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More adult players are now investing in the protective equipment.
The City of Regina has $79.5 million worth of construction to do this season.
Improvements will be made to roads as well as water and wastewater infrastructure, putting people to work at a much-needed time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a major injection of economic stimulus to our economy and it trickles down to our construction workers,” Mayor Michael Fougere said during a news conference Thursday to kick off the season.
Fougere said where possible, work will be done 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There will also be incentives in the contracts for companies to hit their targets.
Some of the projects have already started, including the Victoria Avenue beautification project and improvements to Albert Street South.
Others will include twinning Dewdney Avenue between Courtney Street and Pinkie Road, building a glockenspiel in Victoria Park and the first phase of renewing the Regent Par 3 golf course grounds.
The city will also be building a waste management centre at the landfill, renewing the Regina Police Service headquarters, installing lights along Ring Road and putting a storm trunk upgrade in North Central.
In total, 22.2 kilometres of roads will see improvements. The city will reline about 25 kilometres of wastewater pipe as well as clean and inspect more than 130 kilometres of wastewater pipe.
According to Kim Onrait, the city’s executive director of citizen services, projects were prioritized based on rebuilding Regina’s aging infrastructure and underground assets, enhancing driver and pedestrian safety and providing safe water to residents.
Workers will follow different protocols to stay safe during the pandemic, even those working for contracted companies.
“They sign a document beforehand before going onto the site, which will disclose whether or not they have been feeling ill or not (and if) they are clear of any symptoms. We do practise the two-metre distancing wherever we can,” said Onrait, who noted in some cases workers will be close together.
Some projects will be deferred until next year because of safety, at a value of $6.4 million, according to a city news release. Also, $12 million worth of work has been put on hold until further review.
The city says these were water projects where access to a home was required.
Onrait is also asking residents for help to keep workers safe by slowing down in construction zones.
“We understand it can be very frustrating but it’s important to do your part to keep you and your family safe, as well as our workers,” he said.
Drivers can check to see where construction zones are located using an updated map on the city’s website.