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The Canadian Public Works Association has selected the City of North Battleford as the award recipient in the Communities Under 25,000 category. The award recognizes the City’s outstanding efforts to celebrate National Public Works Week, showcase the work of the local Operations Department, and highlight its contributions to our community. Congratulations to our fantastic team–well deserved kudos from Council during tonight’s Regular City Council Meeting were received as well! Photo courtesy of City of North Battleford
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Congratulations to the Battleford Indian Metis Friendship Centre on another significant milestone in supporting community members with the official unveiling of Niwekin Home in North Battleford. Niwekin Home is an eight-suite rooming house for individuals experiencing homelessness with wraparound supports for residents. Thank you//maarsii to all project partners. Investments and developments like this are a key part of enhancing community wellbeing.
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Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A2
1, 2, 3, 4 bears
Rob and Sarah Wood were in the Wakesiu area when they came upon quite a wildlife sighting. “Seeing a bear by the roadside is nice, but to see four content bears feasting on leafy greens was really a sight!” they said.The Woods reside in North Battleford. Photo submitted by Rob and Sarah Wood
OCTOBER AT THE CLUB We’re FALL-ing back into fun with our members this season! Happy Thanksgiving! Reminder, we are CLOSED Saturday, October 10th & Monday, October 12 for Thanksgiving! Lacrosse Program- We’re thrilled to announce the return of our Lacrosse Program - kicking off on October 18! Registration opened Thursday, September 24, 2026. We can’t wait for all the laughter and fun that’s to come! NEW PROGRAM ALERT! We’re excited to introduce a brand new Youth Weightlifting Program as part of our Special Programs at BGC Battlefords, offered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Weightlifting Association! Designed to introduce children and youth to weightlifting in a safe, supportive and age-appropriate environment, the program focuses on so much more than lifting weights. Participants will build skills like balance, coordination, strength, confidence and body awareness, while learning proper technique and safe progression with qualified coaching. This program will be available to children and youth ages 5-16 and will be broken up into three age categories. Sessions will take place on Thursdays starting October 22 and run for 8 weeks (concluding on December 10). Stay tuned for more information and for registration to open on our website. Back to School Programming! - Our Satellite Site Programs are in full swing at four elementary school locations: Battleford Central School (BCS) – serving BCS & St. Vital students, Bready School, EMBM School, Holy Family School. Programs run Monday to Friday on school days: Before School: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM & After School: class dismissal to 5:30 PM. Kids can look forward to outdoor play, arts & crafts, games, experiments, nutritious snacks, and so much more—all in a safe, fun, and welcoming environment! Don’t forget about our Main Site Drop-in Program! - Our Main Site Dropin Program (1301-104th Street) is open six days a week for children and youth ages 5-14. The best part? It’s FREE with a completed 2026 Membership Form! Hours of Operation (excluding statutory holidays): Monday - Friday: 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM & Saturdays: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Contact our office to confirm the dates accommodations are made for early dismissal and PD Days. For more information on these programs and how to register, visit our website: www.bgcbattlefords.ca October dates to remember: • Saturday, October 3 - IFCU Saturday Program: Grin & Bear It! • Monday, October 5 - BGC Battlefords Annual Thanksgiving Supper! ◊ Once again, this year, our Thanksgiving meal will be served only to those members in attendance at the Drop-in Program on this date. We are so thankful to Strathcona Resources Ltd. for sponsoring this special meal and volunteering their time to help prepare and serve it. Their generosity ensures our members can enjoy a warm, festive dinner together. • Tuesday, October 6, 13, 20, & 27 - Guitar Program • Saturday, October 10 - Office & all programming CLOSED ◊ World Mental Health Day • Sunday, October 11 - International Day of the Girl • Monday, October 12 - Happy Thanksgiving! Office and all programming CLOSED • Tuesday, October 13 - Guitar Program • Saturday, October 17 - IFCU Saturday Program: Noodle Doodle Day! • Sunday, October 18 - Lacrosse Program begins! ◊ Equipment Fitting: 1:00pm - 2:00pm • Equipment will be provided and fitted for all registered participants during this time. ◊ First Session: 2:00pm - 3:00pm • Join us for the first session of the Lacrosse Program immediately following equipment fitting. • Wednesday, October 21 - Early Dismissal Day (programming begins at class dismissal). • Thursday, October 22 - Weightlifting Program begins! • Saturday, October 24 - IFCU Saturday Program: Sloth Shenanigans! • Sunday, October 25 - Lacrosse Program • Monday, October 26 - No School! ◊ Non-School Day Program: Mickey’s Monster Mash! • Thursday, October 29 - A Golden Gala and Weightlifting Program • Saturday, October 31 - Happy Halloween! ◊ Saturday IFCU Program: BOO BASH! As a reminder, our school year hours of operation are as follows: • Office: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm • Satellite Site Before School Programs: Monday to Friday, 7:30am - 8:30am (BCS/St. Vital, Bready, EMBM & Holy Family) • Satellite Site After School Programs: Monday to Friday, class dismissal - 5:30pm (BCS/St. Vital, Bready, EMBM & Holy Family) • Drop-in Program (Main Site): Monday to Friday, 3:30pm - 8:30pm and Saturdays, 1:00pm - 4:00pm Continue to watch our Facebook page (BGCBattlefords), Instagram @ bgcbattlefords and website (www.bgcbattlefords.ca) for more updates. Opportunity Changes Everything
North Battleford planning contract could cut approval times in half By Jayne Foster SaskToday
NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. — The firm of Catterall & Wright Consulting Engineers has been awarded a contract to serve as the City of North Battleford’s planning consultant until the end of 2028. Catterall & Wright was one of eight firms to answer an RFP issued by the city for the services of a registered professional planner since it doesn’t have one on staff. Provincial regulations require that a registered professional planner be retained as a consultant to maintain municipal Approving Authority. According to administration, the contract will help facilitate the development of a new Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. Exactly how much the contract will cost is not yet known. “The proponents estimated cost of the total project has not been provided as it is difficult to define the quantity of the work to be done in relation to the OCP and Zoning Bylaw rewrites and development questions,” wrote James Johansen, Director of Engineering, Planning, Asset Management & Infrastructure in his report to council. “However; each proponent have similar hourly fees for staff with different qualifications and experience. The Selection Committee felt that hourly rates were comparable
City hall chair James Johansen, Director of Engineering, Planning, Asset Management & Infrastructure. | Photo courtesy of City of North Battleford and that pricing was not a primary con- any and all planning decisions to adsideration.” ministration. An estimated maximum was present“This is one of the main advantages ed for $188,226 for 2026-27 and $67,590 missing from the current Zoning Bylaw for 2028, for a total of $244,816. that would reduce the number of planJohansen indicated that there is cur- ning approvals that need to be brought rently $67,273 remaining of the 2026 to council but more importantly reduce budget of $95,000 for planning consult- the time it takes to approve most Discreing services which includes the Official tionary Use Applications from at least Community Plan and the Zoning Bylaw six weeks to around three weeks. This rewrite. has a major impact on the attractiveness He also explained that Approving of the city for economic development,” Authority allows council to delegate said Johansen.
New bylaw would protect North Battleford’s urban forest By Jayne Foster SaskToday
NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. — A bylaw titled Urban Forestry Protection Bylaw will be introduced at North Battleford City Council’s Oct. 13 meeting. To date, the city has not had a bylaw aimed at protecting the city’s urban forest. The bylaw’s purpose is to protect city-owned trees as public assets, reduce avoidable injury or removal, support public safety, establish permit and approval requirements, and provide enforcement and cost recovery tools where trees are injured, de-
stroyed, removed, or placed at risk through unauthorized activity or non-compliance. The text of the bylaw would establish authority for the city to regulate the planting, pruning, protection, removal, and preservation of trees located on city property. It would apply to trees where 50 per cent or more of the trunk is located on city property and protects the entire tree, including portions that may extend over, under, or onto adjacent private property. The bylaw would establish a tree permit process for planting trees on city property and for work near
city-owned trees, including excavation, grade changes, construction, trenching, and work involving heavy equipment. Permit applications may require a tree protection plan, security deposits, proof of insurance, protective devices, restoration measures, and other conditions determined by the city. The bylaw would also identify activities that are prohibited unless authorized by a tree permit, including injuring, destroying, removing, relocating, attaching materials to, placing equipment or construction materials near, conducting work near, or interfering
with protective devices for a tree on city property. Limited exceptions would include for minor landscaping, seasonal lights or decorations, emergency work, and certain paved-area equipment or material placement where tree protection restrictions have not otherwise been imposed. The bylaw would also allow the city to complete inspections, enter private land where necessary and lawful for tree protection purposes, issue orders to remedy contraventions, undertake required corrective work, recover costs, and apply minimum penalties through notices of violation.
Regional News-Optimist
Page A3–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
Taking judo to the mat By Averil Hall Freelance Reporter/ Photographer
Battleford Judo held a judo demonstration on Thursday, Sept. 17, at the St. Vital School gym, giving people a chance to see what the club offers and register for classes. During the demonstration, Sensei Curtis called out different judo holds in Japanese, and students demonstrated each one for spectators. Judo classes are held Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at the St. Vital School gym. Enter through the back of the school. Youth and adults are welcome to try judo for a couple of classes free before registering and paying for the year.
Putting his opponent in a hold. Photos by Averil Hall
Demonstrating how to throw his opponent.
Showing another Judo move where he throws his opponent on to the ground.
Sensei Curtis demonstrates a new move.
Retired Capt. Tannahill recognized for 90+ years of protective services By Azure McGonigle BATTLEFORD, Sask. — Retired Captain Robert Tannahill CD is known in the Battlefords and Wilkie area for many things, and on Sept. 10, he was recognized for his many years in multiple services. Tannahill, who is only 87, was recognized for over 90 years of service with six departments. This includes eight years with the City of North Battleford Police Department, nine years with Corrections for the Province of Saskatchewan, 16 years with the RCMP at the North Battleford detachment, 18 years of part-time work with the Department of Natural Resources and 34 years as a part-time reservist with the Department of National Defence. He was one of 204 who were awarded the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal at TCU Place in Saskatoon. As a young man, Tannahill got his start working in federal agriculture before moving on to the oil industry, working for a few different companies doing seismograph work. Wanting to stay close to home, he then went into business running a service station with a fellow co-worker for a few years. When Tannahill heard about the rerouting of the highway, the service station was sold, and he joined the North Battleford City Police. “There were only 13 of us, and
Retired Capt. Robert Tannahill, right, receives the Saskatchewan Protective Services Medal during a Sept. 10 ceremony at TCU Place in Saskatoon. Tannahill was recognized for more than 90 years of combined service across six departments. | Submitted photo we only had one police car. Every- to help combat night hunting for the years,” added Tannahill. thing was going well, but the cost large area that was covered by only He had also taken a position at the of city policing was rising. When one warden at the time. young offender jail to help with staff the city police were disbanded, I “Our area was from the Alberta burnout, which lasted 10 years, befinished on March 31, and on April border to Spiritwood and down to fore he took on a financial position 1 I went to the RCMP and worked the Borden bridge. The one member for the government, doing investiwith them in the office for 16 years,” said all the good hunters were not gations for the entire province. He said the retiree. the problem, but the night hunters remained there until the age of 65. Tannahill was asked if he would would shoot the game and leave the In 2020, Tannahill joined the work part-time as a game warden carcasses. I was with them for 18 Search and Rescue Saskatchewan
Association of Volunteers (SARSAV), where he remains a volunteer. He began some of the training necessary to assist with deployments, yet his busy schedule has not allowed him to complete the course. In the event SARSAV is needed, Tannahill can help run the command centre. Although Tannahill has multiple years of service with many agencies, his retirement caused a wrinkle in his opportunity to be recognized. “I wasn’t aware there was a medal available, so I waited too long after I got out of service. If you’re retired, then you can’t get on board because you can’t get them to nominate you. When I joined the Search and Rescue, a teacher from Maple Creek said she was being nominated for her service with them, so she helped me get nominated as well,” shared the award recipient. Following the Sept. 10 ceremony, Tannahill said it was wonderful to be part of the event. “To me, it is a thank you for some recognition. Some people know what I’ve done, some people don’t, and now people can maybe read in the paper and say, ‘Hey, I didn’t know Bob Tannahill had done all this. I’m going to have more respect for him.’ I helped Canada, I helped the world; thanks for giving me a little acknowledgement. It means a lot to me to have this given to me,” he said.
Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A4
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Abandoned vehicle poses safety hazard on Highway 4 North By Candace Mack Horton Publisher
Harley Collins reported to the News Optimist that an abandoned pickup truck left parked on the shoulder of Highway 4 North created a significant safety hazard for motorists last week. The vehicle sat just south of the Meota turnoff for four days, from Monday, September 21 through to Thursday, September 24, positioned dangerously close to the driving lane. Highway 4 is a heavily trafficked corridor, frequently used by commuters, school buses, large commercial
trucks, and agricultural equipment. Harley noted that the shoulder in that area leaves little room for evasive action if a vehicle needs to make an emergency manoeuvre. Our autumn weather compounded the issue with heavy fog and reduced visibility along the route that week. He expressed concern that the stationary vehicle was an accident waiting to happen. Finally on Thursday, after four days, the vehicle was towed by order the Department of Highways. In the meantime, on day three the vehicle was vandalized. Another claim you say? Well, our rates did go up by 3.75 % effective June 1.
Photo by Harley Collins
Opinion
Alberta’s mixed practice model is the shock our health care needs By Conrad Eder Canadians are used to waiting for health care. We wait in emergency rooms, in queues for surgery, and on lists for a family doctor. Despite being among the world’s biggest spenders on health care, Canada consistently underperforms peer countries on access and equity measures. Patients leave emergency departments without treatment, surgical wait times stretch on for months if not years, and too many report unmet health-care needs. Canadians want change, and patients are running out of time. Fortunately, Alberta has decided to do something about it. With Bill 11, the province is introducing a mixed practice model allowing physicians to work in both the public and private systems.
Why does this matter to patients stuck waiting for care? Because mixed practice can help address three of our system’s greatest challenges: limited physician capacity, underused infrastructure, and doctor recruitment and retention. When physicians are allowed to work additional hours beyond their public commitments, total capacity increases, meaning more appointments and more procedures. When doctors can make use of idle operating rooms and diagnostic equipment, we can get more care out of the infrastructure we already have. And when the system offers scope for professional autonomy and supplemental income, it becomes easier to attract and retain physicians. Critics have nonetheless been quick to cast aspersions, comparing the al-
lowance of mixed practice to “American-style” health care. That rhetoric may generate headlines, but it does nothing for patients who are already living in fear, having had care delayed or denied thanks to the failing status quo. At any rate, it makes little sense to fixate on a system that neither aspires to nor achieves universal access, and is widely judged to perform worse than our own in most regards. The best universal healthcare systems in the world, particularly in Europe, have successfully allowed physicians to blend public and private practice for many years now. Countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Sweden provide concrete examples of what is possible when we look beyond this North Ameri-
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can dichotomy. Our European peers offer better points of comparison because they achieve universal access while outperforming Canada across key metrics, providing us with models from which we are able to learn. In these universal healthcare systems, mixed practice is a salient feature. Physicians can spend part of their week treating publicly insured patients and part offering privately paid services, sometimes in the same clinical setting, under clear rules that preserve universal access for all. In Germany, physicians who have contracted with the public insurance system must devote a minimum number of hours per week to publicly insured patients, assuring them access to care. France requires physicians who treat private patients inside public facil-
ities to remit part of their private fees back to the hospital, so the public system is compensated for the use of its infrastructure. And in the United Kingdom, contracts and codes of conduct make it explicit that publicly insured patients take scheduling priority. Alberta can adopt similar measures. But calibration is key. If eligibility criteria are too narrow, minimum service rules too rigid, or revenue-sharing formulas too punitive, Alberta risks strangling mixed practice with red tape, thereby preventing it from achieving any significant expansion of capacity across the province. The good news is that Canada is well positioned to get this right. We have stable institutions, experienced regulators, and decades of European experience upon which to draw
in order to successfully implement mixed practice to the benefit of all patients. Combined with other reforms such as duplicate private health insurance, activity-based hospital funding, and expanded private infrastructure, mixed practice can help unlock even greater capacity. By embracing evidence over ideology, Alberta can lead a long-overdue renewal of a cherished Canadian institution, one that hopefully the rest of Canada will follow. Reforming it isn’t a betrayal of Canadian values: it’s how we uphold them. Conrad Eder is an associate researcher at the Montreal Economic Institute and author of Delivering the Benefits of Mixed Practice to Alberta Patients: Lessons from Europe. © Troy Media
THIS WEEK AT THE For showings and details, please visit mycapitoltheatre.ca or call the info center at 306-445-8300 Management Publisher/Editor: Candace Mack-Horton Gordon Brewerton: Senior Vice-President, Prairie Newspaper Group Composition: Ryan Lynds Advertising Sales - Sales Manager: Candace Mack-Horton Administration: Kylie Kylie Cooke Administration: Cooke •• Elisha Elisha Parkinson Parkinson Reporters: Angela Brown - SASKTODAY.ca • Sherri Reporter: Sherri Solomko • Photographer: AverilSolomko Hall Reporter/Photographer: Averil Hall Contributors: Contributors: Elaine Woloshyn, Kathy Utri, Trudy Janssens, Lorraine Olinyk Elaine Woloshyn, Eric Callbeck, Kathy Utri, John Bowyer, R. H. Wood Mailroom -- Manager: Manager: Melissa Mailroom Melissa Pitkeathley Pitkeathley Kristen Keller Scott Foster • Donna Smith • Anamarija Barna
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Regional News-Optimist
Page A5–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
Arena oversight plan approved as North Battleford awaits funding SaskToday NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. — North Battleford city council approved a governance and procurement framework Monday for the proposed Twin Pad Arena and Event Centre, including the hiring of an owner’s representative to oversee the project. Council unanimously approved retaining Nustadia as the city’s owner’s representative at a cost of up to $782,320, although the retention of the company and related expenditures remain conditional on sufficient government funding being secured for the overall project. Mayor Kelli Hawtin stressed during discussion of the framework that the new arena project is contingent on approval of federal funding. She said the request has been made but there is no response yet. The framework is about “hurry up and wait, hurry up and be ready,” she said.
In July, the province announced it was prepared to match the federal contribution, up to one-third of eligible project costs, if approved the project under the federal Build Communities Strong Fund. Nustadia, an arena and recreation facility consulting firm, has already been involved as an adviser to the city. In its expanded role, the company will provide oversight in areas including design, construction and commissioning, contract compliance, budgets, scheduling, change control and preparations to open and operate the facility. According to a report to council, administration concluded it does not have the specialized internal project-management capacity and technical expertise required to oversee all aspects of a major design-build recreation project. Council also approved cre-
New chair lift coming to North Battleford City Hall By Jayne Foster SaskToday
NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. — City Hall will be getting a new chair lift using money from a library elevator upgrade project. Council was told at Monday evening’s meeting that the City Hall chair lift has come to the end of its service life and has become difficult for staff to assist the public with, and almost impossible for the public to use on their own. It fails repeatedly making the front desk inaccessible for many mobility impaired people, council was informed by administration. Council was also told the lift cannot be repaired cost effectively as a full rebuild would be required. City council voted to pay for a new lift with up to $50,000 from the $250,000
library project fund, since a new quote could mean the fund has more money than it needs. “Administration has received a referral to another vendor that has provided a quote to fix the elevator main cylinder for around $56,000,” wrote James Johansen, Director of Engineering, Planning, Asset Management & Infrastructure in his report to council. “Building Maintenance would also like to retain a budget for the elevator repair of $80,000 with the additional $24,000 to cover items that may need to be required that are not included in the master cylinder replacement quote.” Administration is recommending that any leftover funds be transferred to the Library Roof Replacement Project.
ation of an Arena Working Group consisting of the city manager, city clerk, director of finance and director of parks and recreation. The group is to oversee the project, monitor budgets, schedules and risks, and evaluate submissions during the design-build procurement process. It will also provide regular project reports to council. The working group will have limited authority to approve project changes without returning to council for each decision. Individual variances or change orders can be approved up to $100,000, provided the cumulative total remains below two per cent of the approved project budget and the costs can be covered by the project’s contingency. The total project contingency is estimated at approximately three per cent, or $3.7 million, according to the report to council. As part of the planning process, according to administration, RFQ submissions are being evaluated to advance to the RFP stage. “The city received six sub-
Photo courtesy of City of North Battleford missions. Five proponents passed Stage 1, the Mandatobattlefords humane society ry Pass/Fail evaluation, while one proponent did not satisEmber waiting is a beautiful, Our longest dog! fy the requirement to have Meet Ember! sensitive Labrador mix completed at least two similar This handsome, energetic who needs a quiet, patient projects, each valued at more Black Mouth Cur she mixcan build home where than $50 million in the past loves fetch, cuddles, andto confidence and learn ten years. During Stage 2, the trust at her own pace. With attention. He’s strong, five qualified proponents will gentle guidance and love, smart, and ready for an be evaluated against the rated Ember has the potential Meet RFQ criteria, and the three active family to match to become a deeply loyal Maverick highest-ranked proponents his spirit. companion. will be shortlisted to advance SPONSORED BY CHERRY INSURANCE & REGIONAL NEWS-OPTIMIST to the RFP Stage,” stated a report to council. battlefordshumanesociety.com
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Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A6
Ready, set, roll! The cart races hits the track By Averil Hall Freelance Reporter/ Photographer
Safe Families Canada of the Battlefords held its annual cart race on Sept. 26 at the Centennial Park Track. The event was a success, with plenty of smiles from participants and spectators throughout the day. Catholic Family Services won for best cart design. In the youth races, Discovery Co-op came in first, followed by Arch Rivals Footcare in second and North Battleford Toyota in third. In the adult races, Living Faith Chapel took first place, Four Square Church came in second and Harman Eggs finished third. The Tot Races wrapped up the day, with toddlers trying to maneuver their carts to the finish line while Mom and Dad cheered them on.
The Toddlers having fun racing in the Tot Race. | Photos by Averil Hall
Flying down the track for Arch Rivals Footcare. Gwynyth Bordon took a round-about way but eventually won the Tot Race in her heat.
Michael Menzel with the Living Faith Chapel buggy comes in first in the adult category again this year.
Dinosaur races the Discovery Coop buggy.
The Youth race starts.
Regional News-Optimist
Page A7–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A8
Honoring Our Past, Dancing for Our Future: Sākewew’s 25th Anniversary Pow Wow
Lorna Blackbird smoking moose meat for all to enjoy.
The Grand Entry procession kicks off Sakewew’s 25th Anniversary Pow Wow. | Photos by Candace Mack-Horton
Bronco Brown from Red Pheasant Cree Nation in a very intricate regalia.
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A dancer in black and white regalia performs during the Pow Wow.
Youth jingle dress dancers and traditional dancers make their way onto the grounds during the Grand Entry
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Page A9–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Fire Chief For the Day will be on Friday, October 9, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm The 8 children will be picked up shortly after 9. Their morning will consist of a fire hall tour, safety videos, trying on turnout gear, getting their pictures taken, some hands on work ie. Escape planning and then finally a lunch with the Fire Chief, Captain and Firefighters. They will then be returned to their schools by 12:30 with a prize bag.
Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A10
Big pumpkins and family fun at annual Pumpkin Festival By Averil Hall Freelance Reporter/ Photographer
Midwest Food Resources held its annual Pumpkin Festival, giving families plenty of activities to enjoy. Children could play on bouncy castles, visit the petting zoo, and take part in sensory play and crafts hosted by the Battlefords Early Childhood Intervention Program and BGC. Throughout the day, festivalgoers enjoyed music from local bands. A pumpkin-growing contest was also held, with Shanley Blais taking first place with her 350-pound pumpkin.
Amira Lusher-Fedoric couldn’t get enough hugs from the Jays Transport Mascot. She kept on coming back for more.
Shanley Blais won first prize for growing the biggest pumpkin. Her pumpkin weighed 350 pounds.
Mayor Kelli Hawtin brought her whole family, husband, Mitch, and daughters Hadley and Huxley, to enjoy the pumpkin festival. Here they are in front of a beautiful display of pumpkins.
Chelmae Ledesna tried her hand at painting a pumpkin.
Zoe Pfeifer feeds the miniature horses at the Farmyard Traditions petting zoo while her son, Nicholas looks on with interest.
Midwest Food Resources who put on the Pumpkin Festival had food to order as well as vegetables for sale that they grew this year.
Regional News-Optimist
Page A11–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
China returns as big buyer of Canadian peas By Sean Pratt SaskToday.ca
HALIFAX, N.S. — The thawing of Canada’s agricultural trade tensions with China was evident at the 2026 Pulse & Special Crops Convention. Pulse Canada used the platform to give its inaugural Global Partner of Distinction award to Cao Derong, president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products. Murad Al-Katib, president of the Canadian Pulse and Special Crops Trade
Association, said Derong’s leadership and commonsense approach proved invaluable during Canada’s recent political/trade spat with China. “We truly credit you single-handedly with helping guide us through this and to give us good council,” he said. Derong said many Canadian agricultural products lost market share in China during the tiff, but sales have started to rebound in 2026, with peas being a prime example. China imported 520,000 tonnes of Canadian peas during the first half of 2026 and he expects sales to top one million tonnes by the end
of the calendar year. He said the future is bright for peas and other Canadian pulses. Potential for even more trade “The demand for plantbased and healthy food is growing with big potential in the future,” said Derong. “This is an important year to restart and to elevate the agricultural co-operation between our two countries.” Pulse Canada president Greg Cherewyk said relations with China struggled for years, but recently there has been some positive momentum. Continued on page 12
China imported 520,000 tonnes of Canadian peas during the first half of 2026. Sales are expected to top one million tonnes by the end of the calendar year said Cao Derong, president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products. File photo/Western Producer
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The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A12
Borrowing costs expected to head higher By Sean Pratt SaskToday.ca
WESTERN PRODUCER — The cost of borrowing is likely going up, according to an economist with a major lending institution. Graeme Crosbie, senior economist with Farm Credit Canada, said short-term lending rates are heavily influenced by the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate. That rate is at 2.25 and has
been for a while because the central bank is taking a waitand-see approach. In June, FCC was forecasting that the rate would stay at 2.25 per cent for the remainder of 2026 and all through 2027. However, that was before the recent spike in fuel prices and before the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement talks broke down and a trade war erupted between Canada and the U.S.
Crosbie said financial markets are now pricing in a rate hike as early as this December. FCC thinks that sounds about right. The U.S. Federal Reserve just raised its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point, its first rate hike in three years. Long-term rates, such as Government of Canada bonds ranging from two to 10 years, are not as dependent on the overnight rate.
They are more heavily influenced by U.S. bond market dynamics, inflation expectations and the growth in gross domestic product. Long-term bond rates had been steadily falling since the beginning of this century until COVID hit. Then everything changed. Rates have been climbing steadily since 2021 to combat inflation in markets such as Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom and Japan.
Crosbie doesn’t see that trend ending anytime soon. “Those are going to continue to grind higher and higher and higher in the short-term,” he told delegates attending the 2026 Pulse & Special Crops Convention. Bond yields in the U.S. are the highest since the 2008 global financial crisis. The U.K. hasn’t seen rates like this in 30 years, while Japan’s are the highest since the mid-1990s.
China returns as big buyer of Canadian peas Continued from page 11 “There has been a very intentional effort to recalibrate and reconnect and re-establish a stronger bilaterial relationship between the two countries,” he said.
When things were not great at the political level, industry stepped in and did some “commercial diplomacy.” Chickpeas, faba beans and lentils may be next Derong said China and
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Canada are currently negotiating market access for Canadian chickpeas, fababeans and lentils. He said chickpeas are well suited to light meals, meal replacement products and plant-based food applications. Fababeans are widely used as a snack food ingredient in China, and lentils are seeing growing demand in multigrain products and ready-to-cook meals. Derong advised Canadian processors to start preparing for possible transactions with those three pulse products soon. Cherewyk said it is encouraging to hear about progress on that file, which has been on the negotiating table Howeer, he would also like China to make its tem-
porary pause on Canadian pea tariffs permanent. The pause is set to expire Dec. 31, 2026. He said Canadian shippers will stop sending peas to China around the beginning of November if there is a risk of the 100 per cent tariff being resurrected. Derong said Canada has lost pea market share to competitors such as Russia, but he said Canada has a competitive advantage with its high protein varieties. He noted that China’s consumption has shifted from securing sufficient supply of agricultural products to pursuing quality ingredients. Cherewyk said Russia has taken over China’s feed market for peas and is penetrating the food market, but
Canada still has a stranglehold in the premium fractionation market. Chinese fractionators built their facilities to process Canadian peas. “They didn’t fully appreciate, nor did we, what that means,” he said. “Not until they were cut off from that raw ingredient did they start to appreciate that you can’t just insert a raw ingredient from another origin and expect that it will process the same way and that it will produce the exact same quality of isolate.” End customers want isolates that offer consistent texture, mouth feel, aroma and other attributes, and they weren’t getting that when Canadian peas were shut out of the market.
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“Investors are getting incrementally more worried about the state of government finances and also inflation reigniting,” said Crosbie. Rising oil prices are a big contributor to inflation. Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz slowed to a crawl following the outbreak of war between the U.S. and Iran. They rebounded somewhat in June and July when the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding , but shipments were back to a crawl in August and September when the agreement was scuttled. U.S. crude oil reserves have been drawn down to 700 million barrels, which is well below the previous floor of about 800 million barrels. Diesel prices have soared due to restricted flow through the Strait of Hormuz and damage to refining capacity in the Middle East and Russia. U.S. diesel prices were at a record US$6.30 per gallon at the time of Crosbie’s presentation on Sept. 16. That is why fixed lending rates will likely continue to rise despite the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate remaining stagnant for the time being. The Government of Canada’s five-year bond has found a new floor of three per cent and was approaching 3.5 per cent at the time of his presentation. Bond yields form the foundation of fixed rate loans. “As those yields grind higher, fixed rate borrowing costs are also grinding higher,” said Crosbie. That means higher fixed rates for residential mortgages, farm loans and corporate financing. Higher borrowing costs will lead to slower economic growth, which means lower tax revenues for the government. Government funding becomes more expensive because tax revenues are lower than budgeted, forcing governments to borrow more money in higher priced markets. That financial dilemma is even more pronounced for countries with shorter debt maturity profiles such as Canada and the U.S. Crosbie was asked if farmers are better off choosing variable rate over fixed rate loans. He said that is the top question FCC receives and the answer is that it depends on the farm operation, the capital structure already in place, renewal dates and many other factors. “Whether it is fixed or variable, the signals are there that both are going to kind of grind higher,” said Crosbie.
Regional News-Optimist
Page A13–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
Agricultural tour leaves senators impressed, concerned
Jim Robbins, left, owner of Maida Vale Farm near Delisle, Sask., and Deb Tuchelt, executive director of SaskOrganics, talks to senators during their recent tour of Saskatchewan agriculture. Photo courtesy Senate of Canada Ag-West Bio and the Global Agri-Food Advancement Partnership focus on another part of the process, connecting research, entrepreneurs, industry and investors and helping move technologies toward commercialization. Finding capital an issue Robinson said attracting capital was a recurring issue. “They talk about creative starting ideas and developing them, but then to take them to actual market scale, that’s the gap, and I think a lot of that happens because we just can’t
attract the capital,” she said. The potash mine provided a different look at Saskatchewan’s agricultural economy. Robinson, who is also a certified crop adviser and has worked in the farm input business, said visiting the mine was a highlight. The senators travelled about one kilometre underground and saw the mining and processing operation. They also heard that much of the equipment was made in Saskatchewan. Continued on page 13 CELEBRATING AGRICULTURE WEEK
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Agriculture is part of our community and part of who we serve.
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SASKATOON, Sask. — Senators came to Saskatchewan expecting to see agricultural expertise. After two days, they left with questions about how Canada can make better use of it. Mary Robinson, chair of the Senate’s agriculture and forestry committee, toured research facilities, a potash mine and farms earlier this month with fellow senators as part of the committee’s national food-security study. For Robinson, a lifelong farmer from Prince Edward Island and former president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the trip offered a close-up look at how Saskatchewan connects agricultural production with research and innovation across Canada’s food system. “I think it’s really exciting for me to take committee members who have very little firsthand experience with food production and value add and the science behind food production,” said Robinson. The committee has already visited Ontario and plans further fact-finding as it examines the role of agriculture and agri-food in Canada’s food security, barriers to food access and how federal policies and programs could support a secure and sustainable food system. Saskatchewan offered a broad look at those issues. Tour destinations The itinerary included the Global Institute for Food Security, the Canadian Light Source synchrotron, the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre and AgWest Bio. The second day took senators underground at Nutrien’s Vanscoy potash mine before visits to the Maida Vale organic farm near Delisle and SDC Farms in the Eagle Creek area. Robinson said the tour highlighted the concentration of agricultural expertise in and around Saskatoon. “All of that, I think, left the senators …with this overwhelming sense of awe as to the hub of expertise that exists within Saskatoon,” she said. At GIFS, senators saw robotics and artificial intelligence being used for work including seed cleaning and disease studies. At the Canadian Light Source, they saw three-dimensional images showing the internal structure of seeds and plants. The synchrotron also raised questions about the investment needed to keep advanced research facilities current. “They said to us, this technology is 20 years old, and
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you think, ‘wow, 20 years, we have got to find a way to step up and to update this, and to make sure that we don’t lose our place,’ ” said Robinson. Bringing products to market Canada has strong agricultural science and expertise, she said, but needs to find ways to turn more of that knowledge into products and businesses that operate at commercial scale. “The big commonality … would have been this valley of death,” said Robinson. She was referring to the stretch between developing and proving an idea and getting it into the marketplace. “Going from the research and the development, and then that gap between proving it can do what we wanted to do, but then taking it to market, to scale and having it exist in the marketplace and be self-sufficient,” she said. Robinson said access to capital is part of the challenge, particularly for organizations trying to move technologies beyond proof of concept. The Crop Development Centre works across plant breeding, pathology, testing and commercialization. Its laboratories test grain and pulse quality and help determine whether varieties meet the requirements of processors and export markets.
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The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A14
Agricultural tour leaves senators impressed, concerned Continued from page 13 “Whenever we asked, ‘where’s that piece of equipment made,’ a lot of the times the answer was Saskatchewan, which is wonderful to see,” she said. The mine also prompted a discussion about labour. Robinson said the operation appeared to attract local workers and that wages helped explain why. The farm visits added a production perspective to the committee’s Saskatchewan tour. Maida Vale is a 2,500acre organic farm produc-
ing wheat, oats, flax, lentils, peas and alfalfa. SDC Farms integrates grain and pulse production with livestock and is developing a federally inspected meat facility. Visit will inform future ag committee work The Saskatchewan visit was not formal testimony, Robinson said, but it will help the committee determine whom it should hear from as the study progresses. “What it does is it creates a network and relationship and awareness about what’s going on,” said Robinson.
“As we populate our witness list, we may decide to formalize some of what we learn by inviting people to come and be a witness to committee.” She also encouraged organizations and individuals who want their concerns reflected in the final report to put them in writing. “If there’s something you want our committee to take into consideration when we go to drafting, send us what you want,” she said. “Send it to the clerk. It’ll be distributed to the committee, and then it is offi-
cially on the record, and we can deal with it.” What’s next The committee remains in the fact-finding stage, with its current work plan extending through the end of the year and potentially longer. Robinson said the ultimate audience she wants to reach is policymakers.
“I don’t know if the goal for me is so much about what Canadians are going to understand, so much as what policymakers will understand,” she said. She hopes the study will provide a broad assessment of Canada’s agricultural strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Robinson also said the experience left her with a deeper appreciation for what Saskatchewan brings to Canada’s agricultural sector. “I wish Saskatchewan was P.E.I. because I will never live anywhere but P.E.I.,” said Robinson. “But man, Saskatchewan’s amazing.”
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Page A15–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
VOICE OF
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Connecting Voices. Building Business
GET CONNECTED IN 2026! Upcoming Event Calendar Chamber on Tap Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Location: Battlefords & District Chamber of Commerce 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Guests: City of North Battleford Economic Development Committee 32nd BBEX Awards Gala Thursday, November 5, 2026 Location: Battlefords Agricultural Society-Agrivilla 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Western Business Leaders Applaud Bill C-39 and Major Competitiveness Reforms Western Business Coalition outlines additional measures on regulatory reform and economic immigration during joint trip to Ottawa As Parliament resumes, leaders of the Western Business Coalition (WBC) are in Ottawa to welcome major federal reforms aimed at strengthening Canada’s competitiveness and advocate for measures as outlined in an open letter shared with all Members of Parliament earlier this month. This week’s trip to the nation’s capital by the WBC, comprised of the Business Councils of British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba, and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, builds on the Coalition’s May 2025 call to restore Canada as a competitive place to base, build and grow businesses. While WBC leaders are in the capital, the federal government introduced new legislation, Building Canada Strong Act, which advances several of the Coalition’s priorities. The move is a welcome step toward improving Canada’s competitiveness, attracting investment and supporting economic growth. The WBC urges Parliament to pass the legislation quickly and continue to prioritize the remaining barriers. Coalition leaders are also advocating for the federal government to build on its momentum by reducing federal regulatory requirements by 25 per cent over three years and increasing Provincial Nominee Program allocations within existing immigration levels. These measures would help reduce the cost of doing business and better connect qualified people with available jobs and regional workforce needs. Among the many changes tabled in Bill C-39, the WBC welcomes the one-year timeline for federal review and decision-making and the proposed creation of a special mediator to help resolve difficult federally regulated labour disputes.
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Combined with the recently announced Productivity Mega Deduction aimed at spurring new investment in Canada, and the recent shifting of project approvals to the appropriate lifecycle regulator, these reforms address some of the most significant barriers to Canada’s competitiveness and closely reflect recommendations the WBC has advocated for since its inception last year. Quotes “We are thankful that the government has listened and acted on removing some of the significant priorities Western Canadian businesses have raised for years. We applaud the Prime Minister and his government for this progress and urge Parliament to move quickly so businesses have the certainty to invest, build and grow in Canada even during this time of strained trade relationships and unstable geopolitics.” — Adam Legge, President, Business Council of Alberta “Canada is meeting this moment with a bold vision for a stronger, more resilient economy. We are focused on the right things, including attracting investment, building major projects, diversifying our markets and labour stability. But we need to keep pushing forward. Western Canada has an enormous role to play in turning that ambition into reality by helping Canada become a global energy and natural resources superpower and strengthening our reputation as a reliable partner for the world.” — Laura Jones, President and CEO, Business Council of British Columbia “Western Canada businesses compete globally, and they need reliable trade corridors, efficient approvals, and stable labour relations to get products to market. Bill C-39 shows that sustained, coordinated advocacy from western businesses is helping move these priorities onto the legislative agenda. This is meaningful progress, and we will remain focused on ensuring the legislation delivers the certainty, competitiveness, and measurable results our businesses need to invest, grow, and reach global markets.” — Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce “These are important and welcome steps from the federal government that respond directly to priorities the business community has been advocating for. The Productivity Mega-Deduction and newly introduced Building Canada Strong Act help create the conditions businesses need to invest with confidence, boost productivity, and strengthen Canada’s competitiveness. We appreciate the government’s continued focus on long-term economic growth and look forward to working together on additional priorities that will keep Canada’s economy moving forward.” — Bram Strain, President and CEO, Business Council of Manitoba
The 32nd Battlefords Business Excellence (BBEX) Awards Gala will be hosted at the Battlefords Agricultural Society’s Agrivilla on November 5th, 2026. The reception will be at 5:30 pm and dinner will start at 6:30 pm. The BBEX Awards Gala will be presenting awards to local businesses in the Battlefords in the following categories: New Business Venture Award, Community Contribution Award, Young Entrepreneur Award, Micro Business Award, Heather Gutherie Customer Service Star Award, Impact Award, Heritage Award, Members’ Choice Award, and Business of the Year Award. The Chamber will also be inducting Kramer Auctions and the Kramer Family to the Battlefords Business Hall of Fame. Tickets are on sale now. The Committee is excited about this year’s group of finalists with several new businesses and young entrepreneurs making the event one not to be missed.
Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A16
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Regional News-Optimist
Page A17–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
Mayfair & Area News
Rabbit Lake Seniors’ Centre and library branch hubs of fall activity
Maymont Central School junior girls’ volleyball team winning gold at a recent Spiritwood tournament. One of the coaches in this photo is Jackie Caldwell of Maymont. | Photo courtesy Jessica Gray
By Elaine Woloshyn Correspondent
Farmers are working diligently into all hours of the night to get their crops off during the incredibly nice weather Mother Nature has been “spreading” over the prairies. No one has completed as of Sept. 28, as I’m writing this news. Correction for the fall supper in Mayfair, which is slated for Nov. 7, not Nov. 1. At least this is giving enough advance notice. The Maymont School junior girls’ volleyball team took gold in the tournament in Spiritwood High School gymnasium this past Saturday. The reward was candy. Yes, you read this correctly! Medals are too expensive to purchase, and I guess kids still love candy. I’m smiling as I’m submitting this. Rabbit Lake Seniors’ Centre is usually a buzz of activity, whether it be coffee times on Monday, Wednesday and Friday or for functions. One can book this small facility, which even has a full-sized pool table for only $50 per day. Contact secretary Bernadette Demyon at 306-4806707 The Rabbit Lake Quilters club is starting up again on Monday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the library. One can work on their own project as well as a group project, creating an item to be donated to a charity. For more information, please contact one of the following: library – 306-841-7079; Lynn 306-441-9383; Donna 306221-0102 Also at Rabbit Lake Library, there is “Kids Art” Oct. 21 from 4:15-5:15 p.m. School-age or preschool children, chaperoned by a parent, are welcome to partake in a
craft. To register, call the library 306-841-7079. There is no charge for this. Looks like this branch of Lakeland Library is a hub for fun and activity. Anyone wanting to purchase fresh farm eggs from the Konopelski high school boys? These are situated in the Rabbit Lake Library Monday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Friday 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for $4.50 a dozen. Church service times for October at Maymont Sharon United Church are as follows: Sundays at 11 a.m., Oct. 18 with Reverend JoAnn Hills officiating and on Oct. 25 by one of the active congregation members. Hey everyone, stay in shape with yoga in Mayfair Library on Mondays starting on Oct. 5. Qualified instructor from North Battleford, Louise Sylvester, leads classes from 4 to 5 p.m. Cost is $15 for drop-ins and $100 for a session of eight classes. For over 15 years, we’ve been fortunate to have this in our small hamlet. Rivier Elementary School in Spiritwood had a fun “sparkly” day this past Friday. Celebrating Dolly Parton Day featured her song “Nine to Five,” but for the students, the school day ran from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with tons of denim, pink and sparkles. I’m wondering if the song kept playing over the intercom. Lots of fun and excitement for staff and students! A dominant six-man high school football team coached by Ryan Barnstable have been successful for many years. The Hafford Vikings team barely ever lose a football game. This past Friday, the Vikings defeated the LCBI Bisons from Outlook Continued on page 21
The congregation outdoors on Aug. 22 at Welychko Ukrainian Catholic Church. One can see the massive church bell. | Photo by Nadya Berezowski
A rural side road from Mayfair going west, which is steep and winding in places. One has to be careful as it is not a well-used narrow road. Meeting a combine on here is an obstacle. | Photo by Elaine Woloshyn Ukrainian church parish of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Welychko with Father Ivan Nahachewsky (former pastor of the district) and Father Leonid Malkov (district’s present pastor) on Aug. 22. | Photo by Nadya Berezowski
This sign says it all in a rural setting near Hafford. | Photo by Nadya Berezowski
Welychko Ukrainian Catholic Church in a rural area south of Hafford marked its final service on Aug. 22. | Photo by Nadya Berezowski
Inside view of the Welychko Ukrainian Catholic Church. | Photo by Nadya Berezowski
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The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A18
Maidstone & Area News
High school students experience Métis history at Batoche
Maidstone High School’s Grade 12 History students at Batoche Historic Site on Sept. 14. | Photos courtesy Kathy Utri
By Kathy Utri Correspondent
Masardy Wiltermuth passed away at Pioneer Lodge in Lloydminster on Sept. 15 at 97 years of age. Condolences are extended to her family: daughters, Jeanette Leer, Deanna Sharp, Yvonne (Kevin) Pike, Denny Friday; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Elma Vrolson; and brother-in-law, Jim Bonnar. The funeral service for Masardy was held at Maidstone United Church on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Maidstone Healthcare Auxiliary is pleased to announce the recipient of their
bursary for 2026 is Jadyn Rhinehart. She is entering her second year of a nursing program in Regina. Congratulations, Jadyn. We wish you success in your studies. Maidstone High School’s Grade 12 History students visited Batoche National Historic Site as a school field trip on Monday, Sept. 14. They travelled to this important historic park to experience Métis settler life in the 19th century and see how their way of life changed forever at the final battlefield of the Northwest Resistance of 1885. Batoche is the scene of Louis Riel’s last stand and a symbol of Métis resilience and cultural renewal. It is at the heart of the Métis com-
munity and the heart of the resistance of 1885 with Louis Riel. They visited the St. Antoine-de-Padoue Church and Rectory (1896), Jean Caron Sr. Farm Home, General Middleton’s Zareba, Métis river lots, rifle pits, Gabriel Dumont’s grave and the old Batoche village. They also walked on the famous Carlton Trail. There’s an impressive new LED sign outside the Legion Hall in Maidstone. Made possible by a generous donation from the late James (Jim) Mitchell, the display will be used to honour veterans from our community and surrounding area who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives and those who
Maidstone High School’s 2026 senior golf team wrapped up their fall season in September. have served. Also watch for the beautiful new street banners which were developed by the Maidstone Legion Memorial Banner Committee (a partnership of Maidstone Legion, Maidstone High School and Maidstone Chamber of Commerce) to honour and memorialize local veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP. Appreciation is extended to everyone who came out last Thursday to celebrate Legion Week and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. A commemorative stamp plaque was Crystal Attfield presents the Canada Post “Legion 100 presented to Dennis Noble, Years” commemorative stamp plaque to Dennis Noble, Continued on page 21 president of Maidstone Legion Branch No. 142 on Sept. 24. 26103GE1
Page A19–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
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NOTICE OF ADVANCE POLL VILLAGE OF MAYMONT
VILLAGE OF PAYNTON Form H [Section 66 of the Act] NOTICE OF CALL FOR NOMINATIONS (Municipal Election)
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that provisions have been made for an advance poll. Voting will take place on Thursday October 15, 2026 between the hours of 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Village of Maymont Office–112 Main Street. Michele Gray Returning Officer
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Voter identification will be required to vote. In Memoriam
NOTICE OF POLL VILLAGE OF MAYMONT PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that: A poll has been granted for the election of: MAYOR: VILLAGE OF MAYMONT
Marguerite Lindquist ......................................... North Battleford Brian Woytiuk ................................................... Unity Craig Iverson .................................................... Meota Audrey Stewart ................................................. North Battleford Merven W. Stepko ............................................ North Battleford James I. Campbell ............................................ North Battleford Gordon Gray...................................................... North Battleford Janice P. Walker ............................................... North Battleford Fred Walker ...................................................... North Battleford Garry Anderson ................................................. North Battleford Victor Iwanchuk ................................................ North Battleford Eunice Nelson ................................................... North Battleford James (Jim) Nelson .......................................... Battleford Rusty & Elsie Stensrud ...................................... Battleford David Bunnell ................................................... North Battleford Donna Hickson ................................................. North Battleford Lana Hickson .................................................... North Battleford Charlotte Lahti .................................................. North Battleford Walter T. Nelson ............................................... North Battleford Al Gotto............................................................. North Battleford Jacquelyne Byers ............................................. North Battleford David W. Shury ................................................. Battleford Dean M. Williams .............................................. North Battleford Ivan Wasmuth ................................................... North Battleford
Given with Love to enhance patient care Battlefords Healthcare Foundation. 1092 – 107th Street • Box 1358 North Battleford, SK • S9A 3L8 Phone: 306-446-6652 • Fax: 306-446-6631 www.bhcfoundation.ca
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Voting will take place on Wednesday October 28, 2026 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Village of Maymont Office – 112 Main Street. I will declare the results of the election at the Village of Maymont Office – 112 Main Street on October 29, 2026 at 10:00 am.
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that nomination of candidates for the office of: Councillor: Village of Paynton Number to be Elected: Two (2) will be received by the undersigned at the Village Office, 205 1st Street East, during normal office hours until Wednesday, October 7th, 2026 at 4:00 pm local time (date changed). Nomination forms and public disclosure forms may be obtained at the Village Office. Dated this 17th day of September 2026. Greg Peterson Returning Officer Feed & Seed
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The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A20
Borden & Area News
Threshing Day an opportunity to live history
Volunteers man the threshing equipment at the site near Borden Sept. 26.
Barbara Leavins, Harvey Cymbalisty and Aven Grace signing at Borden Sept. 24. They will be signing at the Nashville CMA Gospel Awards. | Photos by Lorraine Olinyk
By Lorraine Olinyk Correspondent
The Borden Friendship Club held their monthly potluck supper on Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Club Room with 37 out to enjoy the evening. The tables were decorated in a fall theme with colourful serviettes, gourds and fall flower bouquets. MC Peter gave the blessing and told a story, then everyone enjoyed the meal. Happy Birthday was sung to Jackie Meister, Bev Hrynuik and Harvey Cymbalisty. The entertainment was Aven Grace from Borden and Barbara Leavins from Dinsmore playing guitars and
singing along with Harvey Cymbalisty from Warman providing vocals. The trio have been invited to play at the CMA Gospel concert in Branson, Miss., in two weeks and is up for numerous awards. Saturday, Sept. 26 was the annual threshing day at Borden, with the activities taking place at the site north of Borden and a roast beef supper in the Borden Community Centre from 4:30 to 7 pm. Thanks to Loran and Danyle Collison for the use of their land for this annual event. At the cook car at the site, there was soup or borscht available along with slices of bread, jam and beverages, then the pa-
26101BS0
Jackie Meister, Harvey Cymbalisty and Bev Hrynuik were guests of honour at the Borden Friendship Club’s potluck supper Sept. 24. rade of power at noon with Riley Baker handling the mic for flag bearers Krissy and Alana on horseback, followed by riders Jeanette, Nancy, Finn, Ivy, Brooke, Bella and Susie. Flags were on the back of Art Walker’s 1951 Mercury truck driven by Fritz Muelhauser, Steve Pain was next driving his team of Clydes pulling the people wagon, then a line of vintage tractors – Aaron Wensley driving a 1948 Minneapolis U pulling a 1929 McCormick Deering threshing machine, Daryl Amey with a 1942 Farmall M pulling a straw chopper, Willard Wensley with his 1948 JD “A,” Casey Wensley driving a 1953 Interna-
tional, Don Wensley with a Minneapolis R pulling a JD Clipper combine, Dalyn Matechuk a 1953 JD 60 pulling a discer, Gage Matechuk driving a 1949 Allis Chalmers B pulling a two-furrow plow, then Archie Wainwright’s tractors – 1952 International W6 driven by Gabe Lajoie, 1952 JDR driven by Rod Andrews and 1952 Cockshutt 40 driven by Archie. The kiddie cars were pulled by a custom-built tractor driven by David Harkness, followed by a 1948 JD “D” driven by Bishop Chad, a 1943 unstyled JD AR driven by Kelly Rioch, a 1945 Farmall H driven by Mike Sutherland and the Borden Fire Department with their trucks as the final entry. There was a petting zoo for the kids with Donna Barth in charge of goats, bunnies, a pony and calves. A slow tractor race was won by Dalyn Matechuk with his 1953 JD”60.” There was a bale-throwing contest for the kids to throw hay bales over a bar onto the hay rack, sack races for the kids with everyone getting a medallion, bindering, sawing wood with Mike Sutherland using his 1945 Farmall H, Todd Bailey, farrier, demonstrating horseshoeing, harvesting potatoes with a vintage potato harvester pulled by Gage and his 1949 Allis-Chalmers B and Ruben Rempel handling the controls while everyone filled their bags with potatoes. The sunflower contest winners of $25 sponsored by the Borden Museum were announced: largest head - Darlene and George Walker, most heads on a plant - White family; the tallest plant - Klitzel family. There was people plowing by men and women and then threshing of the sheaves concluded the field events. Everyone then travelled into Borden to enjoy a roast beef supper in the Borden Community Centre, where the stage, walls and tables were decorated in a colourful fall theme for close to 200 out to enjoy the meal.
Steve Payne and his Clydes pulling a people wagon.
Women pulling the plow at Borden Threshing Day.
Harvesting potatoes with a vintage potato harvester pulled by Gage and his 1949 Allis-Chalmers B and Ruben Rempel handling the controls while everyone filled their bags with potatoes.
Mike Sutherland using his 1945 Farmall H to saw wood Sept. 26.
Sack races were among the special activities for children at Borden Threshing Day.
Farrier Todd Bailey shoeing a horse at Threshing Day Sept 26.
Page A21–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
High school students experience Métis history at Batoche Continued from page 18 president of Maidstone Legion Branch No. 142, by Canada Post representative, Crystal Attfield. Winner of the 50/50 draw was Lori Wilkinson. Thank you to the Legion members for the barbecue and cake, and for all you do. We are fortunate to have current Legion and community members who invest so much time to ensure we will always remember
our veterans. Maidstone High School’s senior golf season has been completed. Members had the option of starting in the summer due to the short time the golf season runs once school starts in the fall. This year, while doing well and improving their skills, none of the golfers advanced to playoffs. The high school’s 23 cross-country athletes have
been participating in runs around the district. Not all were able to attend the competition in Wilkie last weekend, but of those who went, all did well and some came home sporting medals. Competition will continue into October, so we’ll hope the weather co-operates. Junior Mega Volley brought another deluge of athletes and fans to Maidstone last Friday and Satur-
day. Champions were Lloydminster Comprehensive High School and Gateway Middle School of Meadow Lake won the consolation. Both Maidstone A teams placed third. Good job, everyone. Maidstone Arena’s September winners in their monthly cash draw were Dakota Boutin, $3,500 and Tristan Cox, $125 ticket money back. If your name isn’t here, don’t sweat it;
Rabbit Lake Seniors’ Centre and library branch hubs of fall activity Continued from page 17 by a score of 75 to 15!. I’ll mention the Hafford concession near the playing field has reasonable prices on drinks (hot and cold), snacks and a $5 burger or double cheese burger for $8 or a hot dog for $4, just to mention a couple of prices. No need to gobble down a meal before hurrying to the game with prices like this. The next home game is on Friday, Oct. at 7 p.m., so come cheer on the boys. A Grade 12 graduate, Talon Cheney from the Hafford Vikings Football team, made “Team. Canada “Six-Man All-Star CANAM Bowl” this past July. The game was held in Meeteetse, Wyo.
Nadya Berrzowski from Battleford has shared an interesting story that some of you with Ukrainian ancestry will find interesting. The Welychko Ukrainian Catholic Church, which is situated south of Hafford, on Aug. 22 celebrated the official closing with baptism and confirmation of two children who have roots in that area. Following was the official final service by Father Ivan Nahachewsky (former pastor of this district) and Father Leonid Malkov, the district’s present pastor. There was a graveside blessing and a wonderful feast thoroughly enjoyed by the 35 people in attendance. Darlene Lo-
zowchuk, parish president, read a history of the founding church parish. The oldest member, Annie Betskal, at 103 years, was happy and honoured to be present at this wonderful event. The name Welychko is one of the historic churches in the North Battleford and Hafford Pastoral District. Ivan Welychko donated the land. Established in 1911 and blessed by Father Timofey Wasylewich, an early missionary priest. Beautifully kept grounds and church maintenance make this a worthy historic site. A horrific windstorm struck and knocked down the bell tower a few years ago. Greg Grzybowski of Hafford
Public Notice
rebuilt this structure. Many generations were baptized, married and buried here. This was where the Ukrainian Catholic people encountered God and celebrated their culture and faith. With hard work, they built a community together. Sadly, there will be no more church celebrations at the Welychko Ukrainian Catholic Church near Hafford. People who were in attendance on Aug. 22 will treasure this forever in their hearts. Just a thought to end this week’s report: “ I was going to throw in the towel, but then I remembered how much laundry I already have.” Agriculture
RM OF WILTON PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF WILTON NO. 472
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS
your ticket is in the drum Motor scrapers, dozers, for October. The next draw excavators, rock trucks, is on Oct. 5 for $1,325 and packers; wide range of machines. there are still tickets availCamp/R & B provided. able. Contact Dawn 306Competitive wages. 893-8382. Thank you for Valid drivers license supporting the Maidstone required. Arena. Send resume and work references to: Maidstone Disc Golf’s Bryden Construction Delfrari Cup scores will have and Transport Co. Inc. to wait until next week. Ryan Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Donovan did post the results, Fax: 306-769-8844 but I need clarification before Email: sending to print. brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca Reminders: www.brydenconstruction • Sunday, Oct. 4 - Maidandtransport.ca stone Kin Club Barbecue at Seniors Drop In Centre (406 Notices/Nominations Main St.) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. NOTICE TO CREDITORS • Monday, Oct. 5 - MaidIn the Estate of stone Multiple 4-H Club first BEVERLY JEAN GRAHAM, general meeting for 2026-27 late of Turtleford, Saskatchewan, deceased. at Milleton Hall (Highway 21 North) at 7 p.m. Contact All claims against the above estate, duly verified by Wednesday, 21, 2018 Christine atMarch 306-893-2298 statutory declaration and with for more information. particulars and valuation of • Pie Bingo at Maidstone security held, if any, must be Legion Hall (Main Street) at sent to the undersigned before 7 p.m. For Wednesday, Oct. the 16th day of October, 2026. 7, workers and pies will be Battle River Law Friedman Spence Fransoo from Sewton/Battlevale DisBarristers & Solicitors tricts. Come out and join the CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Wednesday, March 21, 2018 fun. Box 905
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VACATION RENTAL TO CREDITORS sq ft,NOTICE will sub-divide. 79 Selkirk lower LET OUR FAMILY level office area, 4112 sq ft. J.B EXECUTIVE IN THE ESTATE OFJohnston HELP YOUR FAMILY CLASSIFIED@THOMPSONCITIZEN.NET Understand the VILLA options LAKEVIEW Ventures Limited, call CORPE, 204-679-0915 JEREL JOHN in Osoyoos, BC, available to assist with 39-TFN-nb late of Radisson, in the 510 •FOR RETAIL/ withfinancial breathtaking your situation OFFICE SPACEof LEASE 500-5000 Province Saskatchewan, 201 • SERVICES lake & mountain (Arrangements with OFFICE SPACE deceased. sq ft available. Cameron/Hoe building views and just Creditors or Bankruptcy) 83 Churchill Drive. Contact Joethe Aniceto. ALL CLAIMS against 3 minutes from town 7 SELKIRK main floor office area 1990 STRUGGLING WITH DEBT? FREE CONSULTATION 204-679-0490 or Neil Cameron 306above estate, duly verified sq ft, will sub-divide. 79 Selkirk lower EXPERIENCE THE LET OUR FAMILY 477-5668. 20-tfn-nb by statutory declaration and KEITH G. COLLINS LTD. level offi ce area, 4112 sq ft. J.B Johnston ULTIMATE HELP YOUR FAMILY Licensed Insolvency Trustee Understand the options Ventures Limited, call 204-679-0915 with particulars and valuation GETAWAY! Phone to 944-0187 available assist with 39-TFN-nb of security held, if any, must Or1-800-263-0070 wanting warmer your financial situation OFFICE SPACE LEASE 500-5000 be sent to FOR the undersigned weather? 46a-e-tfnb (Arrangements with sq ft available. Cameron/Hoe before the 2nd day ofbuilding Two luxurious 5-star Creditors or Bankruptcy) 83 Churchill Drive. Contact Joe Aniceto. November, 2026. resort units in FREE CONSULTATION 204-679-0490 or Neil Cameron 306Phoenix, Arizona. MATRIX LAW GROUP 477-5668. 20-tfn-nb KEITH G. COLLINS LTD. Doug 306-716-2671 1421 – 101ST ST Licensed Insolvency Trustee osoyooslakevilla.com Phone 944-0187 NORTH BATTLEFORD SK
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THE KAMSACK TIMES is hiring a Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter to 301 •original HELP produce civicWANTED journalism 183 Cree Rd, Thompson MB, R8N 0C2 for Kamsack; Cote, Keeseekoose and The Toll free: 1-800-565-2401 PH: 204-778-8387 FAX: 204-677-4087 Key First Nations; and surrounding towns. Job is a term position until Looking for full and part time March 31, 2027. Apply with cover startingsamples wage to letterhousekeepers and three writing Cree Rd, Thompson MB, R8N 0C2 Devan183Tasa at$13.00/hr dtasa@tasamedia.ca. Toll free: 1-800-565-2401 PH: 204-778-8387 ApplyFAX: at204-677-4087 the front desk
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PUBLIC INSPECTION
Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Municipal Office, 26646 Grid Road 688, (located in the NE-6-48-26-W3M, 9 km south of Highway 16 on Range Road 3265) between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the proposed bylaws are available on the RM website www.rmwilton.ca and at the RM Office at a cost of $5.00.
Looking for 1 full time and 1 183 Cree Thompson MB, R8Nwage 0C2 part timeRd,cook starting Toll free: 1-800-565-2401 PH: 204-778-8387 $14.00/hr with experience FAX: 204-677-4087 preferred. Looking for 1 full time and 1 partApply time at cook wage thestarting front desk
PUBLIC HEARING
Council will hold a public hearing on December 16th at 10:30 AM at the Municipal Office. Written submissions must be received two days prior to scheduled hearing by 4:00 PM. Via email, received at the office or via mail.
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Issued at the RM of Wilton 1st day of December, 2025. Jill Parton, Chief Administrative Officer REASON The reason for the proposed rezoning is to provide commercial and industrial zoning consistent with the development on the adjacent NW quarter. PUBLIC INSPECTION Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Municipal Office, 26646 Grid Road 688, (located in the NE-6-48-26-W3M, 9 km south of Highway 16 on Range Road 3265) between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the proposed bylaws are available at the RM Office at a cost of $5.00. PUBLIC HEARING Council will hold a public hearing on October 13, 2026 at 9:30 AM at the RM Office to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the RM Office before the hearing. Issued at the RM of Wilton this 24th day of September, 2026. Jill Parton, Administrator
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Public notice isgiven hereby given that13 the Rural of Public notice is hereby that pursuant to Section of The Council Municipalities of Act, the the R.M. of WiltonMunicipality No. 472, subject to the consent of the Minister of Highways, intendsThe to closePlanning and transfer the road Development allowance Wilton intends to adopt a bylaw under and Act, described as the following: 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 16-2014, known as the Lloydminster Planning INTENT Zoning Bylaw. District Proposed Bylaw No. 16-2025 will provide a notice of intent to permanently close and transfer all that INTENT portion of the original road allowance shown as “Portion of Road to be Closed” on Plan ID 34111498300-V-SKCH-001 (McElhanney Ltd.,will dated September 2025),SW-24-49-28-W3, located within SE ¼ Section The proposed amendment rezone5,the as shown 07-48-27-W3M, containing approximately 0.21 hectares (0.52 acres). This land will be consolidated with onadjacent the Surface MapParcels attached hereto, from C1 – Rural Commercial District and 130529763 (Ext. 1) and 130710473 (Ext. 2). M1 – Industrial District District to C1 – Rural Commercial District and M1 – Industrial District.
This road allowance remains undeveloped and will not be developed in the future. A subdivision application has been applied for to provide for the parcel ties of the road allowance lands with adjacent parcels. The road allowance to be closed and transferred as shown on Map 1.
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Estate of GEORGINA PEARL LEER late of Maidstone, Saskatchewan, deceased. All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 9 day of October, 2026. Battle River Law Friedman Spence Fransoo Barristers & Solicitors 201, 1291 - 102nd Street Box 905 North Battleford, Saskatchewan S9A2Z3 Solicitors for the Executrix
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Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A22
Pedestrian struck, killed on Hwy 4 in North Battleford SaskToday.ca
NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. — A 34-year-old man from Gallivan is dead after being struck by a vehicle on Highway 4 within North Battleford city limits late Sunday night. Battlefords RCMP say they received a report of a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian at about 10:10 p.m. on Sept. 27. Officers responded to the scene, along with local fire and emergency medical services. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and didn’t report any physical injuries to police. Battlefords RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
Elk shot and left on private farm land in northwest Sask SaskToday.ca ATTON LAKE, Sask. — North Battleford conservation officers received a report Sept. 17 of an elk that was fatally shot and left on private farm land. According to a message on the Sasktip Facebook page, officers attended the scene and collected evidence. They determined the bull elk was shot, field dressed and then dragged to the edge of the field with a vehicle. Only the head, antlers,
and front and rear legs were taken, leaving the rest to waste. Sasktip stated it is believed that the elk was shot between the evening of Sept. 16 and early morning of Sept. 17. Anyone with information is asked to call the Turn In Poachers and Polluters (TIPP) line at 1-800-667-7561. Callers don't have to give their name and they might be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000. SaskToday will have updates as they become available.
Elk found in northwest Saskatchewan. | Photo sourced from the Sasktip Facebook page
Wor hip Together Worship Toge her Sp pen some quality family time together Spend together.. Worship at the church of your choice. Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.
ANGLICAN PARISH
1702 - 106ththe Street, North Battleford Contact News-Optimist to
Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am have your church included. Loving God 306-445-7261 Growing Together Serving Others adtakers@png.glaciermedia.ca Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca 1702 - 106th Street, North Battleford
Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca
Battleford United Church 52 - 4th Avenue West Battleford, SK
306-937-3177 Worship Leader: Heather MacKinnon
SUNDAY SERVICES
Third Avenue United Church Rev. Jo-Ann Hills
Sunday Worship Services at 10:45 am
306-445-8171 Live Streaming Available at www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net
Everyone Welcome
11:00 a.m.
Rev. Trevor Malyon Rev. Jan Trost
LIVING FAITH Sunday Services 10:30 am CHAPEL 1372 102nd St 306-445-3009
Various Weekly Programs Pastor Casey Sitter www.livingfaithchapel.ca
Ukrainian Catholic Parish of All Saints 902 - 108th Street, North Battleford
St. Paul’s Anglican Church North Battleford Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. St. George’s Anglican Church Battleford Sunday @ 5:00 p.m. Watch the Sunday Morning Service on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/battleriverparish Contact: 306 445 4155 stpaulnb@sasktel.net
Living Water Ministry Sr. Pastor Brian Arcand 306-441-9385 Pastor Anand George 306-441-7138
1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)
Battlefords Cowboy Church Services 1st & 3rd Thursday of each Month
Divine Liturgy: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Pastor: Rev. Leonid Malkov Office: 1-306-343-6516
Notre Dame de Lourdes Church
12th Ave. & 104th Street, North Battleford, SK S9A 1S8 PASTOR: Rev. Father Millan Sajonas Office: 306-445-3836 Mass Times: Saturdays: 7:00 pm Sundays: 11:00 am & 5:00 pm (except July & August) Sundays: 9:30 am St. André’s Church E: nddelourdes_nb@padiocese.ca • www.notredameparish.ca
Battleford Legion Hall 7:00 p.m. PASTOR - Rick Martin
ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. VITAL’S 11 - 18th Street, Battleford, SK
Phone 306-937-7340 PASTOR - Fr. Manh Nguyen
WHOProfessional DOESDirectory IT? MOBILE MECHANIC
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Derrick Shynkaruk General Contractor
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306.441.1980 306.445.3144
djshynkaruk@gmail.com
RUSTY NUTS MECHANICAL MOBILE • Farming Machinery • Welding & Fabrication • Semis
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GET YOUR BUSINESS GROWING! FIND OUT HOW TO REACH Over 26,000 readers plus be visible online
306-317-8225 Ron Pownall
FOR ONLY $39/week (10 week run)
Regional News-Optimist
Page A23–The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026
THE LARGEST INVENTORY
OVER $1 MILLION IN STOCK & ON SALE!
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WE ARE YOUR INSURANCE SPECIALISTS. WE ARE ICC INSURANCE CERTIFIED
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battlefordsflooring@sasktel.net Battlefords flooring centre www.battlefordsflooring.ca
Regional News-Optimist
The Battlefords, Thursday, October 1, 2026–Page A24
AUTUMN
KITCHEN SUITE
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SALE ENDS OCTOBER 28, 2026
BUY ANY 2 QUALIFYING KITCHEN APPLIANCES,
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