'We've done so well': Saskatoon's mayor doesn't want COVID-19 measures to lose momentum

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark says it's essential that people continue to practice physical distancing to keep COVID-19 numbers low.

In an interview with CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning on Monday, Clark said citizens have been doing a good job so far.

"I'm hearing, I would say, a real combination of both hope and fear," he said.

"We've done so well as a province in terms of reducing the number of people getting killed by COVID-19 and literally saving lives."

Clark said he's working hard to prepare for May 4, when some services like dental offices and golf courses will be allowed to re-open.

"We want to get it right here," said Clark. 

"That's why we're trying to work with the provincial government and understand exactly how to implement these measures as successfully as possible."

Clark said he is less happy with the level of support the provincial government is providing homeless people during the pandemic.

"We've been fortunate so far that we haven't had a positive test in that community," he said.

"But if it does, it could be very challenging for the health system and for the community itself."

Clark also voiced his concerns about civic budget shortfalls, which could range anywhere from $20 to $43 million budget shortfall, depending on how long it takes for civic centres to reopen.

"We've heard very clearly from residents that, you know, that that they want to have their garbage collected. They want to know their services are running," he said.

"We're wanting to make sure we can do that, while at the same time also advocating to other levels of government to help us to deal with this challenge."

He said the city could dip into its reserves and defer capital projects to save money.

The issue will be addressed at a Saskatoon City Council meeting Monday afternoon.