Shawn Slaght

As monarch butterflies begin returning to Saskatchewan for the summer, Nature Saskatchewan is encouraging residents to check their milkweed patches, plant native species, and report sightings to help monitor the endangered insect’s population. Emily Putz, habitat stewardship coordinator with Nature Saskatchewan, said the first spring generation of monarchs typically arrives in Saskatchewan by mid-June and is now beginning the next stage of its life cycle. “So the eggs and caterpillars are likely already out this week,” Putz said. “It’s a great time to get out and check your milkweed patches to see if you have any of them.” Milkweed critical to monarch survival Monarch butterflies depend entirely on milkweed to reproduce. Putz explained monarchs are “milkweed obligates,” meaning they can only lay eggs on milkweed, and monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the plant. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'endangered-monarchs-return-to-saskatchewan-to-begin-summer-cycle'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); While adult butterflies consume nectar from a variety of flowering plants, caterpillars rely solely on milkweed for survival. The species was listed as endangered in Canada in 2023 after being elevated from the special concern category, largely due to habitat loss and declining populations. Putz said milkweed habitat has become increasingly limited as native prairie disappears and milkweed continues to be treated as a weed in some jurisdictions. “We only have about 13 per cent of our native prairie left in the province,” she said. Related Stories: Native plants offer low maintenance options for Saskatchewan gardeners Dos and don’ts of helping the monarch butterfly population ‘Flowers for the flight’: Endangered Monarch butterflies need fuel for epic migration ▶️ Stream this news story: 800 CHAB, Country 100, Mix 103 Hope for improvement Although monarch sightings were relatively scarce in Saskatchewan last year, Putz said there are early signs this season could be more promising. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm2'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'endangered-monarchs-return-to-saskatchewan-to-begin-summer-cycle'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); “The year before was pretty average, but last year I barely got any sightings,” she said. However, monarchs reportedly experienced a successful winter in their Mexico overwintering grounds, and Putz has already heard reports of increased sightings across Saskatchewan this spring. “I have hope that this year we might see a little bit of an upswing, but it is very year-to-year,” Putz said. How residents can help Nature Saskatchewan recommends planting native milkweed species such as common, showy, and dwarf milkweed, along with native flowering plants that provide nectar for adult butterflies. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm3'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'endangered-monarchs-return-to-saskatchewan-to-begin-summer-cycle'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Putz warned against planting tropical milkweed and other non-native varieties, which can disrupt monarch migration patterns and spread harmful parasites. She also advised against raising caterpillars indoors or capturing monarchs for release. “If you see the caterpillar in the wild, you can check on it over the next few days,” Putz said. “It shouldn't move very far, but leave it be. Let it have its space and report the sighting.” Residents who spot monarch butterflies, caterpillars, or eggs are encouraged to report sightings through Nature Saskatchewan’s HOOTline at 1-800-667-HOOT (4668) or by emailing [email protected]. Photographs and detailed location information help researchers verify sightings and track population trends. Putz said Saskatchewan plays a significant role in the monarch’s life cycle, with multiple generations born in the province each summer before the final generation migrates thousands of kilometres back to Mexico in the fall. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm4'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'endangered-monarchs-return-to-saskatchewan-to-begin-summer-cycle'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); “They are one of the most iconic species,” Putz said. “They’re our largest butterfly and they do have such a unique multi-generational mass migration that really no other species undergoes.” Nature Saskatchewan uses public sightings to help inform recovery efforts and better understand where monarch populations are thriving across the province.

The City of Moose Jaw is updating its residential utility consumption correction policy, adding provisions to address meter tampering, while clarifying how billing corrections are handled. City council recently approved the updated Consumption Correction Policy, which replaces the existing framework while maintaining the city’s current approach to correcting utility bills when there is a difference between what was billed and what was actually used. Director of financial services Jaime Ansell told council the core principle of the policy remains unchanged. “We are still using a 12-month limit on adjustments and an average consumption approach to calculate them,” Ansell said. Policy reflects current practices According to Ansell, the revised policy is intended to make the existing process clearer while recognizing meter disturbance or tampering as a cause of billing inaccuracies. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'city-updates-policy-for-correcting-residential-utility-bills'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); The updated policy also introduces enforcement consequences, formally limits the policy to residential properties, and sets expectations for customers to respond to requests and provide access to utility meters so issues can be resolved promptly. “It gives the city the ability to estimate consumption if a customer does not co-operate,” Ansell said. She added the changes are intended to “strengthen consistency and fairness while protecting city revenue.” Related Stories: City releases 2026 rate schedule City introduces new paperless billing option Shift to contractor-led water, sewer replacements approved by City Council ▶️ Stream this news story: 800 CHAB, Country 100, Mix 103 Administrative review prompted update Coun. Chris Warren asked whether the revisions were prompted by issues with the existing policy or were simply part of a regular review. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm2'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'city-updates-policy-for-correcting-residential-utility-bills'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); City treasurer Stephanie Meyer said the update was primarily administrative. “It’s basically something we do intentionally to make sure that they still reflect current practices and they are addressing any current issues we’re having,” Meyer said. She noted the addition addressing meter tampering reflects improvements in technology that now allow the city to identify those situations more easily. “So, having the ability to address those issues as we find them is what the intention is there,” Meyer said. City council recently approved the updated policy without opposition.

The Moose Jaw Police Service’s new Visible Proactive Engagement and Response (ViPER) safety patrol got a busy introduction to downtown policing. The team’s first week included patrolling the Purposed Financial Sidewalk Days, and member Wayne Bauluck said the team’s first major public event exceeded expectations. After spending three weeks in training, the team hit the streets just in time for one of Moose Jaw’s busiest weekends of the year. “It was our first week, I’d say, boots on the ground after our three-ish weeks of training,” Bauluck said. “I’d say, for the most part, the feedback we got was quite positive.” Bauluck said many residents and visitors told the team they appreciated seeing a dedicated downtown patrol focused on safety. First week put to the test While Sidewalk Days brought thousands of people downtown, the ViPER team responded to several incidents, primarily conducting well-being checks and co-ordinating with other emergency responders and community agencies. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'viper-team-earns-positive-reviews-after-busy-debut-at-sidewalk-days'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); “We had a couple of incidents. They were mainly well-being checks, and we were first on the scene,” Bauluck said. “Once we got there, we had to assess what resources we needed and what the individual would need.” He added that the team also received positive feedback from partner agencies they worked alongside during the event. Related Stories: Four new faces joining Moose Jaw streets as ViPER Safety Patrol launches ViPER program drawing strong interest from post-secondary/high school students Moose Jaw Police Service launching ViPER Safety Patrol pilot program ▶️ Stream this news story: 800 CHAB, Country 100, Mix 103 Storm created unexpected challenge One of the biggest tests for the new unit came when severe weather swept through downtown, forcing vendors to quickly protect their merchandise. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm2'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'viper-team-earns-positive-reviews-after-busy-debut-at-sidewalk-days'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Bauluck said he and his partner acted quickly to help vendors pack up and find a safe place to take cover. “It was definitely chaos on the first day because I don’t think a lot of people were prepared for it,” he said. The members also saw local businesses step up to help. Bauluck recalled Joe’s Place offering storage space to a vendor from Regina so she could return the following day. “That was nice because you could see a community coming together to help one another,” he said. Building community relationships Beyond responding to calls, Bauluck said one of the most rewarding parts of the new role has been getting to know people who live, work and spend time downtown. He said the team is already beginning to build relationships with community members, who are becoming more comfortable approaching them for assistance, even with small tasks. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/dmj-all-bigbox', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1648064270259-bbm3'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1648064270259]) s.setTargeting('story_id', 'viper-team-earns-positive-reviews-after-busy-debut-at-sidewalk-days'); s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); “It was nice that it felt like we were welcome, and I really appreciate everybody that came out, even with the weather,” Bauluck said. “It was nice seeing everyone support each other and seeing all the families and the interaction we had with the kids.” Bauluck joked that one unexpected lesson from the weekend was that the team needed to stock up on more stickers after handing out so many to children throughout the festival.

A Moose Jaw employer has been fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution after pleading guilty to charging a foreign worker a fee or expense to maintain his employment.