North Battleford has won a national award for the workers who keep the city running.
The Canadian Public Works Association recognized the city’s National Public Works Week celebrations with its 2026 award for communities with fewer than 25,000 people.
According to the Saskatchewan Public Works Association, North Battleford was the first community in the province to submit an entry.
Stewart Schafer, the city’s director of operations, said the recognition came as a surprise.
“That was quite an honour. We didn’t really think we would get it. And we were quite surprised when we did.”
Schafer said residents may be familiar with public works crews maintaining roads and parks, but the department’s responsibilities extend to water and wastewater treatment, garbage collection, monitoring underground pipes and cleaning sewer lines.
“All of these are services that we do to try to improve our community. Yeah, it’s not what you see that is the big thing. And what people do for the city, our crews are some of the best in Canada,” he said.
“It gives an overall arching system where we’re one big family trying to get things done and do well for our city. It’s our community, too.”
(Image Credit: Candace Toma)
Mayor Kelli Hawtin said the award was a source of pride for the community.
“This is the crew that really keeps the city running from the underground up.”
The award recognizes the city’s efforts to commemorate Public Works Week and highlight the services that benefit the community. A plaque was sent to the city for presentation to council and display at city hall.
The city marked Public Works Week in May with a barbecue luncheon for employees, contractors, consultants, the mayor and council. Its award application included photographs of the celebration and noted that leftover food was donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs in North Battleford.
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