During these days in the height of summer, I enjoy visiting local businesses. I notice people tend to slow down and enjoy shopping in our community at unique shops and retailers. The flowers are blooming on the boulevards, beautifying storefronts, and are an added attraction making our city warm and welcoming.
Businesses and customers are adapting to functioning in a different way. Sales are still slow for many retailers, however there are many encouraging indicators. People are making up for restricted indoor activities by doing more outdoors. Recreation and camping sales are positive. Boh’s Cycle reports a very busy season. Keon Garden Centre reports that they have had an increase in customers and, in spite of the extra expenses of infection precautions, revenue should be on par with last year.
The Chamber of Commerce initiated a “Pop-Up Patio Plan,” assisting and encouraging restaurants and businesses to make a "pop-up a patio" in their own parking lots, or on the sidewalks surrounding their businesses. Yvette Moore, along with Tourism Moose Jaw, have set up an attractive rest area on the East side of her gallery where locals and tourists can enjoy their take-out food, or just relax at the many tables in the area. Initiatives like these make our downtown an inviting place to meander through unique stores or walk through beautiful Crescent Park and enjoy the summer.
Provincial Parks and campgrounds have become very popular this year. Lots of kids and adults are enjoying the new pool at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park since it opened on July 17. Most of the provincial park campgrounds nearby are at capacity for the next couple of weekends; however, for those who can get away during the week, or after mid-August, there’s space to enjoy the great outdoors. This year Provincial Parks will extend full services until the end of September.
The farm boy in me always enjoys seeing the crops flourish when I drive out of town this time of year. The crops in the area are looking good, and some are beginning to turn color and dry-down. Local producers expect harvest operations to begin in the next couple of weeks. Timely rains have kept topsoil moisture adequate in most of our area, however those showers offer a challenge to cut and process hay and other forage crops.
Highway construction is always part of a Saskatchewan summer. Although it can be an inconvenience for travellers, it is a sign of improvement and progress. The Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $9.8 billion in highways infrastructure since 2008, improving more than 15,800 kilometres of Saskatchewan highways.
Work continues in many areas including the junction of Highway 1 and Kalium Road, with construction of two high speed ramps. Work there is expected to be completed by August 15.
Wherever you are travelling this summer, please allow extra time for travelling through construction zones. If you’re planning to travel, check the Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or call 511. The importance of slowing down for construction workers cannot be overstated.
As you enjoy the outdoors, and support our local businesses, please continue to practise COVID-19 safety precautions and stay safe as you travel, work or play, so you can treasure some happy memories of the summer of 2020.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
