Some businesses, cabin owners want travel ban lifted in far north

There are some people who are growing restless with the travel ban in northern Saskatchewan.

That includes those who have businesses and cabins in the area.

Dean Foster is the owner of Buddah’s Bait Shop in White Fox. He had planned to open a bait shop at Deschambault Lake this season. He says the travel ban of anything non-essential is hurting business owners like him and many others.

“It makes no sense – they’re putting small businesses completely out of business,” he told 650 CKOM.

Foster said he understands why the travel ban was put in place – to help stop the spread of COVID-19, but also says with the nearest case far away from Deschambault Lake it makes the ban unfair.

“Being over seven and a half hours away from the nearest outbreaks, that’s the same thing as if Calgary has an outbreak and we shut down Regina,” Foster said.

Foster said a lot of outfitters are also affected by the ban.

“The government opened up fishing – except they wouldn’t open up anything associated with fishing.”

He’s part of a group that is planning to protest the travel ban next Friday, March 22. In a Facebook post on the Buddah’s Bait Shop page, it lays out the plan for the protest:

“The plan is to show up at KM 30 on Highway 106, everyone should remain in their vehicles ( showing safe distancing) and PEACEFULLY get our point across, through Media, and staff manning this location,” the post reads.

“Hopefully the zoning will be adjusted accordingly so this is not necessary. Again this will be a PEACEFUL protest and I ask that if you cannot contain your emotions, to please refrain from showing up. We have no violent intentions at all and wish to keep it that way,” it continued.

“It would really defeat the whole purpose, and we would be labeled as a violent group. Thank you for understanding. #Freehighway106 ,” the post ended.”

Because of an outbreak of COVID-19 in the far north, on April 24 the Saskatchewan government banned all “non-critical” travel and set up checkpoints to stop people from entering the area.