Thursday, April 9, 2020
VOLUME 2 I ISSUE 41
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
Videre Images By Jason Whiting Chloe Roberge hides behind her mom, Lori, with husband, Taygan, as neighbours Seth Zacharias belts it out on the saxophone with help from Ryder Parkinson on the pots and pans. The Border City was electric on March 26 as part of a global salute to healthcare workers.
MAKING NOISE FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS City eases pandemic pressures, offers tax and utility deferrals MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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L l o y d m i ns t e r r e sid e n t s and businesses now have deferment options for their property tax and utility payments as part of the City’s efforts to ease financial pressures relating to COVID-19. “With so many livelihoods
impacted by ongoing pandemic response measures, city council and administration sympathize deeply with the families who are facing financial uncertainties,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers, following a unanimous vote during the Monday’s meeting of council. “It is important that we,
as a municipal government, take action to ease the burden on our residents and businesses while continuing to provide essential public services.” The City has developed the Payment Option Relief Plan to extend short-term relief to the entire community. In reviewing COVID-
19 related deferral options offered in other municipalities, the City realized it faced unique limitations under the Lloydminster Charter. Aalbers said Lloydminster’s bi-provincial status called for a strategic ‘madefor-Lloydminster’ solution. “We want to ensure every-
one understands that deferral options represent a short-term relief measure, and these amounts must still be paid in full,” said Aalbers. “We also encourage property lessors to extend this short-term deferment to their tenants.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4