Rocky View County continues to maintain core services in this unprecedented time of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a stressful time for residents and business owners in the County, and we want to thank people for their patience. After closing County Hall, we initiated both work from home protocols, staggered shifts at our facilities, and other contingency measures to ensure critical infrastructure and services are maintained, while keeping employees and the public safe. We are pleased that the County continues to fully operate core services during this very difficult time,” says Chief Administrative Officer Al Hoggan.
For many months, Rocky View County has been holding business continuity workshops to help County businesses determine what to do before, during, and after a disaster.
“We were certainly thinking of fire, floods, or tornadoes, but anyone who went through the program and prepared a business continuity plan is well equipped to deal with COVID-19,” Hoggan said. “I’m very proud of Rocky View County’s leadership in this area.”
The County’s plans determine how its services are operated now, but also what would happen if the situation worsens or if core staff begin to be impacted by the virus. Contingencies include staff re-allocations, and the network of mutual aid agreements the County has built with its neighbouring municipalities.
Currently, County staff are maintaining these services:
- 9-1-1: Continues to operate normally. The public is asked to remember this is an emergency call line, and not the number to call for health advice.
- Fire Services: Continues to operate normally. Fire permits can still be requested by phone, online and email.
- Enforcement Services (Bylaw and Traffic): Continues to operate normally. Calls for service are being assigned, dog licence applications are being processed, bylaw complaints are being investigated, traffic officers are patrolling County roads, and court documents are being processed.
- Roads: Snow clearing and general road safety continues to operate normally.
- Building Services (Inspections and Permits): Processing times for permit applications, fee payments, and general inquiries are being responded to, but service may take longer than normal. In-person permit applications and inspections of occupied buildings are not being accommodated at this time. Visit Building & Planning for details on obtaining service with County Hall closed.
- Planning: Existing applications and new applications continue, with a focus on time-sensitive building permit applications. Visit Building & Planning for details on obtaining service with County Hall closed.
- Utilities (Water & Wastewater): Continues to operate normally.
- Waste & Recycling: Normal service, except:
- Used textile bins and household goods donation sheds at County Transfer Sites in Bragg Creek, Irricana, and Langdon are closed until further notice.
- Langdon curbside collection takes effect on April 1st, with weekly blue cart collection changing to Wednesday. Black and green cart collection days remain unchanged.
- Plastic bag recycling is cancelled in Bragg Creek until further notice.
- Recreation: All services cancelled until further notice. All playgrounds are closed, as are these buildings and facilities:
- Bragg Creek Community Association
- Jumping Pound Community Hall Society
- Snowbirds Chalet in Bragg Creek
- Springbank Equestrian Centre
- Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre
- Springbank Heritage Club
- Springbank Park for All Seasons/Red Dutton Arena
- Bow Valley Community Club
- Indus Recreation Centre
- Langdon Field House
- Delacour Community Hall
- Kathyrn Community Hall
- Bearspaw Lifestyle Centre
- Historic Bearspaw School
- Chestermere Regional Community Association Recreation Centre
Rocky View County’s Emergency Management team continues to be in close contact with Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health to monitor the situation and adjust the County’s actions as needed.
A date for reopening County Hall has yet to be determined. Residents should visit the County’s website, Twitter, or Facebook accounts for updates or additional details.
“How soon we get back to normal – or at least the new normal – will depend on the nation-wide effectiveness of the steps people are being asked to take,” Al Hoggan says. “Rocky View County continues to encourage residents to take precautions to protect themselves and others from the risk of COVID-19.”
Health experts place special emphasis on the continued need for those who have been potentially exposed to self-isolate. Other important precautions include:
- Regular hand washing with soap and water
- Not touching the face
- Covering the mouth and nose while sneezing
- Sanitizing frequently used surfaces
- Ensuring proper sleep and nutrition
- Practicing social distancing – keeping six or more feet (two meters) away from others