Take 5

Rob Carnie - Hey, let's turn the page and talk about, well, turning the page and getting into the new millennium here. City of Moose Jaw e-billing, over 1,600 people have now joined up for eBilling.  

Tell us what eBilling is, how it works, and how it benefits us as citizens. 

Maryse Carmichael - Yes, we're at 1,601 because last night I went and registered for my own eBilling.  

Rob Carnie - It's Take Five with Carnie and Carmichael featuring Moose Jaw city manager Maryse Carmichael on DiscoverMooseJaw.com. We're starting off with some exciting news.  

Moose Jaw is Canada’s Most notorious host city in 2025, and that is underway this weekend. The Sask Selects Football Program is hosting a very large football tournament at Yara Centre, Maryse. Fabulous!  

Rob Carnie: Hey, let's talk about the responsibilities of various levels of government, The City of Moose Jaw posting this on Facebook just this week “Levels of Government and Responsibilities” with the caption “With municipal and provincial election dates set, and a federal election occurring sometime in the next 12 months, the City of Moose Jaw reminds residents of the three levels of government and their respective responsibilities.” 

Rob Carnie: It's Take 5 with Carney and Carmichael featuring Maurice Carmichael, Moose Jaw’s City Manager.  

We have this conversation monthly and some topical things to talk about today certainly. 

First of all, the municipal election is just around the corner, coming up November the 13th Polls, advanced polls, let's talk about them first. When will they open? 

Rob Carnie: One more thing, there's been some backlash from a number of locals over the fact that several concession outlets at the Moose Jaw Events Center are no longer accepting cash. Can we talk about why that decision was made and maybe what sort of feedback you've received at City Hall? 

Maryse Carmichael: I think some people initially were concerned because I think the perception was that it was all concessions were now (no longer) accepting cash and that's not the case.  

Rob Carnie: Another issue our local folks are talking about Maurice, the Stadacona Apartments, at last where this issue was still tied up in red tape with the province. Is that correct? 

Maryse Carmichael: We're getting closer as well to an answer on this one. We've been in discussion with the province on this. There's one last hurdle to go through and then the city should have ownership of the building. 

Rob Carnie: It is Fire Prevention Week. We have got to get that message out and remind people to check their smoke detectors. 

Maryse Carmichael: It is so important to check your smoke detectors. This week, especially, (is) the week where all firefighters across the province take the time to remind people to check their smoke alarms.  

Rob Carnie: Preparations for the municipal election are coming up sooner than later. How's that going at City Hall? 

Maryse Carmichael: Well, this is going to be my first election as the city manager, so it's an exciting time.  

The municipal election will be on November 13th. We are just about to open for candidates that would like to be councilors or mayor.  

Rob Carnie: Let's talk about the new Community Services Department. City manager, tell us why it was created and what the goals are with the new endeavor. 

Maryse Carmichael: Since I arrived in the city, just over a year ago now, I've made a few changes with the organization. 

I took the time to do that to make sure that I would make some changes, after reflection and after seeing how they operated. 

Rob Carnie: Let's switch it up. The Thatcher Drive East paving project! They're really getting it done. 

Maryse Carmichael: They are getting it done, and I have to tell you, on Sunday I was driving on Thatcher, and I took a picture and sent it to the Director of Operations.  

I'm like “Wow, I am impressed.”, 35° and the crews were out there on a Sunday afternoon paving.