Should North Battleford and Battleford amalgamate?

The mayor of North Battleford wants to take a closer look at amalgamating his city and the town of Battleford. Mayor Ian Hamilton first pitched the idea during his state of the city address earlier this month.

“The value of it in my opinion is our future,” he told Global News. “Are we better, and more, combined?” he asked. “It’s just an idea that I think we have to explore.

“It’s kind of like the elephant in the room, we have to talk about it.”

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There are approximately 14,000 people in North Battleford, and over 4,000 in Battleford. If the two became one, it would mean a combined population of close to 20,000, making it the fifth largest city in the province.

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The two communities are separated by the North Saskatchewan River, but Hamilton believes there could be advantages to joining up.

For now, Hamilton is proposing a study, to look at the pros and cons. He said said the two communities are often referred to as “the Battlefords,” and in his view that’s pretty accurate.

“I do strongly believe that we are one community,” he said.

“That’s what I’m asking for, an opportunity to talk openly and inclusively about the issue, so that we can determine what are the benefits and the costs related to such a suggestion.”

For now, it’s just an idea. Hamilton says North Battleford’s council and many of its citizens seem in favor. But, he admits, there is more resistance in Battleford.

“I totally understand the resistance in the town of Battleford, possibly losing their autonomy,”he said, “but I truly believe there is more to us in the future when I look at what’s best for my children, my grand-children, my great grand-children.”

Hamilton said while a study could go ahead without the town’s co-operation, it would be much better if they worked on it together.

“I don’t think it’s as effective to do so without their consent, without their participation.”

Hamilton said he is a big believer in long-term planning, and a study looking at amalgamation could help guide development in the region – even if it stops short of turning two municipal governments into one.

Hamilton said the proposal might get more discussion in this fall’s municipal elections, but for now he just wants more discussion.

“We’re looking forward into good conversations in the future.”