As Meadow Lake City Council gear up for a busy winter, Mayor Merlin Seymour wants residents to support local businesses, while following the provincial mandate. (File photo/City of Meadow Lake)

By Josh Ryan

Safe And Local

Meadow Lake mayor urges residents to shop locally, safely

Nov 26, 2020 | 5:53 PM

As Meadow Lake residents prepare for further provincial changes Thursday, Mayor Merlin Seymour is urging residents to spend their holiday dollars close to home.

The province’s announcement of further restrictions Wednesday, which includes changes for restaurants, theatres, casinos, sports organizations and more, is expected to halt traffic of people looking to buy Christmas gifts early. However, Seymour said residents can support their community while adhering to the rules.

“Before shopping online, consider shopping locally,” he said. “There are going to be lots of people affected by the announcement.”

Businesses can operate by appointment, or provide curbside pickup, allowing residents to avoid close contact. Seymour said this will be critical for many business owners if they are to survive financially.

“Your small businesses, mum and pop shops, that’s what keeps the economy going,” he said.

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Mayors across the province recently met for the City Mayors Caucus (CMC) on Wednesday, where they interacted with the minister of government relations, to ask whether there would be funding forthcoming. Seymour said they’re cognizant of the province’s goal in balancing the budget in three years, but hopes the needs of citizens’ remains at the forefront.

“We realize that balancing the budget important, but we have to work together and when people are struggling, please don’t put extra pressure on anyone,” he said.

Seymour added residents must also be cognizant in following these rules. Gatherings are currently limited to five people and mask wearing is now mandatory in all indoor public places for all ages above 12 (with 3-12 strongly suggested to wear one). A toll free number has been established to report any gatherings that break these rules. Seymour said he doesn’t want to tell people to be tattle-tales, but want residents to understand the importance of the mandate.

“They’re doing what they feel is best to curb down the numbers, so we have to keep our community safe by following the rules,” he said.

And if there’s a reduction in numbers soon, Seymour said he’s hopeful about no further shut downs and eventually lifting of restrictions.

“If we can curb these numbers down, that might bring the possibility of opening the Christmas season up again a little bit.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports