New mayor of Canada's crime capital faces daunting task

There's more to North Battleford, Sask., than sky-high crime rates, racial tension and an oil spill which has garnered national attention in recent months, says the city's new mayor.

"We do have issues to work on. We're not going to sit idly by," said Ryan Bater, who's been acclaimed to lead Saskatchewan's fifth largest city.

"But we have record growth. There's construction everywhere."

In Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw, at least four people are running for mayor. Bater, who previously served as provincial Liberal leader and North Battleford city councillor, was the only one to seek the job in his home town after incumbent Ian Hamilton announced he would not be running.

According to a national index, North Battleford ranks first in Canada for crime severity. In July, the city was forced to shut off its drinking water intake after the Husky Oil spill. In August, racial tensions flared after the shooting of Colten Boushie and subsequent court appearance in North Battleford.

Bater said the problems can't be ignored. He's determined to work with other municipal and First Nations leaders across the region to make things better.

"We are one market, one community. We share a lot of these issues together," Bater said.

Canadians should also see all of the great things happening in the region, he said. Record construction and economic growth shows how much confidence business owners and residents have in the city.

Bater said North Battleford residents are doing a lot to make things better, and he's confident the provincial and federal governments will do their part to help.

"We've anted up, and now the ball is in their court," he said.