The City of Saskatoon says they will be using a phased and methodical approach in the city’s recovery efforts from the onslaught of the pandemic, but will follow the re-opening roadmap of the provincial government with all restrictions being lifted on July 11. The re-opening was announced after more than 70 per cent of residents, who are over-12 years old, have received their first dose while almost 50 per cent have been fully vaccinated.
However, masks and other restrictions that were put in place to stem the tide of the pandemic will still be enforced and followed by all staff and customers of City Hall before July 11.
The City of Saskatoon, once regular office hours resumes on Monday, July 12, will be removing the province-wide mandatory requirement in wearing masks indoors and to physically distance but will continue using the barriers in offices, and also the increased cleaning and disinfecting. The limits in gathering sizes on events are also removed.
Emergency Management Organization Director Pamela Goulden-McLeod said it is important to note that some departments on the city continued to function so that the public can still avail of its programs and basic services. However, all will undergo a review before all programs and services fully resume while in-person forms of public engagement — meetings and open houses — should be restored within the year.
“The lifting of Public Health Orders is an exciting time in our city. In the next few weeks there will be many adjustments and I encourage residents to continue to be patient and kind with each other and city staff as we all move forward together again. COVID-19 created many challenges for our staff and the residents of Saskatoon,” said Goulden-McLeod.
She thanked the staff for continuing to work despite the pandemic and also the residents of the city for their patience and cooperation in keeping the communities safe.
“We appreciate the patience and kindness residents have shown when accessing city services. Efforts will be made for in-person engagements to feel safe and comfortable for both attendees and staff.”
City office staff and facility visitors and patrons still have the option to wear masks and continue to practice physical distancing if they want to and if they feel more comfortable in following the guidelines implemented during the past year. The city will still offer online meetings, public surveys, and other forms of virtual engagement scheduled throughout the year to residents who feel more comfortable in dealing with them that way.
After July 11, 30 per cent of the City’s staff, who have been working at home since last year, are expected to be back to their offices by Sept. 1. Some departments are also going to continue to follow the requirement of wearing masks and observing physical distancing especially those personnel who work in critical services, and those who enter residences and other business establishments.
Transit buses will be operating at full standing capacity. Wearing masks and physical distancing, including visiting the Transit Customer Service Centre, will no longer be required. Wearing masks will be optional for both the bus operator and passengers, however, vinyl barriers are to remain as a precaution.
The City Hall’s payment centre and customer service counters at the lobby will remain open for in-person transactions. Additional services that can be found in the other floors of the City Hall are going to be relocated back to the lobby beginning Sept. 1. Corporate Revenue Customer Service will continue to have plexiglass shields in place.
The City Council meetings will resume in their chamber starting September while City Hall officials are still reviewing if access to the rest of the building, including the cafeteria, will now be permitted. They are also encouraging residents to continue using the city’s online services for additional convenience.
