City Council rejects COVID-19 gathering bylaw
On second reading, City Council rejected a bylaw that would have limited public and private gatherings for in Saskatoon until November 30, 2021. The bylaw was defeated 10-1 at a special council meeting held Friday afternoon. Only Councillor Gough voted in favour.
The bylaw would have allowed for:
Maximum two fully vaccinated families to gather in a private dwelling provided all participants are fully vaccinated. Children 11 years of age and younger are exempt. Food and beverage should not be served at the gathering.
Limit private gatherings in public places to fully vaccinated individuals or those with proof of negative test. If not, cap capacity at 25% of the gathering area's occupancy limit and prevent food and beverage from being served. Children 11 years of age and younger are exempt.
Places of worship will require proof of vaccination or negative test and attendance. If not cap attendance at 25% of maximum occupancy to a maximum of 150 people. Children 11 years of age and younger are exempt.
Prior to voting, Mayor Clark shared that after a conference call with the provincial government on Tuesday, they will not support any municipality that attempts to draft their own bylaws to help in the fight against COVID. Minister of Government Relations Hon. Don McMorris was on the conference call, according to to Mayor Clark.
During discussion on the bylaw, several Councillors indicated they were no longer in favour of the bylaw knowing the province would reject it.
MULTIPLE SOURCES, FIRST PERSON, STOCK IMAGE