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.’

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 9^th 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.

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.

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.

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 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

All of us can be overwhelmed living in and through a pandemic.

As we face the COVID-19 global pandemic, we need each other now more than ever. It’s time to #GetReal about how we feel and lean on others for support. This Mental Health Week, let’s say more than just “I’m fine.” Let’s have real conversations with our friends, neighbours and coworkers about how we’re all really doing. We’re in this together.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada has developed the attached tool to help navigate sensitive conversations that may arise in our daily interactions during Covid-19. Taking the time to listen, acknowledging someone’s feelings and concerns, and providing information or resources can go a long way for someone in need.

Download it here:

COVID-19 Mental Health Support

Residents reminded not to hold garage & yard sales

With warmer weather ahead, the City is reminding residents to follow the direction of public health officials by not having garage and yard sales at this time.

“The most important thing right now is to continue to prioritize the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and remind residents that this is a serious situation,” says Mayor Michael Fougere. “We must ensure we maintain social distancing to protect the health and safety of all Regina residents.”

The City recognizes many households might want the opportunity to sell goods through a garage or yard sale, but it is best to hold off at this time. Current public health guidelines continue to encourage physical distancing of at least two metresand limiting contact with others from outside your household.

Hold onto your donation items for now
Overflowing donation bins

While Regina residents are staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic, many are using this time to clean out their closets. During this crisis, numerous charities are not able to accept clothing donations or empty bins at this time but will need them after this crisis is over.

The City is urging residents to hold on to their giveaway items for now and not to drop them off at overflowing donation bins across the city. Before dropping items off for donation at charities, call ahead and confirm if they are currently accepting items.

The City’s Bylaw Enforcement is working with property owners where donation bins are located to keep their property clean.

The PVCA is proud to offer one $500 scholarship for post- secondary education.

It is open to grade 12 student attending high school in Regina, providing the individual lives in the Prairie View area and maintains a 70% average throughout the school year. We are also making the scholarship available to young people up to age 21, who will be continuing their education. Emphasis will be placed on the applicant’s volunteer activities.

To apply, please submit the following:

-A current high school transcript
-A letter of acceptance or conditional acceptance
-A list of volunteer experiences you have participated in
-a letter from someone else supporting these activities, and that person’s contact information

For any further questions, please email us at pvca@sasktel.net.

The deadline for applications has been extended to June 15th, 2020.

All rentals of City-owned indoor and outdoor facilities for the month of May, 2020 are now cancelled until further notice.