North Battleford & Region

Quick Facts:

• Population (2011): 13,888
• Average income per capita (2010): $24,048
• Unemployment Rate (2012): 7.4 percent
• Vacancy Rate (Fall 2011): 1 percent
• Average rental rate per month (Fall 2011): $693
• Average Resale Price (2011):  $176,850
  
  

The North Battleford region is one of the fastest growing regions in Saskatchewan with diverse economic opportunities in agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism. North Battleford is the grain industry hub of the region and the community is diversifying its economic base by encouraging the growth of small businesses and construction industries.

North Battleford is working to take advantage of their position as the retail centre of the region and a central tourist location in the province. The community employs a significant proportion of its workforce in the trades and in the retail sector and the surrounding communities are dominated by the agricultural industry.

North Battleford has the third largest aboriginal community in the province and a large population under the age of 24, a demographic dominated by students and first time workers. The next largest demographic is the working core of the community, those aged 25 to 45. The relative sizes of the young demographic and the 25 to 45 year old demographic indicates that there are a number of young families in the community, which is important to the overall health, sustainability and vitality of the city.

The residential construction industry in the Battlefords reported rapid increases over the last few years, encouraged by low lot prices that also keep house prices affordable. New housing will be needed for the expected increase in population and to continue to encourage investment and growth in the region. Average resale prices on homes are relatively low, which allows renters to enter the housing market, but are appreciating steadily, which means existing homeowners can move up in the housing market.

In a recent study conducted for the City of North Battleford, population is predicted to grow 35 percent over the next two decades with new residents drawn in by relatively low cost of living and high quality of life. Maintaining a healthy community will rely on a positive investment atmosphere and development of livable spaces for residents, including adequate, safe and affordable housing.

Useful links:

City of North Battleford: www.cityofnb.ca
Town of Battleford: www.battleford.ca
Battlefords Tourism: www.tourism.battlefords.com
Battlefords Chamber of Commerce: www.battlefordschamber.com
North West Enterprise Region: www.nwer.ca
Battlefords News: www.newsoptimist.ca

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