Businesses in our area have had to get creative and adjust to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have been able to adapt their operations and stay open while others had no choice but to temporarily close their doors. While COVID-19 is still a concern, a vast majority of businesses have re-opened in compliance with public health orders to protect staff and the community at large.
Now more than ever, I strongly encourage everyone to do their shopping in Moose Jaw to support the businesses that support our community. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our community, providing products services and employment while strengthening the tax base. They also proudly support our local service clubs, community organizations and minor sports teams in a variety of ways.
Traffic restrictions is another challenge businesses may face due to planned upgrades and the replacement of the City’s aging underground infrastructure. During the summer construction period, the City streets can be challenging to navigate with frequent lane changes, street closures, and detours. It is important to remember, though a short-term inconvenience, is a necessity to long-term growth.
Saskatchewan is open for business and entrepreneurs in Moose Jaw are ready to lead the way. Local businesses need our support and with your diligence and patience, Moose Jaw will continue to provide the friendly, quality service and product that have been a trademark for our notorious City. When traveling throughout the City, allow yourself extra time to find your destination, be alert to the construction areas and conduct yourself accordingly to keep safe and protect the workers on site.
An awesome segment of summer in Moose Jaw is the recreation and tourist opportunities throughout the area. There are a number of parks and playgrounds to admire, including Crescent Park, in the heart of our City. Crescent Park provides the beauty of the floral gardens throughout, the walking paths, the serpentine with aqua-fowl, and an active spray park for the children to have fun and stay cool. There are a variety of spray parks throughout the city and also at 15 Wing.
Our Tourist Information Centre is open to assist local citizens and travelers alike with direction and details of parks and events in and around Moose Jaw.
While the Phyllis Dewar Pool will not be open this year, you can look forward to the Kinsmen Sportsplex opening August 13 for aqua recreation including swimming and waterslides. The YaraCentre is open for summer day camps and will be opening the fitness centre and walking track soon. Please check the City of Moose Jaw website (www.moosejaw.ca) for schedules and details.
Last week, I had the honor to attend the opening of the new pool at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park; officially opened by Saskatchewan’s Minister of Parks, Culture & Sport Gene Makowsky, along with other dignitaries. The new pool is a welcome addition to the Park, which includes all aspects of family camping facilities. Buffalo Pound is one of Saskatchewan’s pristine parks just 20 minutes from Moose Jaw.
Just as local businesses have done and continue to do in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Saskatchewan Parks staff have implemented enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures and are minimizing in-park contact with visitors where possible. Park visitors are asked to bring their own hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, maintain physical distance from others, respect the restrictions and rules that are in place and to stay home if not feeling well.
Working together, we can share an enjoyable summer ensuring our parks, places of business, recreation and worship remain safe spaces for all.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
