NORTH BATTLEFORD - The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods program could see a greater presence within North Battleford in the near future.
That seemed to be the sentiment from Tuesday’s council meeting in North Battleford, where council heard an update from Bruce Ehalt about the SCAN program. What emerged from the meeting was a desire by council for an even greater role for SCAN within the city, possibly with its own separate unit based here.
Meanwhile, SCAN has expressed its own interest in building even closer relationships within the city.
Ehalt told council his main goal was to reestablish communication with the fire department, the RCMP and CSOs, and confirmed a further meeting was planned for the following day.
He made the point to council that they were ready “to do more work in North Battleford as far as community safety, and I think we can enhance that and I think we can do a better job at that.”
The SCAN program, which began in 2005, focuses its attention on properties being used for illegal activities – which may include drug or gang houses, prostitution, situations where children are at-risk, or the sale or consumption of illegal alcohol.
The safety of the neighbourhood is their main concern. Ehalt described their role as the “eyes that go around the neighbourhood,” and stressed they do not target people, but the properties.
Right now, SCAN is based out of Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Regina, though they have been active in the city of North Battleford the last number of years.
Council made it known they were interested in seeing a SCAN unit set up within the city. Councillor Greg Lightfoot moved a resolution directing administration to bring forward information and possible resolution for a future meeting, requesting the province put forth a SCAN unit in the community.
That carried unanimously, which means further information will come back to a future council meeting on the issue.
