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Much of the first meeting of Regina’s new city council focused on the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including more cancellations of programming and transit initiatives tied to the holiday season.
A report was filed by city administration during Wednesday’s council meeting outlining the continuing response to the pandemic. It included an update on the Regina Economic Recovery Grant (RERG) program, which was created to help businesses reshape services and products to meet changing customer expectations, public health requirements and market demand.
The first phase of these grants provided matching funding in the values of $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000 to support those efforts. In all, 127 grants were handed out, for a total of $278,000.
Phase two of the RERG program is set to begin in mid-December, with the maximum grant amount increasing to $25,000.
The city has also reported almost universal compliance with its mandatory mask requirement for public transit riders. About 99 per cent have adhered to the masking policy.
Additional staff were hired on Oct. 28 to support enforcement measures. Buses have been randomly checked throughout the day, and if a person refuses to wear a mask, they are required to leave the bus.
Jingle Bus and Wing in the New Year — programs that offer free transit service during the holiday season — have been cancelled for 2020 to minimize contracting or spreading of COVID-19.
All indoor adult group activities taking place in city facilities have been cancelled after the latest restrictions from the provincial government. Fitness classes have been reduced to a maximum of eight people, minor games at arenas have been cancelled and swimming lessons are paused until Friday.
Outdoor city programs and services are expected to take place, including the opening of outdoor hockey rinks. The report said all outdoor skating shelters that meet size and condition expectations will be open for a minimum of 15 hours a week.
Community associations will receive an increase in their supervision grant, as well as additional funds towards cleaning. Benches will also be added to locations that do not have any. A number of sites across the city will be operated by city staff, who will clean and supervise for a minimum of 15 hours per week.
Outdoor programming, such as snowshoeing, touchless geocaching and snow sculpting, is still expected to take place.
The city administration says it will continue to monitor the financial impacts of COVID-19 on city finances. Up-to-date financial information will be coming as council discusses its 2021 budget, as well as through regular financial reporting.
