Western Development Museum preparing for August 12 opening

People visiting the museum will need to follow the province’s COVID-19 precautions and adhere to the posted signage.

They are asked to maintain a social distance of at least two metres between households.

People must not touch any of the artifacts while visiting the museum as a COVID-19 precaution. These items cannot be kept clean with disinfectant since this will damage the artifact.

All individuals will be asked to register when they enter the museum by providing their name and phone number for contact tracing requirements, in the event someone were to test positive for COVID-19.

All staff will wear facemasks. Visitors are also encouraged to wear a facemask but it is not mandatory.

Visitors will also want to note the new shorter opening hours. The museum will now be open Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Smith said the new business hours will allow staff more time to focus on the disinfecting process and make sure all protocols are in place.

“We want to make everything is as safe as we possibly can for people to come in and visit us,” she said. “Everybody knows we will go above and beyond to ensure their safety.”

The first hour from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesdays to Fridays will be reserved for seniors and vulnerable residents to visit as a COVID-19 safety measure.

Smith is inviting visitors to see the outdoor buildings in the Pioneer Village and take in the many exhibits when the museum opens again.

Small groups are able to attend the museum whenever they wish if they call to book in advance.

As far as future plans are concerned, the museum staff has not scheduled any events for the immediate future until at least the end of the year while the province’s capacity restrictions are in effect.

The facility will be available for room rentals for up to 30 people.

Smith said those with a hankering for a batch of freshly made spudnuts donuts will be able to place an order at the museum whenever they wish.

With the increase in staycations as more people spend their holidays at home, Smith hopes they will keep the WDM on their radar as a fun interesting place for their family to visit.

“There are a lot more people staying home in Saskatchewan and enjoying what it has to offer,” Smith said. “It is a wonderful time for people to get out and enjoy their community.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

Western Development Museum preparing for August 12 opening

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