Historically, there had been separate North Battleford and Battleford Housing Authorities, but those have now consolidated into a single authority with a single board. The combined entity is now the largest standalone housing authority out of 24 in the province, with 629 units on 191 properties, contributing to $1 million in property taxes, according to Lavertu. Their assets are owned by Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, with BHA operating as an agency with its own board. Lavertu also said to accommodate the consolidation of operations, BHA has moved to the new central location on 831-104th Street which will also house their shop and some other operations. It opened to the public Feb. 16.
Meanwhile, a palatial new office is being built at Railway Avenue and 104th Street, at what expense, away from all the problems at the currently “free” office at Tower II. The taxpayers of both Battleford and North Battleford should brace themselves for a tax increase this year. Both communities are part owners in the Battlefords Housing Authority. That puts Battleford and North Battleford taxpayers on the hook for a portion of Housing Authority losses. A large new office building, empty suites vacated by discouraged seniors, repairs to units and common spaces damaged by partying tenants and “visitors,” management incompetence and poor decisions all cost money.
SASKATOON For years, Valleyview Tower Two in North Battleford was filled with mostly older adults - people who socialized with each other, according to resident Darryl Mills. But lately things have been going downhill, he said. “The fact is it’s been an absolutely disgrace for the past few years. It’s been terrible what’s gone on, in the past we never had police come by like they do now,” said Mills. Mills, a former building manager, said that changes brought by management at the tower has seen a wave of new residents, many of which Mills fears would not meet proper lease conditions.