Regular Council Meeting Agenda Thursday, March 11th, 2021 | 1:00pm Remote Attendance
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Adoption of Agenda / Call For Additions
3. Adoption of Council Minutes a. Regular Council Meeting – February 11th, 2021
4. Financial Reports a. January 2021 Financial Reports
5. Delegations a. Bow Valley Property Valuators – Frank Watson i. 2020 Assessment Summary Presentation b. WSP – Eric Lemee & IBI – Jacob Lackman i. Fire Hall Feasibility Study c. Standing Council Update – RCMP i. Banff Detachment HR, Stats & Priorities Report d. Standing Council Update – Parks Canada Lake Louise Field Unit (no attachments) e. Standing Council Update – Lake Louise Fire Department i. AFRRCS Update Letter
6. Business & Discussion Items a. 2021 Budget Approval b. Ministerial Meeting Preparation & Discussion c. Appointment Process Summary d. Recreation Project Update (no attachments)
7. CAO & Committee Reports/Roundtable (no attachments) a. CAO Report b. Council Roundtable
8. Correspondence & Reports a. February 8th Town of Banff Minutes b. February 22nd Town of Banff Minutes c. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Banff & LLYK: Parks Canada Update: Family Day long weekend in Banff National Park d. Parks Canada Stakeholder Update – Banff: Bow Valley Parkway Current Travel Restrictions e. BLLT Member Bulletin – February 9 f. BLLT Member Bulletin – February 16 g. BLLT Member Bulletin – February 23 h. BLLT Member Bulletin – March 2 i. BLLHA February VIEWS j. BLLHA Revenue Management Workshop Series k. MA FAQ February 5 l. MA FAQ February 19 m. MA COVID-19 Update Summary February 2 n. MA COVID-19 Update Summary February 9 o. MA COVID-19 Update Summary February 17 p. MA COVID-19 Update Summary February 24 q. MA Invitation for the 2021 Minister's Awards of Municipal Excellence r. MA Budget 2021 Message from Hon. Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs s. BVRH Occupancy & Waitlist Report February 2021 t. BVRH Meeting Minutes January 28, 2021 u. Kicking Horse Canyon Project Phase 4 - Lane Closure Notice v. AUMA February 2021 Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board Quarterly Report w. AUMA Preliminary Budget Speaking Notes x. CBRE Hotel Appraiser The COVID Impact on Hotel Values y. Government of Alberta Justice Transformation Initiative Update Bulletin z. BVFA Membership Newsletter aa. Census Correspondence bb. Have Your Say - Update on Alberta Coal Policy
9. Upcoming Meetings, as currently scheduled a. ID9 Regular Council Meeting 1:00pm, April 15th, 2021 – Zoom
10. Adjournment
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL of the Improvement District No. 9 (BANFF) in the Province of Alberta Thursday, February 11th, 2021 at 1:00pm Zoom Platform
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Dave Schebek Chair Davina Bernard Vice Chair Alison Brewster Councillor Rick Werner Councillor
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Danielle Morine Chief Administrative Officer Kurtis Pratt Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
VISITING OFFICIALS Jennifer Maskoske Improvement District Advisor Alberta Municipal Affairs Gerald Walker Sergeant Lake Louise RCMP Mike Buxton-Carr Detachment Commander Banff RCMP Tracey LeBlanc Manager, Townsites & Realty Parks Canada – LLYK Nick Hall Captain Lake Louise Fire Department
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Schebek called the February 11th, 2021 Regular Council Meeting to order at 1:00pm.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
01-11-02-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to accept the February 11th, 2021 Regular Council Meeting Agenda with the following amendment: ADD Councillor Resignation immediately following the approval of the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
3. RESIGNATION
Administration informed Council that they received written resignation from Improvement District No. 9 Council from Rick Werner effective immediately.
02-11-02-2021 Vice Chair Bernard MOVED to nominate Councillor Stelter to act as the official representative to the Canadian Rockies Public School Division. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park – Council Meeting Minutes, January 14th, 2021 1 | P a g e
03-11-02-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to approve and adopt the January 14th, 2021 Regular Council Meeting Minutes as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
04-11-02-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to approve and adopt the January 14th, 2021 Strategic Planning Council Meeting Minutes as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5. FINANCIAL REPORT
05-11-02-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to accept the December 2020 financial statements as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
6. DELEGATIONS
a. Municipal Affairs Jennifer Maskoske presented the proposed 2021 Appointment Process to Council and requested that a finalized list of considerations be approved by Council at the March meeting to be immediately sent to Municipal Affairs. b. RCMP Standing Update Sergeant Walker and Detachment Commander Buxton-Carr updated Council on January statistics, staffing levels and 2021 priorities. Sergeant Walker also updated Council on the new Impairment Laws and the highway closures between Golden and the BC border.
c. Parks Canada Standing Update – Tracey LeBlanc Tracey LeBlanc updated Council on work they are undertaking to manage BC road closures as well as the new Emergency Management Coordinator that will be hired to act as the main liaison with all protective services branches.
d. Lake Louise Fire Department Standing Update There was no update from the Lake Louise Fire Department.
7. BUSINESS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. 2021 Preliminary Budget Discussions & Grant Approvals: Issue Brief & Request For Direction
Council discussed the proposed 2021 Operating & Capital Budget and made some recommendations to be implemented when the final budget is brought to Council for approval at the March meeting.
b. Lake Louise Ski Area Request: Issue Brief & Request For Decision
Chair Schebek recused himself from the discussion due a pecuniary interest.
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park – Council Meeting Minutes, January 14th, 2021 2 | P a g e
Council discussed the proposal and received clarification from the Lake Louise Ski Resort representation.
06-11-02-2021 Vice Chair Bernard MOVED to approve the request from the Lake Louise Ski Area to complete geotechnical drilling and a test pit at the Lake Louise Sport and Recreation Centre as long as they comply with their operational guarantees as outlined in their request. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
c. Kananaskis Improvement District Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework: Issue Brief & Request For Decision
Council discussed the ICF and Bylaw as presented.
07-11-02-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to pass 1st reading of Bylaw #2021-01 Kananaskis Improvement District Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Bylaw as amended. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
08-11-02-2021 Councillor Brewster MOVED to pass 2nd reading of Bylaw #2021-01 Kananaskis Improvement District Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Bylaw as amended. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
09-11-02-2021 Vice Chair Bernard MOVED to enter into 3rd reading of Bylaw #2021-01 Kananaskis Improvement District Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Bylaw as amended. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
10-11-02-2021 Councillor Stelter MOVED to pass 3rd and final reading of Bylaw #2021-01 Kananaskis Improvement District Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Bylaw as amended. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
d. Bow Valley Food Alliance Assignment: Issue Brief & Request For Decision
Council discussed the issue brief.
11-11-02-2021 Councillor Stelter MOVED that Improvement District #9 becomes a member of the Bow Valley Food Alliance. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
e. Recreation Project Update: Issue Brief (no attachments)
Administration updated Council on the construction/renovation progress of the new Lake Louise Recreation Centre.
8. CAO & COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park – Council Meeting Minutes, January 14th, 2021 3 | P a g e
a. CAO Report
Administration updated the board on the CAO report and answered any questions they may have had.
b. Council Roundtable
Councillor Bernard provided a verbal report to Council on the Lake Louise Advisory Board, Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission, the Lake Louise Sport & Recreation Society (1369058 Alberta Society) and the Lake Louise Banff Municipal Services Society.
12-11-02-2021 Vice Chair Bernard MOVED that, in respect to any Truth and Reconciliation training opportunities that arise, all members of Council may attend up to 1 training per month per Councillor and have it reimbursed as part of their monthly expense claims. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councillor Brewster provided a verbal report to Council on Bow Valley Regional Housing and the Lake Louise Banff Municipal Services Society.
Councillor Stelter provided a verbal report to Council on both the Banff Library Board and the Bow Valley Good Food Box.
Chair Schebek provided a verbal report to Council on positive meetings he had with Parks Canada, Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission and the Lake Louise Banff Municipal Services Society.
8. CORRESPONDENCE & REPORTS
13-11-02-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED accept the correspondence and reports and presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
9. UPCOMING MEETINGS
ID9 Regular Council Meeting 1:00pm, March 11th, 2021 (Zoom Remote Meeting)
10. ADJOURNMENT
14-11-02-2021 Chair Schebek MOVED to adjourn the February 2021 Regular ID9 Council Meeting at 3:00pm. MOTION CARRIED UNANAMOUSLY
Minutes Approved on the 11th of March 2021. ______
Chair – Dave Schebek
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park – Council Meeting Minutes, January 14th, 2021 4 | P a g e
______
Chief Administrative Officer – Danielle Morine
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park – Council Meeting Minutes, January 14th, 2021 5 | P a g e
Improvement Districts' Summary of Accounts 2021-01-31 Improvement District #9 Under (Over) Over (Under) Account Description Budget 2021 2020 Budget Prior Year Assets 100160 Cash $ 10,078,964.03 $ 10,485,712.24 $ (406,748.21) 103010 Cash In Transit (105.00) - (105.00) 120070 GST Receivable 134.25 31.96 102.29 120450 Bank Interest Receivable 2,438.13 16,357.24 (13,919.11) 120560 General Accounts Receivable 1,131,379.95 520,592.00 610,787.95 120620 Property Taxes/GIPLOT Receivable 12,706.12 387,290.42 (374,584.30) 125010 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - - - 127010 Prepaid Expenses 33,198.27 1,517.75 31,680.52 166010 Buildings and Staff Housing 4,653,124.20 4,653,124.20 - 169010 Other Capital Assets 400,188.67 400,188.67 - 169020 Work in progress - Capital Assets 1,350,789.80 509,222.54 841,567.26 170010 Land Improvements - - - 176010 Accumulated Amortization - Buildings (1,689,618.39) (1,573,290.27) (116,328.12) 179010 Accumulated Amortization - Other Capital Assets (165,604.27) (150,071.64) (15,532.63) 180010 Accumulated Amortization - Land Improvements - - - 15,807,595.76 15,250,675.11 - 556,920.65
Liabilities 213270 Accrued Liabilities 939,097.43 428,997.99 510,099.44 203040 Accrued Interest Payable - - - 215020 GST Payable 2,005.88 325.02 1,680.86 215030 Holdback Payable - - - 215130 Due to Municipal Affairs - - - 275070 Debentures Payable - - - 229010 Unearned Revenue 3,666,785.56 4,322,371.12 (655,585.56) 4,607,888.87 4,751,694.13 - (143,805.26)
Equity 310010 Operating Reserves - - - 310020 FUND BALANCE 11,188,559.07 10,491,153.57 697,405.50 370020 Capital Reserves - - - 370040 Capital Assets - - - 11,188,559.07 10,491,153.57 - 697,405.50
Revenues 419020 Taxes - Residential and Non Residential - - - - - 425020 Taxes - Power and Pipeline - - - - - 425030 Taxes - Machinery and Equipment - - - - - 425010 Federal Grants in Place of Taxes - - - - - 425040 Penalties and Costs - 1,584.57 2,203.93 (1,584.57) (619.36) 445010 Tax Certificates - (210.00) - 210.00 (210.00) 446455 Permits - - - 453010 Bank Interest - 2,438.13 16,357.24 (2,438.13) (13,919.11) 473225 Provincial Grants - - - - - 473325 Other Miscellaneous Revenue - - - - - 473455 Medical Clinic and Staff Housing Rentals - 7,422.32 7,422.68 (7,422.32) (0.36) 476010 Gain on Sale of Capital Assets - - - - - 474010 Refund of Expenditures - - - - - 11,235.02 25,983.85 (11,235.02) (14,748.83)
Expenditures 521050 Memberships - 87.20 2,042.30 (87.20) (1,955.10) 525020 Travel - Mileage - - - - - 525050 Travel - Meals - - 573.49 - (573.49) 525060 Travel - Lodging - - - - - 572090 Interest Expense - - - - - 529070 Advertising - - 506.95 - (506.95) 531010 Insurance - - - - - 533010 Courier Services - - - - - 537070 Building Costs and Federal Land Leases - - 768.00 - (768.00) 543120 Legal Fees - - - - - 543020 Honoraria - - - - - 543470 Assessment Fees - - 7,500.00 - (7,500.00) 544480 Other Professional and Labor Services - - - - - 551090 Water, Sewage and Garbage - - - - - 551240 Other Purchased Services - - - - - 553040 Administration and Office Supplies - - 6,765.70 - (6,765.70) 553070 Printing Services - - - - - 558010 Protective Services - - - - - 560030 AB School Foundation Fund and Senior Lodge Requisitions - - - - - 562030 Grants to Municipalities - - - - - 564010 Other Grants - - - - - 578020 Bad Debt Expense - - - - - 585020 Amortization - Buildings - - - - - 585030 Amortization - Vehicles - - - - - 585050 Amortization - Other Capital Assets - - - - - 587010 Amortization - Land Improvements ------87.20 18,156.44 (87.20) (18,069.24)
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenditure $ - $ 11,147.82 $ 7,827.41 $ (11,147.82) $ 3,320.41
M:\CSS_FIN_FPRS\Repts_Stats_Fin_00740\001 Managers General\Improvement Districts\2021\151_VAR,Sheet1,2/16/2021,3:27 PM
#Classification: Protected A IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 9 INTEREST EARNED ON GRANTS As at December 31, 2021
FGTF MOST MSP MSI - Capital Prepaid Total Grant Grant Grant Grant Rent Deferred Revenue
Amount Carried forward from 2020 $ 58,803.00 $ 102,526.09 $ 22,197.00 $3,465,089.50 $ 1,532.93 $ 3,650,148.52
Interest Deposits / Ending Interest Deposits / Ending Interest Deposits / Ending Interest Deposits /( Ending Deposits / Ending Interest Deposits / Interest earned Expenditures Balance earned Expenditures Balance earned Expenditures Balance earned Expenditures) Balance Expenditures Balance earned Expenditures Ending Balance (Receivable) (58,803.00) - - 102,526.09 - 22,197.00 (1,072,394.00) 2,392,695.50 - 1,532.93 (1,131,197.00) 2,518,951.52 Payable - - 102,526.09 - 22,197.00 516,322.74 2,909,018.24 - 1,532.93 516,322.74 3,035,274.26 Jan-21 0.25% - - - 102,526.09 - 22,197.00 622.61 - 2,909,640.85 16,637.04 18,169.97 622.61 16,637.04 3,052,533.91 Feb-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 Mar-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 Apr-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 May-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 Jun-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 Jul-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 Aug-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 Sep-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 Oct-21 0.00% - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 Nov-20 0.00% - - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 Dec-20 0.00% - - - - - 102,526.09 - - 22,197.00 - - 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - - 3,052,533.91 - 102,526.09 - 22,197.00 2,909,640.85 - 18,169.97 - 3,052,533.91 Receivable - 58,803.00 58,803.00 - - 102,526.09 - 22,197.00 1,072,394.00 3,982,034.85 - 18,169.97 - 1,131,197.00 4,183,730.91 (Payable) 58,803.00 - 102,526.09 - 22,197.00 (516,322.74) 3,465,712.11 18,169.97 - (516,322.74) 3,667,408.17 - 58,803.00 - - - - 622.61 556,071.26 16,637.04 622.61 1,147,834.04
3,666,785.56 Check TB . Deposits: - - - - -
- - - - -
Expenditures: ------
Net Deposits/Expenditure - - - - -
ID Interest earned on deferred grants - 2021
#Classification: Protected A ID 9 Page 1 of 1
Question today imagine tomorrow create for the future
Lake Louise Firehall Feasibility Study WSP/IBI Team Observations Site Conditions Site Conditions Site Conditions Existing Layout Building Exterior Building Exterior Building Exterior Building Interior Building Interior Feasibility Analysis At a glance Structural:
— Building Importance Factor — Snow Loads — Seismic Loads — Slab on Grade 14 — New plumbing/heating — Truck weights — Walls and Foundations — Precast construction — New openings At a glance Structural:
Due to the likely nature of the renovation including suspended loads from the roof, new rooftop equipment and changes to overhead doors the majority of the structural systems from foundation to roof structure would have to be upgraded. 15 At a glance Mechanical: HVAC
— Upgrade every bay with a stand-alone air handling unit with heat recovery. — The north and south end bays could be equipped 16 with air handlers more suitable for offices, while the middle bays equipped with air handlers suited for vehicles. — Nederman exhaust systems At a glance Mechanical: Drainage
— New trench drains would be installed in the vehicle bays — New oil-grit interceptor
17 will be installed outside the building as per the building code. At a glance Mechanical:
— FIRE PROTECTION: A fully NFPA 13 compliant sprinkler system is required for the building. The design will comply with requirements for vehicle storage and offices. — HEATING: Many typical emergency vehicle equipment
18 bays prefer in-floor radiant heating, but this is probably not a realistic option for reuse of the building as it would require full removal of the slabs. A combination of large gas fired unit heaters and overhead infra-red heaters is the most feasible system. At a glance Electrical:
— The 480A capacity of the existing electrical service is more than the 422A preliminary estimated operated load. — The ten (10) utility meters will need to be removed and replaced with one new utility meter. The new utility meter will require new CTs for a service rating that is higher than 200A, 19 assuming the facility will be using the whole 600A service — A new standby generator will most likely be required due to the nature of the building and occupancy classification. — A new fire alarm system will be required where a sprinkler system is to be installed in the building for fire protection. At a glance Environmental:
— To reduce the level of uncertainty associated with the Phase I ESA methodology, further investigation would be required to confirm and quantify the presence of CoPCs. — Further action is recommended as follows: — A visual assessment and testing of interior surfaces for evidence of visible mould, moisture and water damage is recommended to determine if mould is present in APEC #1. As the building is currently vacant and potentially undergoing renovations, proper abatement would be required 20 when removing the water-damaged materials. — No recommendation is provided at this time for the off-site APEC #2 as the railroad is off-site and ultimately the responsibility of a third party. If a higher level of assurance is desired with respect to the risk represented by this off-site APEC, then an intrusive soil and groundwater assessment along the southwest boundary of the Property is required. — The ground was snow-covered at the time of the site visit. Although no staining was observed on the snow within the Property, it is recommended to return once the snow is melted to conduct a visual assessment of the exposed ground surface, particularly outside Units 8 and 9 which were historically used for minor automotive repairs. Services: Water Services: Water Services: Storm Functional Program Functional Program: Test Fit Functional Program: Schematic Design Functional Program: Overlay with Existing At a glance Summary:
The building would require extensive renovations to meet the LLFD program requirements with only some of the base shell remaining in it’s current configuration. — The existing site grading and stormwater management infrastructure is not acceptable for a proposed firehall. Regular flooding of the building has been reported 28 — A complete gut, extensive structural modifications and renovation along with an addition would be required. — Saving the existing foundations and few walls would not be a significant cost savings and may prohibit an ideal program layout. — There still would need to be concessions to area and fluidity of the site that may hinder emergency response. At a glance Summary:
The high level cost evaluation of renovations vs rebuild indicates that a new structure would be as cost effective and provide better functional programming. — It is typical to see costs range from $550/sqft to upwards
29 of $700/sqft. — The City of Calgary typically budgets $10.5M for a new 2- storey, 3 (double deep) bay that is approximately 16,000 sqft. Thank you!
wsp.com At a glance Map
31 Banff RCMP Report to Improvement District 9 Council March 2021
1. Human Resources
• Banff Detachment’s provincial contingent consists of four members, one Corporal supervisor and three Constable investigators. • One investigator position has been vacant since the end of September. A replacement is expected to arrive via transfer from Manitoba within the next 60 days.
2. Crime Statistics
These crime statistics compare crime stats for 2020 to the four prior years. Statistics in all categories were influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
a. Crimes Against the Person We finished the year at par with 2016-2018 levels, but down 43% from 2019. 2019 saw in increase in assault and threat events from prior years. In 2020, we saw a higher than average number of assaults but other categories declined in line with visitation levels. Spousal Abuse events were higher than the 5 year average but consistent with 2019 statistics.
b. Property Crime Our 46% decline in property crime reflected the lower incidence of theft. Other crime types (mischief, break and enter, fraud) remained on par with prior years, but theft from parking areas and hotels has traditionally driven our property crime statistics. Decreased visitation greatly influenced this category.
c. Traffic Offences Provincial traffic offences increased 1000% in 2018, when our ticketing system changed from paper tickets to an electronic ticketing system that captures the exact location by GPS. These offences consist mainly of speeding violations, detected through proactive patrols. We had a 13% increase in provincial traffic occurrences from 2019-2020. Motor vehicle collisions declined by 41%.
d. Other Banff Provincial Detachment managed a 12% increase in mental health events in 2020. We saw a 36% decline in missing person events; although this is skewed somewhat as we managed an unusually high number of events in 2019. We had a significant increase in federal enforcement statistics. This is associated to the increase in calls related to the federal Quarantine Act.
Banff RCMP Report to Improvement District 9 Council March 2021 3. Annual Policing Priorities
I will set Banff Provincial Detachment’s annual policing priorities by April 1, 2021. I am seeking ID9 Council’s input on this as a key stakeholder. I will suggest a topic for our operational focus and a community engagement piece. These may be accepted, we can add to these, or we can replace these with other priorities. Council’s feedback on this topic is most welcome. Once we set priorities, they will be included in Banff Detachment’s monthly report to council.
Suggested priorities:
a. Operational I propose that we focus on our traffic plan, and I thought that we could measure success via: • joint operations with the RCMP Traffic Services unit • projects on Hwy 93S during Hwy 1 closures • work with Parks Canada to mitigate risk associated to ‘bear jams’
b. Engagement • a key throughout the pandemic and especially as we roll out of the pandemic is ongoing liaison with HR and security teams for the hotels, services, and recreation facilities in the ID9. We can measure this not only with meetings but also by dedicated patrols and interaction with the public at these sites. The aim would be to use our presence to prevent property crimes, encourage reporting of crimes, assist security with management of pandemic regulations, and generally to establish a network that these clients will use when they may need help or advice or if they have information that can assist us with our mandate. • Engagement with Parks Canada. I think this is best managed through our interaction with the wardens, highways crew, and visitor safety as they intersect most closely with our mandate. This one is hard to measure as it is more about professional liaison, but I do note that when we meet with the warden team we see a lot of benefit in terms of mutual assistance and information sharing.
Council’s thoughts on our priorities and how we can better serve the ID9 are most appreciated.
Michael Buxton-Carr, Staff Sergeant Banff RCMP Detachment Commander
LAKE LOUISE ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLAN(APP)
Every year, the Lake Louise RCMP prepares its Annual Performance Plan, which establishes the priorities for the Community and Detachment Area. In the past, we have used Community Surveys to gather feedback to establish these, and last year we used a smaller scale feedback form distributed to stakeholders.
For this year, the intention is to use the consultation that from December, where the ID9, along with Lake Louise RCMP established priorities for the AUMA survey. Consultations will also take place with the Lake Louise Advisory Board and Parks Canada, and those will then form the base for the Lake Louise Detachment Annual Performance Plan. This will have priorities that will include set goals, in order to support/achieve those goals.
PRIORITIES ESTABLISHED BY THE ID9
Traffic Enforcement/Compliance / Impaired Driving
- Set number of Commercial Vehicle Inspections(with Sherrifs/CVSE) - Set number of Joint enforcement operations with Banff ITU - Targeted enforcement within the Lake Louise Townsite. - Dedicated Impaired driving operations.
Proactive / Community Policing
- Introducing social media releases through community Facebook Page - Attendance at Community events once these resume.(July 1st, etc) - Increase and Documentation of Foot Patrols, etc - Enhanced Policing Red Serge Duty if funding provided. - As outdoor gatherings increase, the possibility of a bbq at the detachment.
Minor Property Offences
- Work with Crime Mapping to determine any types of trends. - Deterred by visibility.
Family Violence
- Local Training(Currently signed up for Community Helpers Workshop) - Resume work with YWCA
WITH EACH OF THESE PRIORITIES FEEDBACK/IDEAS ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED AT THE MARCH ID9 MEETING
IMPROVEMENTS TO OVERALL SERVICE
ID9 opposes set time limits for the Detachment Commander role, however would like to see established practices that stay in place after Detachment Commander Transition.
Sgt Walker will determine practices through consultation with the identified ID9 representative, and include those in the Detachment Manuals.
Meetings with ID9 representative that had been happening regularly before COVID, will resume, in whichever fashion required.
As restrictions open up, all efforts will resume with community engagement that Lake Louise enjoyed before.
There will also be a component, to have the Lake Louise RCMP educated on the history of the area, including Indigenous lands.
REVIEW & FEEDBACK
It is requested that this document, be reviewed by all members of the ID9 council, and that members provide feedback with concerns, ideas and suggestions.
Thank you,
Sgt Gerald Walker
Lake Louise RCMP
Fire Chief Martin Bambullis, EMR Lake Louise Fire Department Box 65, Lake Louise, AB. T0L 1E0 Station: 403 522 2866 | Duty Officer: 403 966 4911 [email protected]
To: Improvement District #9 Council Date: February 21, 2021 Re: AFRRCS Provincial Radio System
Councillors,
The Lake Louise Fire Department previously raised concerns with the ID9 Council around the functionality of the new Alberta First Responder Radio Communication System (AFRRCS) in the LLFD’s service area. These concerns were around the radio signal quality, the ability to communicate effectively with AHS EMS units and the areas which lacked coverage that our department works in.
Over the past several years, most of these concerns have been mitigated by the AFRRCS team or with individual organizations the LLFD interacts with.
Communication with other organizations, specifically EMS, has been rectified as Banff EMS has been able to retain their ‘legacy’ VHS radios which allow direct communication with the LLFD via our dispatch channel.
Two AFRRCS radio repeaters were placed along the Icefields Parkway which the LLFD can connect to when on that roadway. Although this is a move forward for overall communications, this single channel is shared with RCMP so there are times when it is unavailable for the LLFD to use. It would be ideal to have a second AFRRCS channel installed along the Icefields Parkway, however, this is not a major area of concern for the LLFD at this time.
Given the above, the concerns around radio signal quality have been negated as the LLFD does not rely on the AFRRCS system to communicate with dispatch or other agencies outside of limited situations.
We thank the Council and Administrations time spent on this issue to date. The LLFD feels this matter can be closed at this time based on the above.
Regards,
Martin Bambullis, EMR Fire Chief Lake Louise Fire Department
Issue Brief 2021-03-11
Agenda Item 6a. | 2021 Draft Budget Approval
Background Please find attached the draft 2021 Budget for review. Please note that there are still the following unknowns:
• 2021 Seniors Housing Requisition • Confirmed DIP Mill Rates
In addition, as requested, here is some information that could potentially go on the tax rate notices:
Tax Notice Breakdown
2021 Budget 2020 Budget Change ID9 Component $ 614,065.01 $ 439,859 39.60% Significant Cuts Made Fire $ 754,771.01 $ 992,827 -23.98% Council 50% reduction in honorariums until the end of this election term RCMP $ 15,000.00 $ 5,000 200.00% Conferences & Travel? ID9 Controlled & Approved Recreation $ 336,522.21 $ 618,525 -45.59% Reduced grants where appropriate Transit $ 305,672.00 $ 542,955 -43.70% Other Grants $ 339,921.73 $ 254,843 33.38% $ 2,365,951.96 $ 2,854,010.47 -17.10% Increase over previous year $ (488,058.51)
School/Education $ 3,404,251.52 $ 3,557,038 -4.30% RCMP $ 65,740.00 $ 43,796 50.11% Provincially Controlled Seniors Housing $ 156,677.11 $ 108,053 45.00% Designated Industrial$ 2,494.69 $ 2,776 -10.13% $ 3,629,163.32 $ 3,711,663.09 -2.22% Increase over previous year $ (82,499.77)
Mill Rate Increase Municipal ASFF Seniors Housing Total Residential 0% 10% 68% 8.94% Commercial -5% 16% 68% 8.69% Recommendation That council review the budget and provide any feedback/comments and formally adopt the budget as presented/amended.
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park 2021 Capital and Operating Financial 5 Year Budget Plans for Ministerial Approval Legend OPERATING FINANCIAL PLAN Descriptions 2020 BUDGET 2020 TYD ACTUAL 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Copy from previous year 419020 TAXES - RESIDENTIAL & NON-RESIDENTIAL $ 4,361,390 $ 4,631,389 $ 4,513,800 $ 4,558,938 $ 4,604,527 $ 4,650,573 $ 4,697,078 Use most recent financial statement 425020 TAXES - POWER & PIPELINE $ 214,345 $ 213,943 $ 220,502 $ 222,707 $ 224,934 $ 227,184 $ 229,456 Will automatically carry from Budget Detail 425010 FEDERAL - GRANTS IN PLACE OF TAXES $ 1,179,166 $ 1,179,166 $ 1,062,359 $ 1,072,983 $ 1,083,713 $ 1,094,550 $ 1,105,495 TOTAL PROPERTY TAX $ 5,754,901 $ 6,024,498 $ 5,796,661 $ 5,854,628 $ 5,913,174 $ 5,972,306 $ 6,032,029
425040 PENALTIES & COSTS $ 18,000 $ 22,442 $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ 18,000 $ 18,000 445010 TAX CERTIFICATES $ 700 $ 910 $ 800 $ 800 $ 800 $ 800 $ 800 453010 BANK INTEREST $ 185,000 $ 59,416 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 473225 PROVINCIAL OPERATING GRANT $ 3,337,961 $ 1,725,526 $ 1,623,748 $ 1,623,748 $ 1,623,748 $ 1,623,748 $ 1,623,748 473325 OTHER MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE $ 100 $ 710 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 $ 100 473455 MEDICAL CLINIC & STAFF HOUSING RENTALS & LEASES $ 88,860 $ 89,082 $ 89,608 $ 89,608 $ 89,608 $ 89,608 $ 89,608 474010 REFUND OF EXPENDITURES $ - $ 1,701 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 $ 1,500 TRANSERS FROM RESERVES* $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - TOTAL GENERAL REVENUE $ 3,630,621 $ 1,899,787 $ 1,783,756 $ 1,783,756 $ 1,783,756 $ 1,783,756 $ 1,783,756
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES $ 9,385,522 $ 7,924,285 $ 7,580,417 $ 7,638,384 $ 7,696,930 $ 7,756,062 $ 7,815,785
521050 MEMBERSHIPS $ 5,243 $ 5,512 $ 5,887 $ 5,946 $ 6,005 $ 6,065 $ 6,126 525020 TRAVEL - MILEAGE $ 3,534 $ 1,236 $ 6,361 $ 6,425 $ 6,489 $ 6,554 $ 6,619 525050 TRAVEL - MEALS $ 3,000 $ 1,227 $ 1,800 $ 1,818 $ 1,836 $ 1,855 $ 1,873 525060 TRAVEL - LODGING $ - $ 652 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - 529070 ADVERTISING $ 3,021 $ 2,028 $ 2,014 $ 2,034 $ 2,055 $ 2,075 $ 2,096 531010 INSURANCE $ 26,810 $ 23,813 $ 28,915 $ 29,204 $ 29,496 $ 29,791 $ 30,089 533010 COURIER SERVICES $ 150 $ 31 $ 150 $ 152 $ 153 $ 155 $ 156 537070 BUILDING COSTS & FEDERAL LAND LEASES $ 29,612 $ 22,138 $ 32,694 $ 33,021 $ 33,351 $ 33,684 $ 34,021 543020 HONORARIA & COUNCIL EXPENSES $ 56,250 $ 53,503 $ 60,000 $ 60,600 $ 61,206 $ 61,818 $ 62,436 543120 LEGAL FEES $ 2,000 $ 486 $ 2,000 $ 2,020 $ 2,040 $ 2,061 $ 2,081 543470 ASSESSMENT FEES $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,300 $ 30,603 $ 30,909 $ 31,218 544480 OTHER PROFESSIONAL & LABOUR SERVICES $ 4,000 $ 2,000 $ 2,020 $ 2,040 $ 2,061 $ 2,081 551090 WATER, SEWAGE & GARBAGE $ 20,700 $ 22,431 $ 26,002 $ 26,262 $ 26,525 $ 26,790 $ 27,058 551240 OTHER PURCHASED SERVICES $ 4,500 $ 2,600 $ 3,002 $ 3,032 $ 3,062 $ 3,093 $ 3,124 553040 ADMINISTRATION & OFFICE SUPPLIES $ 251,040 $ 246,498 $ 263,240 $ 265,872 $ 268,531 $ 271,216 $ 273,929 558010 PROTECTIVE SERVICES $ 1,048,123 $ 1,003,610 $ 835,511 $ 843,866 $ 852,305 $ 860,828 $ 869,436 560030 REQUISITIONS - SCHOOL, FOUNDATION & DESIGNATED INDUSTRIAL $ 3,298,290 $ 3,298,280 $ 3,563,423 $ 3,599,058 $ 3,635,048 $ 3,671,399 $ 3,708,113 564010 OTHER GRANTS $ 2,270,968 $ 2,380,975 $ 982,116 $ 991,937 $ 1,001,856 $ 1,011,875 $ 1,021,994 572090 INTEREST EXPENSE $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - 578020 BAD DEBT EXPENSE $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - 578020 CONTINGENCY RESERVES $ - $ - $ 150,000 $ 151,500 $ 153,015 $ 154,545 $ 156,091 585020 AMORTIZATION $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - PROVINCIAL GRANT EXPENSES $ - $ - $ 1,585,302 $ - $ - $ - $ - TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES $ 7,057,240 $ 7,095,020 $ 7,580,417 $ 6,055,066 $ 6,115,617 $ 6,176,773 $ 6,238,541
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF OPERATING REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURE $ 2,328,282.00 $ 829,265.47 $ 0.00 $ 1,583,317.30 $ 1,581,312.91 $ 1,579,288.49 $ 1,577,243.81
CAPITAL FINANCIAL PLAN 473225 PROVINCIAL GRANTS - CAPITAL 2020 BUDGET 2020 TYD ACTUAL 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 MSI Capital $ 3,148,282 $ 3,468,954 $ 4,358,213 $ 1,250,000 GTF Capital $ 154,644 $ 58,803 $ 120,356 $ 56,698 $ 56,698 $ 56,698 $ 56,698 MOST $ - $ 248,776 $ 102,526 MSP $ - $ 22,197 $ 122,197 TOTAL CAPITAL REVENUES $ 3,302,926 $ 3,527,757 $ 4,703,292 $ 1,306,698 $ 56,698 $ 56,698 $ 56,698
229010 CAPITAL PROJECT EXPNDITURES 2020 BUDGET 2020 TYD ACTUAL 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 MSI RECREATION CENTRE $ 2,198,282 $ 837,703 $ 1,360,579 MSI STAFF HOUSING $ 250,000 $ - $ - $ 1,250,000 MSI LLFD FIRE TRUCK PURCHASE $ - $ 700,000 $ - MOST BOW VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT CAPITAL PURCHASES $ - $ 139,682 $ - MOST CLINIC COVID SHELTER $ 6,768 $ - MOST SOCIETY DEFICINCIES $ 102,526 MSP RECREATION CENTRE SHOP REPLACEMENT $ 122,197 GTF LAKE LOUISE SPORT & REC GROUNDS ENHANCEMENT $ 154,644 $ - $ - TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES $ 2,602,926 $ 1,684,153 $ 1,585,302 $ 1,250,000 $ - $ - $ -
370020 CAPITAL RESERVES Transfers to/(from) $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - $ -
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF CAPITAL REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURE $ 700,000 $ 1,843,604 $ 3,117,990 $ 56,698 $ 56,698 $ 56,698 $ 56,698 2018 ID9 Budget Detail
Improvement District No. 9, Banff National Park 2021 Budget Breakdown Legend OPERATING FINANCIAL PLAN DESCRIPTION 2021 Budget DESCRIPTION 2021 Breakdown Update directly 419020 TAXES - RESIDENTIAL & NON-RESIDENTIAL $ 4,513,799.93 473455 MEDICAL CLINIC & STAFF HOUSING RENTALS Update in column G 425020 TAXES - POWER & PIPELINE $ 220,502.25 $ 89,607.83 SLATE ROAD ACCOMODATIONS $ 55,800.00 Update with final $ from Province (keep additional $ for ASFF) 425010 FEDERAL - GRANTS IN PLACE OF TAXES $ 1,062,359.28 CLINIC $ 26,280.00 TOTAL PROPERTY TAX $ 5,796,661.45 POP AGREEMENTS $ 7,527.83
425040 PENALTIES & COSTS $ 18,000.00 521050 MEMBERSHIPS 445010 TAX CERTIFICATES $ 800.00 $ 5,886.83 AUMA $ 1,548.97 453010 BANK INTEREST $ 50,000.00 RMA $ 195.00 473225 PROVINCIAL GRANTS $ 1,623,747.83 RARB $ 1,000.00 473325 OTHER MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE $ 100.00 AMPPE $ 1,142.86 473455 MEDICAL CLINIC & STAFF HOUSING RENTALS $ 89,607.83 CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE $ 2,000.00 474010 REFUND OF EXPENDITURES $ 1,500.00 TRANSFERS FROM RESERVES 525020 TRAVEL - MILEAGE TOTAL GENERAL REVENUE $ 1,783,755.66 $ 6,361.20 MEETING MILEAGE $ 6,361.20 CONFERENCE MILEAGE TOTAL OPERATING REVENUES $ 7,580,417.11 525020 TRAVEL - MEALS 521050 MEMBERSHIPS $ 5,886.83 $ 1,800.00 MEETING MEALS $ 1,800.00 525020 TRAVEL - MILEAGE $ 6,361.20 CONFERENCE MEALS 525050 TRAVEL - MEALS $ 1,800.00 525060 TRAVEL - LODGING $ - 525060 TRAVEL - LODGING 529070 ADVERTISING $ 2,014.04 $ - CONFERENCES & EVENTS 531010 INSURANCE $ 28,915.02 533010 COURIER SERVICES $ 150.00 529070 ADVERTISING 537070 BUILDING COSTS & FEDERAL LAND LEASES $ 32,693.84 $ 2,014.04 GREAT WEST $ 914.04 543020 HONORARIA & COUNCIL EXPENSES $ 60,000.00 POSTMEDIA $ 1,100.00 543120 LEGAL FEES $ 2,000.00 543470 ASSESSMENT FEES $ 30,000.00 531010 INSURANCE 544480 OTHER PROFESSIONAL & LABOUR SERVICES $ 2,000.00 $ 28,915.02 Liability $ 8,870.46 551090 WATER, SEWAGE & GARBAGE $ 26,002.04 Property, Equipment & Machinery $ 18,216.82 551240 OTHER PURCHASED SERVICES $ 3,002.04 Bond & Crime $ 486.68 553040 ADMINISTRATION & OFFICE SUPPLIES $ 263,240.00 Aviation, Councillors $ 1,341.06 558010 PROTECTIVE SERVICES $ 835,511.01 560030 REQUISITIONS - SCHOOL, FOUNDATION & DESIGNATED INDUSTRIAL $ 3,563,423.32 537070 BUILDING COSTS & FEDERAL LAND LEASES 564010 OTHER GRANTS $ 982,115.94 $ 32,693.84 BUILDING REPAIRS $ 15,000.00 LEASES &RENT $ 2,825.00 572090 INTEREST EXPENSE $ - PROPANE $ 10,000.00 578020 CONTINGENCY RESERVES $ 150,000.00 HONEYWELL $ 4,868.84 585020 AMORTIZATION PROVINCIAL GRANT EXPENSES $ 1,585,301.83 551090 WATER, SEWAGE & GARBAGE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENDITURES $ 7,580,417.11 $ 26,002.04 GARBAGE $ 10,000.00 WATER $ 15,000.00 EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF OPERATING REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURE $ 0.00 551240 OTHER PURCHASED SERVICES CAPITAL FINANCIAL PLAN $ 3,002.04 MUNICIPAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS $ 1,002.04 473225 PROVINCIAL GRANTS - CAPITAL VAZ DIGITAL $ 2,000.00 MSI Capital - 2021 Allocation $893,123 + 2020 CFWD from Deferred Rev Sheet $3,465,089.50 $ 4,358,212.50 GTF Capital - 2021 Allocation $61,553 + 2020 CFWD from Deferred Rev Sheet $58,803.00 $ 120,356.00 553040 ADMINISTRATION & OFFICE SUPPLIES MOST - 2020 CFWD from Deferred Rev Sheet $102,526.09 $ 102,526.09 $ 263,240.00 TOWN OF RAYMOND ADMIN CONTRACT EXPENSES $ 82,800.00 MSP - 2020 CFWD from Deferred Rev Sheet $22,197 + $100,000 $ 122,197.00 PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION $ 162,540.00 TOTAL CAPITAL REVENUES $ 4,581,094.59 MEETING ROOMS $ 2,400.00 COMPUTERS $ 12,000.00 229010 CAPITAL PROJECT EXPNDITURES CPP $ 3,500.00 MSI RECREATION CENTRE $ 1,360,578.74 MSI STAFF HOUSING 558010 PROTECTIVE SERVICES MSI LLFD FIRE TRUCK PURCHASE $ 835,511.01 BANFF FIRE PROTECTION $ 475,000.00 MOST BOW VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT CAPITAL PURCHASES LAKE LOUISE FIRE DEPARTMENT $ 279,771.01 MOST CLINIC COVID SHELTER ENHANCED RCMP $ 15,000.00 MOST SOCIETY DEFICINCIES $ 102,526.09 PROVINCIAL POLICE FUNDING $ 65,740.00 MSP RECREATION CENTRE SHOP REPLACEMENT $ 122,197.00 GTF LAKE LOUISE SPORT & REC GROUNDS ENHANCEMENT 560030 REQUISITIONS TOTAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURES $ 1,585,301.83 $ 3,563,423.32 AB EDUCATION SCHOOL $ 3,404,251.52 BOW VALLEY REGIONAL HOUSING (SENIOR FOUNDATION) $ 156,677.11 370020 CAPITAL RESERVES Transfers to/(from) $ - DESIGNATED INDUSTRIAL $ 2,494.69
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF CAPITAL REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURE $ 2,995,792.76 564010 OTHER GRANTS $ 982,115.94 1369058 ALBERTA SOCIETY $ 336,522.21 ACCESS PROGRAM & LOCALS RATE $ 1,000.00 ADDITIONAL GRANTS $ 500.00 BANFF ARENA ADVERTISING $ 1,500.00 BANFF CANMORE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION $ 5,000.00 BANFF MINOR HOCKEY $ 1,000.00 BANFF PUBLIC LIBRARY $ 15,000.00 BOW VALLEY REGIONAL TRANSIT SERVICES $ 305,672.00 BOW VALLEY VICTIM SERVICES $ 6,100.00 CANADIAN ROCKIES PUBLIC SCHOOL $ 75,000.00 LAKE LOUISE BANFF MUNICIPAL SERVICES $ 223,781.01 MARIGOLD LIBRARY SYSTEM $ 11,040.72
Issue Brief 2021-03-11
Agenda Item 6b. | Minister of Municipal Affairs Meeting
Background On December 15th, 2020 Municipal Affairs informed Municipalities of a potential opportunity to meet with the Honourable Tracy Allard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, at the 2021 RMA Spring Convention, scheduled for March 16-17, 2021. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, these meetings were expected to be virtual. Council responded by requesting a meeting to discuss the appointment process & delays that have occurred over the past 2 terms as well as the recently allocated tourism MOST funding.
On January 4th, 2021, Minister Ric McIver was appointed as the Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Recommendation
That council review 2 speaking points and discuss a plan for the 20mins allocated to meet with Minister McIver if desired.
Issue Brief 2021-03-11
Agenda Item 6c. | Appointment Process Recommendation
Background At the February Council Meeting, Jennifer Maskoske with Municipal Affairs, outlined the 2021 ID9 Council Appointment Process & Timeline. In addition, she informed Council that they would like Councils input on the criteria used to determine suitability when accepting resumes. Council outlined the following that would be ideal parameters to rank candidates should there be multiple applications: Location
• Candidates must either live, work or own a business within ID9. • If they work in ID9 but must reside elsewhere, they must reside within the Bow Valley. • There should be at least 1 position reserved for candidates who represent OCAs and/or the East half of ID9 (IE they must work for a business located from Castle Junction – East). It is unlikely they would be able to reside there, so there should be no points deducted if they have no choice but to reside outside of ID9. • At least 3 positions should be reserved for candidates who represent Lake Louise, as the largest population. • Candidates must have lived in the Bow Valley for a minimum of 1 year. • Bow Valley is defined as: Banff National Park to Morley
Experience
1. Candidates must have experience sitting on a board of directors (non-profit, governance etc.) that serves the Bow Valley. Priority given to boards within ID9, then boards within Banff National Park, then boards within the Bow Valley. 2. Candidates must demonstrate volunteer experience (location not relevant).
Recommendation
That council review the above notes, and if acceptable MOVE that administration send them to Municipal Affairs as recommendations.
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2020 February 22 2021 February 08
MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL of the Town of Banff in the Province of Alberta Virtual Council Meeting Monday, 2021 February 08, at 2:00 pm
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Karen Sorensen Mayor (Remote Participation) Chip Olver Councillor and Deputy Mayor (Remote Participation) Corrie DiManno Councillor and Acting Mayor (Remote Participation) Grant Canning Councillor (Remote Participation) Ted Christensen Councillor (Remote Participation) Peter Poole Councillor (Remote Participation) Brian Standish Councillor (Remote Participation)
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT None
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Kelly Gibson Town Manager (Remote Participation) Silvio Adamo Director, Emergency Management, (Remote Participation) Director, Protective Services, and Fire Chief Jason Darrah Director, Communications (Remote Participation) & Marketing Darren Enns Director, Planning & Development (Remote Participation) Adrian Field Director, Engineering (Remote Participation) Alison Gerrits Director, Community Service (Remote Participation) Deputy Director, Emergency Management Chris Hughes Director, Corporate Services (Remote Participation) Paul Godfrey Director, Operations (Remote Participation) Randall McKay Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Remote Participation) & Special Projects) Renee Lavergne Information Governance Coordinator (Remote Participation) Lisa Lee Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office (Remote Participation) Libbey McDougall Municipal Clerk (Remote Participation)
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 1 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2020 February 22 2021 February 08
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Mayor Sorensen called the virtual Regular Meeting of Council to order at 2:01 p.m.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.1 Agenda for the 2021 February 08 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
A Clerical Correction was noted to page 2 of 3 of the Agenda Page for the 2021 February 08 Council Agenda package, in Item 6.1.2, by deleting the name “David” preceding the name “Reeder” and substituting with the name “Darren”.
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That the corrected Agenda for the 2021 February 08 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council be approved.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 2 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2020 February 22 2021 February 08
3.0 ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MINUTES
3.1 Minutes of the 2021 January 25 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
3.2 Minutes of the 2021 January 27 Virtual Special Budget Meeting of Council
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That following Minutes be adopted by way of an omnibus motion:
• Item 3.1, Minutes of the 2021 January 25 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council; and • Item 3.2, Minutes of the 2021 January 27 Virtual Special Budget Meeting of Council.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
4.0 INVITED PRESENTATIONS
There were no Invited Presentation scheduled as part of this meeting.
5.0 DELEGATIONS
There were no Delegations scheduled as part of this meeting.
6.0 PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 Written Submissions
6.1.1 Michael Mendelman, CEO, Banff Hospitality Collective: Letter Re: Bylaw 448 Review, Received 2021 February 04 (Item 8.3, Bylaw 448, COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Michael Mendlelman’s Letter with respect to Item 8.3, Bylaw 448, COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08, for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 3 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2020 February 22 2021 February 08
6.1.2 Darren Reeder, Executive Director, Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association: Letter Re: Bylaw 448 Review, Dated 2021 February 05 (Item 8.3, Bylaw 448, COVID- 19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08)
Council, by unanimous consent, received Darren Reeder’s Letter with respect to Item 8.3, Bylaw 448, COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08, for the Corporate Record.
6.2 Verbal Submissions
No Verbal Submissions were provided at this meeting.
7.0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No Unfinished Business was scheduled as part of this meeting.
8.0 BYLAWS AND STAFF REPORTS
8.1 Briefing: 2020 Property Assessments for 2021 Taxation
Council heard verbal submissions from Frank Watson, an assessor with Bow Valley Property Valuators, the Town of Banff’s independent assessment firm, with respect to Item 8.1, 2020 Property Assessments for 2021 Taxation.
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.1, 2020 Property Assessments for 2021 Taxation, the following be adopted:
That Council receive the 2020 Property Assessments for 2021 Taxation Briefing for the Corporate Record.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 4 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2020 February 22 2021 February 08
8.2 Verbal Briefing: COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 February 08
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.2, COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 February 08, the following be adopted:
That Council receive the COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 February 08 Verbal Briefing for the Corporate Record.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
8.3 Briefing: Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08
A Document entitled “Proposed Bylaw 454, The Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Amending Bylaw – Fourth Amendment”, was received for the Corporate Record with respect to Item 8.3, Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08.
Moved by Councillor Poole
That with respect to Item 8.3, Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08, the following be adopted:
That Bylaw 454 be introduced and read a first time.
For: (4): Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole Against: (3): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 5 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2020 February 22 2021 February 08
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That with respect to Item 8.3, Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08, the following be adopted:
That Bylaw 454 be read a second time.
For: (4): Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole Against: (3): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Councillor DiManno
That with respect to Item 8.3, Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08, the following be adopted:
That authorization now be given to read Bylaw 454 a third time.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Moved by Councillor Olver
That with respect to Item 8.3, Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 08, the following be adopted:
That Bylaw 454 be read a third time.
For: (5): Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole Against: (2): Mayor Sorensen and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 6 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2020 February 22 2021 February 08
9.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2020 November 19 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Heritage Corporation
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2020 November 19 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Heritage Corporation for the Corporate Record.
9.2 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2021 January 07 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Community Art Committee
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2021 January 07 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Community Art Committee for the Corporate Record.
10.0 CORRESPONDENCE
10.1 Jean McAllister: Email Re: Join Canmore and Help Reinstate the Alberta 1976 Coal Policy, Dated 2021 February 03
A Letter written by Craig Snodgrass, Mayor of High River, Re: Reinstatement of the 1976 Coal Development Policy, dated 2021 February 02, was received for the Corporate Record with respect to Item 10.1, Jean McAllister: Email Re: Join Canmore and Help Reinstate the Alberta 1976 Coal Policy, Dated 2021 February 03.
Moved by Councillor Olver
That with respect to Item 10.1, Jean McAllister: Email Re: Join Canmore and Help Reinstate the Alberta 1976 Coal Policy, Dated 2021 February 03, the following be adopted:
That Council request the Mayor send a letter to the Provincial Government thanking them for reinstating the Alberta 1976 Coal Policy, which protects the Eastern Slopes, and which also requests that the Provincial Government issue an immediate stop work order for all existing coal exploration permits on the Eastern Slopes of Alberta until public consultation has taken place regarding the future of coal mining on the Eastern Slopes of Alberta.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 7 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Approved 2020 February 22 2021 February 08
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 10.1, Jean McAllister: Email Re: Join Canmore and Help Reinstate the Alberta 1976 Coal Policy, Dated 2021 February 03, the following be adopted:
That Council received Jean McAllister’s Email, Re: Join Canmore and Help Reinstate the Alberta 1976 Coal Policy, Dated 2021 February 03, for the Corporate Record.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
11.0 NEW/URGENT BUSINESS
No items of New/ Urgent Business were scheduled as part of this meeting.
12.0 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
No Confidential Items were scheduled as part of this meeting.
13.0 ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Standish
That this Council adjourn at 3:54 p.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
__On Original ______On Original ______Karen Sorensen Libbey McDougall Mayor Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved by: On Original On Original
Page 8 of 8
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 February 22
MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL of the Town of Banff in the Province of Alberta Virtual Council Meeting Monday, 2021 February 22, at 2:00 pm
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT Karen Sorensen Mayor (Remote Participation) Chip Olver Councillor and Deputy Mayor (Remote Participation) Corrie DiManno Councillor and Acting Mayor (Remote Participation) Grant Canning Councillor (Remote Participation) Ted Christensen Councillor (Remote Participation) Peter Poole Councillor (Remote Participation) Brian Standish Councillor (Remote Participation)
COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT None
ADMINISTRATION PRESENT Kelly Gibson Town Manager (Remote Participation) Silvio Adamo Director, Emergency Management, (Remote Participation) Director, Protective Services, and Fire Chief Jason Darrah Director, Communications (Remote Participation) & Marketing Darren Enns Director, Planning & Development (Remote Participation) Adrian Field Director, Engineering (Remote Participation) Alison Gerrits Director, Community Service (Remote Participation) Deputy Director, Emergency Management Chris Hughes Director, Corporate Services (Remote Participation) Paul Godfrey Director, Operations (Remote Participation) Barbara King Director, Human Resources (Remote Participation) Randall McKay Manager, Strategic Initiatives (Remote Participation) & Special Projects) Renee Lavergne Information Governance Coordinator (Remote Participation) Lisa Lee Executive Assistant, Mayor’s Office (Remote Participation) Libbey McDougall Municipal Clerk (Remote Participation)
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 February 22
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
To confirm Members of Council, who all participated virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, as present, the following roll call was conducted:
ROLL CALL:
Present: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
Mayor Sorensen called the virtual Regular Meeting of Council to order at 2:01 p.m.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.1 Agenda for the 2021 February 22 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That the Agenda for today’s meeting be amended by adding a new Item 6.1.1, entitled Mary Buckingham, President, Banff Seniors Society: Email Re: Renaming of 101 Bear St., Dated 2021 February 21 (Item 8.3, Renaming of 101 Bear Street Building), to Section 6.0, Public Input on Agenda Items.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That the Agenda for the 2021 February 22 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council be approved, as amended.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 February 22
3.0 ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS COUNCIL MINUTES
3.1 Minutes of the 2021 February 08 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council
Moved by Councillor Standish
That Minutes of the 2021 February 08 Virtual Regular Meeting of Council be adopted.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
4.0 INVITED PRESENTATIONS
There were no Invited Presentation scheduled as part of this meeting.
5.0 DELEGATIONS
5.1 Item Removed at the Request of the Applicant and with Consent of the Mayor and the CAO
NOTE: This Item was removed from the Agenda as per an emailed request from the Applicant received 2021 February 19.
6.0 PUBLIC INPUT ON AGENDA ITEMS
6.1 Written Submissions
6.1.1 Mary Buckingham, President, Banff Seniors Society: Email Re: Renaming of 101 Bear St, Dated 2021 February 21 (Item 8.3, Renaming of 101 Bear Street Building).
Council, by unanimous consent, received Mary Buckingham’s Email with respect to Item 8.3, Renaming of 101 Bear Street Building, for the Corporate Record.
6.2 Verbal Submissions
No Verbal Submissions were provided at this meeting.
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 February 22
7.0 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No Unfinished Business was scheduled as part of this meeting.
8.0 BYLAWS AND STAFF REPORTS
8.1 Verbal Briefing: COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 February 22
Council, by unanimous consent, received the COVID-19 Pandemic Updates as of 2021 February 22 Verbal Briefing for the Corporate Record.
8.2 Briefing: Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 22
A Document entitled “Proposed Bylaw 456, The Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Amending Bylaw – Fifth Amendment”, was received for the Corporate Record with respect to Item 8.2, Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 22.
Moved by Councillor Christensen
That with respect to Item 8.2, Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 22, the following be adopted:
That Bylaw 456 be introduced and read a first time.
For: (3): Councillor Christensen, Councillor Olver, and Councillor Poole Against: (4): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor DiManno, and Councillor Standish
MOTION DEFEATED
Minutes approved by:
Page 4 of 6
Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 February 22
Moved by Mayor Sorensen
That with respect to Item 8.2, Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 22, the following be adopted:
That Council receive the Bylaw 448, Temporary COVID-19 Commercial Restrictions Bylaw, Updates as of 2021 February 22 Briefing for the Corporate Record.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
8.3 Briefing: Renaming 101 Bear Street Building
Moved by
That with respect to Item 8.3, Renaming 101 Bear Street Building, the following be adopted:
That Council receive the Renaming 101 Bear Street Building Briefing for the Corporate Record.
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
9.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2021 January 13 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2021 January 13 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Bow Valley Regional Transit Commission for the Corporate Record.
9.2 Receive for the Corporate Record: Approved Minutes of the 2021 January 26 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Community Art Committee
Council, by unanimous consent, received the Approved Minutes of the 2021 January 26 Virtual Regular Meeting of the Community Art Committee for the Corporate Record.
Minutes approved by:
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Town of Banff Virtual Regular Council Meeting Unapproved 2021 February 22 10.0 CORRESPONDENCE
10.1 Brent Pickerill: Email Re: Trail Lightening, Dated 2021 February 11
Council, by unanimous consent, received Brent Pickerill’s email Correspondence Re: Trail Lightening, dated 2021 February 11, for the Corporate Record.
11.0 NEW/URGENT BUSINESS
No items of New/ Urgent Business were scheduled as part of this meeting.
12.0 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
No Confidential Items were scheduled as part of this meeting.
13.0 ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Standish
That this Council adjourn at 2:48 p.m.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
For: (7): Mayor Sorensen, Councillor Canning, Councillor Christensen, Councillor DiManno, Councillor Olver, Councillor Poole, Councillor Poole, and Councillor Standish
MOTION CARRIED
______Karen Sorensen Libbey McDougall Mayor Municipal Clerk
Minutes approved by:
Page 6 of 6
3/4/2021 Gmail - Parks Canada Update: Family Day long weekend in Banff National Park
Danielle Morine
Parks Canada Update: Family Day long weekend in Banff National Park 1 message
LLYKSuperintendent-DirecteurLLYK (PC)
Parks Canada update: Family Day long weekend in Banff National Park February 11, 2021
What’s happening?
Due to COVID-19, visitors should not expect the kind of experience that they have had over the Family Day long weekend in the past. Many winter offers have changed, and increased participation in outdoor recreation is anticipated. The public is reminded to plan ahead, be prepared and stay safe in the mountains this winter.
What you need to know: Visitors should anticipate limited parking in popular locations, such as Lake Louise and Lake Minnewanka, due to high demand. Parks Canada staff or traffic flaggers may be present to help ensure the safe flow of traffic and to monitor parking capacity throughout the weekend. Parks Canada staff will also be actively monitoring the skating area on Lake Louise to ensure that the area’s capacity is in line with guidelines and recommendations from Alberta Health Services. The number of visitors permitted to skate on Lake Louise at peak times during the weekend may be limited to meet public health guidelines.
Come prepared with a back up plan in the event you are not able to find parking, especially at Lake Louise and the Lake Minnewanka loop attractions. Choose to park in a safe location rather than a convenient location for your day’s activity. If the parking areas for your intended location are full, check BanffNow for alternative places to visit and the current status of available parking. Roadside parking can present a hazard to other drivers and impede emergency vehicle access, slowing emergency response times. Parking will be monitored throughout the long weekend
With cold weather expected this weekend, all visitors are reminded to be prepared when visiting Banff National Park. Recognize the signs of frostbite and hypothermia which can strike in cold temperatures, dress appropriately for the weather including layers, and make sure to check weather conditions before heading out for your chosen activity.
Alberta provincial public health measures remain in place over the Family Day weekend. Ensure you are aware of all the current public health measures and travel guidelines. Parks Canada recognizes that outdoor activities are beneficial to physical and mental health. Individuals are asked to follow provincial health authority COVID-19 orders and safety guidelines, and if they choose to explore the park, they should do so in a responsible manner.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1691431072286792575%7Cmsg-f%3A1691431072286… 1/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - Parks Canada Update: Family Day long weekend in Banff National Park
Now more than ever, it is crucial to plan ahead. Learn how to stay safe and what to expect before you arrive. Visit the Parks Canada website for more information: Banff National Park
Visitor centres in Banff and Lake Louise remain closed to in-person services. Please connect with our visitor centre teams by phone or email:
Banff - phone (1-403-762-1550) or via email [email protected].
Lake Louise: via email at [email protected] or by phone at 403-522- 3833.
Winter experience:
Visitor services are temporarily suspended at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the Visitor Information Centers in Banff and Lake Louise. Motor vehicle access is restricted on the Bow Valley Parkway, from Fireside Day Use area to east of the Rockbound Lake Trailhead, near Castle Junction. This portion of the road will be closed to public traffic, restricting vehicle access to Johnston Canyon. All other services remain including the East Gate, highway management and snow removal, fire response, as well as critical services, avalanche forecasting and control, and track setting for cross-country skiing, among others.
COVID-19 Safety: Plan ahead if you choose to visit. If you’re visiting the mountain national parks, help protect one another and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by taking extra precautions when exploring. Mandatory masks are required in some areas and should be worn anywhere indoors, and outdoors, where maintaining a two-metre distance might be difficult. Come prepared with your own “COVID-kit” including a mask, water, snacks, hand sanitizer or wipes. If you are not feeling well, stay home.
Winter safety: Be prepared. Winter weather in the mountains can change quickly. Learn how to layer up, make a plan, and check conditions before recreating in the mountain national parks. Recognize the risk. Frostbite and hypothermia can strike in cold temperatures. Know the warning signs and turn around before symptoms appear.
Know before you go. Learn to recognize avalanche terrain, even on popular hiking and snowshoeing trails, and do not proceed if you are not prepared. Visit https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/mtn/securiteenmontagne- mountainsafety for more information.
Have a backup plan. If conditions deteriorate or a parking lot is full, try another area in Banff National Park. Take responsibility. Parks Canada does NOT monitor natural ice surfaces. Visitors skating on frozen lakes do so at their own risk; visitors are encouraged to proactively educate themselves about ice safety.
Resources:
Alberta Health Services ABTrace app ID9 Banff Lake Louise Tourism
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1691431072286792575%7Cmsg-f%3A1691431072286… 2/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - STAKEHOLDER UPDATE: BOW VALLEY PARKWAY CURRENT TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Danielle Morine
STAKEHOLDER UPDATE: BOW VALLEY PARKWAY CURRENT TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS 1 message
BanffSuperintendent-DirecteurBanff (PC)
S. U : B V P C T R
What’s happening on the Bow Valley Parkway?
To minimise disturbance for sensitive wildlife between dusk and dawn, the annual seasonal travel restriction on the Bow Valley Parkway will take place from March 1st to June 25th. Travel of any kind is not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17 kilometre eastern section of the Parkway between the TransCanada Highway (#1)/Bow Valley Parkway interchange and the Johnston Canyon campground.
The annual seasonal travel restriction applies to all motor vehicles and bicycles as well as to foot traffic. Emergency services, law enforcement and Parks Canada visitor safety and resource conservation specialists will be able to access the area on an urgent basis.
The current 24-hour motor vehicle access restriction on the Bow Valley Parkway, from Fireside Day Use area to the junction of the Bow Valley Parkway and Highway 93 South, continues to be in effect until further notice, and foot traffic is strongly discouraged. This ongoing restriction is intended to limit the number of visitors accessing the popular Johnston Canyon trail, and support the Public Health Authority direction to minimize outdoor gatherings.
*Note: As the operational season resumes, all businesses will remain accessible during these travel restrictions and can be reached via the TransCanada Highway (#1) by exiting at the junction of the Bow Valley Parkway and Highway 93 South.
Why does the annual seasonal travel restriction exist?
Much of the park’s key wildlife habitat is located in the Bow Valley, between the park’s east boundary and the village of Lake Louise. The 48 kilometre Bow Valley Parkway runs along the northern side of this area. The Bow Valley Parkway area provides essential habitat and travel corridors for wildlife such as wolves, grizzly bears, elk and many other species. It also contains much of the development in the park – communities, roads, railways and accommodations. The annual seasonal travel restriction is one of a suite of actions aimed to protect this key habitat and enhance the visitor experience on the parkway.
What is Parks Canada trying to achieve with the annual seasonal travel restriction?
Protecting wildlife is the foundation of a great visitor experience and sustainable future for Banff National Park. Enabling bears, wolves and other carnivores to safely use important habitat and movement corridors without displacement or risk of habituation is a priority for Parks Canada. The annual seasonal travel restriction is part of a larger action plan to ensure the ecologically and culturally rich Bow Valley Parkway area continues as a world-class setting for visitors to learn about and experience the park, and be a safe and secure environment for wildlife. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692782673300241427%7Cmsg-f%3A1692782673300… 1/2 3/4/2021 Gmail - STAKEHOLDER UPDATE: BOW VALLEY PARKWAY CURRENT TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
For more information:
Visit the Parks Canada website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/info/gestion-management/enviro/transport/ pvb-bvp
Contact:
Alice Wan, Integrated Land Use Policy and Planning Manager, Banff Field Unit
______
Office of the Superintendent, Banff Field Unit
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
101 Mountain Avenue, P.O. Box 900, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1K2
[email protected] / Tel: 403-762-1510
Bureau du Directeur, Unité de gestion Banff
Parcs Canada / Gouvernement du Canada
101, avenue Mountain, C.P. 900, Banff AB T1L 1K2
[email protected] / Tél: 403-762-1510
Parks Canada - 450 000 km2 of memories / Parcs Canada - 450 000 km2 de souvenirs
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692782673300241427%7Cmsg-f%3A1692782673300… 2/2 3/4/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Temporary COVID-19 measures bylaw extended
Danielle Morine
BLLT Member Update: Temporary COVID-19 measures bylaw extended 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
Member Update February 9, 2021
At Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, we are dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information important to your business and our community.
In today’s news:
Bylaw 448 extended to February 22 The Town of Banff has extended the temporary COVID-19 measures bylaw by two weeks, with potential for further extension. Additionally, the town has added the following provision: “The operator of any restaurant/bar in the Town of Banff may not offer or provide curbside pick-up or delivery services of liquor after 10 p.m.” As restaurants and bars begin to reopen throughout the townsite, operators are reminded they must comply with both provincial and municipal restrictions.
January marketing update We continue to research, learn and adjust to maximize support for the destination while operating within restrictions. On January 18, paid search resumed in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Read more
Call for nominations for board positions Banff & Lake Louise Tourism is seeking nominations for Board of Directors positions for the following business categories: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1691260834545556320%7Cmsg-f%3A1691260834545… 1/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Temporary COVID-19 measures bylaw extended One (1) Lodging Director; One (1) Ski Areas Director; One (1) Restaurant & Bar Director; Two (2) Retail Directors.
Learn more about the commitment and the nomination and election process here.
Visit our Communication Centre
Community Updates
New: Paid parking in downtown Banff from May Announced by council on January 27 as part of budget deliberations, visitors to the town of Banff will need to pay to park on streets in and around downtown from May. Residents will have access to parking via a permit system that will allow all registered residents to park for free for up to three hours in the paid zone. Learn more
Workshops & Webinars
Travel Alberta announces Connections Live webinars in February Travel Alberta’s popular webinar series, Connections LIVE, has added to the line-up of topics to help businesses adapt during a time of tourism uncertainty. Join the following webinars from 10 a.m. weekly:
February 11: Leading through uncertainty February 18: Travel outlook: Factors effecting recovery February 25: Creating partnerships with Indigenous tourism businesses Learn more and register
Learn about all upcoming webinars
Additional Information
Cast your vote: Winterlude National Ice-Carving Competition For the first time since its inception, the Winterlude National Ice-Carving Competition, part of the annual Winterlude festival, took place virtually from seven different locations across Canada, including Lake Louise at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Vote for your favorite sculpture until February 21 at 10 a.m. Vote now
News Clips
Daily Mirror: Best places to ski in the Canadian Rockies including slopes with spectacular views This was a result of a UK media fam trip, TUI/Crystal Ski Holidays, that visited in early March, 2020 and helps position us as a top ski destination for UK skiers. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1691260834545556320%7Cmsg-f%3A1691260834545… 2/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Temporary COVID-19 measures bylaw extended CTV Calgary: A year after historic tourism collapse, Banff businesses hope to attract more Albertans
Next Member Update: Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
CONNECT WITH US!
BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM
SUITE 300, CASCADE PLAZA, 317 BANFF AVE. PO BOX 1298 BANFF ALBERTA, CANADA T1L1B3 PHONE: 403-762-0270
EMAIL: [email protected]
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https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1691260834545556320%7Cmsg-f%3A1691260834545… 3/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Apply now - Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
Danielle Morine
BLLT Member Update: Apply now - Canada United Small Business Relief Fund 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
Member Update February 16, 2021
At Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, we are dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information important to your business and our community.
In today’s news:
Applications open for Canada United Small Business Relief Fund Starting today, businesses across Canada may be eligible for up to $5,000 in grant relief funding from Canada United for purchases of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), renovation of spaces to adhere to re-opening guidelines and enhancement of website and e-commerce capabilities from March 15, 2020. Administered through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the program is available to businesses Canada-wide. Learn more and apply now
RRRF now accepting new applications The federal government has announced it is increasing the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) by $500 million, bringing total funding to over $2 billion, 25 per cent of which will be allocated to the struggling tourism sector. Learn more
Open tomorrow: Critical Worker Benefit applications The Critical Worker Benefit will provide a one-time payment of $1,200 to eligible Albertans in recognition of their hard work in providing care and critical services. Private sector employers must apply on behalf of their eligible employees using the application portal which opens February 17. Learn more https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1691889344805994904%7Cmsg-f%3A1691889344805… 1/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Apply now - Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
Visit our Communication Centre
Research & Reports
New TIAC report: State of Tourism in Canada during COVID-19 February The Tourism Industry Association of Canada's (TIAC) February report summarizes the numerous “trends” that have been published and circulated by major travel and tourism sectors and other sources to help destinations, operators and travellers plan for 2021. Read the report
Workshops & Webinars
Restaurants Canada “RC Show” February 28 – March 3 For 2021, Restaurants Canada is boasting the theme “Feeding the Recovery: Rebuild, Reinvent and Reconnect to grow your business.” This online event includes virtual exhibits, meetings, trade shows, live conferences, competitions and networking events. Register by February 27 and receive a four-day pass at 50 per cent off for only $40. Learn more and register
Learn about all upcoming webinars
Next Member Update: Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
CONNECT WITH US!
BANFF & LAKE LOUISE TOURISM
SUITE 300, CASCADE PLAZA, 317 BANFF AVE. PO BOX 1298 BANFF ALBERTA, CANADA T1L1B3 https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1691889344805994904%7Cmsg-f%3A1691889344805… 2/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Check it out - New Government of Canada Hub for the Tourism Sector
Danielle Morine
BLLT Member Update: Check it out - New Government of Canada Hub for the Tourism Sector 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
Member Update February 23, 2021
At Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, we are dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information important to your business and our community.
In today’s news:
No decision on Step 2 for Alberta until after March 1 On February 22, Alberta’s chief medical officer of health confirmed at a press conference that no decisions on the progression to step two of the Path Forward will be made until March 1 at the earliest. Watch the press conference
New Government of Canada Hub for the Tourism Sector In this revamped online hub for the Canadian tourism sector, you'll find resources for tourism businesses, including the latest news, travel restrictions, financial supports available and more, all in one convenient location. Learn more
Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit program unveiled From mid-April, an Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit will provide payments of up to $10,000 to eligible small and medium businesses most affected by the pandemic and ongoing public health restrictions. Alberta businesses can use these funds to help offset the costs of reopening and adhering to public health measures. Learn more
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692527675242085619%7Cmsg-f%3A1692527675242… 1/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: Check it out - New Government of Canada Hub for the Tourism Sector
Visit our Communication Centre
Community Updates
Town of Banff rescinds COVID-19 limits on hours of liquor and cannabis sales With the easing of restrictions by the province, Banff Town Council decided to not extend the municipal bylaw. As of 11:59 p.m. on February 22, there is no longer a requirement for retailers to end liquor and cannabis sales at 10 p.m., but restaurants are reminded that liquor service in premises must end by 10 p.m. Ensure your business is in compliance with enhanced public health measures.
Workshops & Webinars
BLLHA presents: IDeaS Revenue Management Workshop - 2 - Part Virtual Series Join Blake Madril, CRME, CHHRM, CHBA Senior Industry Advisor with IDeaS for these 90-minute workshops running from 9 – 10:30 a.m., covering the current state of revenue management and its outlook for the future. Free of charge to BLLHA members.
March 17: Current State of Revenue Management March 31: Future Outlook for Revenue Management
Learn more and register now
Learn about all upcoming webinars
Additional Information
TIAC welcomes new President and CEO On February 19, the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s (TIAC) announced Ms. Beth Potter as President and CEO, effective mid-March, 2021. TIAC Board chair, David McKenna, stated, “Ms. Potter brings tremendous knowledge and sector-specific advocacy experience on the national and international front. Her experience will be vital to support the TIAC team and our industry through this pivotal time.” Please join us in welcoming Beth to this important role. Read more
Next Member Update: Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692527675242085619%7Cmsg-f%3A1692527675242… 2/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: January destination marketing highlights
Danielle Morine
BLLT Member Update: January destination marketing highlights 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Member Bulletin
Member Update March 2, 2021
At Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, we are dedicated to bringing you up-to-date information important to your business and our community.
In today’s news:
January destination marketing highlights With changing restrictions due to COVID-19 we continued to remain top of mind for future visitation and in-destination winter experiences, while also ensuring we kept visitors up to date through key messages to support our members and ensure visitors were aware of the current experience when coming to Banff National Park. We continue to engage with potential visitors through social media, creative content designed to engage our audience, paid search, events, earned media, long-haul Canada opportunities for spring skiing and targeted quality lead generation. Learn more
Alberta 2021 Budget sees an additional $66M to Travel Alberta over three years On February 25, the province unveiled the 2021 budget, which included a significant boost to Travel Alberta funding, with an additional $22M earmarked for each of the next three years. This announcement is welcome news and we look forward to working with our tourism partners at Travel Alberta in the year ahead and beyond. Read more
Libraries and some fitness allowed to re-open as province moves to Step 2 https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1693162492191935556%7Cmsg-f%3A1693162492191… 1/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - BLLT Member Update: January destination marketing highlights On March 1, the province announced the immediate progression to a modified version of Step 2 of the Path Forward, which includes the opening of libraries at 15 per cent capacity, and the opening of some individual and group low intensity fitness activities by appointment only. Read the full release
Visit our Communication Centre
Workshops & Webinars
Travel Alberta presents: Instagram Deep Dive Join Courtney Manson, Travel Alberta’s Social Media and Consumer Marketing Specialist, on Thursday, March 4 at 10 a.m. for advice on building your strategy and goals for Instagram and how to grow your audience using all of Instagram’s features. Learn more
BDC presents: Winning new customers in a changing economy Get advice on how to close leads more efficiently and improve sales processes at every step, from preparation to execution, at this free live webinar hosted by Business Development Canada (BDC) on Wednesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. Learn more
Learn about all upcoming webinars
Additional Information
Last call: Nominations for board positions close Monday, March 8 Banff & Lake Louise Tourism is seeking nominations for Board of Directors positions for the following business categories:
One (1) Lodging Director; One (1) Ski Areas Director; One (1) Restaurant & Bar Director; Two (2) Retail Directors.
Learn more about the commitment and the nomination and election process here.
Next Member Update: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Please visit our Member Toolkit, updated frequently, for the most trusted information. Please direct any questions you have for us to memberservices@ banfflakelouise.com.
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Danielle Morine
The Views FEBRUARY 2021 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association
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THE VIEWS February 2021
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Monthly BLLHA Newsletter
Photo Courtesy of Noel Hendrickson / Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
IDeaS Revenue Management Workshop - 2 -Part Virtual Series
BLLHA is pleased to welcome back Blake Madril, CRME, CHHRM, CHBA Senior Industry Advisor with IDeaS for 2 90-minute workshops covering the current state of revenue management and it's outlook for the future. These sessions are being offered free of charge to BLLHA members.
March 17: Current State of Revenue Management: What the revenue management priorities are now and into the near future.
March 31: Future Outlook for Revenue Management: Focuses on the changing role of the revenue manager as disruption and data influence strategy needs.
9 - 10:30 am | Registration Required
As we prepare for the future during another year of great uncertainty, the hospitality industry is banking on a brighter tomorrow. What will it look like? And when can we expect to get there? Without a crystal ball, our best source of forward-looking truth lies in the data and the people that must make sense of it. Join us as we break down some of the latest revenue management insights, best practices and their evolution over the last year. With the right revenue management foundations, you can be more proactive in redefining competitive strategy, segmentation, forecasting and pricing through foreseen and unforeseen pandemic disruption.
Learner Outcomes
Explore industry-standard and emerging business strategy trends in hotel and outdoor accommodations revenue management Apply IDeaS’ revenue management foundations to your property role in revenue strategy Discuss key business tactics and best practices related to demand forecasting, pricing, inventory management, segmentation and competitor positioning Advance your revenue management capabilities to adapt to unique pandemic circumstances Learn about relevant market insights and data trends observed over the last year
Register for Mar 17 Here
Register for Mar 31 Here https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692149465658024860%7Cmsg-f%3A1692149465658… 2/7 3/4/2021 Gmail - The Views FEBRUARY 2021
Province unveils enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit
Yesterday, the Government of Alberta announced that starting in mid-April, an Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit will provide payments of up to $10,000 to eligible small and medium businesses most affected by the pandemic and ongoing public health restrictions.
Businesses can use these funds as they see fit to help offset the costs of re-opening, and implementing public health measures including:
· Physical barriers · Purchasing personal protective equipment and disinfecting supplies · Paying rent and employee wages · Replacing inventory · Expanding online business or e-commerce opportunities
When the Small & Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG) expires on March 31, the new benefit will be available for businesses affected due to health orders. Get more detail on the benefit below.
While we were pleased to see some further support provided, it fell short given the hard hits our industry is still taking. In immediate response, we provided a letter to Minister Schweitzer, which you can read by following the link below.
Enhanced Business Benefit
BLLHA letter to Minister Schweitzer
Alberta gets an A for red tape reduction
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business recently recognized Alberta's efforts to reduce red tape by upgrading the province to an A from last year's B-minus. Executive director of BLLHA, Darren Reeder, continues to sit on the Red Tape Reduction Panel, formed in June 2019, participating in discussions for creating a business-centric government environment by reducing red tape for the tourism and hospitality sector. Read the full news release below.
Read the release here
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692149465658024860%7Cmsg-f%3A1692149465658… 3/7 3/4/2021 Gmail - The Views FEBRUARY 2021
Critical Worker Benefit Announced
Critical workers will receive a $1,200 cash payment under the Critical Worker Benefit to compensate them for the risks they’ve assumed in their work during the pandemic. Workers under this designation include front-line staff such as those in health care, social services, and education, as well as private sector businesses such as retail, transportation, warehousing and storage, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. Private employers will apply to the government, who will distribute the funds to eligible staff. Application intake opens Wed Feb. 17, ending March 19, 2021.
Read more here
BLLHA shares feedback on Parks Canada's Expert Advisory Panel
Parks Canada released their draft terms of reference for the Expert Advisory Panel on the Banff Bow Valley Sustainable People-Moving Framework and BLLHA provided feedback on behalf of the hospitality sector. Feedback included recommendations on the composition of the panel, the importance of visitor experience to the success of the framework, the need to strive for World Class standards, endorsement of destination sustainability and more. See the full letter of feedback below.
Read more here
BLLHA notes on Town of Banff's Service Review available
BLLHA staff virtually attended the Town of Banff’s Service Review meetings to observe department actions and discussions of interest to the tourism sector. Notable mentions include:
Paid parking will begin May 1 The Banff Community Plan efforts are expected to convene this year Banff & Lake Louise Tourism (BLLT) funding was discussed at length, including revenue projections, the license fee allocation formula, how the Town’s admin fee and a supplementary schedule B fees work, renewal of the contract in July and a discussion that will take place between BLLT and Council in March 2021. A New Service Level Request for the 2021 Banff Avenue Pedestrian Zone for $240,000 to support various transportation-oriented initiatives was approved.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692149465658024860%7Cmsg-f%3A1692149465658… 4/7 3/4/2021 Gmail - The Views FEBRUARY 2021 For any BLLHA members interested in reviewing the notes in full please email [email protected] to receive a copy.
Apply to the Canada-Alberta Job Grant
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is a training program where an employer applies on behalf of their present or future employee(s) for eligible training costs. Eligible employers are required to contribute a minimum of one-third of the total training costs for existing employees. Government contributes two-thirds of the cost to a maximum of $10,000 per trainee per fiscal year.
More information on the Canada-Alberta Job Grant can be found online by following the link below.
Canada Alberta Job Grant
Banff Community Food & Friends in Search of Commercial Dishwasher
Banff Community Food & Friends is looking to purchase a pre-owned, under the counter commercial dishwasher for their refurbished kitchen. The specifications required are included in the attachment below. If you have a unit that meets these needs please contact Howard Tornton at [email protected].
Dishwasher Specs
Notice of provincial Budget 2021 given
Budget 2021 will be tabled on Thursday, February 25 at 3:15 pm and the Government of Alberta has indicated it will align to “A plan for jobs and the economy”. Watch the website linked below.
Alberta Budget 2021
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692149465658024860%7Cmsg-f%3A1692149465658… 5/7 3/4/2021 Gmail - The Views FEBRUARY 2021 Destination Canada: Save the Date RVC+ Registration now open - May 17-20
Canada’s signature international tourism marketplace, Rendez-vous Canada+ (RVC+) will take place virtually from May 17 - 20. RVC+ is a significant event for the Canadian tourism sector—providing critical connections to international sellers supporting the recovery and resilience of the tourism sector in the months and years ahead.
Register Here
BLLHA Associate Member Directory
Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association P.O. Box 5817 Banff, Alberta T1L 1G7 Canada
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Danielle Morine
Revenue Management Workshop Series with IDeaS 1 message
Banff & Lake Louise Hospitality Association
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Photo: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1693315920539517629%7Cmsg-f%3A1693315920539… 1/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - Revenue Management Workshop Series with IDeaS
Registration Now Open
March 17: Current State of Revenue Management What the revenue management priorities are now and into the near future.
March 31: Future Outlook for Revenue Management Focuses on the changing role of the revenue manager as disruption and data influence strategy needs.
9-10:30 am | Registration Required
Revenue Management 2-Part Series with Blake Madril of IDeaS
BLLHA is pleased to welcome back Blake Madril, CRME, CHHRM, CHBA Senior Industry Advisor with IDeaS for 2 90-minute workshops covering the current state of revenue management and it's outlook for the future. These sessions are being offered free of charge to BLLHA members.
As we prepare for the future during another year of great uncertainty, the hospitality industry is banking on a brighter tomorrow. What will it look like? And when can we expect to get there? Without a crystal ball, our best source of forward-looking truth lies in the data and the people that must make sense of it. Join us as we break down some of the latest revenue management insights, best practices and their evolution over the last year. With the right revenue management foundations, you can be more proactive in redefining competitive strategy, segmentation, forecasting and pricing through foreseen and unforeseen pandemic disruption.
Learner Outcomes
Explore industry-standard and emerging business strategy trends in hotel and outdoor accommodations revenue management Apply IDeaS’ revenue management foundations to your property role in revenue strategy Discuss key business tactics and best practices related to demand forecasting, pricing, inventory management, segmentation and competitor positioning Advance your revenue management capabilities to adapt to unique pandemic circumstances Learn about relevant market insights and data trends observed over the last year https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1693315920539517629%7Cmsg-f%3A1693315920539… 2/3 3/4/2021 Gmail - Revenue Management Workshop Series with IDeaS
REGISTER FOR MARCH 17 HERE
REGISTER FOR MARCH 31 HERE
Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association P.O. Box 5817 Banff, Alberta T1L 1G7 Canada
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https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1693315920539517629%7Cmsg-f%3A1693315920539… 3/3 Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Pandemic Frequently Asked Questions – February 5, 2021
On January 29, 2021, a stepped approach was Mandatory Masking released for easing restrictions over the coming
months based on hospitalization benchmarks. Each We are considering what to do with our step sets a more predictable path for easing municipal masking bylaws that came in effect restrictions, while protecting the health system. prior to the provincial order. Does the province Step 1 starts February 8, with some health have a plan in place to remove the mandatory measures potentially being eased for restaurants, masking regulations in the near future? indoor fitness and some children’s activities.
No. Masks remain mandatory in all indoor public While we walk this path together, Municipal Affairs places, indoor workplaces, and places of worship. remains committed to addressing frequently asked The provincial mask restriction is a helpful addition questions and providing new information or to the multiple layers of protection in place to be able resources to municipalities as they become to prevent further spread. available. For the most up-to-date information on the
COVID-19 situation in Alberta, visit: alberta.ca/COVID19. Recreational Facilities
If you would like a specific issue addressed in an Does Step 1 contemplate opening municipal upcoming update, please email your request to facilities such as recreation centres, arenas and [email protected]. aquatic centres?
YES. Step 1 sees the potential easing of some Municipal Affairs Updates restrictions for school-related indoor and outdoor Previous COVID-19 updates are available children’s sport and performance curriculum online at: www.alberta.ca/municipal- activities only (e.g. swimming and skating lessons). government-resources.aspx This means K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions are permitted to use off-site facilities to support curriculum-related educational activities. All Restriction Changes other program activities remain restricted at this time.
When a hospitalization benchmark is reached,
do changes to restrictions occur automatically?
NO. For each step, the government will announce
the specific measures that will be eased to ensure Albertans are clear on any changes.
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2020 Government of Alberta | Published February 5, 2021 | Page 1 Classification: Public In Step 1, are municipalities allowed to rent out Helpful Links recreational facilities to single households
looking for a private booking? For the most up-to-date information on the
COVID-19 situation in Alberta, visit: NO. Facilities ordered closed cannot be accessed by www.alberta.ca/COVID19. members of the public, including private rentals.
For up-to-date information on vaccine distribution, Are there any target dates identified for when visit: https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx. restrictions related to municipal recreation
facilities might be lifted that municipalities can For up-to-date information on the variants within use to plan staffing and programming? Alberta, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-
alberta-data.aspx#toc-1 NO. Discussions related to restrictions are ongoing
and take into consideration a variety of factors. The potential of community spread of the new variants is Additional Resources a significant factor that will influence the lifting of The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association restrictions. Rates of hospitalization, ICU utilization (AUMA) and Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) and health system capacity remain the key triggers continue to be a valuable resource for municipalities. for action in Alberta. It is anticipated there will be slow incremental steps for the lifting of restrictions. RMA’s COVID-19 response hub is available at https://rmalberta.com/about/covid-19-response-hub.
General Questions AUMA’s updated guide is available at www.auma.ca/covid19. Is the province looking at options to reduce restrictions on a regional basis? The Federation of Canadian Municipalities also has a list of links and resources for municipalities YES. The Government of Alberta is cautiously available at www.fcm.ca/en/resources/covid-19- examining a region-based plan to ease restrictions. resources-municipalities. The province wide restrictions are in place to support our public healthcare system; therefore, For the most up-to-date information on the easing restrictions in some communities or regions COVID-19 situation in Alberta, visit: due to a decline in case numbers is not feasible at www.alberta.ca/COVID19. this time.
Will municipalities be notified if a variant case is detected in our community? Alberta Biz Connect Alberta Biz Connect provides workplace NO. While Alberta Heath is committed to sharing guidance and support to businesses and information on variants with Albertans through the non-profits. The online tool also provides COVID-19 website, due to confidentiality under the sector-specific guidelines to ensure Health Information Act the specifics of which businesses can reopen safely during the municipality the variant is located in will not be COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses with shared. questions regarding the relaunch can email the Biz Connect team. Common questions are also posted online.
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2020 Government of Alberta | Published February 5, 2021 | Page 2 Classification: Public
COVID-19 Municipality Update February 17, 2021
Total Attendees - 193
Order 2 – 2021 Variant Update • CMOH Order 2-2021 rescinds Order 42-2020. • Variant numbers will now be updated twice a week at • Mandatory, province wide restrictions are in effect to www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta- protect the health system. data.aspx#jumplinks-1. • Guidance for Sports, Physical Activity and Recreation – Path Forward, Step 1 updated February 18, 2021 Questionnaire Summary – February 9 - 12 • Number of responses – 59 Vaccine Update • Community planning for recreations centres continue • For up-to-date information on vaccine distribution to be the most frequently identified top priority. please visit: www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx • Other areas of high priority included: • The Pfizer supply is increasing starting this week, and • A Path Forward Roadmap this will allow rebooking of 9,000 health care workers • Summer Activities and Events for their first and second doses, as well as return to • Indoor Gatherings some long-term care and designated living sites for • Vaccines their first and second doses. • Variants • For the Moderna vaccine, there will be some supply • Comments to improve the meeting included: to Alberta next week (the week of Feb 22), continue • Request to increase the time of the meeting from to wait for more information on shipments in March. 30 minutes to 45 minutes or an hour. • While Alberta is delayed in administering vaccine to • Have questions submitted in advance, the Phase 1 groups, it is expected the last group in Stakeholder Relations is looking at option. Phase 1, Albertan’s over the age of 75 to be offered • Challenges with the Webex platform, Stakeholder immunizations in late February/early March. Relations is looking into other platform options. • First Nations who reside on reserve and Metis • Generally, municipalities indicated the format of the Settlements have also received vaccine in February. meeting is improving. • Planning for Phase 2 is well underway including • Further question please contact Jenelle Thomas at identifying Albertans who will be eligible, confirming [email protected] with the federal government Alberta’s portion of the vaccine and how Albertans will access vaccine where ever they live. • Planning with pharmacies, physicians and primary care networks is underway. Key Question Themes • The AstraZeneca vaccine is a refrigerated vaccine and Path Forward therefore easier to transport to areas across the Variants Province. Health Canada is reviewing the application Festivals of this manufacturer. Cohorts Vaccine Roll-out Council Meetings & Society AGM’s Restaurants Fitness Critical Worker Benefit Guidance Documents
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Question and Answers Municipality Questions Response Path Forward If hospitalization numbers continue to decrease and head below 300 before we reach • We do not anticipate that we will skip any steps as we move forward with the Step 2 on March 1, will Step 2 be skipped? Path Forward plan. In addition to the hospitalization benchmarks, we are committed to allowing at least 3 weeks to pass between Steps, so that we are able to assess the impact on cases. Albertans, and Alberta’s businesses, have made clear that they do not wish to bounce back and forth between opening and closing, which means we must remain committed to our careful plan not to lift restrictions too quickly. Metrics based on the number and growth of cases, including COVID-19 variant strains, are being monitored and will also be used to guide any decisions around moving ahead with the Path Forward, or the need to delay further steps or potentially increase restrictions.
Will there be a one week announcement before Step 2 begins? If not, is it possible for • This is the intention. While Step 1 had some last minute additions reflecting the announcement to not take place on a Friday or weekend to allow time to adjust? feedback, the actual policy announcement was made a week in advance.
When should we expect a public announcement on the province and/or specific • The Government of Alberta is looking at gradual ways to safely reopen – based health zones moving into Step 2? Is Alberta Health still committed to the 1 week on evidence and case data – that will allow us to adjust quickly when necessary. notice before a Step going into force? This decision, which will help keep our kids healthy and happy, presents minimal Is there any estimates timeline for the move to Step 2? With the “three weeks disruption should we need to revert back to stronger measures. between phases” and the premier’s commitment to give a minimum of one week • We consider all evidence from within Alberta and around the world as part of notice of a change to restrictions, if we are moving to step 2 in the minimum each decision. The decision to include these activities in Step 1 was announced as timeframe, that would need to be announced Friday from my count. soon as possible once the decision was made. • A decision on Step 2 will be made if, on February 28, there are 450 or fewer hospitalizations and the numbers are declining. We will also be looking at daily cases and their trends to inform a final decision on when Step 2 would be taken. The same 3 week evaluation period will be used for all subsequent steps. We are committed to providing as much notice as possible for each Step. Has there been any decision around moving through “Path Forward” steps on a regional basis? • Discussion continue to take place, at this time we continue to have a Provincial approach for the path forward. With the changes in the restriction changing at random, will the minister be attending these meetings in the future to ensure we don’t have sporadic decision making? • Our commitment is to continue to provide as much information in real time, or as advanced as possible in this forum. The Minister and Premier have convened several calls over the past many months with elected leaders to provide an opportunity for elected leader to elected leader conversations.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Variant With the increase of variant cases will there be a delay in Steps or a change of when • A variety of factors are considered when determining where and how to safely the Steps will take place? ease measures. The Path Forward commits to a three week period between Steps to allow for an appropriate assessment of the current situation, and to allow any impacts on case counts to be considered.
Please define how the variants are more contagious. • As the variants continue to emerge, Alberta Health continues to learn. There seems to be mutations in the gene that code the structure of the virus and the cells in your nose and mouth. The upper part of your lungs acts as Velcro and the virus as a hook. The changes in these mutations makes the hook part of the virus stickier which helps the virus bind to the cell more, potentially needing a lower number of viruses to actually make a person sick.
As the variants continue to emerge, will be further changes to any of the physical • How the variants will impact our precautions and measures are still in discussion distancing requirements, barrier guidance in restaurants or mask quality suggestions? as we learn more. For instance, changes have been made for close contacts living in the same household with a person who has been confirmed positive with a variant. They are now required to isolate for 14 days after the confirmed case is no longer infectious. We continue to have discussions on mask standards and distancing with masks.
How many people with the variant virus admitted to hospital and or ICU? • Alberta continues to monitor the variant strains of COVID-19 that have a higher infections rate. Case numbers are updated daily and can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta-data.aspx#jumplinks-1.
Festivals Is it possible to get indication on summer festivals, even an indication that festivals • We are working with representatives of summer festivals to provide up to date will not be full size, with no restrictions? Municipalities are trying to work with information and ensure we understand their planning needs. We do not have an festival organizers to ensure they have plans for different formats if needed. indication at this time of what potential summer festivals may look like.
With the warmer weather coming this weekend and moving into March it would be • We continue to have these discussions with representatives from festivals. Also, helpful to have a clear understanding on what events/festivals could look like down at this time, and into the weekend of February 20-21, the limit on outdoor social the road. Municipalities want to avoid large gatherings taking place when the gatherings remains capped at 10 people and this restriction is in place province weather starts to warm and people want to get out of the house, potentially this wide. weekend.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Cohorts Can you advise when cohorts will be a ‘thing’ again? Will cohorts not take place until • Indoor social gatherings are currently scheduled for Step 3, so we anticipate that indoor gatherings are allowed in Step 4? households will be able to begin to re-form limited cohorts at that time. Decisions around this will be made closer to their implementation date, and with sufficient notice for organizers and operators to plan accordingly.
Vaccine Roll-out Can Water and Waste water operators move up the priority risk for the vaccine as • Phase 1 of the vaccine roll out focuses on those who are at high risk of severe they are exposed to the virus via the wastewater treatment that they are dealing outcomes and the people who would potentially be exposing those at high risk. with each day? Phase 2 has not be finalized yet and the Vaccine Task Force is continuing to work Can CPO's move up on the priority risk for vaccine as they are enforcing Public Health on what that looks like, having the main goal of reducing hospitalizations and Measures and have a high risk exposure? sever outcomes.
We have not to date received any requests to support the vaccine rollout with • All options to support vaccine rollout are being considered but with the recent municipal staff or facilities. Should we continue to prepare for a request or has these unstable and limited supply of the vaccine, no final decisions have been made on rollout decisions already been determined? the use of resources to support vaccine distribution over and above the current capacities within the health sector. • If municipalities want to continue to analyze in general their staff/facility capacities to support potential vaccine distribution in their communities they can with the understanding that no commitments or specific details are available at this time until further information is gained on vaccine supply and direction from Senior government leadership.
Council Meetings and Society AGM’s Can Council meetings take place in a community centre? Last weeks update stated • Face-to-face Council meetings are permitted if they are critical for business with that for activities that are allowed to operate, the location is secondary. For example, public health measures being followed, masking, proper hand hygiene and gymnastics can operate in a community hall. Council meetings are allowed to distancing. Virtual meetings continue to be recommended. continue so does the same principle apply?
Further to the council meetings being allowed. The Societies around here are • Currently, society AGM’S are to be held virtually. wanting to hold their AGM's...with masks and socially distancing practiced, are these allowed?
We have a large council chamber which permits the 2 meter social distancing • The current requirement is that an in an indoor environment masks are to be between council and staff. We do not have barriers in place to hold a meeting are worn at all times, unless individuals are at a workstation and separated from councillors required to wear masks? others. If each individual is seated in the Chambers is separated by 2 metres from all others then masks could be removed, however, it is highly recommended that masks remain on for all in person meetings.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Restaurants For restaurants, please confirm whether the 2 metre distance is mandatory between • Barriers can allow for tables to be slightly closer together, but the barrier must be tables (hard stop) or if a barrier installed between tables can be used in lieu of the 2 large enough to reasonably prevent any exposure between dining parties. metre distancing. Seems to be some confusion over this. Restaurants must look at the environment and take precautions that they need to minimize contact between tables.
Fitness What is the status on group fitness reopening? What restrictions will be in place • Adult group fitness will slowly be eased over time through the Steps starting with when this is permitted? lower intensity activities. We continue to work with the Fitness Industry to further define what would be included at each Step.
Critical Worker Benefit Any updates on the critical worker benefit? How does this impact municipalities? • Up-to-date information on the Critical Workers Benefit can be found at www.alberta.ca/critical-worker-benefit.aspx.
Guidance Documents When can we expect updated the sports and fitness guidance document to be • Alberta Health is currently working on updating guidance documents to ensure available? accuracy with Order 2-2021, beginning with Places of Worship, Restaurants and then fitness and sport.
Feedback from Municipalities We are suggesting Water and Waste Water Operators for the vaccine priority list as they are responsible for an essential service. Many municipalities only home one or two fully licensed operators.
I think it is disappointing that the costs of the decision made are crippling the rural municipalities, especially the ones under 1,000. We were made to look unknowledgeable due to the way the retractions always seem to change 3 or 4 days after. When Hockey Alberta had made their decision, our community closed their ice rink and then were told we could not have people or children I the ice. Then 3 days later it changes. Disappointment and anger is what we are left to deal with, things no one here seams to understand, saying your sorry is one thing but to continually provide us with miss information is why we are upset, and our communities are upset.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Pandemic Frequently Asked Questions – February 19, 2021
While we continue to navigate the ever-evolving Path Forward COVID-19 pandemic together, Municipal Affairs
remains committed to issuing regular updates to Details on when restrictions may be lifted would address frequently asked questions and provide new help municipalities make longer-term decisions information or resources as they become available. about opening facilities and program planning. For the most up-to-date information on the COVID- Can additional details be included in each stage? 19 situation in Alberta, visit alberta.ca/COVID19.
YES. The Path Forward is intended as a roadmap If you would like a specific issue addressed in an for how restrictions will be eased in steps in a safe upcoming update, please email your request to manner in the coming months. [email protected].
These steps are intended to take a slow and steady approach to opening. As the Path Forward Municipal Affairs Updates continues, more details will be shared for each step. Moving between steps will happen at least three Previous COVID-19 updates are available weeks apart to assess the impact on cases. online at: www.alberta.ca/municipal-
government-resources.aspx Elections
Can municipalities use community centres/halls Public Health Order for election activities?
Are Community Peace Officers still authorized to YES. Community halls are closed for general use. enforce provisions contained in the COVID-19 Order 2-2021 provides an exception for election orders? activities.
YES. There is still a state of public health This order provides some exceptions for activities to emergency in the province, and mandatory, continue in community halls because it is in the province-wide restrictions remain in effect to protect interest of the community for them to continue and the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. there may not be other appropriate venues for these The intention is to allow the network of enforcement activities. officials, including community peace officers, to continue to enforce the orders in place.
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2021 Government of Alberta | Published February 19, 2021 | Page 1 Classification: Public
Municipal Facilities Municipal Advisory Services
Can municipalities rent out community centres If you have further questions, please call: to faith or support groups? 780-427-2225 (toll-free by first dialing 310-0000) or email: [email protected] YES. Renting community centres to faith groups is permitted. The intent is to allow faith groups who do not have their own building to continue to operate. Some team-based sport groups have requested The current order (Order 2-2021) also allows mutual to use a divider curtain to split into groups of 10 support groups to take place in community halls, per surface. For example, a curtain divider provided they follow all public health measures. splitting a soccer field or arena into two halves with 10 on each side. Can facilities be divided to Can an indoor arena be used as an off-site allow for more than one group of 10 at one time? facility to support curriculum-related educational activities? YES. As long as there is three metres of distance between the two different groups, whether it’s a YES. K-12 and post-secondary institutions are common ice surface or a swimming pool, you can allowed to use off-site facilities, such as an arena, to have multiple groups at the same time. Physical support curriculum-related activities. distance must be maintained at all times.
Are practices for school sports/teams/groups The entrances and exits may require staggering. allowed outside of regular school hours? There are no set capacity limits. Capacity limits will be determined by the size of location and ability to YES. School hours are not a limiting factor for adhere to the physical distancing requirements. children’s school-related indoor and outdoor sports and performance. Are minor hockey associations able to rent a facility to teams? Are municipalities obligated to make their facilities available to school groups and/or YES. Arenas can be rented for practice and training academies? sessions, but games are not permitted. This activity is permitted if there are a maximum of 20 skaters NO. Municipalities are in a position to determine the (players under 18 and coaches). Rules around best use of their facilities; therefore, municipalities facilitating practices are up to the association. can decide whether or not their facilities will be available to school groups. Can there be spectators in facilities for youth practices or can parents remain in our facilities Can municipalities rent out a municipal arena or to watch their children train? pool to a household for a one hour period each household? NO. There can be no spectators. Parents or caregivers may not stay for training. If required for YES. Individual families are able to privately rent out youth safety purposes, a chaperone may be present, a facility (e.g. rink, pool), provided they are the only but must not be involved in training and must be ones at the facility. The facilities would be expected distanced at least three metres away from the to have appropriate safety and cleaning protocols in training group. place.
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2021 Government of Alberta | Published February 19, 2021 | Page 2 Classification: Public
In order to reopen pools and aquatic centres, Helpful Links lifeguards must be sufficiently trained and all
certifications need to be current prior to a guard For up-to-date information on vaccine distribution, being present on the pool deck. Given COVID-19 visit: https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx. lifeguard certifications have expired, can we
proceed with recertification under the current Variant numbers are now being updated a twice a restrictions? week. For up-to-date information on the variants
within Alberta, visit: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19- YES. Alberta Health has not put specific limits on the alberta-data.aspx#jumplinks-1 number of participants in this type of situation, provided that appropriate distancing can be maintained. Additional Resources General Questions The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Do the former relaunch guidance documents still (AUMA) and Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) apply or will the “Path Forward” documents continue to be a valuable resource for municipalities. replace those guideline documents on RMA’s COVID-19 response hub is available at: BizConnect? https://rmalberta.com/about/covid-19-response-hub.
YES. Current, guidance documents continue to AUMA’s updated guide is available at: apply. Where there are additional measures or www.auma.ca/covid19. specifics in the Path Forward, the Government of
Alberta is working with those specific industries to The Federation of Canadian Municipalities also has provide more information and clarity. a list of links and resources for municipalities available at: www.fcm.ca/en/resources/covid-19- For the most up-to-date information on the resources-municipalities. COVID-19 situation in Alberta, visit: www.alberta.ca/COVID19. For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation in Alberta, visit: www.alberta.ca/COVID19.
Alberta Biz Connect Alberta Biz Connect provides workplace guidance and support to businesses and non-profits. The online tool also provides sector-specific guidelines to ensure businesses can reopen safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses with questions regarding the relaunch can email the Biz Connect team. Common questions are also posted online.
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2021 Government of Alberta | Published February 19, 2021 | Page 3 Classification: Public
COVID-19 Municipality Update February 2, 2021
Total Attendees - 287 Order 2 – 2021 • Coach, trainer or instructor must be counted Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs permitted in in the maximum number of persons person dining with restrictions. participating and wear a mask at all times Indoor fitness is permitted for one-on-one (and Children’s sport and performance activities are one-on-one family) training only with permitted if related to school activities, this restrictions. includes allowing the use of off-site facilities to Children’s sport and performance activities for support curriculum-related educational school are permitted with restrictions. activities. Children’s group physical activity are permitted Faith Groups renting community centres is in groups of 10 with restrictions. currently permitted. The intent of this was to www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health- allow Faith groups who do not have their own measures.aspx building to continue to operate. The current order allows mutual support groups to take Variant Update place in community halls provided they follow all Variant numbers will now be updated twice a public health measures. week at www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta- data.aspx#jumplinks-1. Questionnaire Summary – January 26 Beginning to see variant cases in the community Number of responses – 144 with no current known link to travel which Community planning for recreation centres was indicates community transmission. most frequently identified as a top priority for municipalities. Vaccine Update Other areas of high priority included: Gathering Continue to make adjustments to the vaccine roll Restrictions – Indoor; Community Planning – out based on the amount of vaccine received. Events, Community Planning – Summer Outdoor Discussions continue on priority groups for Phase Activities and Vaccines. 2, no decision has been made yet. One key topic was added to the topic list for For up-to-date information on vaccine future questionnaires; mental health. distribution please visit: Further question please contact Jenelle Thomas www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx at [email protected] Key Question Themes Path Forward Path Forward The Path Forward provides a roadmap to help Public Health Emergency and Enforcement Albertans understand how restrictions will be Variants eased in a steps over the coming months. Recreation and Aquatic Centres, One-on-one Training Step 1 changes come into effect February 8. All Minor Hockey other restrictions remain in effect. FCSS Children’s Programming Cohorts Group physical activity Restaurants • Up to 10 participants, including coach, Indoor Gatherings – Community Halls trainer or instructor University and College Sports • Maintain a minimum physical distance of Influenza three metres while engaging in indoor group Death Rates activities or two metres while outdoors.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Question and Answers Municipality Questions Response Path Forward - www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx Is it possible to consider giving additional details of expected restrictions to The Order for Step 1 will include clarity and specifics related to this stage. be included in each stage? Would assist in making longer term decisions The intent is to continue to work with stakeholders over the coming about staffing hires, opening facilities, planning for programs weeks to discuss and share information on progress for each step, as well as seek input for consideration on upcoming Step details.
Since there are hospitalization thresholds for the steps in the path forward, The hospitalization numbers are directional requirements in order to be do these steps only go one direction or would we see a return to the previous able to ease measures. The ability to go from Step 1 to 2, etc. require the step with changes in hospitalization rates? hospitalization numbers as a prerequisite. Due to hospitalizations being lagging indicator, decisions to move back a stage will not wait for hospitalization numbers to go up, instead will look at leading indicators such as new case counts, rates of growth. As a reminder, once a step is taken, a minimum of 3 weeks will be taken to assess trends and should there be an increase in cases, further steps could be paused and re-introduction of restrictions could be considered.
Why are zoos and museums in Step 3 - they reopened before fitness centres While we have considered learnings and experiences from the spring previously. relaunch, the Path Forward reflects an approach to easing measures under the current context, including the current starting point of cases which is 10 In which Step will outdoor gathering numbers increase? times higher than in the spring when we relaunched following wave 1 of the pandemic. More specifically: The Path Forward plan represents a conservative step-wise approach to lifting restrictions across the province. It is built on the premise that the current level of cases, while trending down, still poses a threat to the health care system should trends shift. Steps outlined in the plan consider the level of restrictions already in place (e.g. capacity limits for retail) as well as initial steps taken in the areas of education (return to in-person schooling), personal services, outdoor social gatherings and funerals. Economic variables as well as physical and mental health needs for Albertans were key considerations for the sequencing and approach to each step.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Each step considers the overall risks of Covid-19 recognizing that the greater the extent of close physical or social interactions, the greater the relative risk of community spread and transmission. The plan also considers that while there are range of relative risk profiles for different businesses and activities, appropriate mitigation measures can but put in place to address key risks – it is the social dynamic that is of most concern in the early steps. It is for this reason that actions to ease measures in Step 1 for restaurants, fitness limits interactions to the same households. The steps reflects a progression of activity and interactions (from limited to more broad) with consideration of the range of measures already eased in previous steps. Different combinations of measures being lifted in each step were considered. The Path Forward represents the mix that was deemed to be most appropriate as a starting point. For each measure, there will be a progression of easing that occurs at each step. Some degree of restriction will still apply for activities within and across the steps. Easing could include changes to capacity or number of persons permitted at an outdoor gathering.
Outdoor golf courses are not currently closed under any order, weather is currently the reason for closure. In which Step is golf anticipated to open? Where would golf courses fit into the steps Step 3? At this time, there is no distinction between indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies. All wedding ceremonies (indoors and outdoors) are Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies? restricted to 10 attendees. Wedding receptions are prohibited until Step 4 Currently wedding ceremonies are only considered in Step 4. At what point because they are social gatherings (and thus higher risk). will outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions be allowed?
Droplets and aerosols are the main factor (from performers, also
audience with cheers, made worse by standing and clapping etc. – live Why are movie theatres permitted in Step 3 but live theatre in Step 4? theatre is not a passive activity for an audience).
Final decisions have not yet been made, but it is expected that indoor
group fitness could be allowed Step 3 along with adult team sports. Would group fitness be permitted in Step 3 (in line with adult team sports) or earlier due to ability to maintain distances (ie Step 2). www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Alberta Health will carefully monitor the situation to determine when and how group fitness can be allowed to open safely again. Has there been a change in recommendations for cleaning or quarantining All other restrictions remain in effect. Current, guidance documents materials? Libraries are indicating they have advice from the provincial continue to apply. Where there are additional measures or specifics in the libraries branch that allows them to stop quarantining materials. Do the Path Forward, the Government of Alberta sis working with those specific former relaunch guidance documents still apply or will the “path forward” industries to provide more information and clarity. documents replace the former guideline documents on BizConnect? Cleaning guidance and quarantining of materials remains the same. Public Health Emergency On Feb 8th will there still be a public health emergency and will Community There is no indication that the public health order will be lifted at Step 1. Peace Officers still be required to provide enforcement as it relates to COVID. Spread continues to need to be controlled to support the impact on hospitals. The intention is to allow the network of enforcement officials, including community peace officers, to enforce the orders in place. Will Alberta Health issuing a Health Order with Step 1 updates? An Order is being drafted to allow for Step 1 of the Path Forward. Variants Are you planning to notify municipalities when variants, like B117, have been Alberta Health is committed to sharing information on variants on our found within their community? COVID-19 info for Albertans website, however due to confidentiality under the Health Information Act we will not be sharing the specifics of which municipality the variant is located. Information on variants are now updated twice weekly. Individuals will be notified if they have a variant strain of covid-19 Recreation and Aquatic Centres, One-on-One Training Fitness and Recreation The grouping and sequencing of steps is based on relative risk for COVID- At which stage is it expected that pools, indoor walking tracks, and arenas can 19 transmission. Actions with the lowest relative risk will be considered potentially open? We understand that indoor sports are under stage 4; for easing, first. however, what about use of these facilities for individual or small group Order 2 – 2021 permits group physical activity: recreation? o For participants 18 years of age or younger o No games o Up to 10 participants, including coach, trainer or instructor o Maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres while engaging in indoor group activities or two metres while outdoors. o Coach, trainer or instructor must be counted in the maximum number of persons participating and wear a mask at all times o www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Can our Indoor arena be used as an off-site facility to support curriculum- Yes, K-12 and post-secondary institutions are allowed to use off-site related educational activities? facilities to support curriculum-related activities. This will be clarified further in Order 2-2021. With the allowance for school-related indoor and outdoor children’s sport School hours are not a limiting factor for children’s school-related indoor and performance, are practices for school sports/teams/groups allowed and outdoor sports and performance. outside of regular school hours?
Is there a maximum capacity for indoor fitness activities and indoor dining by There are no set capacity limits. Capacity limits will be determined by the space? (e.g. 15% of fire code or ½ of normal dine-in capacity). Right now it size of location and ability to adhere to the physical distancing simply states 3m distance for indoor fitness and 6 per table at a restaurant requirements. but no overarching capacity for either. Guidance around how many people maximum could be on an ice rink, indoor field, gymnasium, etc., would be helpful.
Can we accept school groups in our arenas with the current rules of 1:1 that School groups could be accommodated in line with the guidance and have been imposed? Skating during a phys. Ed. Class (20 kids with one requirements that would otherwise be applied in a school setting. teacher). How large can a school group be?
Individual families are able to privately rent out a facility (e.g. rink, pool), Can we look at renting out an arena to a household for a one hour period provided they are the only ones at the facility. The facilities would be each household? expected to have in place appropriate safety and cleaning protocols. www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx
Can municipal fitness facilities (eg. gyms with weights and treadmills) open to All participants are required to have a trainer (1:1 or 1:household) individuals on Feb 8th? Is each participant required to be accompanied by a present. Drop in and individual workouts or passive supervision are NOT personal trainer/coach to participate in indoor fitness? Or can they permitted. participate in a space supervised by staff members without a personal trainer/coach, staying with the previous 15% capacity guideline? Training 1-1 One-to-one training includes one individual and a trainer or members of Can you clarify what the one trainer and client pair is? Can this include the same household and a trainer. members of the same household - ie can siblings take swimming lessons together with the same trainer? Individual families are able to privately rent out a facility (e.g. rink, pool), Are individual/household rentals acceptable under the 1 to 1 training such as provided they are the only ones at the facility. The facilities would be an ice rental for individual use without an instructor? Or household rental expected to have in place appropriate safety and cleaning protocols. www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
without an instructor? Are we allowing only trainers and trainees into fitness facilities and not just users by themselves? Order 2 – 2021 permits group physical activity: Some of our user groups are likely to interpret 1:1 coaching as a coach being o For participants 18 years of age or younger able to stay distanced, but coach multiple athletes at the same time. Please o Up to 10 participants, including coach, trainer or instructor confirm if there were 4 athletes skating, that they would each need 1 coach o Maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres while engaging per athlete (who they remain with for that entire booked session). It would in indoor group activities or two metres while outdoors. be helpful if you addressed during one of your public updates. o Coach, trainer or instructor must be counted in the maximum number of persons participating and wear a mask at all times o www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx
One adult going to GoodLife to ride a stationary bike and/or lift weights, It states the “one to one” training is allowed, but what about individuals for example, would NOT be permitted at this time. All participants are working out alone in a gym or studio? One adult going to GoodLife to ride the required to have a trainer (1:1 or 1:household) present. Individual stationary bike and lift weights, for example. Is this also allowed? workouts or passive supervision are NOT permitted.
At this time public by appointment access to indoor fitness is only Does Indoor Fitness allow for public “by-appointment” access where the permitted with a trainer. Individual workouts or passive supervision are public reserves a spot for an hour as an example? Or does Step 1 only allow NOT permitted. for one-on-one professional / accredited / certified trainers with an athlete? Or are pools/aquatic facilities only for one-on-one training “by-appointment” access with a trainer? Team Sports and Schools Some hockey academies operate out of the schools. Is this considered a School activities would fall under school-specific guidelines. That is, permitted event for them to have “practice” without the following the 1:1 school academic use would not need to adhere to the one-to-one ratio. guidelines?
Are municipalities obligated to make their facilities available to school groups Municipalities are in a position to determine the best use of their and/or academies? facilities, therefore are not obligated to make their facilities available to school groups.
For 1-1 training, what are the capacity numbers ratios for total fitness spaces Multiple trainer/trainee pairs are permitted in a space, with distancing. / amenities? For example, Arenas: Can we divide an ice rink into sections and They cannot cross paths or trade trainees (i.e. no circuit training). have a coach and trainer in multiple sections at the same time? Order 2 – 2021 permits group physical activity: Will pairs and dance athletes be allowed to train with their coach or will they o For participants 18 years of age or younger be allowed to train on their own without a coach, given they cannot maintain www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
3m? o Up to 10 participants, including coach, trainer or instructor o Maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres while engaging in indoor group activities or two metres while outdoors. o Coach, trainer or instructor must be counted in the maximum number of persons participating and wear a mask at all times o www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx Are school sport academies allowed under school related children’s activities? Yes, school sports academies are permitted. And if so is there an amenity capacity? Can we run outdoor programs? Aquatics Aquatic Centres were not explicitly cited in stage 1 with any detail, one-to- Aquatic centres are permitted to open in Step 1 provided participants are one supervision is a logistical issue, can we interpret one swimmer per lane accompanied by a trainer (1:1 or 1:household). for lane swims and can family cohorts be an option as before Christmas. Yes, one-on-one swimming lessons are permitted in Step 1, however all In Step One, would one-on-one swimming lessons be allowed? participants are required to have a trainer (1:1 or 1:household) present.
Will we be expected to maintain a free lane between “active lanes” to meet All participants are required to have a trainer (1:1 or 1:household) the 3m distancing in pools or will a person be allowed in each lane of a pool present. Individual workouts or passive supervision are NOT permitted. A with all lanes operating (up to eight lanes) typically lances are 2.5m wide? 3 metre distance between individuals must be maintained. Minor Hockey Minor hockey sports should be allowed with practice only formats and no Order 2 – 2021 permits group physical activity: games outside the cohorts. Why is this not being authorized? Same kids in the o For participants 18 years of age or younger same classes play on the same teams. o No games o Up to 10 participants, including coach, trainer or instructor o Maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres while engaging in indoor group activities or two metres while outdoors. o Coach, trainer or instructor must be counted in the maximum number of persons participating and wear a mask at all times o www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx FCSS Children’s Programming At what stage is indoor children’s programming through FCSS to be allowed? The grouping and sequencing of steps is based on relative risk for COVID- 19 transmission. Actions with the lowest relative risk will be considered for easing, first. No decision has been made however, it is this will be in the later steps. Cohorts
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
The recent information did not give much insight relating to cohorts. Could Private dwellings only permit family/household cohorts, moving into Step you provide comments and/or updates on the cohorts in private dwellings, if 1 does not change this public health measure. Private gatherings have any? been identified as an area where spread can occur.
When will cohorts be allowed as this has a direct correlation to maintaining At this time, cohorts outside of the household cohort are not being individual mental health? looked at.
Restaurants Can there be non-household in-person dining if it were done outside and Currently, the framework for restaurants is only within household cohorts individuals were separated by more than 2m? E.g. Outdoor patio set-up with or those who live alone can have up to two individuals with whom they distancing that also aligns with outdoor social gathering guidance. have chosen to spend time with during this course of the restrictions.
The restaurant model makes no sense when retail and faith gatherings As the Path Forward progresses, the Government of Alberta is carefully naturally promote the "small" gatherings, particularly since there is not any examining different options for the hospitality sector. verified enforcement or even following of the protocols in many retail The province is working closely with the Hospitality sector to envision settings such as large box stores, malls and grocery stores. Cohorts should be how the path forward looks. allowed, perhaps limited numbers per seating - similar to the Christmas visitation allowances, especially when sanitizing, distancing and masking is used. Indoor Gatherings – Community Halls Please clarify faith based organizations and churches being allowed to have Order 2-2021 says that worship can occur in community halls. All places of 15% capacity.....some are now looking to book municipal community centers worship (including community halls) must adhere to the 15% capacity that have a larger capacity i.e. 15% of 500 seated capacity to get to a larger limit and all other restrictions for churches. Despite adherence to capacity number. restrictions, we want to emphasize that it is not our intention to condone moving more people into larger spaces. Any gathering at this time presents a heightened risk of transmission
I thought community halls were still closed until Step 2 in the Path Forward. Community halls are closed for general use, but Order 2-2021 provides Please confirm. some exceptions. These are activities which are allowed to continue in community halls because it is in the greater interest of the community for them to continue, and there may not be other appropriate venues for these activities. For example, the Government of Alberta has decided that it would be appropriate to use community halls as places of worship, to host markets and to facilitate elections. www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Can we continue our regular programs within our community space The only types of programs that can continue in a community hall are (community hall) if we follow restriction guidelines? those listed in Order 2-2021. When doing any of these activities in a community hall – or anywhere else – all of the current restrictions and relevant guidance must be followed. University and College Sports What about university and college recreational activities and sports - why K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions are allowed to use off-site have you distinguished between these two? facilities to support program of study or curriculum-related educational activities. Restrictions on adult team sports are anticipated to be eased in When will restrictions for University Sports be relaxed. Step 3. Influenza It is unbelievable that the influenza virus has been totally eradicated in The PCR test is the gold standard and certified. The PCR has been tested Alberta. Is the testing equipment and protocol certified with 100% certainty against 51 different types of viruses and the PCR test is able to test that it is detecting the COVID-19 virus only? consistently for COVID-19. Influenza rates are low because there has been a high rate of vaccination of the flu shot. COVID-19 health measures have attributed to low rates of influenza. The provincial lab has done three times more general, respiratory testing this season than they have in a typical season. The influenza tests are specific for influenza. Death Rates What percentage of total reported deaths actually tested positive for the A COVID death is defined as a death resulting from a probable or virus? confirmed COVID-19 case, unless there is a clear alternative cause of death identified (e.g. trauma, poisoning, drug overdose). This includes deaths where cause of death was due to COVID-19 or COVID-19 was a contributing factor. If the cause of death is unknown it is included until the death certificate is available and the cause of death can be ascertained. All deaths reported to Alberta Health where the cause of death is not related to COVID-19 are excluded from the total number of COVID-19 deaths. Feedback from Municipalities More guidance specifically for FCSS facilities and programs. More focus on municipal areas verses general topics. Libraries have changed their service offerings over the years to include such things as employment supports and educational space for students. Please consider placing libraries in at least Step 2 with detailed restrictions, such as by appointment to allow libraries provide their essential services. Adjust the geospatial map for municipalities to avoid confusion.
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
COVID-19 Municipality Update February 9, 2021
Total Attendees - 287
Order 2 – 2021 Questionnaire Summary – February 2 CMOH Order 2-2021 rescinds Order 42-2020. Number of responses – 129 Mandatory, province wide restrictions are in effect to Community planning for recreations centres protect the health system. continue to be the most frequently identified top priority for municipalities. Path Forward Other areas of high priority included: The value of forums such as a weekly call with • Community Events Municipalities is to provide clarity around the • Summer Activities intent of orders and supplementary guidance. • Indoor Gatherings The Path Forward is intended to ease elements • Fitness Restrictions of the current restrictions to begin to have more • Path Forward Albertan’s moving back into various segments of • Vaccines and Variants the economy in a safe manner. Comments to improve the meeting included: • In-person school – January • Request to increase the time of the meeting • Personal Services January from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. • Restaurants, Indoor Fitness, Children’s sport • Have questions submitted in advance and performance activities – February 8 with (Stakeholder Relations is looking at option). limitations • Frame discussion with a municipal lens, These Steps intended to take a slow and steady focus discussion on recreation centres to approach to opening, recognizing that it’s not provide clear answers. always the activity that is the issue. The more Generally, municipalities indicated they are people in the community interacting the more finding these meetings helpful however wish risk of transmission. they could be longer to provide more The Path Forward is intended to provide a more information. direct line of sight to the areas that may be Further question please contact Jenelle Thomas eased. This is a small step towards a more at [email protected] collaborative approach. As the Path Forward continues more granularity will be shared for each step.
Variant Update Variant numbers will now be updated twice a Key Question Themes week at www.alberta.ca/covid-19-alberta- Path Forward – Steps; Guidance Documents data.aspx#jumplinks-1. Variant Recreation and Aquatic Centres Vaccine Update Places of Worship AHS – Website For up-to-date information on vaccine Fitness – Adult distribution please visit: www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Question and Answers Municipality Questions Response Path Forward - www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx If Alberta moves below 300 hospitalizations in three weeks’ time, will we jump ahead The hospitalization numbers are directional requirements in order to be able to to Step 3? Assuming other factors (variants, Rt, etc.) are still trending in the right ease measures. The ability to go from Step 1 to 2, etc. require the hospitalization direction? numbers as a prerequisite. Due to hospitalizations being lagging indicator, decisions to move back a stage will not wait for hospitalization numbers to go up, instead will look at leading indicators such as new case counts, rates of growth.
When will a decision be made to move forward to Step 2? Will there be one weeks A decision on Step 2 will be made if, on February 28, there are 450 or fewer notice for Step 2? hospitalizations and the numbers are declining. The same re-evaluation period will be used for all subsequent steps. We are committed to providing as much notice as possible for each Step.
To assist municipalities in planning for facility re-opening/re-entry how closely do you Once a step is taken, a minimum of 3 weeks will be taken to assess trends and anticipate maintaining the three-week span between decisions? should there be an increase in cases, further steps could be paused and re-introduction of restrictions could be considered.
Can we find out what changed from the Thursday night meeting with Premier and The Government of Alberta is looking at gradual ways to safely reopen – based CMOH and Friday with the change to youth recreation? on evidence and case data – that will allow us to adjust quickly when necessary. This decision, which will help keep our kids healthy and happy, presents minimal disruption should we need to revert back to stronger measures. We consider all evidence from within Alberta and around the world as part of each decision. The decision to include these activities in Step 1 was announced as soon as possible once the decision was made.
Is there any new direction for businesses, i.e. staff being in their workspaces? Working from home remains mandatory unless the employer requires the employee’s physical presence to operate effectively.
What is the status with in person business meetings? In-person business meetings are not encouraged, but are allowed if the employer determines that the employee’s physical presence is necessary to operate effectively. In this case, participants would have to remain masked throughout the duration of the meeting, unless they are alone in an office or a safely distanced cubicle, or there is a barrier in place.
Alberta Health is currently working on updating guidance documents to ensure When will guidance documents be updated? accuracy with Order 2-2021, beginning with Places of Worship, Restaurants and then fitness and sport. www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Protected A
Future Steps At what Step are outdoor pools able to open for general public access and what Currently these would be considered as part of Step 4. Outdoor pools would potential guidelines would be required? follow the same guidance as indoor pools and other recreation facilities.
Any idea when campground guidance will be available? There is no update at this time
Data With the push of organization to open up more, or regional area open up more, is Interactive data can be found at https://www.alberta.ca/stats/covid-19-alberta- there data that indicates if it is safer to retain restriction? statistics.htm
Variants Will there be any change to masking recommendations as a result of the new Evidence is still emerging, but based on our current understanding: variants? While it is understood that we need to do due diligence in understanding o Both of the new variants are spread through close contact, just like the the risk, we learned in the first wave that delays/changes in recommendations for COVID-19 strains that we have seen over the last 10 months. masks undermined public trust and credibility. If a change is coming, it would be good o However, these variants do spread more easily from person to person. to push this out as soon as possible, especially if it will help combat the spread of the Emerging evidence around the new variants is being monitored closely, and will variants. be considered in any future recommendations. As new evidence becomes available about the variant, it will be posted here - https://www.alberta.ca/covid- 19-variants.aspx
Has there been any consideration to sharing the number of variant cases but Alberta Health is committed to sharing information on variants on our COVID-19 municipality? info for Albertans website, however due to confidentiality under the Health Information Act we will not be sharing the specifics of which municipality the variant is located. Information on variants are now updated twice weekly. Individuals will be notified if they have a variant strain of covid-19.
Recreation and Aquatic Centres General So are recreation centers open or not? Recreation centres are not open for general use. Recreation centres may be open What about being open for bookings for lessons etc? for: o Individual families are able to privately rent out a facility (e.g. rink, pool), provided they are the only ones at the facility. The facilities would be expected to have in place appropriate safety and cleaning protocols. o Allowed to open for children’s sport and performance (school-related) o Allowed to open for group physical activity for participants 18 years of age or younger with restrictions
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o 1:1 training. All participants are required to have a trainer (1:1 or 1:household where all individuals reside together) present. Drop in and individual workouts or passive supervision are NOT permitted.
Can you give specific examples for what types of activities are permitted in arenas? Any activities which are allowed in step 1 could be permitted in arenas. For example o Indoor and outdoor children’s sport and performance (school-related) o Indoor personal fitness, one-on-one and by appointment only o group physical activity for participants 18 years of age or younger with restrictions including: . No games . Up to 10 participants, including coach, trainer or instructor . Maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres while engaging in indoor activities or two metres while outdoors. . Coach, trainers or instructor must be counted in the maximum number persons participating and wear a mask at all times.
Please provide information on youth gymnastics. Our gymnastics group operates out Group physical activity for participants 18 years of age or younger with of our community center. Are they allowed to operate even though they are in a restrictions including: community center. They will be the only group using the space. I assume this will be o No games fine for the gymnastics group to operate, ensuring they follow the COVID protocols in o Up to 10 participants, including coach, trainer or instructor place. o Maintain a minimum physical distance of three metres while engaging in We are a small facility who has an Irish Dance Group (all youth participants except for indoor activities or two metres while outdoors. instructor) that uses our main space and another upstairs room for instructional o Coach, trainers or instructor must be counted in the maximum number studio space. Are we allowed to have them in, if they will be the only renters that we persons participating and wear a mask at all times. will have in the building until restrictions further ease. They would be following the If the activity is permitted the location is secondary, as such a gymnastics club or capacity, masking and distancing guidelines. dance group could use a community hall. Groups like squash clubs are interpreting the Step 1 guidance as 9 persons U18 can For group training, efforts should minimize the use of shared equipment and now resume training with a masked coach. Can you clarify the intent of youth group each person should have their own items. Where equipment must be shared, sports? proper hand hygiene must occur before and after use, as well equipment must Order 02-2021 appears to be silent on the sharing of sport equipment. What is the be cleaned and disinfected. current guidance for shared equipment? Is basketball and volleyball possible if participants are wearing sports gloves?
Why with all the restrictions is there still allowed up to 50 people on the outdoor Current guidance requires appropriate distancing in an arena. The 50 could only arenas for public skating? be achieved if this distancing is possible. This was set on the basis that there is no group gatherings. That is, the 50 is based on individuals or households skating as their own group.
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Individuals should not be interacting through a social or other activity but the current requirements (currently a maximum of 10, with appropriate distancing). Municipalities are free to impose stricter conditions if they see fit.
Homeschooling groups Effective February 8, home education students can participate in sports and It was not really clarified if homeschooling groups would be considered like extra-curricular activities in facilities where access is limited to students and schools? They homeschool but a lot get together for physical activities. So could parents from home education co-ops or supportive group learning environments they come as a group or maintain physical distancing in their household pod or no outside of homes. access to arenas. If you could please indicate what the guidelines are for this group?
School Recreation Can you clarify if the up to 10 participants, including coach, trainer or instructor This does not include school groups as they are in a cohort. The school based applies to school related sport activities or can a full class attend a session in a pool, a guidelines regulate physical activities done by students. The school is responsible gym, a rink, etc.? Further clarification for school use of the ice surface as they are to ensure that cohorts stay together and that they are not mixing – similar to an considered a cohort, can they exceed the 10 without dividing the ice? in school physical education class. Does the 2m indoor sport activity distancing apply for school groups as well? We understand the clarification of groups using the arena ice by separating or dividing the ice surface into two groups of 10. We need further clarification for school use of the ice surface as they are considered a cohort, can they exceed the 10 without dividing the ice?
Splitting of Facilities/Distancing/Capacity Some team-based sport groups have requested to use a divider curtain to split As long as there is 3 metres of distance between the 2 different groups, whether into groups of 10 per surface. For example, a curtain divider splitting a soccer it’s a common ice surface, or a swimming pool. You can have multiple groups at field or arena into two halves with 10 on each side (leaving a total of 20 on a the same time. Physical distance must be maintained, each facility will have a dedicated surface). Is this permitted or would it be capped at 10 for the whole maximum allowable number that’s based on the type of activity that will be surface? happening in that facility. The entrances and exits may require a staggering. Can arenas and pools be divided to allow for more than 1 group of 10 at one There are no set capacity limits. Capacity limits will be determined by the size of time? location and ability to adhere to the physical distancing requirements. Is it true that minor hockey associations can split the ice in two and essentially have 20 on the ice at one time? What about school groups. Does the 10 or 20 on the ice rule also apply to them? An arena can now be divided up into 2 sections and have a max of 10 on each half? Is this correct, because the province is saying 10 max. Can there be 10 people limited to a certain section of a field/gym so that another 10 participants can use another part of the available space? Ice is split into halves and have two groups using the ice for example. Can there be 10 on the ice/gym and a few others that are sitting on the bench?
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How is it even possible to maintain a 3m distance from participants in hockey Lessons, practices and physical conditioning activities are allowed for indoor and training? outdoor minor sports/activities and school athletics. Games are not allowed.
Is there a ratio for coaches to skates for the indoor arenas? A maximum of 10 persons on the ice; including coaches, instructors or trainers. However, facilities can be divided to allow for groups provided they do not cross paths and coaches, instructors and trainers are not switching between groups. Note that while there is no set limit on coaches/trainers, the emphasis is on 18 and under training so youth should account for the majority of the group in most instances.
Do activity groups need to be the same each time or can they differ? For A limit has not been set, but efforts should be made to limit the number of example, if a group of 10 participated in safe activity on a Tuesday night, would it interactions that anyone is having. need to be the same 10 for a Thursday session, or could the individuals in the group of 10 differ?
For community sport groups and external personal trainers, are they in charge of Both – operators should ensure that users entering their facility are symptom pre-screening for their participants, or does that fall onto a facility operator? free, and trainers/coaches should be screening their clients as well. It’s a joint responsibility but not a shared one (in that both the operator and trainer should be doing it). For an internal personal training situation, like at a Goodlife, then the operator and the trainer are functionally the same entity and only one screening. Dressing Rooms The website guidance references limiting access to dressing rooms, is there anything Limited access to change rooms, including accelerated arrival and departure, in the code that restricts their use? emergencies (e.g., first aid) and for washroom use while maintaining 3 metres Can more clarification and/or guidance be provided for “limited dressing room distance. access”? For example, are there capacity limits per dressing room like previous guidance allowed for? In addition, if there is any provincial direction related to spectator seating that would be great. Indoor change rooms – are they usable as long as 3 meter separation? Swimming pool It was stated that bookings in the swimming pool are not intended for leisure Schools are only allowed to use these facilities as part of the regular curriculum activities, however, schools are allowed to use Recreation facilities for Phys.ed based activity. Leisure or open swimming is not permitted if it is outside of bookings. Can you provide some clarity on whether a school can come for a swim? I physical. Physical education or performance arts programs may take place in believe based on the meeting that we should not provide the waterslide, hot tub but facilities outside of school if students remain in their class cohort and all health could they just leisure swim in our wave pool and use the diving boards? protocols are followed. The class cohort is: Cohort A cohort—or bubble—is a group of students and staff who remain together. The size of the cohort will depend on the physical space of the classroom.
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Hockey Alberta Hockey Alberta has provided their membership (Minor Hockey Associations) with Team sports and other activities can play a significant role in the physical, social guidelines that allow for 2 groups of up to 10 on one ice surface – while and emotional development of children and youth. Not only do team sports and maintaining 3metres distance between both groups and within all participants. activities provide an avenue for exercise, they help kids develop lifelong skills While this approach meets the CMOH Order No. 02-2021, how does this including teamwork, leadership and handling pressure. approach constitute a slow reopening? This is now 20 kids, plus 20 parents in a In light of these considerable benefits, we believe children and youth sports can facility at one time, while there is a restriction on individual fitness without an be done safely provided a number of measures are in place. instructor/trainer. Should it not be as important to allow individual seniors o We’ve recognized that team-based sports and activities require some form access to a walking track for individual wellness or lane swimming at a pool? of integrated group training and coaching that goes beyond what 1:1 Hockey Alberta has sent out a bulletin 20-14 saying that there can be 2 groups of training can offer. The intent of this addition is to provide the opportunity 10 on the ice now if ice surface is divided in half. Is this an official directive from for a team to supplement any 1:1 training with team-based training in a the Province? safe and responsible way. Clarity on number of participants for hockey on an ice surface. Hockey Alberta is o This change was made to support the overall health and well-being of our saying two groups of 10 on an ice surface is this correct? young people, while still guarding against the spread of COVID-19. Hockey Alberta has already posted that you can have two groups of 10 on the ice There are no set capacity limits. Capacity limits will be determined by the size of and that spectators are allowed - this conflicts with what you are saying. location and ability to adhere to the physical distancing requirements. Alberta Hockey is stating that the ice can be split in two to have 20 on the ice The arenas can be rented for practice and training sessions, games are not Alberta Hockey issued a release today that indoor ice surfaces can be divided and permitted. can accommodate 2 groups of 10. Did I understand that no decision has been This activity is permitted if there a maximum of 10 skaters, (9 players under 18, made on multiple groups on ice or in a pool? and 1 coach). Rules around facilitating practices are up to the association. Are minor hockey associations able to rent the facility to teams as long as it is a maximum of 10 skaters (including coach) or are the associations still paused? If the associations are still paused can members of the team still do skill development with a coach? Distancing and 1:1 Training With 3 M between any groups of persons who are participating in physical activity – There are no set capacity limits. Capacity limits will be determined by the size of is there a maximum number of 1-to-1 training or group of 10 that can participate location and ability to adhere to the physical distancing requirements. indoors?
It was clarified at the town hall meeting that Step 1 includes one-on-one and one-on- Facilities cannot be separated into individual access sections and rented family/household training with an instructor only. I had a client ask me today what separately at this time. As such, a single person with their two contacts cannot about a person that lives alone and is allowed to associate with one or two other rent out a facility at this time. people. Could this group be part of a personal training session together just like they are allowed to dine at a restaurant together?
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Family Recreation Indoor locations can be rented to members of a single household by appointment To clarify, when a family rents a space with no coach, parents can join their kids? only. In these circumstances, the entire facility must be closed to all other person and a trainer is not necessary. For example, a household can rent an entire ice surface or recreational facility. Facilities cannot be separated into individual access sections and rented separately at this time.
Individual families are able to privately rent out a facility (e.g. rink, pool), Are individual families able to privately rent out a facility (e.g. rink, pool)? provided they are the only ones at the facility.
Spectators Could you provide clarity on whether recreation facilities (i.e. arenas and field There can be no spectators; parents/caregivers/etc must not stay for training. houses) should be allowing spectators? A chaperone may be present for youth safety purposes, but must not be involved Can there be spectators in facilities for youth practices and if so how many? in trainers and must be distanced at least 3 metres away from the training group. Are parents allowed to watch their children train? Are parents allowed to watch in arenas while their children are skating or do we follow the same guidelines as indoor gatherings Are parents allowed in the facility to observe the ice sessions? It is our understanding that recreation facilities are only open for scheduled appointments/bookings and not for access by the public; is this what precludes spectators from entering facilities? During the CMO report yesterday afternoon, she mentioned that spectators were not allowed in the buildings?
Life Guard Recertification What about recertification for our instructors and lifeguards for a pool? Can we Alberta Health has not put specific limits on the number of participants in this type of proceed with recertification under the current restrictions? situation, provided that appropriate distancing can be maintained.
In order to reopen pools/aquatic centres Lifeguards need to be sufficiently trained and all certifications need to be current prior to a guard being present on the pool deck. Given COVID-19, for many of our staff, lifeguard certifications (National Lifeguard; Aquatic Emergency Care, etc) have expired. Recertification courses are normally hosted with one instructor and up to 10 participants. The Life Saving Society also requires all lifeguards to complete an additional mandatory 6 hour orientation for conducting rescues during COVID-19 pandemic. From a learning perspective, one- on-one instruction is not feasible or endorsed by the Life Savings Society. Can the number of people attending a Lifeguard recertification / training session be increased to more than one-on-one? and if so, up to how many?
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Places of Worship Are the participants in a church / religious gathering allowed to sing wearing masks? Indoor group performance activities conducted in a place of worship, such as choir singing and playing music, are permitted provided these are normal activities conducted as part of worship practices and not for the purpose of entertainment. R-Value Has Alberta Health reconsidering the R value of 0.80 as a goal in order to create a The R-value is one of many metrics that we consider, along with daily cases, sufficient buffer to allow for a potential increased number of cases from variants? hospitalizations, etc. The 0.8 numbers is not specifically set out in policy.
Fitness – Adult What is the rationale behind restricting single adults from working out alone at a We are taking a conservative approach to limit the need to bounce back and gym...? They can workout with a trainer, but not alone. We are hearing that this forth between easing and tightening restrictions if we move too fast in re- comes across as “elitist.” opening. We are listening to Albertans and businesses who have clearly stated they do not want to be in a yo-yo situation. A gradual approach will mitigate this risk. We are allowing limited group physical activity for young people in Step 1 while keeping enhanced measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. More information is available on Alberta.ca Feedback from Municipalities Are these weekly sessions supposed to be consultative or just rapid-fire Q&A because they don’t feel very consultative? Whatever happened to the stated commitment not even a month ago of trying to give a week’s notice for preparation before relaxing restrictions? Why was there a surprise Saturday afternoon policy announcement and no heads-up information passed on to municipalities? You want our support and assistance in messaging, but then you leave us to be as surprised as the public with these announcements which makes it look like no one know what’s happening. Can AB Health please take down the Biz Connect guidelines on recreation, sport, etc.? None of them are relevant and public still references them back to us... Is Twitter going to be the going to be the new common delivery method for immediate policy updates? Should we all be following the CMOH account for updates? Has there been consideration to having municipal officials as a sounding board to how these decisions will impact our operations? Will the AHS website be updated to reflect the variant 24 day quarantine requirement?
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COVID-19 Municipality Update February 24, 2021
Total Attendees - 181 • Starting Feb. 19, AHS will vaccinate residents Order 4 – 2021 in retirement centres, lodges, supportive CMOH Order 4-2021 rescinds Order 2-2021. living and other congregate living facilities March 1, 2021 – Step 2: Hospitalization with people 75 or older benchmark – 450 and declining • Starting Feb. 24, any Albertan born in 1946 Libraries – can now open but must limit capacity or earlier can book an appointment. to 15 per cent of fire code occupancy not including staff. Questionnaire Summary – February 16 - 19 Indoor Fitness (no change to outdoor fitness) Number of responses – 63 • Unsupervised low intensity individual and Community planning for recreations centres group fitness are now allowed by continue to be the most frequently identified top appointment only, physical distancing of 3 priority. metres. Other areas of high priority included: • Low-intensity – weightlifting, dance lessons, • A Path Forward Roadmap yoga, barre, indoor climbing, treadmills, • Critical Workers Benefit ellipticals, and related equipment. • Vaccines • Variants State of Public Health Emergency Comments to improve the meeting included: The State of Public Health Emergency has lapsed • Request to increase the time of the meeting and discussions are underway to determine if a from 30 minutes to 45 minutes or an hour. reinstatement is required. Further question please contact Jenelle Thomas Peace Officer enforcement was issued under a at [email protected] separate order and remains in place until February 27. These Orders are issued through Justice and Solicitor General and discussions are Key Question Themes underway on next steps. Path Forward Variant Update Step 2 Clarity Variant Variant numbers will now be updated twice Cases everyday of the week www.alberta.ca/covid-19- Data alberta-data.aspx#jumplinks-1. Enforcement Alberta continues to monitor the variants as they Immunizations arise within the province but also what is taking Community Halls place across the world. Festivals Recreation Centres Vaccine Update Public Health Emergency Summer Programming and Employment For up-to-date information on vaccine Senior Officials Panel distribution please visit: Critical Workers Benefit www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx Seniors 75 years of age and over, no matter where they live:
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Question and Answers Municipality Questions Response Path Forward You mentioned that fully vaccinated individuals will, for a time, still be required to When examining lifting longer-term public health measures we need to examine adhere to requirements like masking, social distancing, etc. What metrics will be used how herd immunity looks like in the public. This is something we are learning to determine when that is no longer the case? Is there a specific percentage of the more about, we are unsure how the new variants will impact herd immunity. We population that needs to be vaccinated before public health orders can be lifted? still are seeing that ~70-80 of the population have to be immunized or have to be immune before we examine lifting public health measures such as masking.
Fire department groupings at training, what is the max number of people within the Training can occur outdoors with 2 metres distance in groups of 10. groups? How about an outdoor workout.
Outdoor Pools are included in Step 4 of the Path Forward Plan. Can it be clarified if General access for large scale recreation facilities such as pools is permitted general public access for indoor pools is also in step 4 or is it in an earlier step? under Step 4. Pools can be used as part of physical education program for students, and training for a maximum of 9 children and 1 instructor.
What is the timeline for new guidance going forward and updating current guidance? Guidance is currently being updated to reflect the current measures. Can updates to guidance documents be date/time stamped with changes to former The bulk of the guidance will still focus on physical distancing, masking, contract guidance highlighted for ease of interpretation? The Sport, Physical activity and tracing or contact information. recreations guidance is tweaked frequently and aside from opening it up and reading from top to bottom every day, comparing word for word with yesterday’s we have no idea when and what changes have been made? Can Biz Connect guidance be either taken down or updated as most of it is from fall and is not related to actual mandates and guidelines in place?
Considering there is a very good chance we will never achieve Step 4 status, as we did The work from home order is intended to allow business to function as required not achieve Step 3 status in the summer, I am wondering if this means that the idea is as well as limit contact between people. to have people work from home indefinitely? Step 2 Clarity Dr. Hinshaw has commented about hospitalization plateauing - is that concerning, As the Path Forward cites hospitalization benchmarks, plateauing may indicate a and will it affect the move to Step 2 or future steps? delay in advancing to future Steps whose benchmarks are below that plateau. We’re one week away from a Step 2 decision but well-below the 450 mark set for that step. But we’re at least four weeks from a Step 3 decision, it is difficult to speculate where we might be at that time.
Are restrictions going to be eased in accordance with hospitalizations as previously Hospitalization are key piece we examine as part of the path forward. Careful announced or will the progression towards step 3 and step 4 be prolonged into the considerations are made along with examining various factors (case total, R-
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fall based on a combination of other factors (i.e. cases not in hospital, strain value, variants). Moving forward we will carefully examine data when deciding to variations, etc.). move into stage 3 and 4.
Can you confirm that Step 2 will only begin as early as March 8 or will it start March We strive to provide as much time as possible following the announcement for 1? Step 2. The intent of giving one weeks notice was to allow restaurants, which require lead time to prepare, a change to reopen on even footing. The same notice may not be required for businesses in Steps 2, 3 and 4. Moving into Step 2 will be considered on March 1st and, if a decision is made at that time, it is possible that restrictions could be eased that same day.
In Step 2 are there any changes proposed to the 3m distancing requirement for Indoor masking and distancing requirements will remain in place throughout the indoor activities? entire stepped approach, and some degree of restrictions will still apply to all activities within each step.
Any indication as to what restrictions Step 2 might include? At this time discussions are a still taking place and no decisions have been made on Step 2.
Will ‘Camp’ format programming for kids be allowed in step 2 (run cmaps for PD days, Day and overnight camps are currently in Step 4 of the Path Forward. Easter break, etc. in our rec facilities)? Variant We would like to hear the distribution of variant cases and any comments regarding Alberta is monitoring for variant strains of COVID-19 that have a higher infection the super variant alleged in California. rate. Case numbers are updated daily on Alberta.ca/covid19. Cases Do we expect that we will hit a minimum # of cases and that will flatline? Statistically Although getting to zero would be ideal, we know that the COVID-19 situation in speaking we can expect that the final 2-5% will not move to zero. Alberta is constantly evolving. We know that the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to limit close contact with others (2 meters) physical distance, wear a mask in public spaces, practice good hygiene stay home if you are sick. Data Is there an audit process in place to confirm that the death statistics are accurate and Deaths are included if COVID-19 was identified by a physician as the primary who determines if a death is COVID "RELATED"? cause of death or a contributing cause of death. In situations where the cause of death in a COVID case is unclear and there are no other explanations such as trauma, the death is included in our COVID death counts until a review of the death certificate occurs. In most cases, the death remains a COVID death but there have been a few instances the death is determined to be unrelated to COVID and removed from our case counts. The death statistics are live, meaning that historical reporting can be updated over time. For example – if a death was reported as being covid-related and was later determined that this was not the final cause of death, it would be removed from the total count. www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
When are we going to see a de-active case number with the Variant virus or are we The current reporting process includes all of the cases that are active/recovered. always going to see how many have contracted the virus and never recovered from? Reporting elements are always being considered and revised as appropriate. In future, we are likely going to include information on active versus recovered VOC cases; however, the timelines are currently unknown. Enforcement Can you provide direction on any requirements to report health order infractions that Public health order infractions issued by AHS are posted online (Please see the are resolved locally to health enforcement for statistic tracking? health zone tabs on the right under Health Enforcement Orders). Public health order infractions (ticketing, etc.) issued by law enforcement agencies are tracked internally, but are not publicized.
Are municipalities responsible in any way for use of their community hall in Community hall operators are responsible for any contravention to public health contravention of the order or parameters of use under the Public Health Order? orders that occur within their premises. If the community hall operator is the municipality, then the municipality would be held responsible. Immunizations When will fire volunteers be recognized as health workers for the vaccine? Phase 1 of the vaccine roll out focuses on those who are at high risk of severe Any decision concerning moving Water/Waste water operators moving up the outcomes and the people who would potentially be exposing those at high risk. priority list for the vaccine since they are critical workers and they are highly skilled Phase 2 is broken into Groups A to D and continues to focus on those who are at operators and if they get sick could cause major disruptions in a municipality? highest risk. Work to identify sequencing for all other groups is underway.
Will vaccinations be available locally when the general population program rolls out? Yes, Alberta has a robust vaccine distribution plan. We will continue to expand “We have seen that the call-in system for vaccine booking is already overwhelmed. our approach as the supply increases. In addition to immunization sites run by Many of our communities have primary care clinics with provincially funded nurses Alberta Health Services, Alberta’s community pharmacists and physicians are an who are administering non-covid vaccines and other medications every day. There is important partner in the success of the COVID-19 vaccine response plan. capacity in these clinics to help with COVID-19 vaccination. The elderly and As more vaccine arrives, participating pharmacies and physicians in many vulnerable are already in these clinics to see their family doctors. Why are primary additional communities will begin to offer immunization. A list of participating care clinics not involved in the vaccine rollout? And what could be done to get pharmacies is available on the Alberta Blue Cross site: primary care clinics inventory to start administering to the most vulnerable right https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/news/covid-19-immunization-program- away? information.php.
Alberta Health Services worked closely with Telus to rectify the challenges with
the call-in system.
What does immunization % mean in terms of when we open? And will this affect the Vaccines are only one part of the effort against COVID-19. We do not yet know if thinking around masking? immunized people can still carry and pass the virus to others that are not immunized, how effective the vaccines are in the real world and against variants, or how long immunity lasts. Based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), Alberta Health advises that all individuals, including those immunized with COVID-19 vaccine, should continue to follow public health www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
measures for prevention and control of COVID-19 infection and transmission. This includes masking when in public, maintaining physical distancing, practicing diligent hand hygiene, and staying home when sick. Research into these questions is ongoing, and we will provide updates to these questions. In the meantime, we all should continue to follow COVID-19 public health guidelines
Will people receive something in writing once they receive their immunization? Immunization will follow the procedures AHS has for all immunizations, once a person is immunized they will receive record of that immunization similarly to the flu shot. For a copy of immunization records people are able to log onto myHealthrecords.ca.
Considerations for high-risk underlying health conditions continue to be The what will be considered high-risk underlying health conditions for Phase 2:B of discussed and no decision has been made at this point. Phase 3 of distribution vaccine distribution? Will Phase 3 be sequenced by sector, or purely general public will depend on supply and those who remain to be vaccinated, decisions on any administration? sequencing will take place closer to when phase 3 is rolled out. Community Centres/ Community Halls Are kitchens in halls allowed to be used if the hall itself isn't being used? CMOH Order 2-2021 Section 43(j) allows a location to be utilized for charitable activities including but not limited to food, clothing and toy collection and distribution. Festivals If we are in the process of determining Canada Day events, what is the likelihood that Outdoor festivals and events are currently in Step 4 of the Path Forward, this will be restricted in attendance like it was in 2020? Should we anticipate these discussion these items continue to take place. events being cancelled/postponed again in 2021?
Can you tell us more about the Festival Planning Alberta Health is working on with a few of the larger festival and event producers (Stampede/KDays/Fringe/ Folk Fests HEOC Stakeholder Relations is beginning to have discussions with festival and (Edm & Calgary); can the Cities of Calgary and Edmonton be involved in these event planners to hear considerations and feedback on the Path Forward. discussions? Recreation Facilities Have considerations been made to open aquatics so the multi million dollar facilities General access for large-scale recreation facilities such as pools is permitted can teach people to be safe in on and around water, and decrease the drownings that under Step 4. Pools can be used as part of physical education program for we unfortunately had last year with the facilities closed. The water within the students, and training for a maximum of 9 children and 1 instructor. aquatics pool needs to be far sanitary then our drinking water. People can masked up until the water entry.
Status or Comments regarding Golf Courses and RV Parks Operations. Working on plans for Municipally Owned and Operated Golf Courses and RV Parks. Any www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx [email protected] Classification: Public
comments at this point, or when announcements will be made regarding this topic. Golf courses and RV parks are currently closed due to weather. Any Can we make assumptions at this point, that we can plan for operations similar to last announcement with regard to policy or guidance changes will be made closer to year in 2020? their implementation date. Summer Programming and Employment As job advertisement for summer seasonal jobs are on the horizon; Can we anticipate Any announcement with regard to policy or guidance changes will be made closer the safety requirements will be much the same as last year for summer programs? to their implementation date.
Public State of Emergency With the public health emergency expiring this week, will the province use another The authority to give Community Peace Officers the ability to enforce the Public method to extend the authorities of peace officers to enforce the Public Health Act or Health Act lies with the Minister of Justice - discussions continue to take place will this no longer be possible? If the peace officers will not have the authority, will regarding enforcement issues and concerns AHS have additional enforcement resources available to respond to protests like we have seen over the past 2 weeks? The Official Public Health Emergency has expired. Discussions are on-going on whether a state of emergency needs to be reinstated. Is the State of Public Health Emergency still in effect? Did it expire after 90 days? The Ministerial Order for Peace Officers lapses on February 27, however, When will that Ministerial Order for Peace Officers lapse? discussions continue to take place regarding enforcement issues and concerns. Senior Official’s Panel It has been requested in the past to have a municipal senior official’s panel to be able CAO’s of Alberta municipalities (or their designates) continue to be invited to a to provide input on how the restrictions and last minute changes impact our COVID-19 briefing with Dr. Hinshaw, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the operations. Has this been considered? Province of Alberta weekly. Critical Worker Benefit Can you explain why municipalities are not eligible for the critical worker benefit? We For detailed information on the Critical Work Benefit, including eligibility and employee custodians who under the private sector would be eligible but are not how to apply, please visit: alberta.ca/critical-worker-benefit.aspx. because they are public employees? Can municipalities apply for CWB? What about for paramedics who provide services under AHS contract but technically are paid by the municipalities? Feedback from Municipalities I think it would be very important to update the Alberta.ca website which indicates the State of Health Emergency is still in effect.
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ALBERTA MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS Office of the Minister Deputy Government House Leader MLA, Calgary-Hays
AR104150
Dear Chief Elected Official:
I am pleased to invite your municipality to provide submissions for the 20th annual Minister’s Awards for Municipal Excellence, which formally recognize excellence in local government practices and promotes knowledge-sharing among municipalities. These awards offer an opportunity to recognize the truly great work happening in local governments across Alberta.
For the 2021 program, submissions will be accepted in the following categories:
Partnership (open to all municipalities) Award will be given for a leading municipal practice involving regional co-operation. This could involve consultation, co-ordination, and co-operation with other municipalities, agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and other orders of government. Submissions may be joint or individual, and consideration will be given to partnerships with formal agreements that ensure continuing co-operation and shared benefits.
Building Economic Strength (open to all municipalities) Award will be given for an innovative initiative involving the municipality and business community that addresses a challenge affecting community economic strength.
Service Delivery Innovation (open to all municipalities) Award will be given for an innovative initiative that improves the delivery or reduces the cost of a program or service through a more efficient process or through an alternate delivery approach.
Enhancing Community Safety (open to all municipalities) Award will be given for an innovative initiative that engages the community to address a safety issue. This could involve crime prevention, infrastructure enhancements (e.g., lighting, accessibility, traffic calming measures), and community services initiatives.
Smaller Municipalities (open to municipalities with populations less than 5,000) Award will be given for a municipal initiative that demonstrates leadership, resourcefulness, and/or innovation to better the community.
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132 Legislature Building, 10800 - 97 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6 Canada Telephone 780-427-3744 Fax 780-422-9550
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Further details about eligibility and submission requirements are available on the Minister’s Awards for Municipal Excellence website at www.alberta.ca/ministers-awards-for-municipal- excellence.aspx. The deadline for submission is March 31, 2021.
Should you have any questions regarding this program, please contact the Municipal Excellence Team, at 780-427-2225 or [email protected].
I encourage you to share your success stories, and I look forward to celebrating these successes with your communities.
Sincerely,
Ric McIver Minister
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ALBERTA MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS Officeo.fihe tllinisier Dep111y Governme111 I louse Leader MU, Calga1J1-l/ays
Dear Chief Elected Officials:
I am writing to provide you with more information about Budget 2021, which my colleague, the Honourable Travis Toews, has tabled in the legislature. I would specifically like to provide you with details on the items in Municipal Affairs' Budget 2021 that affect municipalities the most.
To begin with, I am pleased to tell you that Municipal Affairs is investing more than $1.7 billion overall to build stronger communities. Those funds will deliver important programs and services and will support effective governance and preserve public safety. I must also acknowledge that, as a result of several factors, including falling revenues and the ongoing costs of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to reduce government spending in Alberta. Our goal is to do this while also continuing to provide significant infrastructure funding in the near term to support our economic recovery and help municipalities adjust to new levels of funding in future years.
Over the next three years, from 2021-24, as we all strive to live within our means, municipalities will receive about 25 per cent less in capital funding than they did in 2020- 21. In real terms, that means Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) capital funding will average $722 million a year over that time. To support continued economic recovery and stimulus efforts, more of that funding will be made available up front, and less in subsequent years.
To help you adjust to a reduced average funding level, $1.196 billion in MSI capital funding will be made available to municipalities and Metis Settlements in 2021, and $485 million in each of the next two years. Additionally, municipalities and Metis Settlements will continue to receive the full $30 million under the operating component of the MSI.
As you are aware, MSI was scheduled to conclude in 2021-22 and be replaced by legislated funding provided under the Local Government Fiscal Framework in subsequent years. Given the current circumstances and economic uncertainty, we are extending MSI for two years to stabilize provincial revenues before launching the Local Government Fiscal Framework in 2024-25. The baseline funding level for that first year of the LGFF will remain at $722 million. We thank municipalities for understanding that this change was necessary to respond to the serious challenges we are all facing. The estimated 2021 MSI allocations are available on the program website. . . ./2
132 Legislature Building. 10800- 97 Avenue. Edmonton. Alberta T5K 2B6 Canada Telephone 780--127-37-14 f'ax 780-422-9550 Classification: Protected A -2-
I am also pleased to advise you that Alberta expects to receive $255 million in federal funding under the Gas Tax Fund (GTF). The estimated 2020 GTF allocations are available on the program website. Links to the program websites with the MSI and GTF allocations are provided in the transmittal e-mail accompanying this letter.
MSI and GTF program funding is subject to the Legislative Assembly's approval of Budget 2021. Individual allocations and 2021 funding are subject to ministerial authorization under the respective program guidelines. Federal GTF funding is also subject to confirmation by the Government of Canada. You should expect to receive letters confirming MSI and GTF funding commitments in April.
To help municipalities respond to the requirements of the Alberta Senate Election Act and Referendum Act, our government is making $10 million available to support costs associated with operating Senate nominee elections and referendums in conjunction with local elections. This funding will be available under the Alberta Community Partnership program, increasing the total program budget to $25.4 million.
I am happy to say that funding to support local public library boards will remain stable, helping those groups provide a vital resource to residents through this especially trying time. I am also pleased to report that, due to some great work from our staffat the Surface Rights Board to reduce the backlog of landowner claims, we will be able to save $600,000 in our yearly operating expenses.
This has not been, by any means, an easy time for Albertans. We understand the challenges that communities will continue to face in the months and years ahead. We remain committed to providing sustainable levels of capital funding to support critical local infrastructure, promote economic development, and enable local governments to continue to deliver the programs and services that Albertans depend on.
As Albertans, we are no strangers to adversity. We have overcome challenges in the past and we will continue to do so. I look forward to working with all of you to ensure that Alberta overcomes today's challenges and shares in a bright and prosperous future together.
Sincerely,
Ric Mciver Minister
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Intermittent Lane Closures in Kicking Horse Canyon on Highway 1 in March March 1, 2021
As part of the newly commenced Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) upgrades east of Golden in the Kicking Horse Canyon area, Kicking Horse Canyon Constructors (KHCC) will be implementing intermittent lane closures on Hwy 1 through the Kicking Horse Canyon Phase 4 construction site throughout March 2021. These will result in single lane alternating traffic from March 1 to March 5, from March 8 to March 12 and on March 20 and March 27, 2021. Lane closures will not be in effect during peak periods from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Kicking Horse Canyon Project, please visit kickinghorsecanyon.ca. If you have questions or comments about construction and traffic, please call the 24/7 construction information phone line: 1-844-815-6111. Motorists are encouraged to check current road conditions and travel delay information before setting out on the drive along Trans-Canada Highway so that they can plan their travel accordingly. Current information can be found at DriveBC.
What to Expect
Timing Hours of Work March 1 to March 5 Monday to Friday and on Saturdays, construction activities will take place March 8 to March 12 during 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. March 20 March 27
Traffic Impacts & Accommodation • 30-minute travel delays due to single-lane alternating traffic at the construction site are expected each day. • All traffic pattern changes will be well signed and traffic control personnel will be onsite to direct traffic as required and manage traffic queues. • Emergency Service Vehicles will be given priority to pass through lane closures when necessary. Day-to-day information will be available on DriveBC.
Contact the Project
24/7 Construction Project Information Work on the Project Information Line/Email kickinghorsecanyon.ca bcib.ca 1-844-815-6111 [email protected] [email protected]
February 15, 2021
Dear Mayors, Reeves, and CAOs:
The Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board (APIAB) wants to ensure that municipalities continue to have an understanding of the work the Board is doing. This quarterly update outlines the work that the Interim Board has undertaken since we last reported October 20th.
Interim Board’s Mandate
The APIAB was established by the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General (JSG). Our work is two-fold: to share the municipal perspective on policing priorities with the RCMP and Government of Alberta, while developing the governance structure for the permanent Board. As determined by JSG, the Interim Board is comprised of representatives from the RMA Board, the AUMA Board and the Alberta Association of Police Governance Executive, with specific representation identified by each association. The Interim Board’s mandate concludes at the end of November 2021. Based upon the Minister of JSG accepting the recommendations for the governance structure of the permanent Board, the recruitment and selection process for the permanent Board will commence in the Fall 2021.
Interim Board’s Focus
Since the last report, the Interim Board has held six meetings. All of our meetings have been held virtually due to COVID-19. JSG staff and the RCMP continue to be active participants in these meetings.
The Interim Board has been making progress on both aspects of its mandate. During this quarter, our primary focus has been on reviewing the results of the policing priorities survey sent to you in October. Your input has been integral in developing the priorities for the RCMP moving forward in 2021/2022. Attached to this update is the letter and report sent to the Minister on January 29, 2021, outlining the Interim Board’s recommendations for the 2021-22 policing priorities.
Interim Board’s Engagement with Municipalities
The APIAB has now shifted its focus to the governance of the permanent Board, with the next steps being to finalize the following related to the Board structure and scope:
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Representation o Public versus elected officials o Members at large o Voting and non-voting status of various members Member criteria/qualifications/competencies to ensure necessary skill sets, experience and diversity Recruitment strategy Selection process Appointment terms Knowledge transfer and membership shifts Board responsibilities and duties (including process for alternates, termination of member, etc.) Terms of Reference Code of Conduct Code of Ethics
In the coming weeks a survey will be circulated for input from municipalities on some of these issues in order to ensure that the permanent Board represents municipal needs and preferences.
RCMP Update on Resourcing
As of February 8, 2021 the RCMP advised that 66 of 76 new regular member positions had been filled. The remaining 10 positions are pending within the staffing process. As well, of the 57 public service employee positions, a total of 28 positions have been filled to date, and the remaining 29 positions are pending within the staffing process. See the attachment titled “PPSA Police Funding Model Positions February 2021” for further details.
The Interim Board has reviewed many different resourcing options with RCMP “K” Division over this last quarter. There are many different options, other than front-line policing, as to how new resources can be allocated. Attached is a brief outline of some of those options to help provide clarity on what these other programs provide to overall community safety. The Interim Board will continue to work with JSG and the RCMP to ensure our provincial policing resources continue to grow in ways that improve community safety throughout Alberta. We have recommended that the RCMP continue to balance front-line policing, support programs and civilian resourcing to meet the priority recommendations of the Interim Board.
We have also provided recommendations on the report templates that Detachment Commanders should provide to municipalities. We expect that councils and administration will begin seeing reports in this format on a quarterly basis moving forward.
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In conclusion, I and my fellow Interim Board members are pleased with the engagement of the RCMP and JSG in our discussion and our progress to date. We continue to see the potential of this Board to increase the municipal voice in policing across the province. Please contact me or my Board colleagues with any questions or concerns, and I look forward to providing you with the next quarterly update in a few months.
Sincerely,
Tanya Thorn Board Chair, Alberta Police Interim Police Advisory Board 403-860-7342 [email protected]
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January 29, 2021
Honourable Kaycee Madu Minister of Justice and Solicitor General 424 Legislature Building 10800 - 97 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Dear Minister Madu:
On behalf of the Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board, please find attached the Board’s report on recommendations for 2021-22 policing priorities. This report fulfills the following two mandate items from the Board’s Terms of Reference:
Provide a report detailing the Interim Board’s recommendations and advice on the JSG/RCMP “K” Division Multi-year Financial Plan by January 31, 2021; and
Provide a report detailing the Interim Board’s recommendations and advice on provincial policing priorities by January 31, 2021.
Please note that we have combined our recommendations on the multi-year financial plan and provincial policing priorities into the same document.
Thank you again for the opportunity to provide these recommendations. We would be happy to meet with you if you would like to discuss our recommendations in greater detail. The Board is now working on creating the governance recommendations for the operational Board to complete our final mandate items.
If you have any questions or suggestions at this time, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
We look forward to engaging with you soon!
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Sincerely,
Tanya Thorn Chair Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board
cc: Paul McLaughlin, President, Rural Municipalities of Alberta Barry Morishita, President, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Terry Coleman, Chair, Alberta Association of Police Governance Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, “K” Division RCMP Marlin Degrand, Justice & Solicitor General
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ALBERTA POLICE INTERIM ADVISORY BOARD Report on Municipal Policing Priorities
January 2021
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Contents
Executive Summary ...... 2 Introduction ...... 5 Stakeholder Engagement ...... 6 Engagement Themes: What We Heard ...... 6 Municipal Policing Priorities ...... 8 Next Steps and Implementation ...... 16 Appendix 1 – Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board Terms of Reference ...... 17 Appendix 2 – Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board Membership ...... 22 Appendix 3 – Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board Survey ...... 23
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Executive Summary
The Alberta Police Advisory Board was created by the Minister of Alberta Justice and Solicitor General in spring 2020 to give municipalities served by the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA) a strong voice in setting policing priorities. One of the Board’s mandated deliverables was to provide input into discussions on provincial policing priorities for the 2021/22 fiscal year. This report fulfills that mandate and is also intended to be used to inform the Government of Alberta/RCMP multi-year financial plan.
The Board has developed eight municipal policing priorities and related recommendations. These priorities and recommendations are of equal importance to municipalities.
Priority Recommendations Develop a coordinated, long- • Work with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to identify and term strategy to ensure that all prioritize vacancies and gaps in service in both Provincial vacant frontline detachment Police Service Agreement (PPSA) and Municipal Police Service positions are filled. Agreement (MPSA) municipalities. This would include determining what factors should be considered in making resourcing decisions, as well as the relative importance of each factor. • Develop clear and consistent communication processes with municipalities around vacancies, including information on when and how they will be filled.
Update the detachment • Work with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to review resourcing methodology to resourcing methodology to ensure it reflects community ensure that resourcing decisions need, particularly at the local level. This may include both reflect community needs. enhancing direct RCMP engagement with local communities, and working with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to refine resourcing methodology based on the local input gathered. • Work with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to improve communication with municipalities so that they understand how resources are allocated, as well as the value of centralized, specialized, and civilian positions.
Increase efforts to target repeat • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop offenders committing crimes in ways in which repeat offender-related strategies and rural and small urban information can be consistently and effectively municipalities. communicated between detachments and municipalities or police advisory bodies, and how such discussions can then be further communicated to CRUs. • Improve reporting to municipalities and the public on what constitutes a “repeat offender” and the strategies being undertaken by the RCMP to address repeat offenders, especially in rural and small urban municipalities.
Work with municipal and • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop community leaders to identify best practices and standards for detachments to follow to
2 local priority enforcement areas improve collaboration and engagement with small and use this information to municipalities. determine detachment and • Recognize different rural and urban crime priority areas and regional crime reduction use this information to inform local, regional, and strategies. provincewide policing priorities and strategies.
Continue to support • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop detachments in conducting meaningful definitions and measures of proactive policing and proactive policing and community visibility that are relevant in both urban and rural community engagement municipalities. through the increased use of • Determine how the continued growth of specialized units will Crime Reduction Units, Call directly support improved frontline policing (including Back Units, and other resources proactive policing and community visibility) in rural and small that will allow frontline officers urban municipalities. to increase their presence in the • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop community. messaging on how to better communicate the proactive policing initiatives already underway to support improved rural police services.
Provide the Alberta Police • That Alberta Justice and Solicitor General allocate a portion of Advisory Board with adequate revenues collected annually through the police costing model and consistent financial and to provide required administrative funding for the Alberta administrative support. Police Advisory Board before transferring funding to the RCMP. • Collaborate with the Interim Board to determine long-term board costs and administrative requirements in order to inform the funding allocation. Work with the Alberta Police • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board (possibly Advisory Board to develop best through the formation of a sub-committee involving RCMP, practices to enhance the quality Government of Alberta, and Board members) to develop and consistency of communication and collaboration best practices and communication and approaches in the following areas: collaboration between o How to form relationships with municipal leaders detachments and the o How to effectively report to and update municipalities municipalities that they serve. about policing in the community o How to work with municipalities to identify and engage community leaders, including those from racialized and/or under-represented communities o How to maintain collaboration following changes in detachment and/or municipal leadership
Work with community and • Develop measurable detachment-level requirements for municipal leaders to address engaging with local racialized and/or under-represented racism and other forms of communities. discrimination in policing. • Collaborate with municipalities and other leading community organizations to raise awareness of and respond to local social justice issues.
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• Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop initiatives that will support detachments in undertaking this action.
As the role of the Alberta Police Advisory Board is to provide recommendations to the RCMP and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, it is ultimately the responsibility of the provincial government and “K” Division leadership to decide whether to accept the Board’s recommendations, and if so, how to integrate them into existing planning processes and strategic initiatives.
The Board would be pleased to meet with RCMP and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General leadership to discuss the priorities identified in this report, and how all three groups can work together towards effective implementation.
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Introduction
The Minister of Justice and Solicitor General established the Alberta Police Advisory Board in spring 2020 to give municipalities served by the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA)1 a strong voice in setting policing priorities. As the order of government closest to its citizens, municipalities are well-positioned to help the RCMP identify and address community policing2 and public safety issues. The Board can therefore play an important role in ensuring that policing reflects the needs and concerns of Albertans across the province.
The Alberta Police Advisory Board is being implemented in two phases: in the first year, an interim Board is developing the Board’s structure and scope. On the completion of the interim Board’s mandate, the work of the operational Board will begin for a four-year term. As per the Terms of Reference developed by Alberta Justice and Solicitor General (Appendix 1), the Interim Board is made up of four representatives from the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Board, four representatives from the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) Board, and one representative from the Alberta Association of Police Governance Executive. A list of the current interim Board members is provided in Appendix 2.
The Interim Board has been mandated to: 1. Develop the scope and terms of reference for the operational Board. 2. Develop a recruitment and selection process for operational Board members. 3. Develop governance documents for the operational Board, including at minimum, a Competency Matrix for Board member appointments and review, a Code of Conduct, and a Mandate and Roles Document. 4. Provide input, advice, and recommendations to the provincial government and RCMP “K” Division on the buildup of the provincial police service. 5. Provide input into discussions on provincial policing priorities for the 2021/22 fiscal year to facilitate engagement during transition to the operational Board.
This report contains the Interim Board’s recommendations and advice on provincial policing priorities for the 2021/22 fiscal year (Mandate Item 5). The report is also intended to be used to inform the Government of Alberta/RCMP Multi-Year Financial Plan.
1 Under the Police Act, the Government of Alberta is responsible for providing police services to urban municipalities with populations of 5,000 or less and all municipal districts and counties. The provincial government meets this obligation by contracting the RCMP to deliver police services to these municipalities through the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA). This agreement is negotiated and signed by the provincial and federal governments.
2 Community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.
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Stakeholder Engagement
Since its establishment, the Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board has been engaging with key stakeholders to gather information and develop recommendations on policing priorities.
The Board distributed a survey to municipalities in fall 2020 to learn more about municipal perspectives on policing (see survey questions in Appendix 3). This survey received 209 responses from 160 different municipalities. The Board also solicited input from municipalities through email and in person at RMA and AUMA events. Municipal feedback provided the foundation for the recommendations in this report.
Additionally, the Board met multiple times with RCMP “K” Division and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General to learn about current policies and processes related to planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for the provincial police service. This included reviewing the policing priorities and performance measures identified by the RCMP and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General in their 2018- 2021 Joint Business Plan.
Engagement Themes: What We Heard
The Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board received a wide range of feedback from municipalities on how to enhance policing in Alberta. While quantitative analysis of survey results has been invaluable in helping the Board determine policing priorities for municipalities, several broader themes also emerged through qualitative analysis. Some of these themes highlight broad, societal issues that the RCMP cannot resolve alone, but should consider in both their strategic planning and day-to-day operations. Other themes focus on specific policing areas that the RCMP can address directly. The Board was pleased to note that these themes are generally aligned with the some of the priorities outlined in the existing Alberta Justice and Solicitor General/RCMP 2018-2021 Joint Business Plan, indicating a degree of agreement between municipalities, the provincial government, and the RCMP on future goals and directions for policing in Alberta.
Systemic Resource Constraints
Municipalities have consistently highlighted resource constraints in the provincial health, policing, and justice systems as a key barrier to effective policing. Municipalities do not expect to have a hospital, police detachment, and courthouse in every community in Alberta; however, all Albertans must have equitable access to health, police, and justice services and these services must be appropriately resourced in order to be effective. While the RCMP is now in a position to increase its resources as a result of additional funding raised through the new police costing model, their effectiveness will continue to be limited as long as there are vacancies and gaps in the health and justice systems. It is important to note that both the justice and healthcare systems fall under provincial jurisdiction, and municipal governments have a limited role in provincial policy, planning, and decision-making for these systems. Additionally, given fiscal constraints and limited mechanisms for raising revenue, municipalities are not able to fill in gaps in provincial funding.
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Crime Reduction and Prevention
As crime and the costs of policing continue to be a key issue in both rural and urban communities, municipalities have identified the need to focus on crime prevention and reduction by resolving the root causes of crime. There is considerable research showing that early intervention and prevention with youth, families, and schools reduces violent crime in a cost-effective way: crime can be prevented by responding as soon as possible when people have risk factors such as addiction, loss of employment, or mental illness. While most early intervention and prevention programs fall under provincial jurisdiction, there is a role for the RCMP to play in cross-agency collaboration with various stakeholders and levels of government to identify the root causes of crime at a community level, pool resources, and coordinate responses. Municipalities do play a role in delivering preventative social supports through the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program; in fact, more than half of the municipalities participating in this program pay more than the required municipal cost share for the program. However, municipalities are limited by legislation that prevents FCSS programs from duplicating any provincial services.
Outcome Accountability
Municipalities expect the RCMP to operate according to prescribed accountability and governance frameworks. Many municipalities identified the need for a more transparent, collaborative approach to assessing RCMP performance that is based on the identification of policing and public safety goals through a closer working relationship between the RCMP and their primary stakeholders, particularly municipalities, which are well-positioned to identify community safety issues. Once such goals are identified, appropriate indicators should be created for assessing whether progress is being made towards achieving these goals, and regular reporting processes should be established. Municipalities are cognizant of the additional resources required to support organizational effectiveness and outcome accountability, and they acknowledge the tension inherent in balancing corporate support and centralized positions with “boots on the ground”. However, a collaborative and transparent approach to RCMP performance assessment that engages stakeholders more directly in goal identification and outcome measurement can lead to more successful, responsive, and accountable policing.
Social Justice
Recent events such as the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the Merlo-Davidson settlement underscore the need to address systemic discrimination in civil society, and the role of police in both perpetuating this discrimination and combatting it. All civil institutions, including municipal governments and police services, must work in partnership with marginalized populations to address discrimination both internally and in their interactions with the citizens they serve. To ensure public confidence in policing, municipalities support improved civilian oversight and transparency, particularly for complaints and disciplinary reviews, as well as recruitment and training initiatives that focus on diversity and inclusion.
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Municipal Policing Priorities
Based on stakeholder feedback, the Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board has developed eight municipal policing priorities and related recommendations to inform discussions on provincial policing priorities for the 2021/22 fiscal year. These priorities and recommendations are of equal importance to municipalities and are grouped by the themes identified in the previous section.
Systemic Resource Constraints
Priority 1: Develop a coordinated, long-term strategy to ensure that all vacant frontline detachment positions are filled.
Albertans need to feel safe and protected in their communities. AUMA, RMA, and the Alberta Association of Police Governance have consistently heard from their members that RCMP vacancy rates and long response times contribute to the perception that some communities are not safe. This feedback has been validated by the responses to the Board’s fall 2020 municipal survey, which identified the following three service issues as the most important for municipalities: • Filling vacancies and providing full coverage service • 911 response times • Community visibility
Only cities were likely to indicate an “other” issue as most important; otherwise, all sizes, districts, and types of municipalities agreed on the above issues as their most important.
These service issues reflect an overall lack of resources; accordingly, the Board supports allocating additional police resources to improve policing services; address rising crime rates; and enable community crime prevention and diversion initiatives. The Board was therefore pleased to see the RCMP’s announcement that the new police costing model will result in additional resources for the RCMP for 2020/21, specifically 76 new police officers and 57 new civilian support positions. Additionally, the RCMP has shared information with the Board on potential resourcing initiatives that include: • 24-hour coverage in all PPSA locations • The creation of a relief team to be deployed to detachments that are experiencing short term human resource shortages • District general duty resources that would provide district commanders with the flexibility to deploy resources to areas of need
RECOMMENDATIONS: • Work with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to identify and prioritize vacancies and gaps in service in both Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA) and Municipal Police Service Agreement (MPSA) municipalities. This would include determining what factors should be considered in making resourcing decisions, as well as the relative importance of each factor. • Develop clear and consistent communication processes with municipalities around vacancies, including information on when and how they will be filled.
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Priority 2: Update the detachment resourcing methodology to ensure that resourcing decisions reflect community needs.
The RCMP currently determines how to allocate policing resources by analyzing each detachment’s workload. This analysis takes several factors into account, including travel time, call volume, type of crimes occurring in the area, amount of time required for investigations, size of detachment, and time available for proactive policing. When asked to rank which factors were most important to their municipality, survey respondents identified travel time as by far the most significant factor (43%), followed by the types of crime in the area (29%), then time available for proactive policing (12%). Call volume, detachment size, and investigative time required were seen as less important. Rural and small urban municipalities (municipal districts, villages, and summer villages; populations under 5,000) tended to prioritize travel time over type of crime when compared to larger urban municipalities (cities and towns; populations over 5,000), although both were considered important. This likely reflects the fact that rural and small urban municipalities tend to be further away from detachments than larger municipalities.
Additionally, 70% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that resource allocation should be balanced between frontline officers and centralized, specialized, or civilian positions.
RECOMMENDATIONS: • Work with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to review resourcing methodology to ensure it reflects community need, particularly at the local level. This may include both enhancing direct RCMP engagement with local communities, and working with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to refine resourcing methodology based on the local input gathered. • Work with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to improve communication with municipalities so that they understand how resources are allocated, as well as the value of centralized, specialized, and civilian positions.
Crime Reduction and Prevention
Priority 3: Increase efforts to target repeat offenders committing crimes in rural and small urban municipalities.
Repeat offenders are a major issue in rural and small urban municipalities across Alberta. Anecdotally, many municipal leaders have indicated that most of the criminal activity occurring within their communities is due to a small group of individuals that frequently re-offend. Survey results highlight the importance that municipal leaders place on addressing repeat offenders, particularly in rural municipalities and specialized municipalities. This may indicate a specific link between repeat offenders and property crimes common in rural areas with a limited police presence.
Although a complete strategy to effectively focus on and reduce the rate of prolific and repeat offenders includes reforms to social supports and the justice system that are beyond the scope of the Alberta Police Advisory Board, there are ways in which policing approaches at the detachment, regional and province-wide level could better address repeat offenders.
The Alberta Justice and Solicitor General/RCMP 2018-2021 Joint Business Plan includes a key initiative under the “crime reduction” priority to establish “specialized crime reduction units focused on targeting
9 repeat offenders.” It is the Board’s understanding that the first crime reduction unit (CRU) was formed in Alberta in 2017 as a pilot project, and four CRUs are currently in place in the province. The Board supports the CRU model as a key tool to address prolific offenders and appreciates that the RCMP has identified expanding the use of CRUs as a potential 2021 resourcing initiative.
According to the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission’s (CRCC) March 2020 Review of the RCMP’s Crime Reduction-Type Units, Alberta’s CRUs collaborate “with the provincial agencies responsible for health, housing, addictions and human services both at the working and senior levels, including the provincial deputy minister level.” While this collaboration between CRUs and provincial agencies is a positive, the report lacks any reference to CRUs attempting to work with municipalities, municipally operated social service organizations (such as Family and Community Support Services), community peace officers, or local non-profit agencies that may provide support to those at high risk of becoming repeat offenders. As many rural and small urban communities have little or no direct provincial agency presence, it is imperative that CRUs increase their collaboration with non-provincial entities that may play a role in both preventing individuals from becoming repeat offenders and helping to identify possible repeat offenders within these communities.
RECOMMENDATIONS: • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop ways in which repeat offender- related strategies and information can be consistently and effectively communicated between detachments and municipalities or police advisory bodies, and how such discussions can then be further communicated to CRUs. • Improve reporting to municipalities and the public on what constitutes a “repeat offender” and the strategies being undertaken by the RCMP to address repeat offenders, especially in rural and small urban municipalities.
Priority 4: Work with municipal and community leaders to identify local priority enforcement areas and use this information to determine detachment and regional crime reduction strategies.
Survey results showed that while some categories of criminal activity are priorities in municipalities of all types, sizes, and regions of Alberta, there are noticeable differences in how important other types of crime were viewed by different survey respondents. For example, although “major property crime” was clearly identified as the most important crime category for Alberta’s municipalities overall, it was ranked as relatively low among town and city respondents (larger urban municipalities) and as very high among rural municipalities, summer villages, and villages. Conversely, towns and villages ranked drug-related offences as a much higher priority than respondents representing rural and small urban municipalities. Similarly, family violence was ranked as a higher priority by larger municipalities, while property crime was less of a priority.
What these results suggest is that while both drug offences and property crimes impact communities of all types and sizes, the direct impacts of each likely differ. This data could be interpreted to suggest that individuals committing drug crimes in towns and villages (where they likely live) may be travelling to rural and small urban municipalities to commit property crimes linked to drug sales or use. This is a significant assumption, but it speaks to the larger issue: crime is a major concern in communities across the province, but its specific impacts differ based on municipal size and type.
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While the survey results indicate broad differences in priority crime areas among municipalities of different types and sizes, it is likely that priority issues vary by individual municipality. For this reason, ongoing, quality collaboration between detachments and municipal/community leaders is essential to ensure that those policing the community understand the concerns and priorities of community residents and businesses. In larger municipalities where both police and municipal governments may have the time and capacity to regularly interact, this may be straightforward. However, in smaller municipalities, limited police and municipal capacity may mean that collaboration is more difficult. The impacts of municipal size on collaboration are supported in the survey results. The table below contrasts the overall survey responses to the responses of municipalities with a population below 2,000 on several questions related to police/municipal collaboration.
Question Alberta overall Municipalities with Municipalities with population below population above 2,000 2,000 Does your municipality have a 27.5% said yes 19.4% said yes 36.0% said yes police oversight body? How often does your 58.6% meet two 39.6% meet two 77.1% meet two or municipality/police oversight body times or more times or more more times meet with your detachment commanders? Do you consider your current 65% said yes 56% said yes 73.0 said yes meeting frequency with RCMP detachment commanders sufficient? Does your RCMP detachment 66% said yes 59% said yes 74.2% said yes provide you with a copy of their annual performance plan (APP)? Is your municipality or police 55% said yes 35% said yes 60.2% said yes oversight body involved in developing the detachment’s APP? Does your municipality or police 82% said yes 70% said yes 95.3% said yes oversight body receive regular reporting from your detachment?
What the results above suggest is that collaboration between small municipalities and their detachments is consistently lower than collaboration between detachments and municipalities in general. This inconsistency likely flows upwards into the policing-related priorities of small and rural municipalities being under-considered in RCMP regional and province-wide priority-setting.
While Alberta’s Police Act places the onus on municipalities to form police committees as a formal means to collaborate with their local detachment, it is not the only way. The results above clearly show that detachments often meet with municipal councils regardless of whether the municipality has a standalone police committee. However, the results also show that the level of engagement requires improvement, especially in small municipalities, nearly half of which consider their current meeting frequency with their detachments to be insufficient.
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RCMP and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General should emphasize the development of detachment standards for engagement with the municipalities they serve. Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board members have regularly heard from municipal leaders that municipal-detachment engagement is often “personality-driven,” as it is almost entirely dependent on the willingness of a particular detachment commander to take the time to work with municipal leaders. In many cases, municipalities have formed strong relationships with a detachment, only to see them evaporate when the detachment’s leadership shifts.
The Alberta Justice and Solicitor General/RCMP 2018-2021 Joint Business Plan makes some indirect references to improving community engagement, including the need to develop strategies for “local partnerships” within detachment Annual Performance Plans, and “improve the way in which the RCMP connect with, involve, and inform communities to ensure the public is receiving a prompt response to criminal complaints and a positive service experience.” However, neither of these initiatives specifically addresses the need to better inform and engage municipalities, which is especially important in small communities in which the municipality is often most knowledgeable of local concerns and trends.
RECOMMENDATIONS: • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop best practices and standards for detachments to follow to improve collaboration and engagement with small municipalities. • Recognize different rural and urban crime priority areas and use this information to inform local, regional, and provincewide policing priorities and strategies.
Priority 5: Continue to support detachments in conducting proactive policing and community engagement through the increased use of Crime Reduction Units, Call Back Units, and other resources that will allow frontline officers to increase their presence in the community.
The Alberta Justice and Solicitor General/RCMP 2018-2021 Joint Business Plan includes a strategy to create specialized units, along with the Police Reporting and Occurrence System (PROS) data centre, to increase the amount of time available to frontline police officers for proactive policing and community engagement.
The Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board is highly supportive of this existing strategy and recommends that the RCMP continue to dedicate resources to forming and expanding the use of specialized units to address and respond to crime, which will allow local officers to increase their presence in the communities they serve more strategically.
However, both the concepts of proactive policing and community visibility, as well as their importance, are not homogeneous across Alberta, but rather differ across municipal size and type. For example, in urban municipalities, community visibility may look like police consistently appearing at and participating in community events to build relationships with residents. In isolated rural areas of the province, visibility may be as simple as having a police officer physically visit a resident who was the victim of a property crime, rather than only follow up over the phone. In other words, the threshold for what constitutes an effective level of community visibility differs significantly across the province, meaning that a single definition or measure of community visibility if unlikely to exist.
Similarly, the importance of proactive policing varies across the province. In urban communities that are typically located near a detachment and have short response times, proactive policing is more of a
12 priority, likely because it is seen as the “next step” in enhancing community safety beyond the core policing aspects of actually responding to calls for service. Conversely, rural municipalities rank response time as having much higher importance than community visibility, likely because current response times in rural areas are much longer than urban communities.
The survey reflects some of the differences in how urban and rural municipalities view proactive policing. The question below shows the relative importance that representatives of different municipal types assigned to travel time and time available for proactive policing in terms of how much importance each should have determining RCMP resourcing allocations (note that a higher number indicates a higher level of importance).
Municipal Type Travel time importance Proactive policing importance City 1.71 4.29 Town 3.89 3.45 Village 4.80 3.75 Summer village 5.12 4.35 Rural municipality 4.97 2.89
What these results suggest is that larger urban municipalities that are likely to host a detachment are less concerned about travel time (which is likely already adequate), while villages, summer villages and rural municipalities, which are less likely to be near detachments, view travel time as a major concern. Interestingly, while all four urban municipal types shown above view proactive policing as relatively important, it is much less so in rural municipalities. This should not be viewed as an assumption that rural municipalities are not interested in having enhanced proactive policing in their area, but rather that response times (or reactive policing) is such a major concern in rural areas that rural expectations for anything beyond basic response is currently quite low.
These results also suggest that the RCMP must more effectively report on their rural proactive policing efforts, in the form of Crime Reduction Units, Call Back Units, and other initiatives, and their link to seeking to improve both police availability and community visibility in rural communities. It is likely that many rural residents (and municipalities) may be unaware of the proactive and strategic initiatives being undertaken by the RCMP with the end goal of increasing police presence and response in rural areas.
RECOMMENDATIONS: • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop meaningful definitions and measures of proactive policing and community visibility that are relevant in both urban and rural municipalities. • Determine how the continued growth of specialized units will directly support improved frontline policing (including proactive policing and community visibility) in rural and small urban municipalities. • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop messaging on how to better communicate the proactive policing initiatives already underway to support improved rural police services.
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Outcome Accountability
Priority 6: Provide the Alberta Police Advisory Board with adequate and consistent financial and administrative support.
The Alberta Police Advisory Board fills an important gap in the current RCMP-Alberta Justice and Solicitor General planning and priority setting process by ensuring that small and rural communities have some level of representation in the process. The current interim Board is supported by RMA and AUMA, along with additional assistance from Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and RCMP staff. Moving forward, RMA and AUMA expect to have a lesser role in the Board, as board members will no longer exclusively be RMA and AUMA representatives, but rather broader municipal and community representatives from rural and small urban municipalities.
To ensure that the Board functions effectively in the long-term, a portion of the funds currently collected through the new police costing model should be used to support the expenses and administrative requirements of the board. This includes board member costs and per diems and board administrative and capacity requirements, such as minute-taking, report writing, survey construction and analysis, and other specialized skills that the board will require but that cannot continue to be provided on RMA and AUMA on a no-cost basis. Proactively confirming that the operational Board will be adequately supported is crucial to supporting member recruitment, long-term planning, and ensuring the board can focus on policing, rather than on how to remain operational with limited provincial support.
RECOMMENDATIONS: • That Alberta Justice and Solicitor General allocate a portion of revenues collected annually through the police costing model to provide required administrative funding for the Alberta Police Advisory Board before transferring funding to the RCMP. • Collaborate with the Interim Board to determine long-term board costs and administrative requirements in order to inform the funding allocation.
Priority 7: Work with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop best practices to enhance the quality and consistency of communication and collaboration between detachments and the municipalities that they serve.
The RCMP has been a consistent and helpful partner for the Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board since its establishment in early 2020. The interim Board will be in place until the end of November 2021. Moving forward, the operational Board will likely consist of a variety of municipal and community representatives from rural and small urban municipalities across Alberta. In addition to providing input and recommendations to the RCMP and provincial government on behalf of municipalities, it is expected that the Board will play an important role in enhancing local engagement and partnership between the RCMP and municipalities across the province.
As explained under Priority 4, the effectiveness of local detachment-municipal engagement and collaboration varies by municipal size and type. A core focus of the work undertaken by the RCMP and Board should be to improve the consistency of local communication and collaboration, particularly in small municipalities, through the creation and implementation of best practices and policies that can be
14 used by both detachments and municipalities to encourage engagement in cases where a lack of time and resources may prevent the use of more “official” approaches such as police committees.
Such approaches should be flexible to meet the differing needs and capacities of municipalities, and should be grounded in the idea that an ongoing relationship should exist between each detachment and all of the municipalities it serves, but that this relationship should not necessarily look the same across the province.
RECOMMENDATIONS: • Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board (possibly through the formation of a sub- committee involving RCMP, Government of Alberta, and Board members) to develop communication and collaboration best practices and approaches in the following areas: o How to form relationships with municipal leaders o How to effectively report to and update municipalities about policing in the community o How to work with municipalities to identify and engage community leaders, including those from racialized and/or under-represented communities o How to maintain collaboration following changes in detachment and/or municipal leadership
Social Justice
Priority 8: Work with community and municipal leaders to address racism and other forms of discrimination in policing
Alberta’s communities are diverse, and many Albertans have had negative experiences with police that have shaped their perceptions of policing and the role of police in their communities. Incidents across Canada and the United States over the past year have brought into sharp focus the concerning relationship between police and racialized groups that has existed for decades. It is critical that the RCMP engage with racialized and Indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups across the province to understand their perspectives on systemic discrimination in policing, and to ensure that all Albertans are effectively served by police.
While the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General/RCMP 2018-2021 Joint Business Plan includes a priority related to better serving Indigenous communities, a similar priority is required for other marginalized groups. Additionally, although the business plan includes a strategy to develop cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion training for all employees, action must go beyond simply requiring employees to take a single diversity training course. This focus should extend to the detachment level and require each detachment to take concrete, measurable steps to learn about and engage with racialized and vulnerable groups within the communities they serve. The Alberta Police Advisory Board can play a role in supporting this relationship-building by working with municipalities to identify those in small and rural communities that are members of or represent racialized or vulnerable populations.
RECOMMENDATIONS: • Develop measurable detachment-level requirements for engaging with local racialized and/or under-represented communities. • Collaborate with municipalities and other leading community organizations to raise awareness of and respond to local social justice issues.
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• Collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to develop initiatives that will support detachments in undertaking this action.
Next Steps and Implementation
As the role of the Alberta Police Advisory Board is to provide recommendations to the RCMP and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, it is ultimately the responsibility of the provincial government and “K” Division leadership to decide whether to accept the Board’s recommendations, and if so, how to integrate them into existing planning processes and strategic initiatives.
Many of the recommendations above build on actions already reflected in planning documents, and mainly focus on the need to accelerate implementation or collaborate with the Alberta Police Advisory Board to a greater extent around certain existing initiatives.
The Board would appreciate an opportunity to meet with the leadership of the RCMP and Alberta Justice and Solicitor General to discuss the priorities identified in this report, and how all three groups can work together towards effective implementation.
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Appendix 1
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Appendix 2 – Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board Membership
Tanya Thorn Board Chair Councillor, Town of Okotoks Kara Westerlund Alternate Chair Councillor, Brazeau County Tom Burton Board Member Councillor, Municipal District of Greenview Terry Coleman Board Member Board Chair, Alberta Association of Police Governance Angela Duncan Board Member Deputy Mayor, Village of Alberta Beach Tyler Gandam Board Member Mayor, City of Wetaskiwin Trina Jones Board Member Councillor, Town of Legal Kathy Rooyakkers Board Member Councillor, County of Wetaskiwin Jason Schneider Board Member Reeve, Vulcan County
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Appendix 3 – Alberta Police Interim Advisory Board Survey
1. Name of Municipality
2. Our municipality is a: City Town Village Summer Village Specialized Municipality County/Municipal District Other (please specify)
3. We represent a population: Under 2,000 2,000 - 5,000 5,001 - 10,000 Over 10,000
4. Our municipality receives RCMP services from the following detachment(s): (fill in)
5. Please provide a contact name, in case there is a need to follow up with your municipality to clarify feedback or get more detailed information regarding interesting ideas or collaborations (optional).
Engagement with RCMP
6. Does your municipality have a police oversight body? Yes No
7. How often does your municipality or municipal/community police oversight body meet with your RCMP detachment commander(s)? Four times a year or more 2-3 times a year Once a year Less than once a year We’ve never met formally
8. Do you consider your current meeting frequency with the RCMP detachment commander(s) to be sufficient? Yes No
9. Does your RCMP detachment(s) provide you with a copy of their annual performance plan(s)?
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Yes No 10. Is your municipality or municipal police oversight body involved in developing the detachment’s annual performance plan (APP)? Yes No
11. Does your municipality or municipal police oversight body receive regular reporting (such as information on statistics, trends, and detailed crime rates) from your local detachment(s)? Yes No
If yes, what type of information do you receive? Is there any other type of information you would like to receive that is not currently provided?
If no, what type of information would you like to receive?
12. Please share any examples of effective collaboration between your detachment(s) and your municipality/community members.
13. How could your detachment(s) improve engagement with your municipality/community members?
14. Do you think that processes for providing input on local policing priorities should be formalized and standardized? For example, independent municipal, community police oversight bodies, which are currently optional, could be mandated in legislation. Yes No
If yes, what is your preferred mechanism for doing so?
Policing Priorities
15. Rank the policing priorities below in the order of importance for your municipality in 2021/22. Traffic enforcement (i.e. aggressive driving, distracted driving) Family violence (i.e. domestic abuse and threats) Illegal drug-related offenses (i.e. possession, trafficking) Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol) Crimes against persons (i.e. assaults, threats) Minor property crime (i.e. vandalism, theft from motor vehicles, theft under $5,000) Major property crime (i.e. break and enters, theft of motor vehicles, theft over $5,000) Proactive/community policing (i.e. school resource officers, patrols) Increased focus on prolific offenders Other (fill in)
16. Rank the RCMP service issues below in the order of importance for your local RCMP detachment to resolve in 2021/22.
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911 response times Community visibility Filling vacancies and providing full coverage service Engaging with the municipality (reporting, setting priorities, communication on service changes, etc.) Communication with community members and other stakeholders Other (fill in)
Rollout of New Police Resources
The RCMP currently determines how to allocate additional and/or new policing resources by analyzing each detachment’s workload. This analysis takes the following factors into account: • Travel time • Call volume • Type of crimes occurring in the area • Amount of time required for investigations • Size of detachment • Time available for proactive policing (patrols, community engagement, visiting schools, and attending community events).
17. Rank the order of importance of these factors to your municipality.
18. Are there any other factors that should be considered?
Revenue collected through the new costing model will be reinvested into policing, leading to an increase in the number of RCMP officers and civilian positions throughout the province. This investment prioritizes adding uniformed patrol officers in rural RCMP detachments, but will also add police officers to centralized RCMP units that work to address province-wide issues such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and auto and scrap metal theft. A portion of the revenue will also be used to fund new civilian positions to assist with administrative tasks and provide investigative support. These administrative roles are intended to improve response times and help ensure officers have the support they need to protect Albertans by spending more time in their communities.
19. Do you agree that RCMP resource allocation should balance frontline officers with centralized, specialized, and/or civilian positions? (Strongly agree to strongly disagree)
Police Costing Model
20. Have you engaged in conversations with your local detachment around whether any new police resources arising from the new costing model may affect policing in your municipality? Yes No
If yes, what information did you receive from your detachment on new police resources?
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21. Has the information provided by the Government of Alberta on the new police costing model been sufficient to ensure your council and staff understand the new model, including how costs are determined and how the additional funding could be used?
Yes No
If no, what additional information do you require on the new police costing model?
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PPSA Police Funding Model – 2020/21 Positions Updated: February 8, 2021
As per the 2020/21 PPSA Call-Up of new positions, including 76 regular member and 57 public service employee positions, the Alberta RCMP has allotted the following new regular member resources: • 46 positions in rural Alberta Detachments o 45 Filled o 1 Pending • 10 positions in the Call Back Unit (Filled) • 2 positions to KMOSS (Filled) • 3 positions to Child Advocacy Centers (Filled) • 3 positions to Emergency Response Teams (Filled) • 4 positions to Offender Management (Pending) • 3 positions to General Investigative Services (SAD) (2 Filled, 1 Pending) • 2 positions to Police Dog Services (Pending) • 3 positions to the Diversity Unit (Pending)
This accounts for all of the 76 regular member positions. A total of 66 positions have been filled to date, 10 positions are pending within the staffing process. See Annex A for further details.
The following public service employee positions have been allocated: • 31 Detachment Services Support positions (16 Filled, 15 Pending) • 1 Court Case Management position (Filled) • 2 Criminal Operations Strategic Management Services positions (Filled) • 4 Community Engagement and Outreach Specialists (Pending) • 4 Scenes of Crime Officers (Pending) • 6 Operational Call Center Operators (Filled) • 2 Operational Call Center Administrative Support positions (Filled) • 4 Rural Crime Reduction Analysts (Pending) • 1 Rural Crime Administrative Support positions (Pending) • 1 Forensic Identification Services Clerk – St. Paul position (Filled) • 1 Intellex position (Pending)
This accounts for all of the 57 public service employee positions. A total of 28 positions have been filled to date, and the remaining positions are pending within the staffing process. See Annex B for further details.
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Annex A – Regular Member Position Detail Police Funding Model - Year 1 - Regular Members - as of February 8, 2021
District/Unit Detachment Position Description Staffing Status Start Date
Southern Alberta AIRDRIE General Duty Filled 2020-07-10 District General Duty Filled 2020-12-10 CANMORE General Duty Filled 2020-08-11 COCHRANE General Duty Filled 2020-10-16 General Duty Filled 2020-09-30 General Duty Filled 2020-10-27 DIDSBURY General Duty Filled 2020-09-15 HIGH RIVER General Duty Filled 2020-11-03 OKOTOKS General Duty Filled 2020-07-06 STRATHMORE General Duty Filled 2020-09-14 SAD GIS General Investigative Services Filled 2020-11-13 General Investigative Services Pending General Investigative Services Filled 2020-12-10 Central Alberta BLACKFALDS General Duty Filled 2020-07-22 District CAMROSE General Duty Filled 2020-04-01 INNISFAIL General Duty Filled 2020-10-12 LEDUC General Duty Filled 2020-04-01 MORINVILLE General Duty Filled 2020-09-03 PARKLAND General Duty Filled 2020-07-27 RIMBEY General Duty Filled 2020-11-30 ROCKY MOUNTAIN General Duty Filled 2020-07-22 HOUSE General Duty Filled 2020-07-22 STETTLER General Duty Filled 2021-01-25 STRATHCONA General Duty Filled 2020-07-27 SYLVAN LAKE General Duty Filled 2020-11-28 THORSBY General Duty Filled 2020-09-14 General Duty Filled 2020-11-16 WETASKIWIN General Duty Filled 2020-07-18 Eastern Alberta ATHABASCA General Duty Filled 2020-09-21 District General Duty Filled 2020-12-21 BONNYVILLE General Duty Filled 2020-07-28 COLD LAKE General Duty Filled 2020-07-01 ELK POINT General Duty Filled 2020-07-21 General Duty Filled 2020-09-14 KITSCOTY General Duty Filled 2020-08-10 LAC LA BICHE General Duty Filled 2020-10-12 ST PAUL General Duty Filled 2020-10-29 VEGREVILLE General Duty Filled 2020-07-22 WESTLOCK General Duty Filled 2020-11-13 2 | Page
Police Funding Model - Year 1 - Regular Members - as of February 8, 2021
District/Unit Detachment Position Description Staffing Status Start Date
Western Alberta BEAVERLODGE General Duty Filled 2020-07-06 District EDSON General Duty Filled 2020-07-02 EVANSBURG General Duty Filled 2020-07-06 GRANDE PRAIRIE General Duty Filled 2020-11-23 General Duty Filled 2020-09-25 General Duty Filled 2020-09-12 HIGH LEVEL General Duty Filled 2020-10-08 MAYERTHORPE General Duty Filled 2020-07-02 VALLEYVIEW General Duty Filled 2020-07-02 WHITECOURT General Duty Filled 2020-07-02 CROPS Contract Contract Policing Call Back Unit Filled 2020-04-01 Policing Support Services Call Back Unit Filled 2020-04-01 Call Back Unit Filled 2020-04-01 Call Back Unit Filled 2020-07-01 Call Back Unit Filled 2020-04-01 Call Back Unit Filled 2020-04-01 Call Back Unit Filled 2020-04-01 Call Back Unit Filled 2020-04-01 Call Back Unit Filled 2020-04-01 Call Back Unit Filled 2020-04-02 Call Management KMOSS Filled 2020-04-07 Filled 2020-04-01 Critical Incident Program - ERT South Filled 2020-04-01 Critical Incident Program - ERT South Filled 2020-04-01 Critical Incident Program - ERT South Filled 2020-04-01 Diversity Engagement Pending Diversity Engagement Pending Hate Crimes Pending Offender Management Pending Offender Management Pending Offender Management Pending Offender Management Pending Police Dog Services Pending Police Dog Services Pending Serious Crimes Operations South Child Advocacy Center - Red Deer Filled 2020-04-01 Branch Child Advocacy Center - Sheldon Kennedy Centre Filled 2020-09-01 Operations North Child Advocacy Center - Zebra Centre Filled 2020-04-01 3 | Page
Annex B – Civilian Position Detail
Police Funding Model - Year 1 - Civilian Support - as of February 8, 2021
District/Unit Detachment Position Description Staffing Status Start Date Southern Alberta District BEISEKER Detachment support Pending BOW ISLAND Detachment support Pending COCHRANE Detachment support Pending DIDSBURY Detachment support Pending LAKE LOUISE Detachment support Pending OLDS Detachment support Filled 2021-01-11 PICTURE BUTTE Detachment support Filled 2020-12-01 TURNER VALLEY Detachment support Pending Central Alberta District BASHAW Detachment support Pending BRETON Detachment support Pending INNISFAIL Detachment support Filled 2021-01-04 RIMBEY Detachment support Pending STRATHCONA Detachment support Pending SYLVAN LAKE Detachment support Filled 2020-11-30 THORSBY Detachment support Filled 2021-01-12 Eastern Alberta District CORONATION Detachment support Filled 2020-12-21 DESMARAIS Detachment support Pending KITSCOTY Detachment support Filled 2020-09-23 PROVOST Detachment support Pending TWO HILLS Detachment support Filled 2021-01-05 WOOD BUFFALO Detachment support Pending Detachment support Filled 2020-11-12 Western Alberta District BEAVERLODGE Detachment support Filled 2020-12-21 FOX CREEK Detachment support Filled 2020-10-28 GRANDE PRAIRIE Detachment support Pending Detachment support Filled 2020-09-21 HINTON Detachment support Filled 2020-10-02 MANNING Detachment support Filled 2020-12-21 PEACE RIVER Detachment support Filled 2021-01-06 RED EARTH CREEK Detachment support Pending VALLEYVIEW Detachment support Filled 2021-01-11
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Police Funding Model - Year 1 - Civilian Support - as of February 8, 2021
District/Unit Detachment Position Description Staffing Status Start Date CROPS Contract Policing Contract Policing OCC - Administrative Filled 2020-04-01 Support Services Support Filled 2020-10-14 OCC - Telecommunications Filled 2020-11-05 Operators Filled 2020-11-06 Filled 2020-11-05 Filled 2021-02-12 Filled 2021-01-04 Filled 2020-10-01 Scenes of Crime Officers Pending Pending Pending Pending Court Case Management Filled 2019-05-01 Community and Community Engagement Pending Indigenous and Outreach Specialists Pending Policing Pending Pending CROPS Contract Criminal CROPS Strategic Filled 2020-04-01 Operations Management Services Filled 2019-03-18 Crime Reduction Analysts Pending Pending Pending Pending Crime Reduction - Pending Administrative Support Forensic Identification Filled 2020-04-01 Services Clerk - St. Paul Intellex Pending
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Alberta RCMP Resources supporting Community Safety
In addition to the police officers in communities, the Alberta RCMP is made up of a number of programs that contribute to the safety of Albertan communities. Below is a description of a many of these programs:
Operational Communication Centers The Operational Communications Center is the first point of contact for the public requesting police assistance in both emergency and non-urgent matters. Operators receive calls and evaluate what services are required. Dispatchers then convey the information to officers as quickly as possible, ensuring priority is placed on public and officer safety.
Traffic Services Traffic Services focuses on enhancing safety on Alberta’s roadways through targeting behaviours that negatively impact safety and lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Traffic Services also detects and interdicts criminal networks that use highways for criminal enterprise and distribution of contraband.
Crime Reduction Units Crime Reduction Units (CRUs) are specialized units with the primary mandate to support detachments by targeting priority offenders, known crime hotspots and the underlying causes of crime. CRU teams help address an identified enforcement problem, especially in the areas of property crime, auto theft and ongoing criminal activity.
Integrated Offender Management Integrated Offender Management (IOM) is a program in which constables work with the Government of Alberta Justice and Solicitor General’s Office Integrated Community Safety Unit (ICSU), to bring community stakeholders/partners together to manage offenders in a collaborative way with an effort to reduce recidivism.
Crime Analysts Crime analysts use database research techniques to analytically identify, predict, and help prevent crime. They provide strategic, statistical and investigative support to police forces by developing ways of reducing criminal activities within specific areas. This enables police officers to target their efforts in addressing criminal behavior.
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Police Dog Services Police Dog Services provides support to many detachments and specialized units across rural Alberta, enhancing public and police officer safety in communities. Police Dog Services often deploy with Crime Reduction Teams assisting with high-risk situations and tracking down offenders who are attempting to evade police. Police Dog Services also assist detachments in locating missing people.
Forensic Identification Services Forensic Identification Services supports front line policing in Alberta by providing a variety of specialized and expert investigative services. Forensic Identification members secure, record and document crime scenes, as well as collect and package exhibits for analysis.
Emergency Response Team Emergency Response Team (ERT) is the RCMP’s tactical unit. Referred to as SWAT by many police agencies in Canada, ERT members are the tactical operators who deploy to situations that are beyond the means of the front line regular members such as hostage takings and high-risk firearms complaints and executing high-risk search warrants.
Special Tactical Operations The Special Tactical Operations Team functions as a public order team who responds to instances of civil disobedience. This team is also used to augment detachments with additional specialized support, such as conducting large scale, complex evidence searches and disaster response.
Explosive Disposal Unit Explosive Disposal Units are experts in the public awareness, disposal and investigation of all explosive devices. They will sometimes support other units such as ERT with things like explosives forced entries. The Explosive Disposal Units is also trained in the mitigation and investigation of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear scenes.
Serious Crimes Branch Serious Crimes Branch is responsible to investigate homicides, serious persons crimes and child abuse. The Serious Crimes Branch is made up of several units with significant expertise:
Major Crimes: Major Crimes Units are comprised of highly specialized investigators who conduct homicide investigations, along with investigations related conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, suspicious deaths and suspicious missing persons files. Major Crime Units also provide assistance and guidance to detachment members in serious incidents such as workplace fatalities and crime crash investigations.
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Interview Assistance Team: The Interview Assistance Team works with Major Crimes and other units to provide specialized interview and interrogation skills to support serious investigations.
Missing Persons Unit: The Missing Persons Unit monitors, reviews and assists with Missing Persons investigations across the Province. This unit also houses the Center for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains.
Child Advocacy Centers: The Alberta RCMP has partnered with not for profit and community service groups throughout the province to support Child Advocacy Centers. Child Advocacy Centers are places where children and youth who have experienced abuse can go to tell their story and get support through the disclosure, investigation, judicial and healing journey.
High Risk Offender Program: The High Risk Offender Program (HROP) works with high risk violent offenders throughout the Province. The single HROP member works closely with Correctional Service Canada, the Province and Crown to identify high-risk violent offenders being released from the Federal and Provincial Institutions at the expiry of their sentence. HROP works to place offenders on peace bonds and assist with managing them in the community.
Behavioural Sciences Group: Behavioural Sciences Group was established due to increasing need to provide support services through the use of the most current behavioural science-based investigative tools. The Threat Evaluation and Management Team (TEM) prevents violence by evaluating the potential for targeted violent acts and implementing plans to reduce the risk of these acts from occurring. Another Behavioural Science tool is the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (VICLAS) which helps investigators identify serial criminals by focusing on the linkages that exist among crimes committed by the same offender. Other Behavioural Science tools include such things as Geographic Profiling, High Risk Offender Programs and the Sex Offender Registry.
General Investigative Services General Investigative Services support detachments by providing enhanced investigative capacity on files that are complex and often multi-jurisdiction. General Investigative Services investigate both persons and property crime, including but not limited to robberies, break and enters, thefts and assaults.
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‘K’ Division Member Operational Support Section (KMOSS) KMOSS is located with our Operational Communication Center and is staffed with Senior police officers who provide guidance and advice to officers, when their supervisor or detachment commander is off-shift. They support the employees in the OCC in assessing the need for immediate call out to incidents and provides a point of coordination for significant police incidents.
Call Back Unit The Call Back Unit was established to create a more efficient and effective method of managing non-urgent calls from citizens for police service. Non-urgent police calls are diverted to the Call Back Unit and the members of the unit contact the complainants, investigate the occurrence and document the results accurately on the PROS records management system. When follow-up or further investigation is required, the Call Back Unit engages the Detachment of jurisdiction or specialized Unit most appropriate to the nature of the crime.
In June 2020, the Alberta RCMP’s On-Line crime reporting system became operational. This system allows Albertans the convenience of inputting their non-urgent complaints via a computer, tablet or cell phone, at any time of day or night, through a secure system for investigation by the Alberta RCMP. The Call Back Unit has investigated over 600 online crime reports from Albertans. The files are primarily property-crime related, including theft under, bicycle theft, vandalism and mischief.
Pros Data Center The Pros Data Center (PDC) is an administrative unit established to improve and modernize the method in which the Alberta RCMP documents calls for police services and the subsequent investigations and intelligence learned. Front line members can also obtain support from the PDC to help them complete their obligation of documenting police investigations.
Community Liaison Program The Community Liaison Program serves as a touch point with communities, by actively sharing information and hosting educational sessions with community groups regarding the Alberta RCMP and the services we provide to help them prevent crime. This group also actively shares information to support community lead initiatives such as information about grant/funding opportunities.
Restorative Justice Program Restorative Justice is a method that resolves disputes by addressing the harm caused by crime or conflict. It promotes meaningful resolutions by addressing the victim’s needs and holds the offender responsible for their actions. Each detachment in Alberta has a dedicated Restorative Justice Liaison and they support all Justice and Solicitor General Restorative Justice Initiatives and they provide referrals to established programs.
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Relationship Violence Program This Unit is responsible for updating policy, providing support and subject matter expertise and guidance to frontline members. The Unit develops and delivers training for Alberta RCMP members and proactively maintains effective and collaborative relationships with external partner agencies.
Sexual Assault Reviewer The creation of the Alberta RCMP Sexual Assault Review Coordinator provides oversight and guidance to all regular members conducting sexual assault investigations in the Province. This position also assists Criminal Operations with high-risk files, reviews and the development of policies, procedures and programs for the Alberta RCMP.
Financial Crimes The Provincial Financial Crimes Unit primarily carries investigations, which are too complex and time consuming for detachments to undertake; these investigations often require a certain level of expertise that is gained through experience and time. In additions to these complex investigations, members of the unit are also fully engaged in requests to provide guidance and support to detachment personnel in conducting smaller scale fraud investigations and the unit is also tasked with priority investigations of a political nature.
Air Services Air Services utilizes fixed wing aircraft, helicopter and Remote Piloted Aircraft System (also knowns as drones), to provide aerial transport and airborne tactical support to the Alberta RCMP as well as other government departments and law enforcement agencies. Services include operational support, transport of resources and cargo and aerial surveillance.
Investigative Support There are a number of units that deploy operational assets and resources to support investigations in Alberta utilizing specialized techniques. Units included within this section are: Special Engineering Services, Special I, Special O, and Protective Technical Services Section. The expertise and assets within these units assist in successfully track and charge offenders advancing crime reduction efforts.
Digital Forensic Services Digital Forensic Services provides digital forensic examination and analysis of electronic exhibits in support of investigations.
Major Case Management Operational Service Centre Major Case Management Operational Service Centre’s primary duties are to assist in organizing evidence (notes, seized documents, reports, multimedia etc.) for disclosure to the courts. This can involve combining information, converting to PDF and transcribing audio and video statements.
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BUDGET 2021 Media Speaking Points
Feb 26, 2021 Media Speaking Points | Budget 2021
Municipal Sustainability Initiative & Local Government Funding Framework Municipalities have long sought, stable, predictable and legislated funding. The 25% reduction to MSI and the 2-year delay in implementing the LGFF is disappointing - it breaks the UCP campaign promise to “Ensure predictable, long-term infrastructure funding for municipalities.” This is a missed opportunity to meaningfully engage municipalities in economic recovery and resiliency. And to allocate funds to those communities that need it most.
Interference in Local Elections Committing $10 million to cover the costs of referenda and senate elections is a reminder the province has no interest in keeping local elections local and will proceed to push outside issues into municipal campaigns. We have been consistent in asking the government to respect municipalities’ autonomy and the democratic process that gives municipal councils their mandate from Albertans, without introducing federal and provincial issues into local elections. It’s disappointing that they government has again ignored our principles for democratic local government elections. They are effectively trampling on local democracy.
Education Property Taxes We appreciate the province’s share of Education Property Tax is frozen this year, but the province continues to take more than 30 cents of every dollar in property taxes paid by residents and businesses, removing those financial resources from our communities. That is money that could be used to support local businesses and local economic recovery. Municipalities could use it to pay for policing, infrastructure, maintenance, and the many, many services citizens expect from their local governments.
Opioid Crisis I want to highlight the opioid crisis that is stalking Alberta right now. While funding for recovery and treatment is important, communities face an opioid death crisis.
2 Media Speaking Points | Budget 2021
• The provincial death toll surged to 997 by the end of November 2020, with one month worth of data yet to be disclosed. • This surpasses the previous yearly record in 2018 — in which 806 deaths were recorded — by almost 24%. • While Budget 2021 maintains the province’s original plan of allocating $140 million over four years in addiction recovery programs, it does not address the immediate opioid crisis and skyrocketing number of deaths.
Mental Health We do acknowledge that the budget pledges to implement the recommendations of the Mental Health and Addiction Advisory Council to increase access to recovery-oriented addiction recovery and mental health services, while investing $40 million to support treatment and recovery services.
Municipalities large and small are united in their concern about the mental health of their citizens and AUMA will seek ways to work with the province to other partners seek ways to enhance mental health support.
Affordable Housing The 2021 strategic plan states that the province is responsible for ensuring Albertans have access to high quality services such as affordable housing and supports for vulnerable and marginalized people. Despite this commitment, no funding has been allocated to the City of Edmonton to help operate the supportive housing units being built under the federal Rapid Housing Initiative.
Policing Budget 2021 maintains funding for police grants at the same level as in 2020: $30 million for the Police Officer Grant and $59.2 million for the Municipal Policing Assistance Grant. The new police funding model introduced in 2020 will raise an additional $11.3 million in 2021. Last year, the model raised $15.4 million, which was used to hire 76 regular members and 57 new civilian support positions in the RCMP. The $26.7 million raised in 2021 will be used to hire 55 regular members and 42 support staff for the RCMP. AUMA is following up to determine why there will be fewer hires this year compared to in 2020, despite increased revenue.
3 Media Speaking Points | Budget 2021
Maintaining Supports After significant reductions in previous years, we are relieved that the province has held flat the funding for Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT), which impacts municipalities that are home to provincially-owned buildings and facilities. At the same time, we need to recognize that past reductions have already sent some small communities with a high proportion of provincially own properties, over a fiscal cliff.
In Closing AUMA is satisfied that the province is maintaining support levels for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and Library Funding. AUMA will continue to advocate for collaborative partnerships with municipalities to ensure that responsible investment occurs in our communities, where we can maximize the return on our investments, create jobs and stimulate our economy.
4
SafeRoads Alberta Freeing up police and courts to make Alberta safer
The Justice Transformation Initiative (JTI) is This phase of the project will not include other tasked with restoring justice system capacity, regulatory matters, or bylaw enforcement at this improving public safety, and enhancing time. accessibility for Albertans. What does this mean for municipalities? On December 1, 2020, the Provincial Law enforcement agencies and authorized Administrative Penalties Act came into force employers will be required to adhere to the paving the way for a simplified, accessible and electronic issuance requirement of these swift system for the enforcement of many administrative penalties. While some agencies provincial regulatory matters through have the ability to issue tickets electronically, administrative penalties. This act introduced the administrative penalties are issued and enhanced Immediate Roadside Sanctions information collected through APIS, the program with serious, immediate and escalating Administrative Penalties Information System , consequences for all impaired drivers. It also and no longer JOIN. There will be no paper created SafeRoads Alberta, an administrative issuance of administrative penalties accepted. system that has been proven to significantly reduce impaired driving in other jurisdictions. Nothing will change when it comes to the Under this new model, non-criminally-charged distribution of fine revenue to municipalities, drivers can quickly and easily review their Fine revenue will continue to be distributed to tickets online and have their matter completed the municipalities in the same way they are for within 30 days. tickets today. Automated Traffic Enforcement will be included What is next for the Justice in the administrative penalties, and as such, it is Transformation Initiative? critical for conversations to begin with these In late 2021, SafeRoads Alberta will be vendors to ensure a smooth transition from the expanded to resolve most other Traffic Safety current data collection model to what will be Act contraventions, excluding serious matters required in the future. like those that result in bodily harm or death, Conversations continue with law enforcement removing approximately 2 million tickets from agencies and authorized employers on these Alberta’s court system. This will free up more changes. than 30,000 hours of law enforcement officer time – ensuring police are on the streets To find out more information, please visit protecting Albertans and communities. SafeRoads Alberta. In addition, the JTI will coordinate the provincial Contact adoption of electronic issuance for all SafeRoads Alberta: [email protected] administrative penalties.
www.saferoads.com ©2020 Government of Alberta | Published: February 16, 2020 Classification: Protected A 3/4/2021 Welcome BVFA Members!
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Thank you so much for joining and welcome BVFA Members!
We are very excited to have you become part of our movement in creating a culture of collaboration and advocating for food sovereignty in the Bow Valley. 2020 has been a challenging year in many ways and we hope that together we can come out stronger!
Mark your calendars!
https://mailchi.mp/259ca4690b42/welcome-bvfa-members 1/4 3/4/2021 Welcome BVFA Members! Our first Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for March 16 from 5:00- Subscribe Past Issues Translate 6:30 PM (MST) via zoom. If you haven't already please register for the AGM here.
The first 45 minutes is the Governance part and we really need you to be there as voting members. In the second part of the meeting we will have two great speakers talking around the theme of Embracing Change, sharing perspectives around food charities and operating an agricultural business during COVID-19.
You will find the the Bylaws to be discussed and approved at the bottom of the About Us page on our website here.
If you are interested in becoming a board member, please email the board directly at [email protected] with a statement of interest of 200 words max by March 1st. We hope that some of you will join the following committees by emailing the board or by raising your hand at the AGM meeting.
Communications Committee Financial Committee Governance Committee Food Charter Working Group
We are also looking for 2 members to revise the financial statements to be approved at the AGM. If you are interested in auditing, please email [email protected] to let the board know.
We look forward to this upcoming event, please read our draft agenda below.
AGM Agenda
https://mailchi.mp/259ca4690b42/welcome-bvfa-members 2/4 3/4/2021 Welcome BVFA Members!
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Charlie Spring, Independent Researcher Dr. Charlie Spring has been interested in food since she first tasted food, and interested in food systems
for over a decade since reading Raj Patel’s Stuffed and Starved when she was working for ATD Fourth
World, an anti-poverty campaign charity in London, UK (her hometown). She wrote a PhD comparing
different UK organisations that redistribute donated and ‘surplus’ food. She moved to Calgary for a
research post exploring connections between housing and food insecurity, she is still driven by Raj Patel’s
conundrum: why do we have a world with more than enough food for everyone, but people hungry and
malnourished? And what can we do about it?
https://mailchi.mp/259ca4690b42/welcome-bvfa-members 3/4 3/4/2021 Welcome BVFA Members! Vanessa Hanel, Founder and Owner of Micro YYC Subscribe Past Issues Translate Micro YYC is an urban microgreen operation located in Calgary that has been providing fresh microgreens
and shoots since 2015. Vanessa Hanel is the owner of this micro business and it was her love of
gardening and good food that lead her to start growing greens. Micro YYC has come a long way since its
inception in Vanessa’s basement, and now operates out of a 3000 square foot warehouse with a team of 6
part time staff and distributes microgreens to stores, restaurants and markets in Calgary and beyond. She
is also now balancing business with motherhood and has her hands very full with her 15 months old twins!
This email was sent to <
https://mailchi.mp/259ca4690b42/welcome-bvfa-members 4/4 3/4/2021 Gmail - Re: Councilor inquiry - Chief Improvement District No 9.
Danielle Morine
Re: Councilor inquiry - Chief Improvement District No 9. 1 message
Danielle Morine
Thank you for your response Darrick, but I think perhaps the issue was misunderstood.
We have no concerns at all about the safety of your staff and our residents - we are confident you will follow all protocols.
The concern is that the results you will get will be significantly lower than the past 5 years, and significantly lower than the next 5 years. Due to operating restrictions, businesses have not hire amounts. You cannot live here without a job, so without work people leave. If our census totals drop considerably because of a 1-2 year anomaly due to the pandemic, it will affect us until the to Provincial and Federal funding.
Council has concerns about this and I would like to be able to provide them with information.
Danielle Morine Chief Administra ve Offic er, Improvement District No. 9 Execu ve Direct or, Lake Louise Banff Municipal Services Society 103 Village Road | Box 58 Lake Louise | Alberta | T0L 1E0 Office (403) 522-2606 | Cell (403) 762-1958
On Mon, Feb 22, 2021 at 9:44 AM Cheuk, Darrick (STATCAN)
Hello Danielle,
Please see below, I followed up with our COMMs and methodology department, with regards to councilors inquiry:
Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns for population counts in your community during the upcoming census, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We would l that Statistics Canada has adapted to COVID-19 to ensure that the 2021 Census is conducted throughout the country in the best possible way, using a safe and secure approach. Collection been redesigned to ensure respondents and census employees are safe by limiting the amount of contact needed to participate in this important exercise. Respondents will be encouraged questionnaire online, as it is the best way to stay home and stay safe, while fulfilling the census obligation. The census will continue to enumerate individuals based on the concept of usual is designed to guide the respondent if they are not sure where they should be counted.
Statistics Canada, like yourself, wants the very best response rate possible, which means accurate data for key decision-makers like governments, businesses, associations, community org information provided by respondents will ensure that the 2021 Census of Population accurately reflects Canada’s changing society, and that decision-makers have the information they need employment, education and health care.
As per the Statistics Act, both the Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture must take place every five years.
In collaboration with Improvement District No. 9. , we look forward to a highly successful 2021 Census.
Sincerely,
Darrick Cheuk
Area Manager, Western Region and Northern Territories
Statistics Canada
Chef de secteur, Région de l’Ouest et des territoires du Nord
[email protected] Telephone | Téléphone 780-224-5904 Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
www.census.gc.ca www.recensement.gc.ca
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From: Cheuk, Darrick (STATCAN) Sent: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 5:59 PM To: Danielle Morine
Hi Danielle,
Apologies for the delay. With regards to your question, I have forwarded the inquiry to our methodology and communications team so they can address your concerns. I will get ba
Thank you,
Darrick
From: Danielle Morine
I appreciate you getting back to me,
We have confidence in your safety protocols, so no need to explain yourself or your processes. Our main concern is that the census won't be accurate and it will be an ano in residents as a result of the pandemic. I am more than happy to make myself available for a virtual meeting sometime next week.
If you have any questions at all, please let me know!
Danielle Morine Chief Administrative Officer, Improvement District No. 9 Executive Director, Lake Louise Banff Municipal Services Society 103 Village Road | Box 58 Lake Louise | Alberta | T0L 1E0 Office (403) 522-2606 | Cell (403) 762-1958
On Thu, Feb 4, 2021 at 3:07 PM Cheuk, Darrick (STATCAN)
Hi Danielle,
My name is Darrick Cheuk and I am the Area Manager for Alberta this Census. Thank you so much for the assistance with the recruitment effort, Harry has forwarded m questions related to safety precautions, as well as the count information.
Jim Evans is my Field Operations manager responsible that oversees the area. If you have time, would love to set up a quick meeting / chat where we can discuss some
We are both managing the operation side, so we can give you an overview of our timelines and safety precautions, and also address some of the questions with regards question to the right department within Statistics Canada.
Regards,
Darrick Cheuk
Area Manager, Western Region and Northern Territories
Statistics Canada
Chef de secteur, Région de l’Ouest et des territoires du Nord
[email protected] Telephone | Téléphone 780-224-5904 Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
www.census.gc.ca www.recensement.gc.ca
Follow us: Facebook | Instagram | Suivez-nous : Facebook | Instagram | https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692414501139637715%7Cmsg-a%3Ar-192363114672… 2/5 3/4/2021 Gmail - Re: Councilor inquiry - Chief Improvement District No 9.
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From: Chandler, Harry (STATCAN) Sent: Wednesday, February 3, 2021 3:22 PM To: Evans, Jim (STATCAN)
The question in more specific detail below.
Harry Chandler
Recruitment FOSD 6060/Recrutement FOSD 6060
Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
587-434-2655
From: Danielle Morine [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: February 3, 2021 3:18 PM To: Chandler, Harry (STATCAN)
Neither, Council is quite concerned with doing a Census in the middle of a pandemic. It is my understanding that it is based on actual residents few years, we have well exceeded the recorded census data in ID9. Now, because of all the closures, we anticipate we will be at a record low f The census data is used for a myriad of models including policing, grant funding and capital infrastructure investments. For example, our curren (which a quick conversation with our primary employers proves that is low for past years - aside from Covid). It is likely that in 2021 we will be r as international travel opens back up our numbers will skyrocket to their previous volume.
We can count residents by simply asking all of our employers in the area how many people they have housed in Lake Louise because you cann here. It is all employer provided aside from the small Townhouse building with a finite number of units.
Danielle Morine
Chief Administrative Officer, Improvement District No. 9
Executive Director, Lake Louise Banff Municipal Services Society
103 Village Road | Box 58
Lake Louise | Alberta | T0L 1E0
Office (403) 522-2606 | Cell (403) 762-1958
On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 3:04 PM Chandler, Harry (STATCAN)
Thanks so much for your help, Danielle.
As to your question, are you referring to jobs available during the census period? Or do you mean after the census is completed and how this funds to assist with unemployment in the area?
Regards,
Harry
Harry Chandler
Recruitment FOSD 6060/Recrutement FOSD 6060
Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
[email protected] https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692414501139637715%7Cmsg-a%3Ar-192363114672… 3/5 3/4/2021 Gmail - Re: Councilor inquiry - Chief Improvement District No 9. 587-434-2655
From: Danielle Morine [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: February 3, 2021 2:44 PM To: Chandler, Harry (STATCAN)
I have posted to the Lake Louise Sport & Recreation Centre, Lake Louise Community & Lake Louise Buy/Sell pages on Facebook. We are lo updated census data for our region. On that note, you are conducting this census when we have high numbers of unemployment, and you c job. Will there be consideration made for that?
Danielle Morine
Chief Administrative Officer, Improvement District No. 9
Executive Director, Lake Louise Banff Municipal Services Society
103 Village Road | Box 58
Lake Louise | Alberta | T0L 1E0
Office (403) 522-2606 | Cell (403) 762-1958
On Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 9:57 AM Chandler, Harry (STATCAN)
Hi Danielle,
Thank you for your assistance with this. I’ve attached the recruitment poster in JPEG format below.
Regards,
Harry
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692414501139637715%7Cmsg-a%3Ar-192363114672… 4/5 3/4/2021 Gmail - Re: Councilor inquiry - Chief Improvement District No 9.
Harry Chandler
Recruitment FOSD 6060/Recrutement FOSD 6060
Statistics Canada | Statistique Canada
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
587-434-2655
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=a995a08e23&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1692414501139637715%7Cmsg-a%3Ar-192363114672… 5/5 3/4/2021 Gmail - Have Your Say - Update on Alberta Coal Policy
Danielle Morine
Have Your Say - Update on Alberta Coal Policy 1 message
Louise Albert
Dear Chairperson Dave Schebek:
Further to my letter dated February 3, 2021, I confirm that the Government of Alberta reinstated the Coal Policy on February 8, 2021. While this is a positive step, we must continue to be actively involved in protecting the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies. While the Coal Policy has been reinstated, coal exploration in these areas continues, which is concerning.
The Government of Alberta has indicated that it will begin public consultation on March 29, 2021. Please continue to send letters and have your voice heard as part of these discussions. We must ensure that these lands are protected for future generations to come.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Thank you,
Louise Albert on behalf of Mayor Craig Snodgrass
Craig Snodgrass
Mayor of High River
“Doing It Better, Being Innovative & Daring To Be Different”
Ph: 403.603.3413
www.choosehighriver.ca
www.highriver.ca
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