The city of Saskatoon is welcoming a decision of the provincial government to place further restrictions on social gatherings.

“Based on discussions with our Director of Emergency Management, City Council and Senior Administration I gave notice for a Special City Council meeting,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “This was done in anticipation of needing to take further steps in addressing the growing concern that as we try to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, gathering in restaurants and bars was an ongoing risk in our community. Based on the announcement today by the provincial government that additional restrictions for bars and restaurants will be included in the Provincial State of Emergency restrictions, the Special City Council meeting is cancelled.”

“We thank the Province for providing leadership with this difficult decision,” Mayor Clark says. “We know it has significant impacts on many local businesses.”

Mayor Clark adds this decision will meet the local advice he is hearing from the City’s Emergency Management team about what is needed to keep the community as safe as possible at this time.

Director of Emergency Management Organization Pamela Goulden-McLeod echoed Mayor Clark’s sentiments.

“The Saskatoon Emergency Management Organization would like to thank the Province of Saskatchewan for their leadership and direction in enacting the extended measures to support our province’s safety during this unprecedented event,” Goulden-McLeod says. “The provincial government’s bravery in taking these extraordinary measures will make a significant difference within our communities. We value the hard work of our provincial partners and we continue to look forward working together in this ongoing rapidly changing situation.”