On March 21, the town of Gravelbourg declared a state of local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, shortly after the City of Regina declared theirs.

Then on March 27, the Town of Gravelbourg was informed that the provincial government had rescinded their local state of emergency.

A statement was sent to the CAO of Gravelbourg from Marina Sigouin Communications Consultant, Ministry of Government Relations,

“We understand the Town of Gravelbourg intended to protect their residents. However, in this time of uncertainty, it is of the utmost importance that we avoid a patchwork of restrictions across the province.  The Gravelbourg Local State of Emergency was received by the Government of Saskatchewan earlier this week.  It was reviewed and now has been rescinded by an Order-in-Council.  Minister Carr was in contact with the Mayor of Gravelbourg upon the declaration being made and after the declaration was rescinded.”

Joan Corneil, CAO of the Town of Gravelbourg responded to the updated COVID-19 measures by explaining,

“The Council is satisfied with the new measures brought in by the provincial government with restrictions of 10 and closing of non-essential businesses to public-facing businesses.”

Moving forward, the Town plans to continue working with the EMO operations control group and expect that the group will provide guidance and advice to the council regarding COVID-19.

As far as the residents and the business community is concerned, they strongly supported the council’s decision to declare the local state of emergency and Corneil shares,

“I want to thank the people of Gravelbourg for complying with what the town had put in their order.”