MOOSE JAW — The City of Moose Jaw’s accessible community advisory committee has created an “inclusivity statement” that speaks to the municipality’s efforts to make the community a welcoming place.
City council unanimously approved the statement during its recent regular meeting.
The inclusivity statement reads:
“#NotoriouslyWelcoming. We believe in inclusive spaces where individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives feel supported, respected, and valued. The City of Moose Jaw’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond words, as we strive to create employment, programs and spaces that include everyone in our community.
“We embrace inclusivity as a source of strength, leadership, and innovation. We are dedicated to working together to achieve equitable access to our spaces for everyone. Together, we create a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone is #NotoriouslyWelcoming.”
Noise bylaw amendment
Council gave three unanimous readings to an amendment that changes the noise bylaw to allow contractors — with written permission from the city manager — to work around the clock on construction projects and not be constrained by the current bylaw’s working hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
This is the second time in the past year that council has amended the noise bylaw, after changing the rules in March 2024 to allow contractors to perform work between 5 a.m. and midnight for the road renewal and infrastructure renewal programs.
The amendment’s purpose is to minimize the effect that construction activities have on the community by enabling contractors to work during extended hours and accelerate related project timelines while reducing overall disruption, a council report said.
Upcoming motions
Two councillors submitted notices of motion that council will consider during its May 12 regular meeting.
Coun. Patrick Boyle’s three proposed motions were that:
- A red-tape reduction strategy committee be established and comprised of directors from every city hall department and other selected employees, and that administration report to council twice a year on the committee’s efforts and any successes it achieved, including but not limited to, improvements in issuing permits, approvals, wait times, and process enhancements that result in financial savings and/or better service for residents and businesses
- The city’s purchasing policy be updated to include local preference and/or community benefit components for all procurements by the City of Moose Jaw, and further, that the report about the updates to the policy be presented by June 23
- Administration create a resident-first, client services strategy that outlines, but is not limited to, how residents’ inquiries are handled, tracked, measured and responded to; the level of service for permits, approvals, programs and services; response times for permits, approvals, programs and services; creating a resident-focused culture and improving service delivery; and that administration include information about potential resource requirements for capital and operating projects because of implementing this strategy and refer this data to council
Meanwhile, Coun. Carla Delaurier proposed a motion that council sing O Canada at the start of every meeting.
Council appointments
During the meeting, council appointed Coun. Heather Eby as deputy mayor, Coun. Dawn Luhning as chairwoman of the executive committee and Delaurier as chairwoman of the personnel committee for a term from May 1 to June 30 and/or until a successor is appointed.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, May 12.
