The first-ever female mayor of North Battleford, Kelli Hawtin, delivers her speech during the 2025 State of the City address at the Dekker Centre on March 12, 2025. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

Making history

North Battleford’s first female mayor delivers 2025 State of the City Address

Mar 12, 2025 | 4:00 PM

North Battleford may be “down by one heading into the third period,” but Mayor Kelli Hawtin says it’s time to “switch up the strategy” and go for the win.

At her first State of the City Address Wednesday at the Dekker Centre, the city’s first female mayor used a hockey metaphor to call on residents to help reshape North Battleford’s reputation and drive growth.

“We need help through engagement and feedback, and we need your help to really share and promote the great reasons to invest in and call North Battleford home,” she said.

“I see the potential to be more. We have challenges to overcome—we always will—but we have so much to celebrate together.”

Challenging the “crime town” stigma

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Hawtin pushed back against North Battleford’s crime reputation, saying recent federal changes now prevent cities from being unfairly ranked.

Crediting the lobbying efforts of city council, she said the work led to “a complete overhaul of statistical reporting by the federal government.”

“The data is still readily available for those who wish to see it, but no longer will communities be pitted or ranked against one another.”

Mayor Kelli Hawtin introduces Battlefords RCMP detachment’s new inspector, Ryan How, to the audience. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

She argued that past crime rankings have unfairly damaged the city’s image over the last 15 years.

“We struggled to attract qualified workers and investments in business and industry because of the mischaracterized perception of our community.”

Crime and safety improvements

Hawtin said crime rates are declining in the city.

“I’m not sure if anyone has seen the headlines of crime lately in North Battleford, but if you haven’t, crime rates are actually trending downward in the city,” she said.

READ MORE: Crime drops 13% in North Battleford as RCMP focuses on proactive policing

She credited local organizations for their social programs, such as BGC Battlefords and the Indian Métis Friendship Centre, as well as significant municipal investments in policing and community safety.

“We have the largest CSO and RCMP detachment per capita in the entire province and an active and supportive Citizens on Patrol program,” she said.

The crowd cheers to Hawtin. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

Hawtin also announced a Downtown Safety initiative, adding three RCMP officers focused on the downtown core.

“The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels safe shopping, walking, working, investing, and banking,” she said.

She pointed to a 32 per cent drop in motor vehicle thefts since launching the “9:00 PM Routine” campaign, which encourages residents to lock their vehicles.

Business investment on the rise

Hawtin said the city is seeing economic momentum, with 2024 land sales surpassing the previous five years combined and building permit values tripling compared to 2023.

“Last year, 91 new business licenses were issued,” she said.

Despite some major retailer closures, including Peavey Mart, she said small businesses are thriving.

“A new floral shop and a new convenience and grocery store downtown, a pet and feed store in Parsons Industrial Park, a classic candy store in the bowling alley,” she said.

“Construction of a business expansion on 101st Street, an outlet surplus store on the north end of the city, and new restaurants in Yellow Sky and on 100th Street.”

For context, Yellow Sky is a business district located at the intersection and lane reconfiguration on Carlton Trail.

Hawtin also shared that the city’s Economic Development Office will conduct a retail gap study this year to help attract new businesses.

Mayor Kelli Hawtin. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Looking ahead

Hawtin urged residents to play a role in shaping North Battleford’s future.

“It’s everyone’s city… ensuring we’re not only being efficient, but we’re also creating a brighter future for all of our residents.”

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com