Whether you want to meet your neighbours for the first time or get to know them better, we’ve got some tips for you!

• Handshake a week pledge: Keep it short and sweet! Set aside just 15 minutes a week to introduce yourself to one of your neighbours. Avoid physical contact during COVID-19
  TIP: Keep the conversation short by staying outside or on the doorstep.

• Take a walk in the neighbourhood: Hesitant to knock on your neighbour’s door? Walk through your neighbourhood, smile and say hello to the neighbours you see.
  TIP: The more you practice this, the more ‘strangers’ become ‘neighbours’

• Share common interests: Looking for common ground? Start a conversation about your neighbourhood!
  TIP: Have you seen your neighbours out jogging, gardening, or out with kids or dogs? Start a chat about that.

• Plan a get together: Invite a group of neighbours to a picnic in the park or morning coffee on your front lawn.
  TIP: Provide name tags for people to use—make it easy to remember people’s names.

• Leave a note: More of an introvert? Drop off a treat and introduce yourself with a short note. Get creative and have some fun!

There are real and tangible benefits of knowing your neighbours.

• Safety and security.

• Spot out of the ordinary activity in your neighbourhood

• More likely that your neighbours will tell you about something unusual happening around your home

• Form a walking school bus for the kids on the block

• Someone to look out for you.

• They might be the ones to pass on important information during an emergency situation

• They are likely to look out for you and your unique needs

• Save you time and money.

• share tools rather than buy new tools you will rarely use

• Carpool to work

• swap clothes or children’s toys

The Snow Angel Program encourages physically able and willing residents to assist their neighbours with snow removal from sidewalks. It is a wonderful way to keep sidewalks clear and walkable for all, to make your neighbours feel part of the community and a great way for youth to volunteer. If you are able, please consider becoming a Snow Angel to an elder, someone with mobility restrictions or just to be a kind neighbour.

Snow Angel recognition
If you have had a Snow Angel clear snow for you, let us know by nominating them today! Send their name(s), address and a few kind words to:

PO Box 460
City of North Battleford
North Battleford, SK
S9A 2Y6

or drop off your nomination at City Hall or email your nomination to dmacdonald@cityofnb.ca

All nominees will receive a Snow Angel certificate signed by the Mayor and acknowledged in a City Council agenda. When presented at Council the Mayor will draw a name from the nominees and the winner will receive a $50 gift certificate.

Perceptions of Safety Baseline Survey - Report 2019

Gaining Perspective on Perception

Residents aged 19 and older in the City of North Battleford will have the opportunity to share their perceptions of crime and safety in the City. Residents of the City have two options to participate in the survey; in-person or online. The in-person survey will be conducted by students attending North West College, starting October 23^rd. The survey is now closed for participation.

The survey will be accepting input from October 23^rd to the end of 2018. The survey will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. All information and answers collected will be confidential and not personally identifiable. Individuals can skip any question they do not know or do not feel comfortable answering.

The City of North Battleford has partnered with Dr. Tarah Hodgkinson from Simon Fraser University and Griffith University. Dr. Hodgkinson has designed this rigorous and substantial study and she will analyze and contextualize the data. Dr. Hodgkinson will provide a report to the City about the findings in mid-2019. A wide breadth of our community from every neighbourhood is needed to participate in the survey. The more individuals participate, the more statistically robust and representative this study will be.

This perceptions survey is an ongoing initiative. This initial survey will serve as a baseline for the City. The next survey will be completed in two years. By completing follow-up surveys the City will be able to identify trends, such as identifying if people feel saferor less safe in specific areas. It will allow the City to identify what programs are working, and determining localized needs to improve safety.

City Planner Ryan Mackrell says “It is our hope that residents of the City of North Battleford, take this unique opportunity to participate and share their experiences and perceptions of safety in the City.” adding “The study will help shape programs and initiatives in neighbourhoods.”

The City of North Battleford is excited for this broad, long-term engagement with residents. It is a collaboration that will allow residents to identify to the City what is working and key areas for the City to focus on to improve.

For more information:

Ryan Mackrell, City Planner
306-445-1705 | rmackrell@cityofnb.ca

Jennifer Niesink, Director of Corporate Services
306-445-1718 | jniesink@cityofnb.ca