All posts by Jon Hayward

Press Release from the Regina Public Library – Re-opening Planned for July 13

The following press release is from the Regina Public Library:

‘Regina Public Library (RPL) will not open its doors next week, despite receiving notice from the Province of Saskatchewan that Phase 4.2 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan will begin on Monday, June 29.

“Our community has been waiting for this, and we’re thrilled to know that we’ll be welcoming customers back to our spaces very soon, but we need a bit more time to prepare for a safe re-opening,” said Kevin Saunderson, Senior Manager, Corporate Services.

The library is working to re-open all RPL locations, including its downtown Central Library, by July 13.

In the meantime, RPL is reviewing safety and social distancing protocols outlined in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan’s workplace guidelines for libraries, museums and art galleries that were released on June 23, along with requirements from the Saskatchewan Health Authority and recommendations from the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, and will be making necessary changes to its facilities and operating procedures. These changes, along with process to recall laid off employees and prepare staff to work under new conditions, will take some time. 

“When we re-open, it will be a different library experience, adapted to support social distancing,” said Saunderson.

Hours will be reduced to match RPL’s current customer service hotline and curbside pickup hours, opening from 10:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 to 5:00pm on Sundays.

The public can also expect to see limits on the number of people allowed in its spaces, movement toward one-way traffic within the library, and other changes to ensure the safety of both library staff and customers.

While re-opening plans are implemented, Regina Public Library will continue to offer customers access to curbside pickup and digital offerings, including eBooks and other content, learning opportunities, and program experiences, available online at www.reginalibrary.ca.’

PlayEscapes Begins July 13 – Pre-Registration Required

PlayEscapes, the City of Regina’s inclusive summer program for children and youth, will launch on July 13, 2020 as permitted under Phase Four of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan. While typically a drop-in program, to adapt to current public health guidelines, pre-registration will be required for this summer. Pre-registration starts Wednesday, June 24.

PlayEscapes offers leader-facilitated play opportunities for children entering Kindergarten through Grade 7 to help develop and foster life skills, creativity, imagination, positive self-image and promote a physically active lifestyle in a welcoming space.

The program will be held Monday through Friday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. starting July 13 until August 21. It will run at eight different locations throughout Regina. Lunches are also provided for PlayEscapes participants by REACH and Chili for Children.

To comply with public health guidelines and ensure safety for all participants, their families, and City staff, modifications have been made to the program, including:

-enhanced cleaning and sanitizing measures
-introduction of games and activities that incorporate social distancing protocols and minimize contact between participants and with staff;
-focus on outdoor activities with access to indoor facilities when needed
-maximum of 15 participants per site
-designated zones for drop-off and pick-up

For locations and to register for PlayEscapes online, visit Regina.ca/playescapes or call 306-777-7529 (PLAY). For more information about the City’s drop-in programs for children and youth, visit Regina.ca.

Regina Ball Athletic Fields and Ball Parks to Re-Open Beginning June 22, 2020

Work is underway by City of Regina crews to prepare athletic fields and ball parks to open in stages, beginning on Monday, June 22 under Phase Four, Part One of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

Community operated ball parks ready to be open on June 22 include: Broad and 9th Avenue North, Columbus Park, Kiwanis Park, Kiwanis Park North, Lions Park, Pacers Park, Optimist Park and Douglas Park. All other ball parks and athletic fields, including lawn bowling greens, will open for scheduled use on June 27.

The City is working cooperatively with community sports organizations to ensure guidelines are followed for the safety of athletes, coaches, managers and parents.

Regular booking procedures for athletic fields and ball diamonds are in place.

The City reminds all users of the outdoor recreation spaces to continue following the guidelines provided by public health officials, including the following:

  • Equipment should not be shared.
  • Individuals who are sick should stay home.
  • A physical distance of two metres should be maintained between people not from the same household or extended household.
  • Bring hand sanitizer and be sure to clean your hands before and after activity.

By taking these steps, we can all continue to do our part to keep ourselves and our neighbours healthy.

For the latest on the City recreational spaces that are open, as well as other COVID-19 updates and links to community resources, visit Regina.ca/covid19. Please check back regularly for updates.

Regina Public Library to Offer Material Returns and Curbside Pickup

Customers can start returning materials to four library branch locations starting Monday, June 8, and pick up materials starting Monday, June 15.

“Our community has been telling us they need new books to read and with new safety protocols, we’re happy to serve,” Sean Quinlan, Chair of the RPL Board of Directors, said. “Customers can now walk, ride, or run to these four branches and get those items they’ve been waiting for.”

There will be four locations at which materials can be picked up and returned: Central Library, George Bothwell Branch at Southland Mall, Sunrise Branch, and Sherwood Village Branch. These services will be available Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. Instructions on how to pick up and return library materials are available on RPL’s website: www.reginalibrary.ca.

Buildings will remain closed to the public – pickups will be done outside of the branch, and book drops will be unlocked at these four locations during the times listed. Further safety measures will be established for both customers and staff, including social distancing requirements, and a 72-hour waiting period before staff touch returned materials.

“We have put in place safety protocols such as social distancing and cleaning standards consistent with guidelines developed by Saskatchewan Health Authority and Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC),” Quinlan said. “We are doing all we can to keep everyone safe, and we ask that customers do their part too.”

Customers who would like further information are encouraged to contact us at 376-777-6000 or email  askalibrarian@reginalibrary.ca. Our hotline hours are 10:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday, and 1:00 to 5:00pm on Sunday.

City seeks input on proposed Mount Pleasant dog park

The City of Regina invites residents, and in particular dog owners, to weigh in on a proposed fenced off-leash dog park at Mount Pleasant.

The City is committed to increasing the number of fenced off-leash dog parks throughout our community and Mount Pleasant has been identified as the next potential site.  Criteria for choosing sites includes setbacks from residences, roadways, rail lines and community facilities as well as accessibility and safety factors.

Complete our quick survey at regina.ca/dogparksurvey. The survey is open until June 3, 2020.

City of Regina Golf Courses to Open on May 15

The City of Regina is preparing its golf courses to open for the season on May 15, 2020 as part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan announced by the Government of Saskatchewan on April 23.

Regina has four City-owned courses that offer low-cost golfing for everyone in the family including Tor Hill Golf Course, Murray Golf Course, Joanne Goulet Golf Club and the Lakeview Par 3 Golf Course. In collaboration with Western Golf Management, an independent firm that manages the courses, the City is ensuring that appropriate safety measures and cleaning protocols are in place as outlined in the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

For the health and safety of visitors and employees, the following measures will be in effect at all courses:

· All tee times must be booked in advance; no walk-on players will be permitted
· Locker rooms will be closed; players may change footwear in the parking lot
· Only one person at a time will be permitted in the clubhouse washrooms
· Driving ranges and putting greens remain closed
· Only one person per cart unless golfing with members of the same household
· Food and beverage service is suspended, except for curbside pick-up or delivery
· Washroom facilities on the course will be closed

To help contain the spread of COVID-19, other physical distancing and public health requirements must continue to be observed.

Tee time booking starts on Sunday, May 10 and can be made up to five days in advance. Tee times will be spaced 20 minutes apart in accordance with provincial guidelines. Fees for full season passes will be pro-rated to adjust for the later start of the season.

The Regina Food Bank Needs Volunteers

The Regina Food Bank is in need of volunteers. The pandemic has placed increase demand on the need for help with delivery of food to families in Regina.  The three volunteer positions outlined in the attached information (see the link at the end of this post) offer each of us the chance to volunteer.

Please take a look, see if the volunteer role could work for you, family or friends.

Please contact Kim Wenger at the Food Bank via phone: 306-559-4641
Or email:  kwenger@reginafoodbank.ca

Regina Food Bank Volunteer Information