Darryl Frenette at Gil's Barber Shop is very excited about being able to return to work. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Back To Business

Phase two of Sask. Re-Open plan rolls out, P.A. business back on track

May 19, 2020 | 2:09 PM

It’s a different sort of normal but many of Prince Albert’s businesses were embracing the start to a new reality Tuesday with the second phase of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan. As of today most outlets that were not deemed essential retail, as well as select personal services like hair salons and massage therapists, can re-open.

After eight weeks off, Prince Albert’s Darryl Frenette is very excited to be picking up his clippers and scissors.

Gil’s Barber Shop is limiting one client in the shop at a time, and Frenette must also wear a gown, mask, and eye wear. But none of that seems to faze him.

“I’m excited to be back, absolutely excited,” he said. “I’ve got my daughter here helping today book appointments and we are booked until June 1.”

As per the provincial plan, all businesses and customers are expected to maintain physical distancing practices, and where that’s not possible precautionary measures like face masks will be required.

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A photo of Darryl Frenette unmasked outside his shop. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

If it’s not your hair that needs a tidy maybe you just want to add some of that natural outdoor scent and look to your office or home.

Marj Davidson and Stacy Coburn at Scentiments Floral (Trevor Redden/paNOWStaff)

For the owners of Scentiments Floral they’re excited to see their customers and faces instead of just hearing their voices. They’ve had internet and telephone orders, curbside pickup, and maintained shortened hours since the COVID-19 outbreak. They also did some renos inside during the down time.

“We’ll play it by ear, read what the customers are wanting, and adjust and see how it goes,” Cindy Coburn said.

“We have our floor marked off with six feet for distancing and we’ve implemented cleaning practices, and hopefully things will return to normal as much as possible. We’re seeing some random acts of kindness, for instance people will phone saying their neighbour needs some cheering up, and send them a small bouquet.”

Mike Horn at Fresh Air Experience (Trevor Redden/paNOW Staff)

Mike Horn at Fresh Air Experience says the last six weeks have been good for business as biking is one those activities to enjoy the outdoors, distance yourself, and just go ride. They’ve also had bike repairs with a curbside service by appointment basis.

“We want to give our customers the best service, the safest service, without worrying about distancing from a bunch of other people and crowds,” Horn said. “Moving forward, with this new phase and opening, we’re going to operate the way we have been. We’re going to help people outside, and if they need to come inside our store to view some merchandise, we can take them inside by appointment.”

Fred Matheson at Ted Matheson Men’s Wear Ltd. (Trevor Redden/paNOW Staff)

A leading clothes store in the city is delighted to be back to their usual ways.

“Now that we’re able to actually open to the public, it is very nice,” Fred Matheson with Ted Matheson Men’s Wear said. “We still have to be physical distancing and wiping things down and all that, we’re trying to practice the best possible health practices we can, but yes, it’s very nice to be open and try to get back to as normal as possible.”

Gateway Mall General Manager Sharon Faul stands with one of the their hand cleaning stations. (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

The Gateway Mall is also open again. General manager Sharon Faul explained most of the stores in the building are able to open their doors.

“There are a few tenants that due to their head office’s guidelines will be delayed slightly in reopening,” she said.

To help protect customers against the COVID-19 virus the mall has set up hand cleaning stations all around and have set up directional arrows to encourage people to avoid walking too close to each other. Faul said safety is a major priority for them.

“We’re just working with our retailers to ensure that everyone is opening in a safe manner,” she said.

Summer Delight is prepared for a safe and busy season. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Summer Delight, a popular stop for ice cream lovers, normally opens earlier in May but the combination of a colder spring and the COVID-19 restrictions forced the windows to stay closed a bit longer.

Co-owner Kayla Cassavant, who expressed her relief about opening on Tuesday, said there have been some big changes to address health protocols including marking down a line of ice cream cones in green paint to show people where to line up. Employees are also wearing masks.

“It’s not mandated that we wear masks, however we have up to four or five people in here at once, so we can’t stay six feet away from each other, so we are wearing the masks to protect each another,” Cassavant explained.

Need PPE?

Any businesses requiring PPE equipment are being encouraged to contact the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce.

CEO Elise Hildebrandt told paNOW the organization has started a list of local companies that are carrying PPE Product and the list will be updated daily. She said if the items on the list are not what it is needed, the chamber will help find the products sought.

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With files from Trevor Redden, Nigel Maxwell and Michael Joel-Hansen

panews@jpgb.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow