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| Geography |  North Battleford is located on the TransCanada Yellowhead Highway and serves as the hub for five major highways: 16, 4, 26, 29, and 40. The City is 240 miles/386 kilometres (kms) from both Edmonton, Alberta and Regina, Saskatchewan. The 85-mile/139 kms drive to Saskatoon takes slightly more than one hour on the newly twinned Yellowhead Inter-Provincial Highway. North Battleford is a 'special place' where the world's most fertile farmlands meet the awe-inspiring beauty of this province's 100,000 lakes, vast forests and the spectacular panorama of the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
| | History | Recorded history reveals that the first fur trading post was established in the Town of Battleford in 1785, a telegraph line in 1874, a North West Mounted Police (NWMP) headquarters in 1876, the Capital of the North West Territories in 1877, and the first newspaper west of Winnipeg in 1878. In 1905, North Battleford came into being when the CNR built a railroad on the north side of the North Saskatchewan River. This was the fastest growing centre in the west, incorporated as a Village in 1906, a Town in 1907, and a City in 1913.
| | Economic Information | The population of North Battleford is 13,690. The rationalization of the grain industry has changed traditional business practices on the Prairies. As such, North Battleford's role as a service centre to the northwest has been dramatically expanded and new and diverse opportunities have been created for the future. Industry officials believe North Battleford will become one of the most important agricultural communities on the Prairies.
North Battleford entered the new millennium by establishing a record for new construction. The City's skyline was dramatically altered as over $40 million in new agriculture development was supported by an additional $20 million for such projects as the 105,00 square foot Wal-Mart, a $5 million expansion to Canadian Tire, and the construction of the North West Regional College.
In 1987, North Battleford initiated a successful business plan to diversify the local economy. Today, Parson's Industrial Park is home to a growing number of companies who produce world-class products for markets in Canada, USA, and Asia.
Major employers in North Battleford include: Prairie North Regional Health Authority, Maple Leaf Consumer Foods, Vanguard Inc., Gold Eagle Casino, Living Sky School Division No. 202, North West Roman Catholic School Division, Government of Saskatchewan, Battlefords & District Co-Operatives Ltd., City of North Battleford, BCU Financial, and Lakeland Library Region.
Homes in North Battleford are currently priced from $40,000 to $150,000 with the average selling price, based on a 1,000 square foot home, of $63,500. There are approximately 150 City and privately-owned residential development lots ranging in price from $7,400 to $40,000 depending on size. Average rental price of a two-bedroom apartment is $375.00 per month.
The City of North Battleford is a member of the Battlefords Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA).
| | Attractions | Gold Eagle Casino: Las Vegas-style slots have come to North Battleford. The Gold Eagle Casino has become an overnight success offering the sounds and excitement of Las Vegas in the friendly and informal setting of North Battleford.
Allan Sapp Gallery: This gallery features artwork offering a rare insight into the life of the Cree people. Housed here is the Gonor Collection by renowned Cree artist Allan Sapp.
The Chapel Gallery: This City-run facility boasts a fine collection and display of art from local artists. Lectures, tours, and arts & crafts programs are available.
The Battlefords Community Players: Sold-out supper and stage performances by this community theatre group testify to their appeal to audiences of all ages.
North Battleford Golf & Country Club: A spectacular view of the Saskatchewan River Valley provides the backdrop for one of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the province.
Battlefords Wildlife Federation: The Battlefords Wildlife Federation, located at the junction of Highways 16 and 40 East, North Battleford, houses and maintains the George Hooey Wildlife Collection consisting of 350 exhibits of birds, fish, and big game native to Saskatchewan and to North America.
North Battleford Sports Museum and Hall of Fame: The Sports Museum is located downstairs at the North Battleford Public Library.
Western Development Museum Heritage Farm & Village: The Heritage Farm & Village tells the 'Story of Agriculture' through the preservation of farm equipment, a 1920s farm and village, and annual festivals such as 'Those Were The Days' held July 26-27, 2003. Open year round, this 110-acre site records the development of agriculture on the Canadian Plains. A complete town of original buildings, including a grain elevator, set the scene for a tourist's adventure into the world of early farm machinery, steam-powered locomotives, and the arts and crafts of Saskatchewan's pioneers.
The North Battleford Kinsmen Aquatic Centre is a year-round facility that provides a wide and diverse range of programming for all people. The Aquatic Centre is proud of its amenities, which include one of the hottest, steamiest, steam rooms in the province! In addition to the steam room, the whirlpool is kept at 104 degrees, and is open during all general swim times. There is a light exercise room available which includes a universal semi-recumbent exercise bike, treadmill, Nordic track ski machine, and a stair climber. The main swimming pool is 25 m, six lanes wide. It incorporates a large shallow area, which starts at 2.5 ft. progressing to an 11 ft. deep end. The deep end accommodates a 1 m diving board, and a 25 ft. Tarzan rope.
The Battlefords Provincial Park: The park, consisting of rolling hills and wooded areas, is situated on the shores of Jackfish Lake, a 30-minute drive from The Battlefords.
| | Other Info | EDUCATION:
North Battleford has three high schools: North Battleford Comprehensive High (NBCHS), John Paul II Collegiate and Sakawew High School.
The North Battleford Comprehensive High School offers over 100 different courses for its students. Of these, over 50 follow the traditional academic program, over 17 courses are offered in business education, and over 36 courses are offered in the technologies and trades. A computer science class is also incorporated into the school curriculum. Modified classes are offered for slow learners. The Division offers a French Immersion program, K-12. Three of the elementary schools offer a designated French Immersion program.
North West Regional College is a progressive adult education institution serving Northwest Saskatchewan. The main office for all college centres is located on Diefenbaker Drive, next to the Comprehensive High School. The college offers first and second year university classes, technical institute programs, business training, and career and student services.
The University of Saskatchewan is located approximately 140 kms southeast of North Battleford.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
The Battlefords' amalgamated Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment, under the command of an Inspector, has a combined total of 66 personnel. The detachment is responsible for the policing of the City of North Battleford, Town of Battleford, and the rural surrounding area. The detachment has a total of 17 vehicles. For fire protection in the Battlefords, there are 16 full-time fire fighters and 18 part-time fire fighters. All fire fighters have adequate extensive training.
Battlefords Union Hospital: is a 200-bed fully modern hospital, which also includes a four-bed intensive care unit and day-patient clinic. There are three seniors' homes in our city. The Department of Social Services funds a non-profit corporation to provide home services and support for residents requiring aid to maintain independent living. Two facilities provide mental health care: The Saskatchewan Hospital and the Battlefords Mental Health Centre. North Battleford has four clinics in total, altogether employing 20 general practitioners and four practicing specialists. Eight dentists practice within the City of North Battleford. The Department of Social Services has a number of branches providing a wide variety of social assistance.
North Battleford boasts more than 150 clubs and organizations from major service clubs to art & drama clubs. Co-operation and a vibrant cultural community are just a part of what makes North Battleford an exciting place to live!
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