Take 5

Rob Carney - Next up on the agenda, the Saskatchewan Festival of Words, a wonderful event that will draw hundreds more tourists to the city. 

Maryse Carmichael - (It brings in a) totally different group of people. I remember last summer being at one of our great restaurants in town and talking to some tourists that were there for Festival of Words coming from BC.  

Rob Carney - It's another edition of Take 5 with Carney and Carmichael, featuring Moose Jaw city manager Maurice Carmichael. Today we're talking about tourism.  

It's peak tourism season in Moose Jaw, and what a month it's been so far Maryse, I mean, we had Sidewalk Days, and then we had Shania Twain right on the heels of Sidewalk Days.  

You checked out Sidewalk Days and you checked out Shania Twain. Memorable, huh? 

Rob Carney - One more thing I want to talk about is that the Safe Routes Program is complete. All the signage is up and now it's not just our school zones with 30 kilometer an hour speed limits, but all of our playground zones as well. 

Maryse Carmichael - All the changes have been made, so be careful when you drive; it might be in your neighborhood.

Rob Carnie - Summer tourism season is the peak time for tourists in Moose Jaw, and I know you want to get a reminder out to all residents, all business managers and owners, to keep our city tidy and looking good for all of our visitors. 

Maryse Carmichael - We have a beautiful city. We have a beautiful downtown. I know a lot of city managers across the province and when I talk to them, they're very jealous of our downtown especially and we do have a lot of tourists.  

Rob Carnie - Big concerts coming up in Moose Jaw, and I mean major league concerts. Mark Chestnut and Shania Twain, both set to perform at the Temple Gardens Centre in Moose Jaw. Wonderful world class entertainment right here in Canada's most notorious city. 

Rob Carnie - Speaking of facilities, the YARA Centre is getting new turf. We've talked about that in past episodes of Take 5, and the old turf being recycled. Tell us where it's going. 

Maryse Carmichael - So, there's a number of entities that have asked for a portion of the old turf, because, of course, there's still some life left. Whether it ends up outdoors (or not). So, there's a few not-for-profit groups that will get some of it. 

Rob Carnie - I've seen the buzz on social media. A lot of people, and I mean kids of all ages, including some of my friends who are in their 50s and 60s, are pretty excited about the Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool opening up soon. 

Maryse Carmichael - It is opening soon. On June 16th our Phyllis Dewar Outdoor Pool will be open, and I have to tell you, it’s one of my favorite times of the year because the day before we open the pool, I get to go and talk with all our lifeguards.  

Rob Carnie - Infrastructure Renewal update and capital projects. Man, there's a lot of stuff going on around the city of Moose Jaw. We're making it happen and making things better. Frankly, we've said it before, short term pain for long term gain, things are getting better. 

Maryse Carmichael - It is good to see all the construction crews out there. It's great to see that we're already in Phase 10 of the Infrastructure Renewal Program and the (Cast Iron Replacement Program).  

Rob Carnie - Let's talk about the storm water utility bylaw that will be considered for a third reading on June 23rd. The way I understand it, that will be in addition to what we're paying the City of Moose Jaw, correct? 

Maryse Carmichael - That's correct. So, this is going to council on June 23rd for the three readings of the new bylaw. During a council meeting on the 9th of June, council looked at the draft bylaw for this new stormwater utility.  

Rob Carnie - It's Take Five with Carnie and Carmichael, featuring City Manager Maryse Carmichael. With all the latest from Moose Jaw City Hall, and the latest, city manager, is property tax notices/reassessment tie in.