Mayor Harris: December 2017

Thursday, 21 December 2017

2017 Seasons Greetings - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday December 21st, 2017 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday December 21st, 2017 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: Seasons Greetings

No Place like home for the Holidays! Seasons Greetings, no matter where you may roam, be it near or far, when you think about going home for the holidays or anytime, only one place comes to mind. Preeceville. I wish you a Merry Christmas; holidays that are full of joy; and a New Year that is happy, peaceful and prosperous.

Have a plan this season to get home safety.

The decision to get behind the wheel after drinking may be 1 of the costliest choices you'll ever make. Know the consequences!

Events:

- Ongoing

- Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace.
"So far Preeceville Lions (Chase The Ace) has paid out $11,263.00 in weekly prize money and a lucky winner won the Jack Pot of $18,137 last week. A total prize pool of $29,400.00 as of Sept. 21st
- The Jackpot this week is $6,636.00. Draws every Thursday night.
Watch their Ad's. Follow the ACE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreecevilleChaseTheAce/
Each week the Lions post photo's of the draw and sometimes the winners. Check it out!

- The 19^th Annual Musher’s Rendezvous will be held Friday February 2nd thru Sunday February 4th, 2018. This is a world class event which features six and ten dog sled races, which start, and finish be the Preeceville Arena. Come out and enjoy a talent show on Friday packed with local talents, (all wishing to show off their talent contact Karen Maupin at 306-548-2064). On Saturday come and take in the adrenaline of the races, and a fantastic supper. Sunday will feature the finals, the presentation of the trophies and a supper. There will be other scheduled events throughout the weekend.
Last year's event awarded each of the Community Halls in Endeavour, Preeceville, & Sturgis with a cheque for $4500.00 to help with upgrades and maintenance costs. Thank you to our supporters, volunteers and sponsors.
Contributions from this years’ event will go towards the Preeceville & District Health Centre. Watch for posters for more details or follow us on Facebook
The Mushers' weekend could not be a huge of a success without the help of the countless volunteers that give up their time year after year to help out. And we Thank you! If you want to help the organizing committee make this a truly fun event, why don't you come out and volunteer. Please contact any of the committee members if you are interested in volunteering.

www.townofpreeceville.ca/default.aspx?page=15

- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca

Follow the Mayor on the town site at http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/default.aspx?page=65&cid=6 follow me on blogspot at http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/

follow me on facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/mayorgarthharrisfollow me on twitter @https://twitter.com/MayorGartharris

follow me on google+ @ https://plus.google.com/u/0/102741942183606627948?tab=wX#102741942183606627948/posts

follow me on youtube @https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKyA9eN2gdku8lGSo0WPRWw follow me on instagram @ http://instagram.com/garthrharris

Thursday, 14 December 2017

Marijuana use and driving - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday December 14th, 2017 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday December 14th, 2017 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: Marijuana use and driving

"What you need to know about marijuana use and driving"

Nov. 28, 2017

In Saskatchewan, it’s illegal and will continue to be illegal to drive while impaired – whether by drugs or alcohol – even once marijuana use becomes legal in Canada in July 2018.
To address the legalization of marijuana, law changes have been introduced at both the provincial and federal level. Details on the changes are below.

New federal laws

New federal legislation on drug-impaired driving is expected to take effect before the end of the year.
The Federal Government’s new legislation under Bill C-46 adds three new drug-impaired driving offences and prescribed “per se” unacceptable blood-drug concentration levels for impaired driving under the Criminal Code. These offences cover driving with:

low threshold levels of drug concentration
high threshold levels of drug concentration
combinations of drugs and alcohol

Once Bill C-46 receives final legislative approval – anticipated late December 2017 or early January 2018 – the new changes will be in effect, meaning police will be able to immediately lay charges

Current provincial laws

There are already laws in Saskatchewan that address drug-impaired driving:
There is zero tolerance for both drugs and alcohol for drivers 21 and under and all new drivers1.
Drivers impaired by drugs face the same administrative sanctions as drivers impaired by alcohol.

Consequences for drug-impaired driving under The Traffic Safety Act are the same as for driving alcohol-impaired. They are:

1st offence 2nd offence 3rd offence

New drivers with any level of drugs or alcohol in their system

60-day immediate roadside licence suspension

3-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure

Required to complete the Driving Without Impairment (DWI) course

4 demerits under the Safe Driver Recogntion (SDR) program

120-day immediate roadside licence suspension

7-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure

After serving a 60-day suspension period, can opt for voluntary ignition interlock for 120 days

Required to complete the Alcohol and Drug Education (ADE) course

4 demerits under the SDR program

18-month immediate roadside licence suspension

7-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure

Mandatory ignition interlock for 1 year, can apply after serving a 1-year suspension period

Addiction assessment

4 demerits under the SDR program

Experienced drivers determined by police to be impaired by drugs or alcohol

3-day immediate roadside licence suspension

3-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure

Required to complete the DWI course

4 demerits under the SDR program

21-day immediate roadside licence suspension

7-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure

Required to complete the ADE course

4 demerits under the SDR program

90-day immediate roadside licence suspension

14-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure

Mandatory ignition interlock for 1 year following the 90-day suspension period

Addiction assessment

4 demerits under the SDR program

Current federal laws

Police can charge drivers under the Criminal Code of Canada for impaired driving – whether they are impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs. If you’re charged with impaired driving, your vehicle will be seized at the roadside for 30 days.

Note: Once amendments to The Traffic Safety Act pass in the Saskatchewan Legislature, drivers charged with impaired driving will also receive an immediate licence suspension until the court has disposed of the charge.

If you’re convicted of the charge, further consequences under The Traffic Safety Act include:
Minimum 1 year driving suspension to a maximum of 5 years, depending on number of previous impaired driving related Criminal Code convictions
Safe Driver Recognition program impacts: financial penalty of $1,250, or $2,500 if conviction includes injury or death
Completion of prescribed education program, as applicable, depending on number of previous Criminal Code convictions
Marijuana use and driving don't mix

A driver who has used marijuana won’t react or make decisions as quickly as a sober driver. Attention, judgment, motor skills, balance and co-ordination are all impacted. Mixing drugs or mixing drugs with alcohol can significantly increase impairment levels.

Some people mistakenly believe that driving high on weed is “safer” than driving drunk. Not true. Marijuana impairs driving ability.
Signs of a drug-impaired driver:

Police may can detect drug impairment through driver actions like:
weaving within a lane
delayed reaction times
inability to follow instructions

Odor, and the driver’s physical appearance – including dilated pupils, poor balance and co-ordination – are other signs of a high driver.

Police can legally request a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST) or a Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE) at roadside if they have reasonable suspicion to believe a driver is impaired. The revised Criminal Code will allow for oral fluid (saliva) testing.

Links to:
Drinking and drugs combined
News release

Events:

- Ongoing

- Preeceville & District Lions Club Chase the Ace.
"So far Preeceville Lions (Chase The Ace) has paid out $11,263.00 in weekly prize money and a lucky winner won the Jack Pot of $18,137 last week. A total prize pool of $29,400.00 as of Sept. 21st
- The Jackpot this week is $6,115.00. Draws every Thursday night.
Watch their Ad's. Follow the ACE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreecevilleChaseTheAce/
Each week the Lions post photo's of the draw and sometimes the winners. Check it out!

- The 19^th Annual Musher’s Rendezvous will be held Friday February 2nd thru Sunday February 4th, 2018. This is a world class event which features six and ten dog sled races, which start, and finish be the Preeceville Arena. Come out and enjoy a talent show on Friday packed with local talents, (all wishing to show off their talent contact Karen Maupin at 306-548-2064). On Saturday come and take in the adrenaline of the races, and a fantastic supper. Sunday will feature the finals, the presentation of the trophies and a supper. There will be other scheduled events throughout the weekend.
Last year's event awarded each of the Community Halls in Endeavour, Preeceville, & Sturgis with a cheque for $4500.00 to help with upgrades and maintenance costs. Thank you to our supporters, volunteers and sponsors.
Contributions from this years’ event will go towards the Preeceville & District Health Centre. Watch for posters for more details or follow us on Facebook
The Mushers' weekend could not be a huge of a success without the help of the countless volunteers that give up their time year after year to help out. And we Thank you! If you want to help the organizing committee make this a truly fun event, why don't you come out and volunteer. Please contact any of the committee members if you are interested in volunteering.

www.townofpreeceville.ca/default.aspx?page=15 8

- Check out the town of Preeceville newsletter on all the upcoming community events for Nov/Dec. Online and/or sign up and have your own copy emailed to you.

- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca

Thursday, 7 December 2017

Plan a Safe Ride - Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday December 7th, 2017 8:35 am

Working Draft for:

Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday December 7th, 2017 8:35 am

With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck

This week we focus on: Plan a Safe Ride

Police watching for impaired drivers far and wide

When you celebrate holidays, #PlanASafeRide

Nov 29, 2017

‘Twas the month before Christmas and all through the land,
Many police were patrolling, with breath testers on hand,
Impaired driving is the traffic spotlight for December,
Drivers take heed, and we hope you remember.

Their kids were home with a sitter, tucked in bed tight,
Mom and Dad had the chance to go out for the night,
The party had been festive, Mom drank wine, Dad had beer,
They’d ignored the host’s plea, “You should sleep it off here.”

“Or just call a cab, or a friend who’s not drinking,
They’ll seize your car for three days. What are you thinking?
There’s licence suspensions, fines, and jail time,
You’re putting everyone at risk and committing a crime!”

“It’s a short trip, I’ll be fine,” Dad had scoffed,
They hopped in the minivan and then they drove off,
They sped down the road, not a care in the world,
Then from behind a siren blared, as red and blue swirled.

Dad pulled off to the side, with a feeling of dread,
For he knew he’d been caught, and what lay ahead,
The breath test was quick, and the result less than great,
The machine does not lie; Dad exceeded .08.

Dad spoke not a word… but could not mask his shame,
Mom sat there, teeth clenched, cursing his name.
The officer exclaimed, as he looked at the blood alcohol fail,
“Happy Christmas to all… except you, sir. Off to jail.”

(With sincere apologies to Clement Clark Moore)

You better watch out. You better not drive… if you’re impaired.

The holiday season is upon us, and SGI and law enforcement are focusing on impaired drivers for December’s Traffic Safety Spotlight.

Planning a Party? Do your part and Plan a Safe Ride Home for your Guests!

Statistics:

Last holiday season (Dec. 1, 2016 to Jan. 3, 2017), three people were killed and 35 people were injured as a result of impaired driving-related collisions in Saskatchewan.
In total, alcohol was a factor in 57 deaths (46% of all traffic fatalities) in Saskatchewan in 2016.
Last year in Saskatchewan, there were 1,100 collisions involving alcohol or drugs, killing 57 people and injuring 464 others.

Consequences for impaired driving:

There is zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs for new drivers. This includes drivers 21 years of age and under and all drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program or Motorcycle GDL program.
For experienced drivers, consequences for impaired driving kick in at .04 to .08 BAC. A first offence results in a three-day licence suspension, a three-day vehicle seizure and the individual has to complete a DWI course.
A new driver caught drinking and driving on a first offence has their licence suspended for 60 days and their vehicle seized for three days. They also have to complete a Driving Without Impairment (DWI) course.
Saskatchewan’s ignition interlock laws are the strongest in Canada, with mandatory ignition interlock for all drivers convicted of impaired driving or refusing to provide a breath sample. Mandatory participation lengths range from one to 10 years, depending on previous impaired driving convictions and blood alcohol levels at the time of the offence.

https://www.sgi.sk.ca/about/newsreleases/2017/impaired-driving-dec.html

We hope you enjoy the fun and festivities, but remember – there’s never an excuse for driving impaired. There are a number of ways to ensure everyone gets home safely over the holidays. From everyone at SGI, take care out there.

Safe ride programs

Operation Red Nose

SGI is proud to sponsor Operation Red Nose (ORN), a safe ride program that gets you, and your vehicle, home safely. You can enjoy some festive cheer with a safe and sober ride right to your doorstep. ORN runs in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, The Battlefords and Yorkton on select dates between November 24 and December 31.
The Operation Red Nose page has all the details.

Ding in the New Year

Ding in the New Year is a road safety program that provides free bus service on New Year’s Eve. Whatever your plans for the New Year, they depend on you making it home safely from your New Year’s Eve celebrations. SGI is pleased to once again partner with bus services in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw to provide free transportation to party-goers December 31.
The Ding in the New Year page has all the details.

Safe ride ideas

There’s always a better option than driving impaired. The key is to plan your safe ride home in advance, before your judgment is impaired. Here are some other options:

choose a designated driver in advance
call a cab
call a friend or family member to pick you up
use a designated driving service
host a party and let your guests stay the night
book a hotel room for the night
get a group of friends together and book a limo or party bus for the night

SGI has a free Safe Ride app to help you keep track of your options.
Whatever ride you choose, make sure it’s a safe and sober one.

Report Impaired Drivers

If you see a driver you think is impaired, pull over safely to the side of the road and call 911.
The Report impaired drivers program page has all the details.

Plan ahead so we can all make it home safely to our loved ones.
Family gatherings, holiday parties and festive cheer with friends make for some special memories over the holidays.
Make sure the magic and memories of the holiday season never end. Be a good Wingman by stepping up and stopping family and friends from driving impaired. Show your loved ones how much you care by making sure they get home safely – arrange for a sober ride, or offer them a place to stay for the night.

Links to programs

Be a good Wingman
Ding in the New Year
Operation Red Nose
Report impaired drivers program
Safe Ride app

Events:

- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca

	1st offence	2nd offence	3rd offence
New drivers with any level of drugs or alcohol in their system	60-day immediate roadside licence suspension 3-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure Required to complete the Driving Without Impairment (DWI) course 4 demerits under the Safe Driver Recogntion (SDR) program	120-day immediate roadside licence suspension 7-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure After serving a 60-day suspension period, can opt for voluntary ignition interlock for 120 days Required to complete the Alcohol and Drug Education (ADE) course 4 demerits under the SDR program	18-month immediate roadside licence suspension 7-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure Mandatory ignition interlock for 1 year, can apply after serving a 1-year suspension period Addiction assessment 4 demerits under the SDR program
Experienced drivers determined by police to be impaired by drugs or alcohol	3-day immediate roadside licence suspension 3-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure Required to complete the DWI course 4 demerits under the SDR program	21-day immediate roadside licence suspension 7-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure Required to complete the ADE course 4 demerits under the SDR program	90-day immediate roadside licence suspension 14-day immediate roadside vehicle seizure Mandatory ignition interlock for 1 year following the 90-day suspension period Addiction assessment 4 demerits under the SDR program