.
There are a few main reasons Arnold enjoys
his work.
“I like helping people and solving their
problems,” he said is his primary drive, however,
the fun of electronics is still intriguing. “Then
there are all the cool things I get to play with.”
While technical equipment may baffle some
folks, Arnold and his staff at Kelly’s Computer
Works are here to take care of all of your
electronic needs.
Regional Optimist
w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a
Ultra Print is a full service design and print shop
providing quality services to its’ customers and
community.
We are continually purchasing new equipment
to keep up with technology! Recently purchased
are three Konica Minolta Digital Presses and a
five-color GT0 printing press to add to our line
which will arrive in early November from the
USA. Also purchased is a HPFB500 flat bed
printer that produces signage for billboards, store
int
Ultra Prll service shop
is a fu and print
design
front signage and other large scale work. Coroplast, foam
core, metal techbond are just some of the medias that can be
printed on. A larger Rolland plotter has been installed which
produces die cut vinyl letters and colored decals.
Some of the services offered to our customers are graphic
design, photo copies, banners, signs, retractable banner stands,
sandwich boards and more. Some of the items printed on the
presses are flyers, brochures, business forms, envelopes,
business cards, letterhead, and presentation folders.
Owners Erryl Schweitzer, Kevin Mandin and Carey
Tollefson along with 17 full time and 2 part time staff
means Ultra Print
is the best choice
for your design and
Printing needs.
Ultra Print with
the newest technology and years of
experience serving
the Battlefords and
surrounding area for
over 24 years and
still growing!
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014 - Page 6
5tre0et
0
5
5
6-44 - 100th S
30
ford
1981 orth Battle
N
841 – 106TH STREET
NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK
S9A-1W3
PHONE: 306-445-4344 FAX: 306-445-4497
WWW.RCPH.CA
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE BATTLEFORDS AND SURROUNDING AREA
Industrial
Commercial
Residential
24 Hour Service
Battleford Remedy’s RX
The staff at Battleford
Remedy’s RX works
hard to serve the
customers and the
community.
“We have great
employees,” said owner
Dana Karlson. “I think
our service makes us
stand out.”
Karlson added that the
friendly, knowledgeable
staff goes above and
beyond to ensure each
customer is taken care
of.
Following an undergrad degree in the United States and getting his Pharmacy Degree at the University
of Saskatchewan, Karlson worked as a pharmacist in Saskatoon for a large chain
and was looking for a change.
“I wanted to own my own business and be able to make my own decisions,” he
said.
The opportunity to purchase Marian’s Pharmasave in Battleford came in
2002 and Battleford Remedy’s RX was developed. Karlson went on to purchase
pharmacies in Cut Knife in 2007 and Turtleford in 2009. He currently employs
a total of 23 people, 10
of which work at the
Battleford location.
In addition to a full
range of pharmacy
goods and services,
Karlson’s business goes
one step further.
“We offer free delivery and pill packaging,”
he said, adding that the
business works closely
with group homes in
the community to provide for their needs as
well.
Perhaps the biggest
change that has taken place for the business over the years is the expansion to
include two medical clinics within the same building. Karlson explained that
having an ophthalmologist and family physician in separate clinics under the same
roof as the pharmacy has been a big addition to the community.
“It has been a very positive change for the community,” he said. “The convenience
of having the services located together has increased the traffic flow to the area.”
Karlson continues to look for ways to serve the community, but says that
customer service is one of his main priorities.
“We work hard to provide Quality Service to our Customers”
Remedy’s Rx
BATTLEFORD
The Local Drug Store™
®
181A - 22nd Street W.
Battleford, SK
306-937-2600
Page 5 - The Battlefords,Thursday, October 30, 2014
Regional Optimist
w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a
5 more s
are avail uites
a
Pre-Cons ble for
truction
Promotio
ns!
13 SUITES
N
HAVE BEE
ED!
T
N
E
R
E
R
P
BATTLEFORD WEST PLACE
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
investor for Battleford West Place.
Rent varies depending on the
size of the suite and the floor it is
located on but, rent is all inclusive
with utilities such as heat, power,
water, taxes, and maintenance
and also includes indoor heated
parking.
While the suites are designed
to make independent living easy,
there are also common areas
designed for social interaction.
“Tenants are able to get together
in the common area or can even
book them for family functions,”
she said. “Shared spaces are
great for playing games, sharing
hobbies
and
making
new
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
5TH AVENUE W
Suite D
Suite A
PROPOSED 55+
HOUSING
24 SUITE
Suite C
Suite E
Green
Space
friends.”
The opportunity for excursions
and special events is also
appealing.
The building offers safety and
security with its wireless, telephone
intercom system where guests are
given access through a tenant’s
telephone.
Each
spacious
suite offers plenty of
natural light and a
private balcony for the
residents’ enjoyment.
Large kitchens with
walk-in
pantry,
individual central air
and heating, in-suite
laundry, fridge, range,
dishwasher and ample
storage are some
of the features. The
building offers heated
indoor parking and a
central elevator.
For
anyone
interested
in
the
Battleford’s
newest
address
and
a
maintenance
free
lifestyle,
Battleford
West Place is the
perfect place to call
home.
TELEGRAPH ROAD
BATTLEFORD CROSSING
If you are an active adult looking
for a low maintenance lifestyle,
Battleford West Place is the
perfect place for you to call home.
Offering spacious, executive
suites, the apartments are perfect
for working professionals or
retirees.
Tamara
McMurren,
Sales
and Marketing rep
for
Bridge
Road
Development’s newest
venture,
said
the
building is currently
under construction and
is scheduled to open in
the fall of 2015.
“There are several
promotions available
for the first 18 tenants,”
she said, explaining
that individuals would
have their choice of
colour scheme, free
front load washer and
dryer and a $2000 gift
certificate to Battleford
Furniture, to name a
few of the incentives.
Assisting with the
Marketing of the project
is Chris Odishaw,
who along with nine
other individuals is an
SCHEDULE TO OPEN FALL 2015
FUTURE 55+ HOUSING
24 SUITE
www.bridgeroad.ca
Contact Tamara today for more information
1-855-834-6318
or [email protected]
Regional Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014 - Page 4
w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a
Planning to fail: how mistakes can help your business
By Jonathan Hamelin
Every entrepreneur feels
it at some point: the fear
of failure. Only half of
new businesses make it to
their fifth birthday, and that
can cause entrepreneurs
a lot of stress. However,
experts say failure can
actually lead to major accomplishments.
In fact, failure has been
a key ingredient in some
of the business world’s
great success stories, says
Michel Bergeron, Senior
Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs at
the Business Development
Bank of Canada (BDC).
“Canadian entrepreneurs
and the public at large
need to be more forgiving
about failure. Failure–and
learning from mistakes–is
often an important milestone on the path to success,” Bergeron says. “We
have to change our perception about failure in order
to help business owners
stay in the game.”
Deborah Conroy of
EY agrees. She points to
the new BDC Entrepreneurial Resiliency Award,
an initiative that recognizes a Canadian business that has successfully
undergone a turnaround
or pivotal event in the past
and come back stronger because of it. “Many
entrepreneurs talk about
some kind of massive fail-
ure or hurdle they’ve overcome,” says Conroy, Vice
President of Transaction
Advisory Services at EY.
She is also President of the
Montreal chapter of the
Turnaround Management
Association, a group for
corporate turnaround experts that teamed up with
BDC for this award.
No business is too big
or too small to confront
roadblocks. Bergeron cites
the example of Groupon,
the giant deals website.
The company got its start
as a social media site
called The Point, which
was created to help people
connect for social activism
purposes. After a year of
effort and US$1 million in
While in the Battlefords,
Download the Battlefords App!
Battlefords
App
Free
Download
www.battlefordstourism.com
operating costs, the startup was going nowhere.
“The founders shifted
gears and turned their offering into the discount
coupon service Groupon.
They learned, adapted and
made a fortune,” Bergeron
says. Two years later, the
shift in focus proved profitable: Groupon ballooned
from a few dozen employees to 10,000 and was the
fastest company in history
to make US$1 billion in
revenue.
Bergeron advises entrepreneurs to adopt a “try,
try again” philosophy. At
its core: learning from
mistakes and showing resilience, a new business
approach that is growing
in popularity in today’s
rapidly changing economy,
he says. Instead of the old
model, which emphasized
extensive planning before
launching a new venture—
by which time technology
and markets may change
substantially—the new approach favours a lean and
nimble start-up.
The idea is to engage
customers early with a
basic product, even if you
haven’t worked out all the
bugs. The second step:
Learn quickly from customer feedback and missteps. Third: Constantly
refine your efforts. And
the final secret ingredient:
Don’t give up.
“I don’t think fear is all
bad. It can be healthy and
reasonable. It keeps entrepreneurs from making
rash decisions,” Conroy
says. “But it’s important to
avoid excessive hesitation
and waiting for the exact
perfect moment. Trying,
failing and trying again is
much better than not trying
at all.”
Canadians Slow to
Accept Failure
How do entrepreneurs
turn failure into success?
“They have had a knack for
seeing failure as an opportunity or challenge,” says
BDC’s Michel Bergeron.
“When solution ‘A’ didn’t
work, they tried solution
‘B’ if they were still convinced there was a need.
Or they decided to meet a
different need and, in the
process, found a new path.
The setback helped them
identify a weakness, and
they fixed it.”
Deborah Conroy of EY
agrees. She cites a 2013
EY survey that found the
following:
Over one third of Canadian entrepreneurs (35%)
said business failure is
seen as a barrier to future
business prospects. This is
9 percentage points higher
than the average across the
G-20 countries, which was
26%.
Canadian entrepreneurs
may be more worried about
failure because of “higher
expectations,” but they
should also keep in mind
Canada’s “many entrepreneurial upsides,” such as
the low cost of starting a
business, the survey authors noted.
Regional Optimist
w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a
Page 3 - The Battlefords, Thursday, October 30, 2014
3102 - 99th St, North Battleford
306-445-6272
northbattlefordhyundai.com
North Battleford Hyundai is committed to providing
customers with the best vehicles on the market with the
highest safety standards and top notch customer service.
The local dealership offers one of the top selling cars
in its class in Canada, the Elantra, in addition to the
Accent, Sonata and Genesis Coupe and a full range of
Hyundai sport utility vehicles.
General Manager and partner in the business, Gord
Pidde explained that the 2015 Genesis Sedan is one of
the safest cars on the road. The dealership also offers a
five year, 100,000 KM warranty with full coverage on
its new vehicles.
North Battleford Hyundai is the #1 Hyundai Certified
Pre-Owned dealership in Western Canada and offers a
wide range of vehicles to choose from.
“We offer a one year, 120,000 km warranty, three
months of free satellite radio, a free oil change and 120
point certified inspection on all of our Hyundai Certified,
pre-owned vehicles,” said Pidde.
North Battleford Hyundai carries a complete line of
Hyundai products, parts and accessories in addition to
after sales parts and service.
“We have highly trained technicians with 20 to
25 years of experience,” said Pidde, adding that the
business offers free shuttle services and has rental cars
available.
The Hyundai brand has one of the highest safety
ratings in the world and many other features that make
them attractive to customers.
“We offer the lowest payments and interest rates on
purchases or leases,” said Pidde. “Hyundai’s warranty
is long, the quality is high and the fuel efficiency is
tremendous,” he said. “In addition, we have won the
IIHS safety award and the Santa Fe was voted the top
sports utility vehicle in its class by Consumer Reports.”
Pidde said the business is always looking for ways to
serve its customers better and is pleased to provide a free
trip to Las Vegas including airfare and accommodation.
“Everyone who purchases a new or used vehicle has
two years to take a vacation to Las Vegas for three days
and two nights,” he said.
Being part of the community is important to North
Battleford Hyundai which supports numerous causes in
the area. The business supports the local fire department,
RCMP, and United Way. It is a member of the local chamber
of commerce and will once again be participating in the
Battlefords Expo Trade Show this fall.
“Hyundai Hockey Helpers is a national program
where we make sure that every child wanting to play
hockey has equipment,” said Pidde.
The local dealership is also a large supporter of the
North Battleford North Stars with promotions and through
game sponsorship.
“We think it’s important to be involved in supporting
the community and seeing it prosper,” said Pidde.
Locally Invested Community Minded Lifetime Membership Benefits
to Battlefords & District Co-op
The Battlefords and District Co-op
has a long history of serving its members and the local area. Formed in 1932,
the local business offers groceries, fuel,
building products and much more. With
a solid foundation in the community’s
history, the Co-op is continually looking
for ways to improve and better serve its
members.
General Manger Mike Nord reported
that there are a number of exciting
changes happening for the local Co-op.
“A new gas bar and Convenience
store opened this month at our Carlton
Trail location,” he said, adding that an
additional gas bar is scheduled to open
next summer in Battlefords Square,
making three places in the Battlefords
as well as Radisson, Glaslyn and Cut
Knife where people can fuel up under
the Co-op umbrella.
Renovations are also taking place at
the Home Centre where the sales floor
will double in size to 30,000 square
feet.
“We will offer a lot more to our members with this expansion,” said Nord.
While the interior of the building is expanding, the outside will be easier to
shop too including a larger garden centre.
Exciting things are also taking place
at the grocery store. Members can look
forward to new tills, new cases in the
meat, bakery and deli departments and
new offerings such as a sushi bar and
fried chicken.
“Everything is being updated and
given a fresh, new, clean look and
is all expected to begin around the
new year,” he said.
The Radisson branch is also being updated with new shelving and
equipment. Construction is scheduled to being at this location in the
new year.
Leisure Sports and FF2 Clothing
stores located in the mall are also departments of the Battlefords Co-op that
are being renovated and modernized as
well in the coming year.
Nord explained that the Co-op Board
of Directors has set a vision “To be leaders in the services we provide.” The Coop works hard to remain relevant to its
members while maintaining quality service and products. Renovations will give
members a fresh, modern place to shop
in a business that continues to evolve
while providing quality customer service
and goods.
“People will continue to enjoy the
friendly, welcoming atmosphere that
they expect at the Co-op and know that
shopping with us is a direct benefit to the
community,” said Nord.
Nord explained that members can
collect equity with the Battlefords Co-op
by shopping at any of the locations. Coops are unique in that they are
owned by the community.
“Our equity program means that
members can purchase a one-time $10
membership that lasts their lifetime.
Through that membership they are owners in the co-op and will get dividends
back from the profits business,” he said.
Unlike a rewards program that has
limitations, the dividends returned to coop members are in the form of cash and
can be spent on anything at any time
without limitations or deadlines.
Nord explained that there are three
main reasons to shop at the Co-op.
“Number one, we are locally invested,” he said. “Our renovations are proof
that we are continuing to grow and invest in the area.”
“The second reason is that we are
community minded. Last year we gave
back $130,000 worth of donations to
charities and organizations in the community as well as $750,000 to the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre.”
In addition, staff at the local Co-op donated 2,000 volunteer hours to community groups and organizations, as further
indication of the importance of being an
active member of the community.
“The third reason for shopping at the
Co-op is the lifetime membership benefits program,” said Nord.
A membership with the Co-op makes
you an owner in the business that supports and serves the
community.
Regional Optimist
w w w. n ew s o p t i m i s t . c a
The Battlefords,Thursday, October 30, 2014 - Page 2
Photo by Anand George
Working to build a community
NB the BEST!
In the CN Rail yard, a seemingly-endless train of
cylindrical, black freight cars waits in a siding. Above, a
small yellow plane tows its glider ever upwards, unmindful
of the steady stream of cars, pickup trucks and big rigs
roaring over the nearby bridge on the Yellowhead Highway
spanning the lazily-flowing North Saskatchwan River.
Flocks of geese honk in the distance. Thousands of them
make their home in the Battlefords Project, a nature reserve.
Along the side of the road, a man cycles by.
And mixed in with these sights and sounds are the work
crews. They’re everywhere. The local Walmart is expanding
and there’s a Co-op convenience store, gas station and car
wash going up there as well. Throughout the city, businesses
seem to be opening up everywhere. A water main is going in
along the highway. The local KFC is renovating.
This is the city of North Battleford. And it’s growing. In
the first eight months of 2014, the value of building permits
here almost quadrupled over the same period the previous
year, to $39.2 million from $10.8 million. The month of
August alone saw $8.3 million in building permits.
“The level of interest we’re seeing from investors and
entrepreneurs both inside and outside the community is
very encouraging,” says City Manager Jim Puffalt. “North
Battleford is both a great place for people to live and we are
very much ‘open for business’.
“When
we’re
approached by a business
wishing to expand or
locate in North Battleford,
we do everything we can
to understand and meet
their needs,” he says.
For more than 100
years, the City of North
Battleford has been a
hub. In addition to being
serviced by a network of
roads and major rail line,
North Battleford is also well-located between the thriving
cities and major markets of Saskatoon, the biggest city in
Saskatchewan, and Edmonton, the second-biggest in Alberta,
making it ideally poised to benefit from the explosive growth
in those two provincial economies.
The latest census in 2011 pegged the population of North
Battleford at 13,888 but with the growth of the past few
years the city’s population is now thought to be closer to
16,600.
“I’ve lived here all my life,” says Mayor Ian Hamilton.
“In the past decade, I’ve seen this city grow a lot. Companies
from all over North America are now looking at us and
interested in doing business – and we’re interested in meeting
with them as well.”
With that economic boom, there have been growing
pains. For years, the city of North Battleford had the dubious
distinction of being number one in crime for communities
of its size. That’s something the current mayor and city
administration decided had to change.
“It wasn’t right for our residents and it didn’t present
a very good image of North Battleford to the rest of the
country for us to be known for being number one for crime,”
JOIN US ON
Follow:
@citynb
says Mayor Hamilton. “So we did something
about it.”
That something was the introduction of
the made-in-North Battleford community
safety strategy which built upon the existing
strengths of the community such as the HUB,
an organization of community groups working
together with the city to help people in need,
as well as the hiring of two community safety
officers who handle traffic and smaller offences
and free up the RCMP to tackle more serious
crime and to create a Street Crime Unit.
The City of North Battleford has also
appointed a well-respected community leader
to be its community safety coordinator and
find any gaps in the social safety net and has
promoted the opening of an emergency shelter
for the homeless with programs to assist people.
North Battleford has also worked to encourage
transitional housing. Finally, the city is
currently developing a regional opportunity
plan as part of the community safety strategy
to work with its partners in the region and create even more
opportunity.
It’s a bold, comprehensive approach to preventing crime
– and it seems to be working.
In August, 2014, calls to the RCMP were down by a third
compared to the same month the previous year. That’s not
a statistical blip. A year-to-date comparison shows 15 per
cent fewer people needed to call the police for help this year
compared to 2013. In his August monthly report, RCMP
Insp. John Sutherland said there are now fewer residential
and business break-and-enters, motor vehicle collisions,
property offences, and traffic offices than there were last
year. Drug offences alone are down by more than half their
previous levels.
Along with its comprehensive approach to community
safety, the City of North Battleford has also beefed up its
offerings in the way of recreational and cultural services.
Two years ago, North Battleford built its CUplex, a fourbuilding complex which houses the Battlefords Co-op
Aquatic Centre, Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts,
Northland Power Curling Centre and NationsWEST Field
House.
Popular with residents and regular visitors from
Lloydminster, Meadow Lake and the First Nations
communities near North Battleford, the aquatic centre
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features both a lap pool and wave pool, a hot tub, lazy river,
two waterslides, a splash park and a steam room.
The Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts hosts
conferences and attracts performers as varied as the
University of Saskatchewan
Wind
Orchestra,
the
contemporary folk music of
Back of the Bus, Monkey Junk,
and The Nightrain, a Guns N’
Roses tribute band.
With the Northland Power
Curling Centre’s draw for
curlers and the NationsWEST
Field House’s lure for anyone
looking for a walking/
running track, indoor field for
basketball, soccer, volleyball
and many other sports including ultimate Frisbee, and North
Battleford’s amazing outdoor amenities, the city is just a
great place to live.
“The quality of life here is just second to none,” says
Mayor Hamilton. “There’s golfing, fishing, and hunting.
We’ve got the best downhill skiing on the Prairies at Table
Mountain. There’s canoeing and kayaking on the North
Saskatchewan River and there are walking, running and
cycling trails circling the city. For cross-country cycling, we
have renowned trails through Battlefords River Valley. And
Blue Mountain has hosted national cross-country skiing
events. The North Battleford Golf and Country Club is one of
the highest-rated municipal golf courses in Saskatchewan.”
Young people in North Battleford recognize the quality
of life and opportunities in their community and many of
them choose to stay or return to this city after getting their
educations.
“There are opportunities for residents with all these
business expansions and we are not only the centre for
commercial activity but also the hub of a strong agricultural
community,” says Mayor Hamilton. “We have very
significant healthcare services and that’s a big part of our
appeal. The Battlefords Union Hospital is probably the best
acute-care facility in the region and Saskatchewan Hospital,
which is a provincial mental health facility, is about to be
rebuilt.”
The Battlefords
PROGRESS
EDITION
2014
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