The move to change how patrons are charged resulted from current COVID-19 restrictions limiting pool usage and creating issues for some to access programs that they wanted, in particular aquasize, explained Darcy McLeod - Director of Community Development, Parks and Recreation, with the City. Recreational programs and services were severely impacted by COVID-19 almost a year ago, starting with the closure of recreation facilities on March 17, 2020, followed by a slow and incremental opening up of programs and services as the year progressed, he told Council. The Water Park reopened on September 1, 2020 under new restrictions set by the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, which resulted in changes made to program and service delivery.
Each year Council is required to appoint a Pest Control Officer under The Pest Control Act, Weed Inspector under The Weed Control Act and a Municipal Inspector under The Forest Resources Management Act, explained Darcy McLeod, Director Community Development, Parks & Recreation, with the City at the meeting. Under The Pest Control Act, a provision is included for the annual appointment of a Pest Control Officer to control pests, as designated in The Pests Declarations Regulations, within the boundaries of the municipality. Designated pests include the Richardson ground squirrel, grasshoppers, the warble fly and the brown rat. The Weed Control Act, has a provision is included for the annual appointment of a Weed Inspector as the municipality is responsible for responding to weed control issues as outlined in The Weed Control Act and The Weed Control Regulations. Examples of designated weeds include but are not limited to, scentless chamomile, quack grass and various thistles.