(photo/ North Battleford Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) )

By Kenneth Cheung

BYLAW NO. 2176

From pawnshops to pet care: What’s in North Battleford’s proposed zoning bylaw

Jun 6, 2025 | 3:30 PM

A major zoning update is heading to North Battleford city council for final approval Monday — one that could have a broad impact on local business operations, land use, and development across the city.

Bylaw 2176, if adopted, would amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1971 by adding new definitions, updating discretionary use criteria, and changing development standards across multiple zoning districts. A final public hearing is scheduled for June 9, with council expected to vote that evening.

According to the city’s public consultation report, the amendment was developed in response to feedback from the business community and is intended to support economic vitality, community safety, and clearer zoning enforcement.

What’s changing?

New land use definitions

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The bylaw introduces updated definitions for terms such as animal and pet care services, business incubators, arcades, rental stores, and scrap metal dealers or recyclers. These additions aim to clarify the interpretation of land uses across all zoning districts .

Stricter rules for pawnshops and scrap yards

Pawnshops would not be allowed within 200 metres of schools, daycares, hospitals, or gaming facilities, and not within 150 metres of liquor or cannabis stores. Applications must include two weeks of public advertising and mail notification to all property owners within 200 metres .

Scrap metal dealers must provide screening, fencing, and site drainage plans, along with details for vehicle parking, loading, and queuing to ensure no impact on city roadways. Both use types are also subject to provincial reporting requirements under The Pawned Property (Recording) Act .

Drive-thrus and pet services

Drive-through restaurants must provide a traffic flow plan showing on-site queuing will not affect adjacent roads. Animal and pet care services will be limited to a maximum of 10 animals on site for daycare services, with no overnight boarding allowed. Landscaping and soundproofing may be required if near residential zones .

New residential options in commercial zones

Secondary suites, garden suites, and live/work units would be permitted as discretionary uses in several zones, including residential and mixed-use areas. In downtown zones, the bylaw clarifies how apartments above shops or within existing buildings can be approved .

What the public said

As per the city’s consultation report, feedback showed broad support for the proposed changes. Stakeholders supported more flexibility in zoning to help attract investment, allow new businesses, and encourage downtown revitalization .

Key themes included a need for:

• A broader mix of business types in downtown
• Support for business incubators and shared workspaces
• More community service spaces like farmers’ markets and art studios
• Green space and public beautification
• Better parking access and a sense of safety, especially in the downtown core

The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) raised concerns about allowing financial institutions to move out of the downtown, warning it could harm businesses that rely on their customer traffic. BID members also expressed concerns about safety, vacant buildings, and the quality of residential development downtown .

Meanwhile, realtors expressed general support for the bylaw and called for the city to market land more aggressively and make it easier to locate businesses across zones .

What’s next?

The public hearing for Bylaw 2176 is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, June 9, before city council’s regular meeting at the Don Ross Centre Chamber. Residents can attend to voice support or concerns before council votes that evening.

If passed, the new zoning rules would take effect immediately and apply city-wide — including to downtown, commercial corridors, and mixed-use areas.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com