Last week, Moose Jaw City Council came to an agreement on irrigation fees with the Lynbrook and Hillcrest Golf Courses.

The agreement waives the 2019 irrigation fees for the two golf courses as they deal with restriction from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moving forward, the water irrigation rates will be calculated based on a five-year rolling average less the city’s cost for weed control and the rate will be divided equally between the golf courses.

Director of Parks and Recreation Derek Blais said waiving administration fees is normal practice for other athletic fields around Moose Jaw.

“All the irrigation systems throughout our parks spaces whether Optimist Field, Elks Field, Memorial Field or Ross Wells it’s something the parks department oversees and we don’t charge any type of administrative charges to the users and the different groups that operate these facilities,” he said.

The agreement also contains a clause that the city cannot guarantee water supply from Snowdy Springs if the infrastructure becomes inoperable.

City manager Jim Puffalt pointed out the importance of working with the golf courses.

“All the irrigation systems throughout our parks spaces whether Optimist Field, Elks Field, Memorial Field or Ross Wells it’s something the parks department oversees and we don’t charge any type of administrative charges to the users and the different groups that operate these facilities,” he said.

The agreement went before city council last week during executive committee and was passed 6-1 with Coun. Brian Swanson opposed.