North Battleford

For other uses, see North Battleford (disambiguation).
"Battlefords" redirects here. For other uses, see Battleford (disambiguation). For the rural municipality, see Rural Municipality of North Battleford No. 437.

North Battleford
City
City of North Battleford
North Battleford City Hall
North Battleford City Hall
Flag of North Battleford
Flag
North Battleford is located in Saskatchewan
North Battleford
North Battleford
North Battleford is located in Canada
North Battleford
North Battleford
Coordinates: 52°45′27″N 108°17′10″W / 52.75750°N 108.28611°W / 52.75750; -108.28611
CountryCanada
ProvinceSaskatchewan
Census division16
Village1906
Town1907
City1913
Government
 • MayorKelli Hawtin
 • MLAJeremy Cockrill (SKP)
 • MPRosemarie Falk (CON)
Area
 • Land33.55 km2 (12.95 sq mi)
 • Metro
1,122.99 km2 (433.59 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • City
13,888
 • Density414.0/km2 (1,072/sq mi)
 • Metro
19,216
 • Metro density17.1/km2 (44/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−6 (CST)
Forward sortation area
S9A
Area code(s)306, 639
Websitewww.cityofnb.ca
[2][3]

North Battleford is a city in west-central Saskatchewan, Canada. It is the seventh largest city in the province and is directly across the North Saskatchewan River from the Town of Battleford. Together, the two communities are known as "The Battlefords". North Battleford borders the Rural Municipality of North Battleford No. 437, as well as the North Battleford Crown Colony (census subdivision).[4]

Situated immediately north of the mouth of the Battle River, North Battleford and the greater Battlefords area are a notable stop along the Yellowhead Highway, part of the Trans-Canada system, and serve as a commercial and cultural hub for west- and north-central Saskatchewan. Together, the Battlefords are served by the Yellowhead Highway as well as Highway 4, Highway 26, Highway 29, and Highway 40.

Battlefords Provincial Park[5] is 40 kilometres (25 mi) north on Highway 4.

History

[edit]
Library Clock as seen from Central Park
A residential street in North Battleford

For thousands of years prior to European settlement, succeeding cultures of indigenous peoples lived in the area. The Battlefords area (including the present city of North Battleford and town of Battleford) was home to several historic indigenous groups, including the Algonquian-speaking Cree and Blackfeet as well as Siouan Assiniboine First Nation band governments, who contested for control of local resources.

Early European settlement began as a result of fur trading by French colonists in the late 18th century. The Canadians founded Fort Montaigne d'Aigle (Eagle Hills Fort) [6] nine miles below the confluence of the Saskatchewan and Battle Rivers in 1778.[7] A year later the fort was abandoned following conflict between traders and natives.[citation needed]

Permanent European settlement in the area centred around the town of Battleford, founded 1875 and located on the south side of the North Saskatchewan River. Battleford served as capital of the North-West Territories between 1876 and 1883.[8]

In 1905, the construction of the Canadian Northern Railway main line to Edmonton placed the line on the north side of the North Saskatchewan River. North Battleford, built along the railway line, was incorporated as a village in 1906, as a town in 1907, and as a city (with a population of 5,000) in 1913.[9]

The Assyrians were one of the first settlers of the area in and around North Battleford. The immigrant colony comprised 36 men and a few women from the town of Urmia in northwestern Persia. It was established in 1903 by Dr. Isaac Adams, an Assyrian Presbyterian missionary. In 1907, 40 more settlers arrived. Eventually, due to economic hardships, Dr. Isaac Adams and a few close relatives emigrated to Turlock, California. The descendants of the families who remained in North Battleford have names that are Assyrian in origin. Examples of Assyrian family names include Bakus, Essau, George and Odishaw.[10][11]

Population growth stagnated until the 1940s and then grew to approximately 10,000 by the 1960s. The city has grown into an administrative centre and service hub for the economic, education, health and social needs of the region.[citation needed]

North Battleford used STV-PR in its city elections from 1920 to 1924.[12]

The Latter Rain Revival, a Christian movement, started here in 1946–48.[13]

Historic sites

[edit]
See also: List of historic places in Battleford

A number of heritage buildings are located within the city. The North Battleford Public Library was built in 1916 with a $15,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation of New York.[14] and the Canadian National Railways Station was built in 1956.[15]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical populations
YearPop.±%
19112,105—    
19214,108+95.2%
19315,986+45.7%
19414,694−21.6%
19517,473+59.2%
196111,230+50.3%
197112,698+13.1%
198114,030+10.5%
199114,350+2.3%
200113,692−4.6%
200613,190−3.7%
201113,888+5.3%
201614,315+3.1%
202113,836−3.3%
Source: Statistics Canada

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, North Battleford had a population of 13,836 living in 5,696 of its 6,346 total private dwellings, a change of -3.3% from its 2016 population of 14,315. With a land area of 33.55 km2 (12.95 sq mi), it had a population density of 412.4/km2 (1,068.1/sq mi) in 2021.[16]

Canada census – North Battleford community profile
20212011
Population13,836 (-3.3% from 2016)13,888 (+5.3% from 2006)
Land area33.55 km2 (12.95 sq mi)33.55 km2 (12.95 sq mi)
Population density412.4/km2 (1,068/sq mi)414.0/km2 (1,072/sq mi)
Median age38.4 (M: 36.8, F: 39.2)36.9 (M: 35.5, F: 38.3)
Private dwellings5,695 (total)  6,195 (total) 
Median household income
References: 2021[17] 2011[18] earlier[19][20]

Ethnicity

[edit]

In the late 2000s many Ruthenians have emigrated to Canada, concentrating in North Battleford. Most of them came from the same town: Ruski Krstur.[21]

Panethnic groups in the City of North Battleford (2001−2021)
Panethnic group 2021[22] 2016[23] 2011[24] 2006[25] 2001[26]
Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. % Pop. %
European[a] 7,725 57.26% 8,430 60.43% 9,585 70.3% 9,600 74.02% 10,575 78.33%
Indigenous 3,590 26.61% 4,010 28.75% 3,170 23.25% 3,170 24.44% 2,660 19.7%
Southeast Asian[b] 1,120 8.3% 785 5.63% 335 2.46% 20 0.15% 70 0.52%
South Asian 465 3.45% 285 2.04% 125 0.92% 55 0.42% 40 0.3%
African 220 1.63% 55 0.39% 160 1.17% 85 0.66% 65 0.48%
East Asian[c] 185 1.37% 245 1.76% 210 1.54% 45 0.35% 80 0.59%
Latin American 125 0.93% 70 0.5% 40 0.29% 0 0% 10 0.07%
Middle Eastern[d] 0 0% 10 0.07% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%
Other/multiracial[e] 60 0.44% 70 0.5% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%
Total responses 13,490 97.5% 13,950 97.45% 13,635 98.18% 12,970 98.33% 13,500 98.6%
Total population 13,836 100% 14,315 100% 13,888 100% 13,190 100% 13,692 100%
Note: Totals greater than 100% due to multiple origin responses

Crime rate

[edit]

In 2018, Maclean's ranked North Battleford as Canada's most dangerous place for overall crime.[27] The prior year, Maclean's published an article about this, Canada's most dangerous place, North Battleford, is fighting for its future, discussing the safety initiatives planned by the community.[28]

After the article was published, Mayor Ryan Bater said:

The reality is we require the provincial and federal levels of government to take notice of this and align their efforts with ours. This needs to be a partnership. This can't be something the governments do in silos and we need to be working together. If we can do that, then sometime in the future we can see some great results.[29]

City Manager Jim Puffalt added that the per person index may not be accurate because the population data does not consider the numerous transients, estimated at just over 14,000. In his view, the city has roughly 30,000 people at any time. "If you put our rates over 30,000 people we wouldn't be number one [in the Maclean's study]," he said.[29]

In 2023, the City of North Battleford earned its highest position on the Crime Severity Index (CSI) since 1998,[30] with the city challenging the dubious 'Crime Town' moniker.[31]

Climate

[edit]

North Battleford experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). The average high during the end of July is 24.6 °C (76.3 °F) and the average low is 11.3 °C (52.3 °F).[32] For the middle of January the average high is −12.3 °C (9.9 °F) and the average low is −22.6 °C (−8.7 °F).[33]

The highest temperature ever recorded in North Battleford was 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) on 13 July 2002.[34] The coldest temperature ever recorded was −51.7 °C (−61 °F) on 1 February 1893 and 12 January 1916.[35][36]

Climate data for North Battleford (North Battleford Airport)
WMO ID: 71876; coordinates 52°46′19″N 108°15′20″W / 52.77194°N 108.25556°W / 52.77194; -108.25556 (North Battleford Airport); elevation: 548.3 m (1,799 ft); 1991–2020 normals,[f] extremes 1879–present[g]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high humidex 10.7 10.1 19.3 30.0 36.9 41.5 42.9 40.7 36.9 30.0 19.3 10.4 42.9
Record high °C (°F) 10.8
(51.4) 		10.4
(50.7) 		19.3
(66.7) 		32.2
(90.0) 		34.9
(94.8) 		37.8
(100.0) 		39.5
(103.1) 		38.3
(100.9) 		36.5
(97.7) 		30.0
(86.0) 		19.5
(67.1) 		10.9
(51.6) 		39.5
(103.1)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −10.1
(13.8) 		−7.8
(18.0) 		−1.2
(29.8) 		9.9
(49.8) 		18.0
(64.4) 		21.7
(71.1) 		24.3
(75.7) 		23.7
(74.7) 		18.5
(65.3) 		9.4
(48.9) 		−1.4
(29.5) 		−8.4
(16.9) 		8.1
(46.6)
Daily mean °C (°F) −15.3
(4.5) 		−13.3
(8.1) 		−6.6
(20.1) 		3.3
(37.9) 		10.5
(50.9) 		15.1
(59.2) 		17.6
(63.7) 		16.6
(61.9) 		11.3
(52.3) 		3.3
(37.9) 		−6.3
(20.7) 		−13.4
(7.9) 		1.9
(35.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −20.6
(−5.1) 		−18.9
(−2.0) 		−12.0
(10.4) 		−3.3
(26.1) 		3.0
(37.4) 		8.5
(47.3) 		10.8
(51.4) 		9.4
(48.9) 		4.1
(39.4) 		−2.8
(27.0) 		−11.1
(12.0) 		−18.4
(−1.1) 		−4.3
(24.3)
Record low °C (°F) −51.7
(−61.1) 		−51.7
(−61.1) 		−38.4
(−37.1) 		−27.8
(−18.0) 		−13.2
(8.2) 		−2.9
(26.8) 		1.6
(34.9) 		−1.8
(28.8) 		−10.3
(13.5) 		−27.2
(−17.0) 		−35.8
(−32.4) 		−44.2
(−47.6) 		−51.7
(−61.1)
Record low wind chill −55.3 −54.6 −48.2 −35.8 −16.4 −5.4 0.0 −3.9 −14.0 −29.6 −41.1 −51.7 −55.3
Average precipitation mm (inches) 18.9
(0.74) 		14.2
(0.56) 		12.9
(0.51) 		25.0
(0.98) 		30.6
(1.20) 		60.1
(2.37) 		77.4
(3.05) 		50.7
(2.00) 		28.4
(1.12) 		20.4
(0.80) 		20.8
(0.82) 		23.8
(0.94) 		383.2
(15.09)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.2
(0.01) 		0.6
(0.02) 		2.6
(0.10) 		16.5
(0.65) 		29.5
(1.16) 		65.7
(2.59) 		72.5
(2.85) 		55.5
(2.19) 		32.0
(1.26) 		11.1
(0.44) 		2.3
(0.09) 		— —
Average snowfall cm (inches) 21.1
(8.3) 		13.7
(5.4) 		14.2
(5.6) 		11.4
(4.5) 		2.0
(0.8) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.9
(0.4) 		8.5
(3.3) 		16.8
(6.6) 		— —
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) 12.2 10.1 8.6 9.8 9.0 13.0 12.9 9.9 7.7 8.3 11.4 12.8 125.6
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm) 0.56 0.38 1.2 6.0 8.1 12.7 12.6 9.5 7.8 5.0 0.73 — —
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm) 10.5 6.7 6.8 4.1 0.63 0.12 0.0 0.0 0.19 3.1 7.4 — —
Average relative humidity (%) (at 1500 LST) 72.8 71.6 66.1 46.8 38.4 48.0 51.0 47.5 45.2 53.5 70.2 74.4 57.1
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada[34] (January extreme minimum)[36] (February extreme minimum)[35][37]


View of North Battleford from King Hill showing the Yellowhead Highway leading to Battleford.

Government

[edit]

North Battleford is represented in the provincial Legislative Assembly by the member for The Battlefords.

It is represented in the House of Commons by the member for Battlefords-Lloydminster.

Attractions

[edit]
Pioneer village at the Saskatchewan Western Development Museum in North Battleford

North Battleford is the home of one of four branches of the Saskatchewan Western Development Museum. This branch focuses on the agricultural history of Saskatchewan, including a pioneer village.[38] A prominent feature is the former Saskatchewan Wheat Pool grain elevator No. 889 from Keatley, Saskatchewan. The grain elevator was moved to the museum grounds in 1983.[39]

The city also has the Allen Sapp Gallery, featuring the noted Cree painter.

Allen Sapp Gallery

Sports and recreation

[edit]
NationsWest Field House interior
North Battleford Civic Centre

The North Battleford Access Communications Centre,[40] a 2,500-seat multi-purpose arena, is home to the Battlefords North Stars ice hockey team of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.[41] It is also home to the North Battleford Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo, held annually in April.

The InnovationPlex (formerly North Battleford CUplex),[42][43] which opened in 2013, includes the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts,[44] the Northland Power Curling Centre,[45] the NationsWest Field House,[46] and the Battlefords CO-OP Aquatic Centre.[47]

Infrastructure

[edit]

In 2001, a problem with the city's water system led to the infection of approximately 6,280 people with cryptosporidiosis; a lawsuit seeking several million dollars in damages was filed in 2003.[48] Between 5,800 and 7,100 people suffered from diarrheal illness, and 1,907 cases of cryptosporidiosis were confirmed. Equipment failures at the city's antiquated water filtration plant following maintenance were found to have caused the outbreak.[49] The provincial and municipal government offered compensation to victims[50] after the lawsuit was approved in 2017.[51]

The North Battleford Energy Centre, a natural gas-fired power station owned by Northland Power, has been operational since 2013.

Transportation

[edit]

North Battleford is served by the North Battleford Airport, while the North Battleford/Hamlin Airport is no longer in use. The city also recently added a public transit system, in addition to the book-as-needed "Handi-bus" for people with disabilities.

Local media

[edit]

Newspaper

[edit]

BattlefordsNOW.com is an online local news site focusing on what's happening "right NOW" in the Battlefords and surrounding area.[citation needed]

The local newspaper is the Battlefords' News-Optimist.[52] It is published weekly on Thursdays and has circulation in the surrounding area.

Feed The Artist Magazine[53] is a local non-profit periodical print and online publication that features the work of primarily local artists, photographers, and writers.

Radio

[edit]

Three local radio stations serve the area: CJNB, CJCQ-FM ("Q98"), and CJHD-FM ("93.3 Beach Radio[54]"). Some Saskatoon radio stations can also be received.[citation needed]

Television

[edit]

The Battlefords were served by CFQC-TV-2 channel 6, an analogue repeater of CTV station CFQC-DT Saskatoon. That repeater ended all analog broadcasting transmissions in 2021, and there are no plans for converting it to digital television.[55][56]

Notable people

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Statistic includes all persons that did not make up part of a visible minority or an indigenous identity.
  2. ^ Statistic includes total responses of "Filipino" and "Southeast Asian" under visible minority section on census.
  3. ^ Statistic includes total responses of "Chinese", "Korean", and "Japanese" under visible minority section on census.
  4. ^ Statistic includes total responses of "West Asian" and "Arab" under visible minority section on census.
  5. ^ Statistic includes total responses of "Visible minority, n.i.e." and "Multiple visible minorities" under visible minority section on census.
  6. ^ Rain, snow, days with rain, and days with snow annually and for December are not available,
  7. ^ Climate data was recorded in the city of Battleford from November 1879 to March 1942, and at North Battleford Airport from March 1942 to present.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2011 Community Profiles". Statistics Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  2. ^ National Archives, Archivia Net. "Post Offices and Postmasters". Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  3. ^ Government of Saskatchewan, MRD Home. "Municipal Directory System". Retrieved 6 December 2013.
  4. ^ geodepot.statcan.ca
  5. ^ The Battlefords Provincial Park
  6. ^ Voorhis, Ernest (1930). "Historic Forts of the French Regime and of the English Fur Trading Companies". Historic Forts of the French Regime and of the English Fur Trading Companies. Govt. of Canada. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  7. ^ "atlas.nrcan.gc.ca". Archived from the original on 3 October 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  8. ^ "esask.uregina.ca". Archived from the original on 31 December 2007. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  9. ^ "esask.uregina.ca". Archived from the original on 20 September 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
  10. ^ Ishaya, Arian. "Migration and Settlement". Multicultural Canada. Archived from the original on 14 September 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  11. ^ Higgs, Jennifer. "Presby-assyrians". Presbyterian Record. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
  12. ^ Bowler and Grofman, Elections in Australia, Ireland and Malta, p. 206
  13. ^ christianity-guide.com Archived 2008-10-07 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ "North Battleford Public Library". Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  15. ^ "Canadian National Railways Station". Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  16. ^ "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, census divisions and census subdivisions (municipalities), Saskatchewan". Statistics Canada. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  17. ^ "2021 Community Profiles". 2021 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. 4 February 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  18. ^ "2011 Community Profiles". 2011 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. 21 March 2019. Retrieved 25 July 2014.
  19. ^ "2006 Community Profiles". 2006 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. 20 August 2019.
  20. ^ "2001 Community Profiles". 2001 Canadian census. Statistics Canada. 18 July 2021.
  21. ^ "Battlefords ride immigration wave". The StarPhoenix. CanWest. 28 April 2008. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  22. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (26 October 2022). "Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  23. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (27 October 2021). "Census Profile, 2016 Census". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  24. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (27 November 2015). "NHS Profile". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  25. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (20 August 2019). "2006 Community Profiles". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  26. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (2 July 2019). "2001 Community Profiles". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 12 April 2023.
  27. ^ "Canada's Most Dangerous Places 2018". Maclean's. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  28. ^ "Canada's most dangerous place, North Battleford, is fighting for its future - Macleans.ca".
  29. ^ a b "Officials react to article calling North Battleford 'Canada's most dangerous city'".
  30. ^ Government of Canada, Statistics Canada (29 July 2013). "Crime severity index and weighted clearance rates, police services in Saskatchewan". www150.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  31. ^ "Battlefords RCMP and city challenge accuracy of 'Crime Town' label". SaskToday.ca. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  32. ^ "Climate Data Almanac for July 31". Environment Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  33. ^ "Climate Data Almanac for January 10". Environment Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  34. ^ a b "Canadian Climate Normals 1991-2020 Data". Environment and Climate Change Canada. 27 March 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  35. ^ a b "February 1893". Environment and Climate Change Canada. 27 June 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  36. ^ a b "January 1916". Environment and Climate Change Canada. 27 June 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  37. ^ "Daily Data Report for September 2022". Canadian Climate Data. Environment and Climate Change Canada. 31 October 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2022.
  38. ^ "Western Development Museum - North Battleford". Wdm.ca. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  39. ^ Leslee Newman, WDM Curatorial Centre. "WDM's iconic elevator needs help". Battlefords News-Optimist. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  40. ^ Brown, Angela. "City approves Access Communications' proposal for naming rights to North Battleford Civic Centre". battlefordsNOW. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
  41. ^ "North Battleford Civic Centre". Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  42. ^ "NEWS RELEASE - MAY 24, 2013 (NORTH BATTLEFORD CELEBRATES NEW COMPLEX)". Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  43. ^ "Barr-Ryder Architecture (The Credit Union Cuplex)". Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  44. ^ "Dekker Centre for the performing arts (The Credit Union Cuplex)". Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  45. ^ "The Battlefords News-Optimist (Northland Power Curling Centre officially open by John Cairns)". Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  46. ^ "The Battlefords News-Optimist (NationsWEST Field House now open by John Cairns)". Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  47. ^ "Barr-Ryder Architecture (BATTLEFORDS CO-OP AQUATIC CENTRE)". Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  48. ^ "Waterborn cryptosporidosis outbreak, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Spring 2001". Canada Communicable Disease Report. 27–22. Public Health Agency of Canada. 15 November 2001. Retrieved 1 November 2010.
  49. ^ "WATERBORNE CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS OUTBREAK, NORTH BATTLEFORD, SASKATCHEWAN, SPRING 2001" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 May 2005. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
  50. ^ "Province, city to compensate North Battleford, Sask., tainted water victims". CBC News. 26 April 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  51. ^ "Class action approved for North Battleford tainted water victims". CBC News. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
  52. ^ Battlefords' News Optimist
  53. ^ Feed The Artist Magazine
  54. ^ Staff, battlefordsNOW. "CJHD transitions to endless summers as 93.3 BEACH RADIO". battlefordsNOW. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  55. ^ "CRTC Decision 2019-268". 30 July 2019.
  56. ^ "No more analog signal for CTV Saskatoon in NB".
[edit]
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