Saskatoon closes all facilities to the public including City Hall

The City of Saskatoon is closing all public facilities, including City Hall, following the provincial government's declaration of a state of emergency.

During the shutdown, walk-in access will no longer be available but operations will continue.

Leisure facilities and libraries were previously closed on March 15. Some city services are available online.

The closure does not apply to essential services such as:

• Fire & Protective Services.

• Saskatoon Police Service.

• Transit Services.

• Waste and recycling collection.

• Power, water and sewer services.

• Landfill operations.

• Winter road maintenance.

• Construction and major projects.

• Cemetery services.

While buses will be running as usual, the in-person customer service office will be closed, though people can still get help via phone calls or email.

City manager Jeff Jorgenson said the city is "nowhere near" having to implement restrictions on any of the core services.

"Our goal is to make sure the city's in a position where we never have to look at a water restriction or affect the light and power service that is provided to the residents," Jorgenson said.

Emergency council meeting Thursday

Speaking via Skype, Mayor Charlie Clark said City Council would be holding an emergency meeting Thursday at noon to discuss special measures to help residents.

Recommendations include not disconnecting water or electrical services until Sept. 30 — as well as cancelling any late payment charges — and delaying required payments for water and sewer lead pipe replacements until 2021.

The city still plans to issue 2020 property tax notices in May, but the proposal recommends giving property owners three extra months to pay without penalties.

"We know there is a tremendous amount of concern right now about our vulnerable population, and we know that we need to step up immediately to support people that have lost their incomes and for businesses that have had to close down — all overnight," Clark said.

'Ban all public gatherings'

Director of emergency planning Pamela Goulden-McLeod applauded the government's decision to declare a state of emergency but she said the province needs to do more.

"I'm imploring the province to go a step further and to ban all public gatherings in any location and with any numbers," she said at a media conference held over Skype. 

"I would much rather defend making a decision that is seen as going too far to ensure the safety of everyone's loved ones then defend a decision I have made that has continued the risk."