Murray Wood: Of Easter bunny bells and Juicy Fruit gum
For Murray Wood, Easter brings to mind grandma's practical advice about repurposing, and some of life's little lessons.
Two new provincial laws come into effect in Saskatchewan today.
One protects property owners, the other protects workers.
The new trespassing bylaw means hunters and snowmobilers will have to ask permission from a landowner before they can go on private land.
Hunters and snowmobile operators can get written consent from the owner, online or spoken. Landowners can also put up a sign on their property granting permission.
A workplace harassment law also takes effect today. The legislation clarifies that the definition of harassment includes any unwelcome action of a sexual nature.
Independent contractors, students and volunteers will be covered under the changes.
Rate changes
The province’s two biggest cities are ringing in the New Year with property tax increases.
Taxes are going up 3.4 percent in Regina and 3.86 percent in Saskatoon. That works out to around $6 dollars a month more for the average homeowner in either city.
There are some small rate increases for 2022 as well. In Saskatoon, it’s going to cost you a bit more if you want to visit a leisure centre or get a pet licence. Those costs increased $1 for juvenile, spayed and neutered cats to $19 and by $2 to $42 for cats who haven’t been spayed or neutered increased by $2 to $42. Similar increase to rates are also applicable to dogs.
Also in Saskatoon, water and wastewater rates will increase overall by 2.5 per cent. The Storm Water Management Charge will increase to $8.90, about $1.25 more per one equivalent runoff unit per month.
Some fee changes will be applicable for both building and plumbing permits as of Jan. 1. More information on these can be found on the city website.
Some fees and rates have changed for the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.
Transit, landfill and compost fees are among those that will see no change in the new year in Saskatoon.
Regina bylaws
Residents of Regina will no longer be able to put off shovelling their sidewalks.
The new snow clearing bylaw comes into effect today and requires residents to clear their sidewalks within two days after a snowfall.
The city says it won’t come down too hard on anyone just yet. The first year will be used mainly to educate residents.
On Feb. 1, Regina will also ban plastic checkout bags.
