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Mayor Kelli Hawtin charts path for growth and safety in North Battleford: A vision for community transformation By Matthias J. Johnson Editor
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After being inaugurated as Mayor in November of 2024, Kelli Hawtin recently took the opportunity during the 2025 State of the City Address to highlight the significant changes currently underway and those anticipated for the future. This important event not only illuminated the various challenges that North Battleford has encountered over time but also outlined the strategic plans aimed at fostering positive transformation in the community moving forward. A crucial and often overlooked issue that has been affecting North Battleford since the late 1970s is population growth. Contrary to popular belief, the city’s most significant challenge is not crime; rather, it is the stagnation of the population. “Our population has not grown, and our council would like to work to change that,” stated Hawtin, emphasizing the urgency and importance of addressing this issue. The implications of a stagnant population are profound, especially in the current climate where inflation and rising costs continue to exert pressure on communities across the board. In North Battleford, this stagnation
Mayor Kelli Hawtin speaks at the podium during the 2025 State of the City Address, outlining plans to attract businesses, expand the tax base, and strengthen community partnerships. | Photo by Matthias J. Johnson means that the city has not confronted with the chal- the financial strain posed by expanded in tandem with in- lenging dilemma of either rising costs. This scenario flationary pressures, which increasing taxes to generate illustrates the complex and places the local council in a additional revenue or reduc- often contentious balancing difficult position. They are ing service levels to manage act that municipal leaders
must navigate in efforts to sustain and improve their communities. In light of these challenges, Mayor Hawtin expressed a sincere and proactive vision for a collaborative approach aimed at enhancing the overall betterment of the region. This involves not only efforts to expand the city’s tax base but also a concerted push to attract businesses and industries that would invest in the Battlefords. “We’re looking for a collaborative approach for the betterment of the region,” she reiterated, underscoring the need for unity and partnership among various stakeholders. Hawtin pointed to several avenues the council is exploring to address these fundamental issues, including addressing reputation challenges that have hindered the city’s growth for years. “We’re working to correct that,” she assured residents, as she outlined plans to collaborate on zoning improvements, implement efficient community plans, and introduce tax incentives designed to lure businesses to North Battleford. Her vision extends to recruiting a diverse array of industries, including oil and gas companies, government-related employment, and the agricultural sector. Continued on page 2
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