Terry Caldwell poses with his dog Osker for a picture. He believes the experiences he has gained from the business world would help him to bring more effective solutions to municipal issues. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

2024 Municipal election

‘We need changes’ :Terry Caldwell aims to revitalize North Battleford

Oct 9, 2024 | 2:46 PM

Terry Caldwell, the new mayoral candidate for the City of North Battleford, has set his sights on revitalizing the local business community and tackling youth crime.

He envisions transforming the city into a thriving transportation hub, reducing transportation costs, and attracting businesses across the region to enhance economic prospects. Additionally, he aims to establish more community projects to engage the youth and foster their involvement in the city.

“I think what really drove me and part of it to be mayor was my talks at high schools some years ago, and they thought of (North Battleford) as a dump, and they couldn’t wait to get out of here after getting out of high school and that was just shocking to me,” said Caldwell.

“I really want to bring changes.”

He is the president of Empress Furniture and Decor, as well as Empress Carpet One. He is also the former president of the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce.

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Drawing on his extensive business experience, he said the current tax regime is not conducive to fostering a promising business environment in the city. Additionally, he emphasized that the lack of cost-effective transportation options has dissuaded potential investors from considering the area.

He mentioned that North Battleford used to be a hub around 50 years ago, with companies like dolls distributing and others operating from here. He suggested approaching local companies to improve community collaboration and establish North Battleford as a direct distribution hub for places like Meadow Lake, Unity, Wilkie, and others rather than relying on Saskatoon and paying higher transport fees.

“A pallet would cost us $140 from Edmonton all the way to Saskatoon and another $120 to $140 to go from Saskatoon to North Battleford,” he stated.

“If we can get rid of that cost for every four feet by four feet on a pallet, it would make a huge difference in what we charge to the consumers here because we’re always competing with Saskatoon.”

Caldwell pointed out local businesses have been lowering prices to remain competitive with out-of-town retailers. However, this approach has reduced their profit margin. After some discussion with local business owners, he pointed out that they also saw the need for shifting distribution to North Battleford, which made him determined to make it happen as mayor.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening Indigenous communities’ bonds to enhance their workforce. He believes Indigenous groups should be prioritized when planning new community projects.

“I can’t stress enough how important that is. Our company (Empress) has worked with several First Nations over the years, and they’re great to work with, just like anybody else, and there’s no reason not to engage right from the start. Why? Why wouldn’t you? They’re our partners,” he explained.

With his ambitious plans for the business community, he also mentions that addressing youth crime is a priority. He believes allowing youth to be more involved with the community could distract them from falling into the wrong path.

“I think part of that is to tackle it head on and let’s make some real gains with the youth and help them out to get more pride in the community so that they’re not so willing and able to dismiss it and not respect other people’s rights,” he explained.

He stressed the importance of educating people instead of resorting to incarceration. He hopes to secure additional federal funding for youth projects like art and sports programs to avoid increasing the burden on local taxpayers.

“I think we need to involve teachers, mothers and fathers, all that kind of thing to help us out too, with ideas and stuff like that to move forward.”

Caldwell stated that even if he doesn’t win the mayoral election, he will continue to use his influence as a businessman to advocate for improvements that will enhance the local economy and transform the city for the better.

“We need changes, not the same old, but they need a new approach with a business person and a new mindset to really tackle some of these issues,” he said.

The municipal election day is Nov. 13. Other confirmed mayoral candidates include Wayne Baptiste (Semagains) and Kelli Hawtin.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com