At the regular Esterhazy town council meeting on Wednesday, the council discussed the new Covid-19 restrictions implemented by the Government of Saskatchewan that went into effect on November 27 and will remain in effect until December 17.
The main topic of discussion was how it will impact the Dana Antal Arena. Although the new restrictions will limit who can use the arena and what can be done, it will remain open.
Per the restrictions, all team/group sports, activities, games, competitions, recitals, practices, etc. are suspended, including amateur and recreational leagues for all age groups. Examples include hockey, curling, racquet sports, cheerleading, dance practices in group setting, etc.
Athletes and dancers 18 years of age and under may continue practicing, conditioning and skills training in groups of eight or fewer, abiding by the required mask use and at least three metres of physical distancing between participants at all times.
Individual groups of eight may not share a training/rehearsal surface or space at the same time. Coaches/trainers are not included in the training group numbers as long as they are masked and maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres.
“You can have up to eight kids under 18 on the ice at any one time,” said Acting Administrator Mike Thorley. “They may have to alter a few things, but it sounds like minor hockey and figure skating will still utilize the space and are going to put a plan together.
“We’re definitely closing down our public skating and our shinny until December 17, that’s the only thing we’re not doing. (Rec Director) Brenda (Redman) is in discussions with rec hockey teams also because they won’t be able to go until the restrictions are lifted on December 17.
“We’re going to use what we can as best as we possibly can as we follow the guidelines. It sounds like all the groups that can be on the ice will be on the ice.”
Holiday season alternative plans
With the Saskatchewan Covid-19 restrictions impacting the holiday season, festivities will look different this year in Esterhazy compared to years past.
Rather than cancel all holiday celebration, Esterhazy Rec Director Brenda Redman has received approval from the council for alternative plans.
Redman has set up a “Light the Night” Christmas lights contest for this holiday season. Esterhazy Bucks—first place receives $250, second place $150, and third place $100—will be awarded to the top three houses with the best Christmas lights.
To take part in the contest, all that has to be done is to have Christmas lights set up by December 14. To vote in the contest, take a picture of your favourite houses and email your top three—with addresses, if known—to [email protected] or mail them to box 490, Esterhazy—include your name, phone number, and rankings with the pictures.
Votes will be accepted December 14-18 with one vote per person.
“The Light the Night addition to this year is going to be great,” said Thorley. “We’re seeing people around town already putting up more lights than they normally would so that’s been a good initiative. We also decided to put up some lights in our historical park and we lit up a pile of trees this year and we’re getting nothing but good response from that. With all this other stuff going on in the world and the frustrations, and even though we can’t do some of the things we want to, we’re just trying to make our community as bright as possible.
“If Brenda could find a way, she’d light every tree in the historical park! She’s done a great job getting her staff and everybody involved to do that. It’s going to be a great spinoff for the rest of the community. Everybody here is so excited when it comes to December with the businesses and everyone is just trying to make it work as best as they possibly can with the restrictions put in place with things like extending their hours to get people through the door.”
Flour mill tender
The Town of Esterhazy has put forward a tender for work on the flour mill, a National Historic Site of Canada. The conservation project of the flour mill is to replace the wooden siding on the mill with new matching siding, and repaint all of the building exterior including the signage.
With the flour mill being a National Historic Site of Canada, the building must be kept as close to the original as possible. This means the tender has specifics regarding what material can be used, making it a unique project.
The Esterhazy flour mill project specifics including replacing the siding with new siding milled from the same species—Douglas fir—and to the same dimensions and profile. The types of nails used and the manner in which butt joints are treated will be replicated whenever possible, and prime and painting will replicate the current colour scheme of red on all surfaces with white signs painted over it.
Construction for the project is set to begin April 1, 2021 to be completed by September 30, 2021—sealed tenders will be accepted by December 18, 2020 by 4 p.m.
Dana Antal Arena rental inquiry
An inquiry was brought to the council’s attention regarding the potential rental of the Dana Antal Arena from March through May for hockey camps—this would extend the arena season. No decision was made, but the council is interested and will be pursuing more information.
“I think this is a good opportunity for Esterhazy,” said Rec Director Brenda Redman.
It’s not a concrete proposal yet, but an inquiry on the potential of renting the arena and keeping it open for an additional month or two.
“It sounds like a good idea,” said Acting Administrator Mike Thorley. “But we need to get to number crunching on what the feasibility is and the cost factor. The next step is putting the proposal on paper, but the council is definitely interested and in favour to review it.”
The rental of the arena and plans for its use are all contingent on Covid-19 restrictions easing up in the new year.
Regional park board appointment
A motion was passed by the council to appoint Jeff Nordquist to the regional park board. Councillor Maggie Rowland proposed the appointment and is excited about his addition.
