Pitch to ease restrictions on sports defeated
People are bored and kids need to be outdoors tiring themselves out.
That’s what Ward 10 Coun. Jerry Flegel has heard throughout the pandemic and that’s why on Wednesday he brought forward a petition for city council to call on the province to allow organized sporting activities to return.
“The physical and mental health of our citizens is at risk due to the impact of COVID-19,” Flegel said in his petition.
On the proposed list of activities to bring back, Flegel pitched tennis, pickleball, lawn bowling, cricket, figure skating, and some track and field activities.
Andrew Stevens (Ward 3) cautioned against lifting restrictions, because much of the early spread of COVID -19 in Saskatchewan was attributed to a curling bonspiel.
“I really see some of the issues around mental health,” said Barbara Young (Ward 1), though she added she currently fields calls from residents who are concerned about people not wearing masks or practising physical distancing.
City manager Chris Holden said the city would have to follow the provincial Re-open Saskatchewan guidelines. And even though games like pickleball or tennis were not included as part of Phase 2, golf was — on the grounds that it was a more solitary sport.
Recreation centres and fields will be allowed to reopen during Phase 4 of the provincial plan. Holden said Mayor Michael Fougere and other mayors in the province have asked about opening up centres for some recreation but, Holden said, the Ministry of Health has been resolute in its stance.
“The minister has been very direct, those are Phase 4,” said Holden.
The city plans to have its own reopen plan running concurrently with the province. Flegel’s petition was defeated, with Flegel the sole vote in favour.