Are you planning a move to Canada but looking for a rural location away from the big cities? If so, you may be interested in living in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, just one of the many attractive small towns in Saskatchewan.
One of the main benefits of North Battleford is that the cost of living is very low, and real estate is cheap. There are a number of parks in the surrounding areas for outdoor recreation, including a ski hill. However, a major disadvantage of the city is that crime rates are some of the highest in Canada.
This article will give you all the key information you need, and we will provide you with an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.
Living In North Battleford, Saskatchewan – The Facts
Here are a few key facts about this small city for anyone interested in living in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.
Where Is North Battleford?
North Battleford lies in western Saskatchewan, around 140km northeast of Saskatoon. Saskatoon is the closest major city, with around a quarter of a million people and an international airport on its northern side. It will take you around 1.5 hours to drive from North Battleford to Saskatoon.
What Is The Population Of North Battleford in 2023?
The population of North Battleford in 2023 is around 13,500. The city has seen some decline in population in recent years, which contrasts with the growth trend observed in many other Canadian cities and towns.
The latest federal census data (released in 2022) showed a population of 13,836, representing a reduction in the population of North Battleford of 3.3% between 2016 and 2021.
The average age of the population is 39.9, two years below the national average, and the population of North Battleford is predominantly white and English-speaking.
According to the latest census data, visible minorities account for around 16.2% of the population. The largest minority group living in North Battleford is Filipino, making up around 7.4% of the total population. The next largest minority groups are South Asian and Black, contributing to the city’s multicultural diversity.
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What Is The Weather In North Battleford Like?
Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with moderately hot summers, and Saskatchewan is no different. However, its location in central Canada, away from any major bodies of water, means that temperatures tend to be more extreme than in other parts of the country.
Saskatchewan has very harsh winters, where temperatures will likely remain below zero for several months. In addition, summers are hot in the province’s south, and high humidity can make these months uncomfortable.
However, the good news is that Saskatchewan competes with Alberta for the title of the sunniest province in Canada, with many places experiencing more than 2000 hours of sunshine annually.
North Battleford has an average July high of 24°C and an average January low of -21°C. The area is quite dry, with total annual precipitation of just 374mm and high sunshine hours, which are typical of the province.
What Is The Cost of Living Like In North Battleford?
Most immigrants find the cost of living high in Canada. However, Saskatchewan is one of the cheaper provinces. One of the main reasons for this is that the cost of housing is very low. The average price of a property in Saskatchewan is around 50% lower than the average for Canada.
Housing prices in North Battleford are even lower than the average for Saskatchewan (around 35% less), which helps to keep the cost of living low. Overall the city provides a good standard of living at a low cost, and this is a major benefit for people living in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.
What Is The North Battleford Economy Based On?
Agriculture and agri-foods have been a pillar of the North Battleford economy for many years. Other sectors include lumber, fishing, energy, and light industry. The Gold Eagle Casino also employs a significant number of people from the area.
(Source: C Hanchey – Under Creative Commons license))
Is North Battleford A Safe Place To Live?
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.
Within Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while rates are highest in the territories. Crime rates in Saskatchewan are around twice the national average.
A downside for some may be that the crime rates for North Battleford are high, even for Saskatchewan. Crime rates are more than six times the national average, and serious crime rates are more than five times the national average. These are among the highest in Canada.
What Are The Schools In North Battleford Like?
Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. Education is administered at a provincial level, so there are differences between provinces, for example, in the curriculums.
There are three high schools and nine elementary schools within the City of North Battleford, and there are options for education in French as well as English. In addition, Sakewew High School includes alternate programs, such as Cree language and Native studies.
The city has several institutions offering post-secondary education.
- North West College (NWC)
- Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (S.I.I.T.)
- North West Regional College (also provides University of Saskatchewan & University of Regina courses)
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What Is The Healthcare In North Battleford Like?
Canada has an excellent publicly-funded healthcare system which covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.
In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, would be covered through the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in much of Canada, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This is especially true of the smaller towns and cities. However, you can use the government’s Saskatchewan Health Authority list to find doctors in the area that are taking on new patients.
Battlefords Union Hospital is the main hospital in North Battleford. It offers 24/7 emergency care, diagnostic services, and inpatient and outpatient facilities for people living in North Battleford, Saskatchewan.
The city is also home to Saskatchewan Hospital, a large mental health facility which provides psychiatric rehabilitation for patients from across the province.
Pros And Cons Of Living In North Battleford, Saskatchewan
The pros and cons of living in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, will vary from person to person, but these are key factors for you to consider.
Pros Of Living In North Battleford, Saskatchewan
- Low property prices
- A sunny, dry climate
- Access to Ski-hill
- Attractive surrounding area
Cons Of Living In North Battleford, Saskatchewan
- Harsh winter temperatures
- Very high crime rates
- Isolated
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