Hawtin pointed to the previous federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), through which the City of North Battleford secured funding for a new sewer force main. The project is a critical infrastructure investment that will support the city’s growth.
“Other municipalities invested in recreational infrastructure using funds from ICIP. This time, our critical infrastructure need is recreational, with the Battlefords Regional Arena & Events Centre. This is why our delegation has made it clear to the federal government that every community’s vital infrastructure upgrades are based on needs unique to those communities. We believe this message has been well received by the federal government,” she added.
Hawtin said she is encouraged by the federal government’s response to the Battlefords Regional Arena & Events Centre project. However, she stressed the importance of an expedited approval process to ensure construction can begin in 2027.
“This is a transformational and defining moment for growth for northwest Saskatchewan,” Hawtin said.
The City of North Battleford applied for $30 million through the Build Communities Strong Fund – Direct Delivery Stream, a federal infrastructure funding program administered by the Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.
The application was submitted in July 2026 and was bolstered by the provincial government’s commitment to match any approved federal funding.
Housing was another focus of the delegation’s discussions, as it remains an important part of community well-being. Saskatchewan mayors met with Ana Bailão, CEO of Build Canada Homes, and other officials from the newly established federal Crown corporation.
“We understand that housing and social supports are not directly under the city’s jurisdiction,” Hawtin said. “However, the city can connect developers and organizations with federal funding, bring together partners to support housing projects, and identify available local land. Having these direct conversations with federal funders goes a long way toward learning more about what resources are available for North Battleford.”
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