You can almost hear the sighs of relief and see the spring in people’s steps as we resume activities that have been restricted for weeks. There is nothing quite like summer in Saskatchewan — barbequing, gardening, our unique shops, food vendors, parks, lakes, and living skies.
Camping enthusiasts are pleased to have Provincial Parks fully accessible again with all campsites, beaches and playgrounds open. The Provincial Parks were a popular place to be on Free Fishing this past weekend. The new pool at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park is expected to open in the coming weeks and here in Moose Jaw the spray parks are opened and being well utilized.
After worshipping virtually online since March, it has been uplifting to be able to gather in person at church again. The experience is very different with physical distancing and other safety protocols. Many in our community share my appreciation for those who are making efforts to ensure regulations are followed and the required sanitizing is done so we are able to worship together.
It’s been a long three months for individuals and families who are usually involved in organized sports. Kids and adults are glad to be on the ball fields in a modified way. Day camps are allowed again with physical distancing. The City of Moose Jaw’s traditional Playground Program has been adapted with the ‘2020 Summer Play at Home’ program to encourage safe and engaging activities for local families.
Practices to control the spread of COVID-19 are just as important now as earlier to avoid the spread and keep our programs and spaces open. Specific guidelines are in place for all businesses, organizations, and activities as they re-open. Every individual has a responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
We can help by limiting gatherings to 30 people or less, maintaining two meters of physical distancing with anyone outside of your household and wearing a mask when physical distancing isn’t possible. Avoid shaking hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, wash hands frequently and practise proper cough and sneezing etiquette.
The recent provincial budget invested in measures to continue to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, and to help our economy to recover. Strengthening Saskatchewan and helping our economy recover requires being competitive and keeping taxes low for Saskatchewan people and businesses.
One of the particularly important initiatives is the PST rebate for new residential home construction. There will be a rebate of up to 42 per cent of the PST paid on a new house contract up to $350,000, excluding the land. This will apply for new homes purchased after March 31, 2020 and before April 1, 2023. The new rebate will help the province’s construction industry, homebuilders, and associated trades to create jobs, and it will help Saskatchewan families to afford a newly built home.
In the coming weeks, I hope to stop in to chat with many of our local businesses to hear their input regarding our economic recovery. If you would like me to stop by your business, or to have a chat on the phone, please contact our office at moosejawnorthmla@shaw.ca, or call 306-692-8884.
Enjoy your Saskatchewan summer, and stay safe.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
