January 25th
When a polar vortex crept into the province, starting before Christmas, it brought with it more than just discomfort when spending time outdoors. For many residents of Regina Beach, the extreme cold also meant being forced to live with worry and hardship. There have been several water line breaks in Regina Beach these past weeks due to the cold. For some, it’s meant having to live without water, sometimes for days.
That factor prompted resident, Jeremy Phoenix, to launch an official complaint to Regina Beach Town Council at its regular meeting on January 25th. “What’s been up with the water system,” he asked Council members, “the last time the water went off, it was shut off for five days. It was devastating.” Other than voicing his annoyance, Phoenix wanted to know why there isn’t a pro-active protocol, which would warn residents that the water would be shut off before it happens. “Notification is needed. It would have allowed us to do things like fill up water bottles, buckets and the bathtub, so we weren’t caught off guard.”
Phoenix told Council that it is not clear to the public where they can turn for help when problems like a water main break occur. He says he first went to the Town website and was directed to a hotline. After repeated attempts, he says he was finally able to speak to a person but was given answers that didn’t answer any of his concerns.
His complaint prompted Councillor Jared Rommens to agree that the extreme cold has caused a tense time for residents. “Our staff has acted professionally and I don’t think anyone acted inappropriately.”
Rommens recommended that the Town re-examine how it communicates with residents so that those affected by something like a water break will be actively alerted as soon as possible. That updated information will be sent out to the public shortly, with the aim of ensuring no one is caught off guard in the future.
Other discussions centred around how to administrate dog licensing better. Council decided to have a one-time license number issued. That lifetime tag will renew each year once the five-dollar fee is paid, rather than issuing a new tag each year. That amendment to the Animal Control Bylaw was passed.
The Council also took care of regular housekeeping, such as making plans to attend the annual Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association annual meeting held in Regina in March.
As it is the beginning of a new year, Council affirmed the names of individuals who will sit on various committees over the coming months. Committees like Regina Beach Parks & Rec, Centre Street Beautification, Primary Health and the Joint Use Committee, among others. That discussion prompted Councillor Sandi Metz to add further comments,
“We have to thank the community members who have stepped up to sit on these committees. We rely on volunteers and their involvement is much appreciated.”
Due to Omicron, Council meetings will continue to be online for those members of the public who wish to take part. The next regular meeting happens in mid-February.
By Carol Rose GoldenEagle
