ESTEVAN - Members of Estevan city council approved two bylaws during the Feb. 28 meeting.
The first deals with commercial solid waste receptacles in the community. In a previous meeting, it was pointed out that this bylaw had not been reviewed since the 1980s or 1990s, and the process of picking up garbage has changed.
At the time, it was imperative to have an approved enclosure for receptacles in commercial and industrial applications. The structures had to meet specific criteria.
Most commercial properties have now switched to bins. Also, the wooden structures around them can restrict access for some garbage trucks.
The bylaw now says commercial receptacles shall be a commercial bin regulated for mechanical collection and shall generally be in good condition.
The other bylaw deals with animal control. It was previously stated that the 23-page document has mostly just been updated to address issues such as dogs barking and howling.
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Dr. Stanley Enebeli, the medical health officer for the area, delivered an update on COVID-19 in the area. Joining him were Candace Kopeck, the primary health care manager for this area, and Sheena Grimes, a director for primary health care.
Enebeli called this the transition phase of the pandemic. He shared a number of slides that reflected COVID-19 numbers in the province and the Estevan area, recorded the week of Feb. 14-17, when it comes to case numbers, vaccinations, test positivity rates, hospitalizations and deaths.
But he also said those numbers were the tip of the iceberg after Saskatchewan changed its testing policy last month.
He also discussed the impact of the Omicron variant, including the increased risk of transmission. Vaccine boosters have proven to be effective in preventing serious outcomes, and those who aren’t vaccinated are still more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID.
Since late December, he said the Saskatchewan Health Authority has been dealing with outbreaks in long-term care facilities. There has been a decline in cases, but those in long-term care and other seniors are still at risk.
Enebeli’s presentation came the same day that the final COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in Saskatchewan.
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Council approved a special event permit for the Estevan Strippers annual Spring Bust Tournament, which is slated for April 6-10. It was cancelled the last two years due to the pandemic.
The city will allow the tournament to use the Power Dodge Curling Centre for beer gardens and cabarets, which are an important fundraiser, and Affinity Place and the Power Dodge Arena for the games. There will also be games at the Bienfait Memorial Arena.
Forty teams are expected to compete, with at least 20 from out of town. It’s the largest recreation hockey tournament in the province.
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The city will also purchase a corporate table for the Duelling Pianos cabaret to support Creighton Lodge. The event will take place on March 25 at 7 p.m. at the Wylie-Mitchell building, and has proven to be a hit in the community in the past.
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Councillor Rebecca Foord noted in the inquiries portion of the meeting that the city stands with Ukraine during Russia’s invasion of that country. She noted that if anyone is experiencing mental health issues over this, they can call 211.
The Ukrainian flag was flying in front of city hall.
Councillor Tony Sernick, meanwhile, noted that there have been streetlights being out in front of the Estevan RCMP building. Streetlights are SaskPower’s jurisdiction, so if there is a problem, they should contact SaskPower.
