City of Regina declares state of local emergency

Regina City Hall can be seen in this CTV file photo.

REGINA — Regina City Councillors passed a motion to declare a state of local emergency.

Administration returned at 6 p.m. with a plan, including how retail locations would be impacted.

Earlier in the day councillors agreed to harsher restrictions, but pulled back on rules for daycares after hearing an update from the province. The city has capped gatherings at five people, except for essential services.

The city has also implemented the utility payment deferral program, which will allow Regina residents and businesses to defer water payments for up to six months without late charges.

It will also suspend payment collections on overdue utility and property tax accounts. Tax notices will still be issued in May, but late fees won't apply until Oct. 1.

City bus fares have also been waived and there are increased cleaning protocols. Transit is also moving to a Saturday schedule.