North Battleford

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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 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
Rural municipalityNorth Battleford
Village1906
Town1907
City1913
Government
 • MayorDavid Gillan
 • 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]
 • City13,888
 • 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
WebsiteCity of North Battleford
[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]

The Battlefords are served by the Yellowhead Highway and Highway 4, Highway 26, Highway 29, and Highway 40.

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

History[]

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, 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]

The Latter Rain Revival, a Christian movement, started here in 1946–48.[12]

Historic sites[]

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.[13] and the Canadian National Railways Station was built in 1956.[14]

Demographics[]

North Battleford has Census data as a city, as a population centre which includes the town of Battleford and as a metropolitan area. In the Canada Census of 2011 the city had a population of 13,888, the population centre had 17,595[15] (the fifth largest in Saskatchewan) and the metropolitan area had 19,216.[16] Assyrians from the Urmia Plains of Iran (West Azerbaijan province) refounded the town in 1906 with 75 people, growing now to around 1-200 presumably.

In the late 2000s many Ruthenians have emigrated to Canada, concentrating in North Battleford. Most of them came from the same town: Ruski Krstur.[17]

Census Population
1911 2,105
1921 4,108
1931 5,986
1941 4,694
1951 7,473
1961 11,230
1971 12,698
1981 14,030
1991 14,350
2001 13,692
2006 13,190
2011 13,888
hideCanada census – North Battleford community profile
2011 2006
Population: 13,888 (+5.3% from 2006) 13,190 (-3.7% from 2001)
Land area: 33.55 km2 (12.95 sq mi) 33.55 km2 (12.95 sq mi)
Population density: 414.0/km2 (1,072/sq mi) 393.2/km2 (1,018/sq mi)
Median age: 36.9 (M: 35.5, F: 38.3) 37.6 (M: 35.8, F: 39.2)
Total private dwellings: 6,195 5,943
Median household income:
References: 2011[18] 2006[19] earlier[20]
Population by ethnic group, 2011
Ethnic group[21] Population Percent
European 10,270 75.3%
First Nations 2,340 17.2%
Métis 1,160 8.5%
Asian 795 5.8%
African 145 1.1%
Total respondent population 13635 100%

Crime rate[]

In 2018, Maclean's ranked North Battleford as Canada's most dangerous place for overall crime.[22] 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.[23]

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.[24]

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.[24]

Climate[]

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).[25] 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).[26]

The highest temperature ever recorded in North Battleford was 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) on 13 July 2002.[27] The coldest temperature ever recorded was −51.7 °C (−61 °F) on 1 February 1893 and 12 January 1916.[28][29]

hideClimate data for North Battleford Airport, 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1879–present[a]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 11.1
(52.0) 		11.7
(53.1) 		22.8
(73.0) 		34.4
(93.9) 		38.3
(100.9) 		38.3
(100.9) 		39.5
(103.1) 		39.4
(102.9) 		35.6
(96.1) 		30.6
(87.1) 		20.6
(69.1) 		12.8
(55.0) 		39.5
(103.1)
Average high °C (°F) −10.6
(12.9) 		−7.1
(19.2) 		−0.6
(30.9) 		10.7
(51.3) 		18.0
(64.4) 		21.9
(71.4) 		24.2
(75.6) 		23.9
(75.0) 		17.7
(63.9) 		9.7
(49.5) 		−1.8
(28.8) 		−8.6
(16.5) 		8.1
(46.6)
Daily mean °C (°F) −16.0
(3.2) 		−12.6
(9.3) 		−5.8
(21.6) 		4.3
(39.7) 		11.0
(51.8) 		15.5
(59.9) 		17.6
(63.7) 		16.9
(62.4) 		10.9
(51.6) 		3.6
(38.5) 		−6.5
(20.3) 		−13.8
(7.2) 		2.1
(35.8)
Average low °C (°F) −21.3
(−6.3) 		−18.0
(−0.4) 		−11.0
(12.2) 		−2.2
(28.0) 		3.9
(39.0) 		9.0
(48.2) 		11.0
(51.8) 		9.9
(49.8) 		4.1
(39.4) 		−2.5
(27.5) 		−11.2
(11.8) 		−19.0
(−2.2) 		−3.9
(25.0)
Record low °C (°F) −51.7
(−61.1) 		−51.7
(−61.1) 		−45.0
(−49.0) 		−27.8
(−18.0) 		−13.2
(8.2) 		−4.4
(24.1) 		0.0
(32.0) 		−1.8
(28.8) 		−13.9
(7.0) 		−27.2
(−17.0) 		−40.0
(−40.0) 		−47.2
(−53.0) 		−51.7
(−61.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 15.6
(0.61) 		9.9
(0.39) 		13.5
(0.53) 		25.8
(1.02) 		32.8
(1.29) 		65.0
(2.56) 		74.1
(2.92) 		57.9
(2.28) 		34.1
(1.34) 		16.1
(0.63) 		15.8
(0.62) 		13.6
(0.54) 		374.2
(14.73)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 0.7
(0.03) 		0.4
(0.02) 		2.0
(0.08) 		17.2
(0.68) 		31.1
(1.22) 		65.0
(2.56) 		74.1
(2.92) 		57.9
(2.28) 		31.9
(1.26) 		9.0
(0.35) 		2.9
(0.11) 		0.4
(0.02) 		292.6
(11.52)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 20.2
(8.0) 		12.7
(5.0) 		14.8
(5.8) 		9.6
(3.8) 		2.4
(0.9) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		2.3
(0.9) 		8.2
(3.2) 		16.6
(6.5) 		17.5
(6.9) 		104.3
(41.1)
Source: Environment Canada[27][30]
View of North Battleford from King Hill showing the Yellowhead Highway leading to Battleford.

Attractions[]

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.[31] 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.[32]

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

Allen Sapp Gallery

Sports and recreation[]

NationsWest Field House interior
North Battleford Civic Centre

The North Battleford Access Communications Centre,[33] a 2,500-seat multi-purpose arena, is home to the Battlefords North Stars ice hockey team of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.[34] It is also home to the North Battleford Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo, held annually in April.

The North Battleford CUplex (Credit Union CUplex),[35][36] which opened in 2013, includes the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts,[37] the Northland Power Curling Centre,[38] the NationsWest Field House,[39] and the Battlefords CO-OP Aquatic Centre.[40]

Infrastructure[]

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.[41] 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.[42] The provincial and municipal government offered compensation to victims[43] after the lawsuit was approved in 2017.[44]

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

Transportation[]

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[]

Newspaper[]

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.[45] It is published weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and has circulation in the surrounding area.

Feed The Artist Magazine[46] is a local non-profit periodical print and online publication that features the work of primarily local artists, photographers, and writers.

Radio[]

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

Television[]

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.[47][48]

Notable people[]

References[]

  1. ^ "2011 Community Profiles". Statistics Canada. Government of Canada. Retrieved 2013-12-06.
  2. ^ National Archives, Archivia Net. "Post Offices and Postmasters". Retrieved 2013-12-06.
  3. ^ Government of Saskatchewan, MRD Home. "Municipal Directory System". Retrieved 2013-12-06.
  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 2016-04-27.
  7. ^ "atlas.nrcan.gc.ca". Archived from the original on 2012-10-03. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
  8. ^ "esask.uregina.ca". Archived from the original on 2007-12-31. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
  9. ^ "esask.uregina.ca". Archived from the original on 2012-09-20. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
  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. ^ christianity-guide.com Archived 2008-10-07 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ "North Battleford Public Library". Retrieved 2013-12-07.
  14. ^ "Canadian National Railways Station". Retrieved 2013-12-07.
  15. ^ Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and population centres, 2011 and 2006 censuses: Saskatchewan Statistics Canada. Retrieved December 14, 2013
  16. ^ "2011 Census Statistics Canada". Retrieved 2013-12-14.
  17. ^ "Battlefords ride immigration wave". The StarPhoenix. CanWest. April 28, 2008. Retrieved 2010-07-12.
  18. ^ "2011 Community Profiles". 2011 Canadian Census. Statistics Canada. July 5, 2013. Retrieved 2014-07-25.
  19. ^ "2006 Community Profiles". 2006 Canadian Census. Statistics Canada. March 30, 2011. Retrieved 2014-07-25.
  20. ^ "2001 Community Profiles". 2001 Canadian Census. Statistics Canada. February 17, 2012.
  21. ^ "NHS Profile, North Battleford, CY, Saskatchewan, 2011 (The sum of the ancestries in this table is greater than the total population estimate because a person may report more than one ancestry (ethnic origin) in the National Household Survey.)". 2011. Retrieved 2014-06-14.
  22. ^ "Canada's Most Dangerous Places 2018". Maclean's. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  23. ^ http://www.macleans.ca/society/north-battleford-canadas-most-dangerous-place-is-fighting-for-its-future/
  24. ^ Jump up to: a b http://battlefordsnow.com/article/586628/nb-reacts-article-calling-city-most-dangerous-canada
  25. ^ "Climate Data Almanac for July 31". Environment Canada. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
  26. ^ "Climate Data Almanac for January 10". Environment Canada. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
  27. ^ Jump up to: a b "North Battleford A". Environment Canada. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  28. ^ "February 1893". Environment Canada. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  29. ^ "January 1916". Environment Canada. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  30. ^ "Battleford". Environment Canada. Retrieved 7 July 2016.
  31. ^ "Western Development Museum - North Battleford". Wdm.ca. Retrieved 2013-08-13.
  32. ^ Leslee Newman, WDM Curatorial Centre. "WDM's iconic elevator needs help". Battlefords News-Optimist. Retrieved 31 December 2014.
  33. ^ Brown, Angela. "City approves Access Communications' proposal for naming rights to North Battleford Civic Centre". battlefordsNOW. Retrieved 2021-07-26.
  34. ^ "North Battleford Civic Centre". Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  35. ^ "NEWS RELEASE - MAY 24, 2013 (NORTH BATTLEFORD CELEBRATES NEW COMPLEX)". Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  36. ^ "Barr-Ryder Architecture (The Credit Union Cuplex)". Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  37. ^ "Dekker Centre for the performing arts (The Credit Union Cuplex)". Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  38. ^ "The Battlefords News-Optimist (Northland Power Curling Centre officially open by John Cairns)". Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  39. ^ "The Battlefords News-Optimist (NationsWEST Field House now open by John Cairns)". Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  40. ^ "Barr-Ryder Architecture (BATTLEFORDS CO-OP AQUATIC CENTRE)". Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  41. ^ "Waterborn cryptosporidosis outbreak, North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Spring 2001". Canada Communicable Disease Report. Public Health Agency of Canada. 27–22. November 15, 2001. Retrieved 2010-11-01.
  42. ^ "WATERBORNE CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS OUTBREAK, NORTH BATTLEFORD, SASKATCHEWAN, SPRING 2001" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2007-12-20. Retrieved 2014-03-08.
  43. ^ "Province, city to compensate North Battleford, Sask., tainted water victims". CBC News. 2017-04-26. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  44. ^ "Class action approved for North Battleford tainted water victims". CBC News. 2017-04-13. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  45. ^ Battlefords' News Optimist
  46. ^ Feed The Artist Magazine
  47. ^ "CRTC Decision 2019-268". July 30, 2019.
  48. ^ https://www.newsoptimist.ca/news/local-news/no-more-analog-signal-for-ctv-saskatoon-in-nb-1.24292324

Notes[]

  1. ^ 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.

External links[]

Coordinates: 52°45′27″N 108°17′10″W / 52.75750°N 108.28611°W / 52.75750; -108.28611

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