Every fall, The City’s Parks and Recreation Department is tasked with winterizing Moose Jaw’s green spaces. However, the chill that usually settles in midway through September was conspicuously absent.  

We spoke with Parks and Open Spaces Supervisor, Aimee Bulwer to find out how the persistently hot and dry conditions have impacted their fall checklist. 

She says they typically begin winterizing at the start of September, and that overall, the weather hasn’t hindered progress. 

“I would say there's positives because we can get more stuff done,” explained Aimee. 

“We've already started fixing all our rinks. The warmer the weather, the easier it is for us to fix them because the ground's not frozen yet.” 

She noted that while the warmth has allowed them to tackle other additional tasks like painting and maintaining benches, it does require them to spend extra time on lawncare. 

“We do have to mow a little bit more; the grass is staying green longer.” 

Thankfully, the mowing isn’t accompanied by any extra watering. 

“The water gets turned off on the same schedule every year. We’re still working at it and there’s a few more places to do,” she explained, noting that some locations have yet to be shut off. 

“We’re still watering at the sports fields that are still running, like Elks Field.” 

Bulwer says that it takes Parks and Rec approximately two months to get ready for winter — divided into two-person teams and assisted by the City’s Meter Department — making their way across the city, clearing water lines, and making repairs when necessary.