NORTH BATTLEFORD - The City of North Battleford has agreed to enter into a new Urban Highway Connector Agreement with the province.
Council voted at their meeting Monday to enter into that agreement with the Ministry of Highways for a 10-year term. As well, council has voted in favour of entering the Co-op and Sobey’s Access Reconfiguration Funding Agreement with the province.
The new Urban Highway Connector Agreement would replace the existing agreement signed with the city in 2011. It follows discussions between the city and the province regarding provincial roads located within the North Battleford city limits.
In speaking to council Monday, Director of City Operations Stewart Schafer indicated that under the new agreement the province would keep the majority of Highway 16 under their responsibility, except for a 386-metre portion of Highway 16 where speeds drop to 60 km/h. That would remain under the city’s responsibility. This refers to the road surrounding the intersection at the Highway 16 bypass and Battleford Road/Poundmaker Trail.
Some further points were also agreed to. It has been agreed the city will contract the province to maintain the 386-metre stretch of Highway 16 along with the rest of the highway. The province is expected to increase its payment for maintaining the urban highway connector roads up from $136,950 to $140,000.
The province also agreed they would enter a separate agreement with the city to fund up to 85 per cent of the Co-op and Sobeys Access Reconfiguration Project.
Director of Corporate Services Jennifer Niesink indicated to council the project is in design phase right now and should begin the construction phase this year.
Council passed both the resolution to enter the new Urban Highway Connector Program Agreement as well as the Sobey’s Access Reconfiguration Funding Agreement unanimously.
