City of Saskatoon issues more layoff notices, closes sports fields amid COVID-19 pandemic

More pink slips have gone out to civic employees in Saskatoon amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

City Manager Jeff Jorgenson said layoff notices were given to 49 employees this week with more “aggressive steps” being rolled out in the coming days and weeks.

“This is only one component of our overall plan,” Jorgenson said, adding they are developing a strategy at how to deliver services for the next four to six months.

“We’re looking at redeployment. We’ve got excess staff in the leisure services area, so that is primarily where those layoff notices went out.”

The plan also involves voluntary layoffs. Roughly 300 positions, including casual employees at SaskTel Centre and TCU Place have been cut since the crisis began.

Jorgenson said the city’s core services are in great shape, partly because the city has not had an internal outbreak of the virus.

Two city employees have tested positive so far. Jorgenson said one has recovered, while the second is in good health.

Parks and Pools

The city announced on Wednesday that sports fields will be shut down until the end of June.

Jorgenson said parks and playgrounds will still be maintained during the spring even if provincial and federal measures continue into July.

“We intend to maintain them at a very high level of service.” “People need to get out. They need to start their summers. It will be a different kind of summer, but we expect to see very high traffic in our parks.”

Jorgenson said they are taking the same approach to pools and spray pads, however, he cautions the opening of those facilities to the public will depend on when the restrictions are lifted.

Outdoor special events and pancake breakfast 

The city says effective immediately it will not be approving any outdoor special events for the months of April, May and June including up to Tuesday, June 30.

It also says the civic pancake breakfast which had been scheduled for June 11, is postponed until further notice. Details on a new date will be provided as the pandemic continues to be assessed.