With COVID-19 restrictions lifted in Saskatchewan, it is opening the door to more opportunities for the local tourism industry.  

Jacki L’Heureaux Mason, executive director of Tourism Moose Jaw, said during the pandemic it was difficult to compete with United States destinations that had looser restrictions.  

“We’re a very fun, friendly and affordable vacation for a lot of families. But if they could go two and a half hours south with no restrictions at all, I think it makes it just a little bit less competition for us to be able to offer the same things to people everywhere. So, it's a game-changer for us,” L’Heureaux Mason said.  

While the weather hasn’t cooperated much this winter to see increased traffic to Tourism Moose Jaw’s information centre, L’Heureux Mason commented that she has noticed an increase in traffic downtown and to local restaurants and other businesses.  

Meanwhile, what most people are looking forward to are events returning to the city. L’Heureaux Mason said excitement is growing for events such as Canada Day and Sidewalk Days.  

“I think that if we can open things back to where we're used to, we're going to have nothing but success. People are looking for things to do. People know they have the freedom to be as protective of themselves as they want, to walk around with a mask if you're wanting to or not,” she said.  

Last summer, it was announced that Sidewalk Day would be returning July 7 to 9.