From: Damien Traverse
As promised, here is the Q&A from our Municipal Update call on December 22nd, 2020.
Additionally, attached are the most recent orders.
Of note, Order 44 helps clarify intent regarding outdoor rinks and outdoor group physical activity, including hockey, addressing questions/ concerns brought forward by municipalities.
You can also find the orders here:
Order 44: https://www.alberta.ca/covid‐19‐orders‐and‐legislation.aspx
Single person exemption: https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced‐public‐health‐measures.aspx ‐ (under exemptions)
I hope everyone has a great holiday season.
Cheers,
Damien Traverse Section Chief, Stakeholder Relations Alberta Health Emergency Operations Centre [email protected]
Questions and answers from CMOH Municipality Briefing (December 22)
Municipality Questions Responses Door to Door Sales Are door-to-door salespersons allowed to Yes, door-to-door salespersons may continue to operate under the enhanced public health operate. They must practice good hand hygiene, measures? wear masks, and maintain 2 metres of distance between themselves and customers at all times.
Municipality Data Why are only communities over 2,000 listed for The Government of Alberta is committed to COVID rates? Why is the information presented sharing information while protecting patients the to municipalities in the manner that it is? right to privacy. The current reporting threshold, including the 2,000 population cutoff, balances these two objectives. We are committed to continually reviewing and assessing our approach in the months to come.
Alberta Health has released new municipal case data to provide a better idea of how COVID-19 case numbers have changed over time in Alberta communities. The cases are calculated by Alberta Health utilizing data provided by Alberta Health Services. Providing this information by date range ensures that municipalities can stay informed of how the spread is evolving, while continuing to protect patient confidentiality.
The information is available here: https://www.alberta.ca/lookup/covid19-weekly- active-cases.aspx and will allow communities to view the number of cases in their areas for the last four weeks. This data set will be updated on a weekly basis every Tuesday. You also have the option to download a complete history of active cases going back to March 2020.
Please provide more information about how the The population of a municipality is determined by population data for the new geographical data using the postal code provided for a household, breakdown are calculated. and may not be an accurate reflection of how many people actually live in a given municipality. For example, this may happen when people living in rural areas use a PO Box rather than their home address. In these cases, a person’s postal code may be attributed to a town or city even when they don’t live there. Website
Classification: Protected A How do we find the updated map that has more The new municipality data can be found here: info as to where the cases are happening? https://www.alberta.ca/lookup/covid19-weekly- active-cases.aspx
The website link isn't functional
https://immunizealberta.ca/ is missing COVID-19 answers
Vaccine Rollout The sequence of populations to be vaccinated Can you please speak to the next phases of will be addressed beginning in January. vaccine administration?
Can you please clarify where EMS and Firefighters On December 2, 2020, Premier Kenney fall into the phases of vaccine? announced the launch of the COVID-19 vaccine task force responsible for the distribution of vaccines which are expected to be received in early January. Currently, the roll out plan (https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx) involves three phases, phase 1 sequencing includes the following populations: Health-care workers in intensive care units Respiratory therapists Staff in long term care and designated supportive living facilities Home care workers Health-care workers in emergency departments All residents of long term care and designated supportive living. Seniors 75 and over First Nations, Métis and persons 65 years of age and over living in a First Nations community or Metis Settlement Health-care workers in medical, surgical and COVID-19 units or operating rooms
Phase 2 (April to September 2021) – continue targeting populations in sequence. At this time the sequence of vaccinating populations has not been defined.
Phase 3 (Fall 2021) – anticipated start of roll-out to the general public.
Classification: Protected A Outdoor Recreation 38(1) Subject to section 39 of this Order, all Can you please clarify whether outdoor team persons are prohitbited from participating in an sports are allowable? The guidance document outdoor group physical activity, including but not you have online still says YES, but everything else limited to games of hockey, where: we’ve seen says NO? THANKS! (a) Maintain a minimum physical distance of Can you please clarify previous comments on 2 metres between all participants at all skating? You mentioned a skating race could take times is not possible; place, but our understanding is sports (b) The outdoor group physical activity competitions are currently prohibited? includes more than 10 persons.
The outdoor winter recreation guidance doc (2) For greater clarity, a person may participate in contradicts info on the website. an outdoor group physical activity consisting of less than 10 persons if minimum physical distance of 2 metres between all participants is maintained at all times.
The website has been updated reflecting the new order: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-orders- and-legislation.aspx.
Communications Over the Holidays Any changes would be shared through current If changes in guidance or orders occur over the communications channels and municipalities holiday period how would municipalities be would be notified through those channels, as notified of these changes? required.
Close Contact Isolation Requirements Close contacts must isolate for 14 days from their If someone is notified that they are a close last exposure to a person who has tested positive contact of a COVID case and are required to for COVID, regardless of if they (the close isolate but they go and get tested as negative are contact) test negative. Please see they free to stop isolation or must they isolate for https://www.alberta.ca/isolation.aspx all 14 days?
Classification: Protected A From: Alberta Health Operations
BCC: all Municipal CAOs and Meeting Attendees
Good afternoon,
As discussed on the call earlier this week, Alberta Health has released new municipal case data to provide a better idea of how COVID‐19 case numbers have changed over time in Alberta communities. The information available here: https://www.alberta.ca/lookup/covid19‐weekly‐active‐cases.aspx will allow communities to view the number of cases in their areas for the last four weeks. This data set will be updated on a weekly basis every Tuesday. You will also have the option to download a complete history of active cases going back to March 2020.
The R‐Value for the province will be posted weekly on Mondays, and can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid‐19‐alberta‐data.aspx#toc‐1
Additionally, in response to questions we’ve received related to the enforcement of public health orders, the attached document outlines the roles, responsibilities, and enforcement powers of each enforcement authority. This document was prepared in partnership with Alberta Justice & Solicitor General, the AGLC, and the Alberta Association of Police Chiefs.
And, finally, also attached are the Q&A documents following up on the questions raised during the December 9 and December 15 calls with Dr. Hinshaw.
As a reminder, our next session will be on Tuesday, December 22 at 2pm.
Thank you once again for your support and patience.
Greg Murphy Alberta Health Emergency Operations Centre 2nd Floor, ATB Place North 10025 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1S6
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Alberta Enforcement Agencies for Public Health Orders Roles and Responsibilities
Agency Roles and Responsibilities During Current Empowerments and Limitations Restrictions Alberta Health / Develops COVID-19 policy and guidance. Does not conduct inspections or investigations. Office of the Provides expert consult to operationalize Cannot undertake enforcement of any kind. Chief Medical CMOH orders and guidance. Office of Health Issues CMOH Orders to protect Albertans from the COVID-19 pandemic. Liaises with partners with an enforcement role including Alberta Health Services (AHS); Justice and Solicitor General (JSG) (and through JSG, police, CPO1, CPO2); Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC); and Alberta Labour. AHS Safe Responds to business-related violations and Can enter any public place without warrant and Healthy complaints and work directly with owners to can request to be accompanied by a police Environments ensure compliance. officer or expert. Follows-up with complaints that are not time- Can close facilities and prevent public access to sensitive (e.g. businesses not following any location. COVID-19 guidance). Can order any work to be completed although Supports Police, CPO1 and CPO2 in passing orders can be appealed. along intelligence on violations or complaints Can pursue prosecution under the Public Health (e.g., gatherings or parties). Act (however a very limited number of Manages and oversee the public complaint prosecutions are pursued). portal. Can investigate infractions that have occurred in Can participate in scheduled coordination with the past to prevent recurrence and can pursue inspection partners and police. enforcement on actions occurring within the past
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Provide timely response to police services and 6 months with sufficient evidence. CPO1 when requests are submitted about Cannot write tickets. individuals who should be in isolation or Cannot provide a timely response to illegal quarantine but are not. gatherings, but may be able to support Contact police servies and/or CPO1 regarding enforcement if advance notice is provided. reports of individuals who are required to isolate but are not. AHS Medical Utilize Section 39 under the Public Health Act A distinct MOH group represents each AHS Officers of to issue certificates for recalcitrant individuals. zone. Health (MOH) Utilize Section 44 under the Public Health Act MOH groups maintain an on-call schedule. to detain, test, and further detain individuals that are a risk to the public. AGLC Responsible for enforcing restricted hours Can perform “operating checks” in any licensed related to liquor service and consumption at facility. businesses. Can achieve compliance through education or Monitors the closure of table play at casinos. administrative sanction as determined by AGLC regulatory division. Cannot issue tickets. AJSG Public Responsible for ensuring adequate and Cannot undertake enforcement of any kind. Security effective policing in the Province. Cannot undertake inspections of the public of Division Responsible for oversight of all Law any kind. Enforcement Agencies. Responsible for the provision of authorities to peace officers. Provides advice and direction to policing and law enforcement agencies in general, on behalf of and within the mandate of the Minister. Justice/ Crown The Alberta Crown Prosecution is responsible Determines whether prosecution of an individual Prosecutor for prosecuting Violations of the CMOH Order or entity/business is in the public interest. and the Public Health Act violations in the Provincial Court of Alberta. Provides an advisory role to AHS and Police
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for charges or tickets that are being contemplated. The ACPS is available for calls after hours and on weekends. Peter Mackenzie 403-470-0875. Police Services Respond to complaints of a time-sensitive Can conduct investigations. nature relating to individuals or groups of Can issue tickets. individuals who are contravening CMOH Limited power of entry into public or private Orders, with a focus on gathering, distancing places without a judicial order, which may and masking restrictions/requirements. impede enforcement of private social gatherings. Enforce (i.e., ticket) individuals who are Must triage CMOH Order violations against violating gathering, distancing and masking reports of other infractions. restrictions (masking is required in Edmonton RCMP are often the only level of enforcement in and Calgary metropolitan areas in public certain communities. places, including workplaces – e.g. malls and markets). Provide ticketing assistance and protective services to AHS inspectors and to CPO1 and CPO2. Apprehend and convey recalcitrant individuals to a named facility at request of MOH. Assist MOH in detaining, testing, and further detaining individuals who are a risk to the public. Community Assist, or work independently of, Police in Can issue tickets. Peace Officers providing a rapid response to: Trained to conduct enforcement independently (Level 1) o Enforcement (i.e. tickets) against of Police. individuals who are violating gathering, Limited power of entry into public or private distancing and masking places, which may impede enforcement of restrictions/requirements. private social gatherings. o Complaints of a time-sensitive nature Not all communities have CPO1 support. relating to individuals or groups of individuals who are contravening CMOH Orders, with a focus on gathering,
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distancing and masking restrictions/requirements. Issue tickets as required. Patrol and respond to concerns in malls, seasonal markets and other public spaces where crowding may occur. Community Provide an enforcement presence in malls and By exception on request, some officers may be Peace Officers seasonal markets where crowding may occur authorized to issue tickets. (Level 2) / to strengthen impression that distancing, Generally not trained to the same level as CPO Bylaw gathering, and masking requirements are being 1s and may not be trained to safely conduct carefully monitored. enforcement independently of CPO1 or Police. Observe, interact with and educate public; not Limited power of entry into public or private expected to write tickets. places, which may impede enforcement of Act as a force-multiplier by informing police private social gatherings. and CPO1 of areas where conflict is arising or Not all communities have CPO2 support. tickets should be issued. Labour Partners with AHS in some workplace Have power of entry into worksites under inspections. provincial jurisdiction (we do not have authority Enhances inspections of workplaces across in federally regulated workplaces). the province to address areas of concern that Can issue orders, administrative penalties and have been noted in the transmission of COVID- tickets to take action against workplaces not in 19 or where there are reports that compliance. workers/employers are not implementing the Will be able to issue tickets to workers and CMOH orders correctly. This includes for employers for violations of mandatory masking example, workplaces considering “cohorting” to provisions in EDM and CGY. *Note that this be a satisfactory mitigation for preventing requires EMCC approval and MO changes for workplace infection. Labour and JSG. A process has begun to enable Enforcement (i.e., ticketing) of mandatory this. masking in workplaces in the Edmonton and Not mandated to protect the public; rather focus Calgary regions in support of CMOH Order 38- on worker safety and employer obligation to 2020. *Note that this requires 2 MO changes protect workers. using the PHE to allow for this.
Classification: Protected A Questions and Answers from CMOH Municipality Briefing (December 9)
Recreation Facilities Can municipal arenas and pools Indoor arenas and pools cannot be opened for private remain open for household group rentals, even if limited to a single household. These facilities usage only? Are these closed, or just must be closed to all members of the public. Staff and “closed to the public”? volunteers can still access these facilities for work purposes.
Can we get clarification on indoor People from the same household are allowed to do indoor arenas as it states that they are group physical activities together, but only in facilities that closed in one area, but it also says are open to public access. According to Appendix A of CMOH that indoor group physical activities Order 42-2020, indoor arenas are closed to public access. This are prohibited unless the group only means they can only be accessed by staff or volunteers of the involves members of the same facility for work purposes. household? Can we rent our indoor arena to a household?
Specifically, while arenas are stated Under CMOH Order 42-2020, all indoor arenas are closed to to be closed, can they be open for a public access. This means they cannot be accessed or used by Baseball or Hockey academy team any members of the public, including members of a baseball use, or for group use for members or hockey academy, or members of the public from one from the same household?? household.
Can closed recreational facilities be Staff and volunteers that work at a particular recreational accessed to run virtual programming facility which is closed for public access (including arenas, by an instructor and videographer? fitness centres, and programming) can continue to access the facility while it is closed, including for the purpose of broadcasting virtual classes or programs.
Any idea how long arenas will remain It is not possible to say how long arenas will remain closed. closed? We are trying to evaluate We anticipate CMOH Order 42-2020 will be in effect until at the financial impact and make a least January 12, 2021.The current Stronger Public Health decision whether to take out the ice Measures came into effect on December 13, 2020 and are or not. expected to be in place until at least January 12, 2021. Health officials are monitoring the situation and will evaluate closer to the January 12, 2021 deadline to determine whether measures should be changed.
Can we have a blood donor clinic Under CMOH Order 42-2020, a blood donor clinic may operate inside a closed recreation operate in an otherwise closed recreation facility as long as facility? appropriate measures are in place.
Can a gift shop in a closed amenity A retail operation within an otherwise closed recreation such as a museum/rec centre remain centre may remain open, subject to the 15% of fire code open? occupancy (or five customers).
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Classification: Protected A Municipal Council/Buildings Would like clarification on in person In-person council meetings are considered “business meetings (Council, etc.). Are they meetings” and not restricted with appropriate measures in still allowed or should they be all place, however we strongly encourage all employers to limit done virtually? the number of in-person meetings by meeting virtually whenever possible.
Can Municipal Councils continue to Since these are municipal council meetings are business meet in Council Chambers? meetings and not social meetings, they can be held in person, Distancing is not possible but including with members of the public; however, because of Plexiglas barriers are in place the elevated risk we strongly recommend moving to virtual meeting formats wherever possible. The Public Meeting Can council still hold public Procedures (COVID-19 Suppression) Regulation remains in meetings? effect until it has been repealed. The regulation enables municipalities to follow the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s orders for physical/social distancing by conducting meetings electronically. While councils are encouraged to consider electronic meetings as a way to ensure compliance with the public health orders regarding public gatherings, the decision on how to conduct meetings remains at the discretion of the council, committee or commission, while ensuring the process used complies with current public health orders.
Are municipal offices restricted to a Municipal offices are not required to follow any restriction on certain capacity with regards to the capacity, or to operate on an appointment-only basis. public coming in to pay bills etc., or However, all attendees at the office must mask and observe 2 should we move to an appointment metres’ social distancing, and the operator must follow the system? Guidance for Office Buildings. Where possible, virtual options should be offered to limit the number of people who have to attend in person.
Where do municipal offices fit in the Municipal offices are not included in the list of businesses restrictions? Should municipalities be that must close, restrict capacity or operate by appointment closing their offices to the public and only. Therefore, they can continue to operate as before so accepting entrance by appointment long as they follow the restrictions on masking, social only? gathering, and the Guidance for Office Buildings.
Work From Home For office spaces, what is deemed as It is up to individual employers, including municipalities, to impacting operational effectiveness? determine which staff are required to be on site to ensure operational effectiveness, and what activities are required for operational effectiveness.
Will there be guidelines provided on This will vary with each business/entity, and different what is operational effectiveness? operators, and therefore it is not possible to define operational effectiveness. It is up to the operator of each business/entity to determine what operational effectiveness means for their business or entity, and which staff must be
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Classification: Protected A present in person to ensure that operational effectiveness is maintained. However, please note that staff must work from home if not required for operational effectiveness.
Outdoor Recreation: Can we get clarification on outdoor It is up to the operator to ensure that physical distancing and recreation with rinks, tobogganing, maximum capacity cut-offs are observed at ice rinks, and that Nordic skiing, etc. specifically what social gatherings do not occur. The operator must also ensure the expectation is for municipalities that there are no games of hockey or ringette between to manage them is under the orders? attendees not from the same household. This can be done by posting signs, including occupancy limits, informing attendees Is there a capacity maximum on of the requirements, and by notifying law enforcement of any outdoor amenities, such as outdoor breaches. If the municipality feels that occupancy limits or rinks and toboggan hills? restrictions cannot be enforced, they can also prohibit access to the facility.
Seeking clarity on outdoor activities. At this time, people are permitted to participate in an Some confusion on messaging outdoor group physical activity of up to 10 people. However, around running clubs being okay as we strongly recommend that all physical activity outdoors be long as distancing is maintained, but kept to members of the same household. If the purpose of then other comments stated that the activity is primarily for exercise (e.g. a running group) and people couldn't walk dogs together. opportunities for social interaction are kept to a minimum, this would be permissible.
There has been a ban on all outdoor The Guidance for Outdoor Winter Recreation includes gatherings but we are allowed to measures for ski hills to keep participants safe. This will keep our ski hills open. What is the include keeping warming shelters and chalets open at 15% protocol in keeping the skiers safe? fire code capacity with a requirement for face coverings for We want to allow for them to warm all attendees while indoors, posting reminders of physical up; are they allowed to come in the distancing in all areas of the ski hill, and following the chalet to warm up? Can we add Guidance for Gondolas, Trams and Chairlifts. heaters outdoors as an additional space to warm up or would that then be considered outdoor gathering?
We really need clarification on If an outdoor arena has no facilities and is not normally outdoor arenas with no facilities. If monitored by employees or volunteers, then it is up to Ag Society opens them who monitors attendees to follow public health guidance and restrictions when using the facility. However, the operator should post information on the requirements for distancing and no social gatherings.
Resort Towns/Travel Guidance says that all non-essential Individual municipalities are allowed to set up their own travel is discouraged at this time, but restrictions in addition to what is provided through public hotels and ski hills are open in health orders and guidance. There is no prohibition on mountain parks – all of which are essential travel. We encourage municipalities to focus on destination sites for travelers. How
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Classification: Protected A do tourist communities who want to messaging that encourages people to stay away or visit safely do the right thing, message this until restrictions are relaxed. appropriately?
Ski buses following city bus guidance Shuttles and buses are allowed to continue to operate, appear to still be operational from following the Guidance for Chartered Tour Buses, Multi-City large centres like Calgary to the Buses and Passenger Trains, so long as occupants wear face mountain hills. Is this something that coverings and maintain 2 metres physical distancing from will be reconsidered given the others who are not part of their household. It is also intention of the restrictions recommended that food not be provided inside transport announced yesterday? vehicles as it forces occupants to remove their face coverings.
Will you consider making travel The Guidance for Outdoor Winter Recreation includes an guidelines actual restrictions? It increased focus on transportation for ski hills and other would make life easier for staffing winter recreation activities. Alberta Health staff will continue discussions to assess and develop new restrictions as required.
Fireworks/Parades/Santa Are we allowing fireworks still if Fireworks displays are permitted if residents are viewing from people are in the cars, or watch from their personal vehicles, or watching with household members their own yards? only from their properties. If the fireworks display is “drive- in”, people must not leave their vehicles for the duration of the display.
Please provide guidance regarding Drive-by parades are permitted so long as all attendees drive-by parades (allowed/not (participants, spectators, staff, and volunteers) are in vehicles, allowed, vehicle maximums?) and remain in those vehicles for the duration of the event.
Visits with Santa: Pre-registered, one Visits with Santa should be by appointment only. The other family at a time only. Santa is restrictions you note are also required. As an alternative to distanced from them, no sitting on 2m distancing, Santa can be separated from everyone who is lap etc. present by impermeable barriers. Staff or volunteers should manage line-ups and photo areas to ensure physical distancing is maintained. Everyone who is present must wear masks.
Porch Santa visits - are they allowed This is permitted, as long as Santa does not enter any indoor if Santa keeps the 6 foot distance and part of the residence, and keeps a 2 metre distance from all is masked. members of the household.
What are the restrictions of These activities can continue so long as they follow the charitable events such as a Christmas General Relaunch Guidance, any other applicable guidance Food Hamper/Santa's Anonymous documents based on the type of activity and the location, and activities to provide goods to the the Stronger Public Health Measures. This includes masking disadvantaged? indoors and not holding any social gatherings. Note that charitable activities including but not limited to food, clothing and toy collection and distribution can be held in facilities
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Classification: Protected A that are otherwise closed to the public under CMOH Order 42-2020, Section 27 and Section 28, sub-section (J)
Libraries Can libraries provide curbside service Libraries are permitted to offer curbside pick-ups and drop- with the new restrictions? Books are off services. However, they cannot be open to access by the quarantined for 7 days and will public – only staff and volunteers who normally work at that promote emotional wellbeing and location. good mental health?
Social Gathering/Home Visit Restrictions I know of a few couples who have No, individuals that are not part of the same household are already all had COVID-19 and not permitted to socialize regardless of their past or present recovered. All they allowed to COVID-19 status. socialize with each other?
Does our Municipal Home Visitation CMOH Order 42-2020 Section 4(h) allows persons to enter a program for social services fall under private residence to provide social services. the allowable home visitation rules?
How are home support workers Under CMOH Order 42-2020, Section 4(a) and (h), home affected by these new orders? support workers can continue to enter private residences for the purpose of providing health care, personal care or housekeeping services, and to provide social or protective services. While in the house, they must mask unless they have an exception.
Should our safety codes officers Safety codes officers can enter occupied houses for the cease entering houses that are purpose of inspection, according to CMOH Order 42-2020, occupied? but must mask in all indoor spaces
Lunchrooms may remain open but employees should be Are lunchrooms closed? encouraged to eat in their own workspace if possible. Physical distancing or barriers must be in place.
Is there any consideration being Under the current public health measures, forming social made for allowing a single social cohorts outside of members of your household is not cohort similar to what we did in the permitted anywhere in the province. Individuals who live spring near the beginning of the first alone may have up to 2 other people with whom they lockdown? regularly interact attend their private residence.
Closures/Restrictions under Order 42 Some tough decisions have been The decisions about what must be closed and what can made and I do appreciate all those in remain open at this time have been made based on the best the positions of making these available evidence, projections and recommendations by the decisions. I have been asked to aske Chief Medical Officer of Health. While salons, barbershops the question as to what the and massage therapy clinics have taken steps to keep staff
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Classification: Protected A reasoning is behind closing and patrons safe, at this time, given Alberta’s high positivity barbershops, hair salons and rate and very high average daily new cases, it is no longer massage parlors when these are safe to continue activities that require people to be in close spaces that are much easier to proximity for extended periods of time to deliver or receive a maintain public inflow and provide service. sanitization and cleanliness.
If social gatherings, both private and The decisions about what must be closed and what can public, are not permitted at this time, remain open at this time have been made based on the best how are we able to ask employees to available evidence about risks. In social settings, people are report to work or allow residents to more likely to relax their guard and believe that they are safe, frequent retail service locations in and are therefore less likely to follow public health guidance our communities? Generally on distancing, masking, and enhanced cleaning and speaking, those with whom we disinfection protocols. Since March 2020, there have been socially interact with are persons numerous outbreaks traced back to social gatherings in who we believe are following all of private dwellings and public places. the protocols and taking precautions. That being said, we have no idea Retail businesses must follow enhanced cleaning standards, what members of the general public and can implement signs, floor stickers, barriers and staff to are doing, yet we are permitted to be ensure that distancing and masking occur. People do not tend in their presence (i.e. at work, at the to linger for hours at a time in retail settings and therefore grocery store, etc.) How is this the risk is also lower. justifiable? How do we ensure people don't socially gather on private rural If it is known or suspected that a private social gathering is properties that aren't visible from a occurring, this can be reported to local law enforcement. public roadway? Are the police allowed to enter into a person’s private residence without a warrant on suspicion of the residents not adhering to the new restrictions and measures?
Would visual arts studios such as a Visual arts studios can be open, so long as they operate at pottery studio be considered an 15% capacity of fire code occupancy. entertainment amenity and be closed?
Can we please have clarity regarding Pet groomers are a professional service; they are allowed to salons to be closed, specifically dog remain open by appointment only. groomers. Will they be allowed to remain open
Is physiotherapy with doctor’s Regulated health professionals may continue to provide referral and support documentation health services – physiotherapists and chiropractors are still allowed? What about regulated health professionals. Chiropractors? Does they fall alongside massage or medical?
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Classification: Protected A
Is there somewhere online that we can go to find out the identified Fire Alberta Health has developed guidance on determining fire Code capacity for building occupancy? code capacity: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/calculating-occupancy- requirements-cmoh-order-42
What is the protocol on photographers? Photography services can continue. As a professional service, they must operate by appointment only, and must follow the General Relaunch Guidance. Both staff and patrons must mask at all times while indoors, and people who are not part of the same household must maintain 2 metres’ social distancing. What restrictions are in place for Safety Codes Officers requiring to do Safety codes officers must mask while inspecting indoor onsite inspections? public spaces, including construction sites, but can otherwise continue inspections.
Mandatory Masking We are seeking clarification on the As defined under the Public Health Act, public spaces include definition of "indoor public place" as “accommodation facilities, including all rental it relates to mandatory masks. Order accommodation”. By this definition, common areas of condo 38-2020 adopts the definition of buildings, seniors’ homes, and other congregate living "public place" from the Public Health facilities are public spaces. While they are not accessible to Act, which seems to require that the the public at large, they are frequented by residents who do space be "accessible to the public", not live in the same household. This rule is in line with the which is why locations where a rule for mandatory masking in offices. This means that business operates is specifically masking is mandatory in condo common areas. added by the Order. Most common areas of condo buildings (hallways, CMOH Order 41-2020 modified the masking provision in elevators, parkades, etc) are not Order 38 by expanding its scope, but left the exceptions in accessible to the public as they place. The new Order 42 rescinds the previous orders and require a key or fob to enter. Can serves to consolidate them in one place. The exceptions to you confirm that while masks are masking are as follows: recommended in these spaces, the A child under 2 years of age; Order is not enforceable in these Unable to place, use or remove a face mask without areas? And, if the intent is for masks assistance; to be mandatory, will the Order be Unable to wear a facemask due to a mental or physical modified? concern or limitation; Consuming food or drink; Latest PHO does not specifically Persons engaging in physical exercise; mention exemptions for mandatory Persons providing or receiving care or assistance where masks. Is this intentional or will a facemask would hinder that caregiving or assistance; there be a clarifying statement A person alone at a workstation who is separated by at provided about exemptions? (e.g., least 2 metres from other persons; age exemption/ disability/ etc.)
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Classification: Protected A A person who is the subject of a workplace hazard assessment in which it is determined that the person’s safety will be at risk if the person wears a mask while working; A person who is separated by every other person by a physical barrier that prevents droplet transmission; A person who needs to temporarily remove their facemask while in the public place for the purposes of: receiving a service that requires the temporary removal of a facemask; an emergency or medical purpose; or establishing their identity. A person working at a farming or ranching operation, unless the person is interacting with a member of the public. Can municipal workers go "mask free" in their own offices? A municipal worker who is alone at their workstation and separated from other workers by at least two meters, or an appropriate barrier, does not need to wear masks. Otherwise, masks are mandatory in all other areas of the workplace (e.g., hallways, washrooms). Will "mandatory masks" signs be available from province? Signs and posters for mandatory masking are available here: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-information-posters.aspx
Enforcement How are fines going to be assessed Enforcement can be undertaken by several different and by who? What are municipalities authorities. obligated to? For complaints related to businesses: AHS Public Health Inspectors For time-sensitive complaints about distancing, social gatherings, and isolation breaches: Police Officers Uniformed Community Peace Officers Level 1 Uniformed Alberta Peace Officers Level 2 who are employed/engaged by the Ministry of Environment and Parks, Environmental Enforcement Services For Continuing Care: Contact AHS
Data/Metrics The R value, also known as the reproduction number, Are the R values available? describes whether cases are currently increasing, decreasing or staying the same (ie. the average number of people that someone infected with COVID-19 will infect). For example, if the R value is 1, then an infected person will infect 1 other person, on average.
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Classification: Protected A R values for Alberta and for select zones in Alberta are calculated weekly and will be shared every Monday here.
Relaunch How long do you see the lockdown At this time, it has not been determined how and when being in place? Is the end of March a restrictions will be lifted. Alberta Government staff will logical end date? And will there be a continue to monitor Alberta’s COVID-19 situation and will relaunch plan in place at that time? adjust measures if required.
When will you be revisiting the The current restrictions will remain in place at least until restrictions to make a decision on January 12, 2021. Health officials are monitoring the situation opening back up? What will it take to in Alberta, and will adjust the measures if required. After the reopen the recreational facilities? current restrictions are lifted, the aim will be to reopen with mitigation similar to Stage 2 until rates decrease.
Close Contacts/PPE Close contacts are defined as anyone When AHS calls someone to notify them of a positive result, who was within two meters of a or contacts an organizer/operator to notify them of a positive positive case of COVID-19 for 15 result in their event or facility, they will inform that person of minutes or more of cumulative how to determine if someone was a close contact. This contact, without consistent and determination would take into account what type of PPE the appropriate use of personal individual was wearing and other factors related to their protective equipment (PPE). What interaction with the positive case. level of PPE is required to meet the definition of this requirement?
Schools Will students be allowed to attend Currently, students are expected to return to school settings January 11 as previously stated? Or on January 11 as scheduled. The public health orders do not will that become one of your new impact this. restrictions that is in place?
9
Classification: Protected A Questions and Answers from CMOH Municipality Briefing (December 15)
Fireworks Can you please clarify restrictions for Fireworks displays are permitted if residents are fireworks displays? Last week Dr. Hinshaw viewing from their personal vehicles, or watching with indicated drive in events would be household members only from their properties. If the permitted. Our local health inspector has fireworks display is “drive-in”, people must not leave now advised AHS has ruled fireworks are their vehicles for the duration of the display. events and are not permitted
Arenas/Rec Centres Before last week, we were renting out our Indoor arenas and pools cannot be opened for private arenas to families living under the same rentals, even if limited to a single household. These roof. Can we still do that? facilities must be closed to all members of the public. Staff and volunteers can still access these facilities for work purposes.
Due to the cold of winter, we were allowing As curling rinks are included in the list of facilities that seniors to walk laps inside our curling rink. must be closed to the public, they cannot be opened Given social distancing, can we continue for this purpose. this and would they need to mask?
Can closed recreational facilities be Staff and volunteers that work at a particular accessed to run virtual programming by an recreational facility which is closed for public access instructor, demonstrator and (including arenas, fitness centres, and programming) videographer? can continue to access the facility while it is closed, including for the purpose of broadcasting virtual classes or programs.
Outdoor Recreation Can we get clarification on outdoor It is up to the operator to ensure that physical recreation with rinks, tobogganing, Nordic distancing and maximum capacity cut-offs are observed skiing, etc works and what the expectation at ice rinks, and that social gatherings do not occur. The is for municipalities to manage them is? operator must also ensure that there are no games of hockey or ringette between attendees not from the same household. This can be done by posting signs, including occupancy limits, informing attendees of the requirements, and by notifying law enforcement of any breaches. If the municipality feels that occupancy limits or restrictions cannot be enforced, they can also prohibit access to the facility.
Can ski hill equipment rental shops open Ski hill equipment rentals and warming huts may following the restrictions set for 'retail operate under the retail guidance of 15% occupancy. operators? And can operators set up More details can be found in the Guidance for Outdoor outdoor heaters or fire pits for warm up Winter Recreation document. areas?
Page 1 of 4
Classification: Protected A
Last week during a WebEx we were told The Guidance for Outdoor Winter Recreation includes more clarification would be coming tips on how to calculate the capacity of outdoor rinks. forward in the next few days concerning number of participants on outdoor rinks. This was because of the range of size and configurations of outdoor rinks (ponds vs constructed rinks) Is there any further information?
Isolation Hotels We have been asked about regulations For various reasons, certain individuals are unable to around a hotel taking in COVID positive isolate or quarantine at home. Therefore, it has patients who have no where else to become necessary to establish a Standing Offer List for isolate? Approved Individuals to isolate or quarantine in a Commercial Accommodation.
The purpose of this PQR process is to identify Pre- Qualified Contractors with the ability to provide accommodation services with set rates across the Province for Approved Individuals.
More information about this process is available here through the Alberta Purchasing Connection.
Documentation submitted over the holiday period can be sent to: [email protected]
Closures Are Volunteer Fire Departments allowed to Volunteer fire departments are permitted to undertake continue with training so long as they training activities as long as appropriate protocols are adhere to AHS protocols? being followed. If this training can be safely delayed until mid-January when the current measures are expected to be reviewed, then delaying is recommended.
Once the County reached "enhanced All areas of the province moved to Enhanced Status on status" number of cases, are we mandated December 10 in recognition of the province-wide to close our Village Municipal building to measures that came into effect on December 8th and the public and move to appointments only? 13th. Municipal buildings are not mandated to close to the public. Municipalities are empowered to make their own operational decisions as to whether to close or move to appointments-only.
Would visual arts studios such as a pottery Visual arts studios can be open, so long as they operate studio be considered an entertainment at 15% capacity of fire code occupancy. amenity and be closed?
Page 2 of 4
Classification: Protected A Relaunch Are there currently any plans that consider At this time, it has not been determined how and when at what level will recreation services open restrictions will be lifted. Alberta Government staff will on Jan 12th? continue to monitor Alberta’s COVID-19 situation and will adjust measures if required. The new cases/hospitalization graphs seem to slowing growth, what is the threshold The current restrictions will remain in place at least before cohorts may be allowed to have until January 12, 2021. Health officials are monitoring restricted but indoor Christmas family the situation in Alberta, and will adjust the measures if gatherings? required. After the current restrictions are lifted, the aim will be to reopen with mitigation similar to Stage 2 until rates decrease. Municipality Data Is the municipality numbers just put on the The new municipality data can be found here: map or will we be e mailed weekly? https://www.alberta.ca/lookup/covid19-weekly-active- cases.aspx Will municipal data be publicly released or to the municipalities to share? This information is publicly posted and municipalities are able to share as they see fit.
Equestrian Questions we've received about horse An exemption to Order 42 has been signed allowing for boarding: the care, feeding and exercise of horses stabled in an 1. Are boarders allowed to access a equine facility. boarding facility to care for and ride their horse? Indoor riding lessons are not permitted, but staff are 2. Are boarders permitted one-on-one able to supervise riders at their discretion. Outdoor riding lessons or, at minimum, riding lessons for individuals or groups of up to 10 supervision by a trainer at the facility people (including the instructor) are permitted. for safety reasons providing social distancing is maintained? Boarders are permitted to ride alone indoors, subject 3. Are boarders permitted to ride indoors to the facility’s capacity as determined by the ability to alone in an arena or in small groups maintain two metres distancing. provided social distancing can be maintained? Boarders are permitted to ride outdoors alone or in 4. Are boarders permitted to ride small groups of up to 10 riders, provided that two outdoors alone or in small groups metres distancing is maintained. provided social distancing can be maintained? Please review the exemption for more information, available here.
Close Contacts Would fire/ambulance crews travelling in When AHS calls someone to notify them of a positive the same truck and who are wearing result, or contacts an organizer/operator to notify them procedure masks, be exempt from the of a positive result in their event or facility, they will definition of close contact if one of those inform that person of how to determine if someone members test positive? was a close contact. This determination would take into account what type of PPE the individual was wearing
Page 3 of 4
Classification: Protected A and other factors related to their interaction with the positive case.
Mandatory Masking If there are multiple cubicles in an open An office worker who is alone at their workstation and office area that are more than 6 ft apart, separated from other workers by at least two meters, are the staff required to wear masks while or an appropriate barrier, does not need to wear at their cubicle and/or are we required to masks. Otherwise, masks are mandatory in all other also put up a physical barrier? areas of the workplace (e.g., hallways, washrooms).
Dr Hinshaw does the descriptor you just This guidance applies to lunch rooms as well, which provided for masking in the workplace also may remain open with the caveat that employees apply to lunchrooms? Thank you should be encouraged to eat in their own workspace if possible. Physical distancing or barriers must be in place.
Vaccine Rollout What is the priority for vaccination of first Vaccines will be distributed through a phased responders? immunization program. Exact amounts and timelines are still being finalized. Initial shipment (Dec 2020) – limited number of critical health workers Phase 1 (Jan to April 2021) – vaccinate about 435,000 people most at risk, including: o front-line health care workers o residents and staff in long-term care and designated supported living facilities o on-reserve First Nations individuals over age 65 o seniors aged 75 and older Phase 2 (April to Sept 2021) – continue targeting priority populations Phase 3 (Fall 2021) – anticipated start of roll- out to the general public
First responders will likely be included in Phase 2, although the final determination has not been made.
Visitors to Private Residences For someone doing renovations on their Under CMOH Order 42-2020, Section 4(e), contractors house can they have a contractors come can continue to enter private residences for the into their home? If so, can they have more purpose of providing construction, renovation, repair then one contractor in their home at one or maintenance services. While in the house, they must time? mask unless they have an exception. There is no restriction on the number of contractors permitted at one time.
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Classification: Protected A BREOC Year End Report 2020 A message from our Project Manager I would like to start with an African Proverb which says if you can narrate the story it means you have survived and you are on your way to victory. 2020 was a challenging year, however, with those challenges come with growth and development. New Skills, New Capabilities, New ways of doing business, new ways of conducting meetings, and new ways of thinking. As a region and community, we became more strategic, we sharpened our problems solving skills. Our micro businesses went to Main Street and small businesses found new growth opportunities. Some of our businesses went online and joined e-commerce platforms. The region’s profile grew, we received calls from distinguished institutes and researchers enquiring about our successes. In short, 2020 left us stronger and better positioned to excel in the global economy. 2020 outfitted us for success. 2020 allowed the Battle River Region to become socially and economically resilient. The BREOC board and our economic development functions were key to our success. Finally, I say a failure is never an option and we stand on the shoulders of our great pioneers who have gone before us. We shall Prosper. In 2020 We.....
Assisted 7 client with business Are providing ongoing startups in the Region support to 4 clients with the goal of developing a business
Assisted 11 bussinesses to Assisted 1 client in develop or revamp a website turning their hobby into and improve e-commerce a formal business
Expanded our team from 2 members to 4 In 2021 We Hope To... create a positive social Develop programs helping local media and community producers learn both in a presence "classroom" setting and by sharing skills and knowledge with each Improve communication with other stakeholders and data tracking Encourage the growth of local food, agriculture, and artisan producers, Create increased revenue from as well as, encouraging the within the centres development of new industries within the region
Focus on Farms Focus on Micro-businesses We hope to create a vibrant We will place an extra focus on and diverse agriculture micro-businesses as they are industry allowing the region not only the backbone of the to become a strong exporter of regional economy but also our Canadian agricultural community products The Future Is Bright... We are assisting the County of Flagstaff County is currently Paintearth in the establishment of working on the Flagstaff Grows greenhouse clustering Project focused on increasing the profitability of horticulture and agriculture
We hope to assist the Battle River area in becoming an important supplier not only on the local and national level but also compete on the international level. Helping to make the Battle River Region a vibrant and growing community not only in the present but also for future generations
Happy Holidays!!!
Prepared By Carly Wilkes Preparing for 2021 election process
POSTED ON: DEC 18, 2020
Under the new Alberta Election Act rules, nominations for the position of School Board Trustee open at the beginning of 2021, even though the election itself does not take place until October.
As a result, the BRSD Board has been reviewing policies and making any updates or revisions required, to ensure everything is ready for the upcoming election process.
At their meeting on December 10, the Board passed a motion naming Secretary-Treasurer Imogene Walsh as Returning Office and Michelle Hagel, Executive Assistant, as a Substitute Returning Officer.
In addition, the Board granted permission for the division to enter into election agreements with municipalities throughout the school division’s geographic area.
New School Buses
The Board also passed a motion to purchase three new school buses, at a maximum cost of $315,000, as part of the ongoing process of replacing aging vehicles in the school bus fleet. Funds for this purchase will be taken from the Transportation reserve that is in place for this purpose.
Insurance policies finalized
After experiencing a nearly $1 million increase in insurance premiums last year (as most other school divisions did as well) Battle River School Division joined a new insurance consortium this fall. All the new policies are now in place, with premiums totaling $2.3 million. This is somewhat less than projected, which is good news for the division’s overall spending. In addition, BRSD received a one-time building insurance support payment of $700,000 from the provincial government, which is also very helpful.
Human Resources update
Each December the Board of Trustees receives a summary of the school division’s current staffing picture, presented by the Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources. Natasha Wilm reported that it has been a busy fall in Battle River, supporting staff members from all schools and departments to navigate the changing circumstances of COVID-19. Safety is always the primary factor and many new protocols have been put in place. In addition, there have been multiple school staff asked to quarantine due to being close contacts of someone who has tested positive for the virus and it’s been an ongoing challenge to ensure substitute staff are available to ensure learning continues.
Overall, however, lower student numbers and changes to funding have resulted in 20.7 fewer teaching positions and 48 fewer educational assistant positions in Battle River School Division this school year.
COVID-related updates
Since the beginning of November Battle River School Division has had a total of 33 people test positive for COVID-19, in 13 different schools, in all areas of the school division. In 10 of those schools, there have been one or two cases, while in 3 schools there are have been five or more cases.
In most cases it appears that the person contracted the virus in the community and was unknowingly infectious while at school. While there appear to have been some incidents of in- school transmission, that number remains low.
Schools have been very diligent about notifying families if their child has been in close contact with someone who has become ill and hundreds of BRSD students and staff have been quarantined for two week periods as a result.
The school division is hopeful that, with new measures in place and community case numbers beginning to slow, the number of cases connected to schools will drop as well.
Congratulations!
The BRSD Board of Trustees is very pleased to share the news that the Superintendent of Schools has successfully completed her doctoral studies, with a Specialization in K to 12 leadership and, in late November, was granted a Doctor of Education degree. Congratulations to Dr. Rita Marler!
- Information based on BRSD Board of Trustees Meeting December 10, 2020
December 14, 2020
His Worship Reeve Don Kroetch and Members of Council Flagstaff County Box 358 Sedgewick, Alberta T0B 4C0
Title of initiative: Levels of Service and Risk Assessment for Water, Sanitary, and Transportation Services Application number: MAMP-17072
Dear Reeve Kroetch and Members of Council:
On behalf of the Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP) it is my pleasure to confirm that the Flagstaff County has been approved for a grant in the amount of up to $50,000.
In the near future, Brett Phillips will contact Debra Brodie, Finance Administration Officer of the Flagstaff County to finalize the agreement for the grant. FCM’s obligation to fund the above-noted initiative will only become binding once the agreement is fully executed. During this time, eligible expenditures may be incurred as of your project’s eligibility date: 20 October 2020.
Public announcements regarding MAMP-funded initiatives are overseen by FCM in partnership with the Government of Canada. Your municipality is welcome to participate in that process, but until authorised by FCM and Infrastructure Canada, any public statements related to the status of the application for MAMP funding are not permitted. This communication protocol is contained in the grant agreement. If you require further information prior to receiving the contract, please contact Brett Phillips at 343-925-6403 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Thank you for your interest in MAMP. We look forward to working with you to improve asset management practices in your community, and to sharing the results of your initiative with communities across Canada.
Sincerely,
Aymone Agossou Manager, Funding cc: Debra Brodie, Finance Administration Officer
CURRENT SHARED RESCUE UNIT COMMUNITY ATB ATB FLAGSTAFF COUNTY ACCOUNT INVESTMENT TRUST RESERVE NDA 33179 NDA 38279 TOTALS 2020 BOOK BALANCE SEPTEMBER 30 $26,581,111.76 $593,821.92 $186,933.19 $57,378.17 $950,995.15 $897,900.54 $29,268,140.73
ADD: RECEIPTS $20,390,190.30 $20,390,190.30 INTEREST EARNED $15,291.24 $71.25 $21.87 $781.64 $738.00 $16,904.00 DIRECT DEPOSIT ‐ FINE REVENUE $932.00 $932.00 FUEL SALES $5,963.73 $5,963.73 FFCS QUARTERLY PYMT‐OCT&NOV $48,180.00 $48,180.00 TRAVIS MJ PAYMENT $2,080.69 $2,080.69 ENCHANCED POLICING CREDIT $21,223.50 $21,223.50 CCI WIRELESS AGREEMENT $132,279.84 $132,279.84
SUBTRACT: DISBURSEMENTS $1,146,573.18 $1,146,573.18 PAYROLL / BENEFITS $408,074.25 $408,074.25 BANK FEES $443.97 $443.97
BOOK BALANCE OCTOBER 31 $45,642,161.66 $593,821.92 $187,004.44 $57,400.04 $951,776.79 $898,638.54 $48,330,803.39
RECONCILE BANK TO BOOK
BANK BALANCE OCTOBER 31 $45,855,746.73 $593,821.92 $187,004.44 $57,400.04 $951,776.79 $898,638.54 $48,544,388.46 ADD: OUTSTANDING DEPOSITS $4,040.95 $4,040.95 SUBTRACT: OUTSTANDING CHEQUES $217,626.02 $217,626.02
BANK BALANCE OCTOBER 31 $45,642,161.66 $593,821.92 $187,004.44 $57,400.04 $951,776.79 $898,638.54 $48,330,803.39
OUTSTANDING TRANSFERS IN $0.00 OUTSTANDING TRANSFERS OUT $0.00
RECONCILE BANK TO BOOK $45,642,161.66 $593,821.92 $187,004.44 $57,400.04 $951,776.79 $898,638.54 $48,330,803.39
CASH ON HAND (petty cash) $400.00 $400.00
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
G:\Deb\Excel\Documents\BANK - BANK08 FLAGSTAFF COUNTY BALANCES BANK ACCOUNTS - TERM DEPOSITS - TAXES RECEIVABLE October 31, 2020
BANK ACCOUNTS ‐ CREDIT UNION : BOOK BALANCE BOOK BALANCE September 30, 2020 October 31, 2020
Current Account $26,581,111.76 $45,642,161.66 Shared Investment ‐ Current/Payroll/Savings $593,821.92 $593,821.92 Rescue Unit Trust $186,933.19 $187,004.44 Community Reserve $57,378.17 $57,400.04 ATB NDA 33179 $950,995.15 $951,776.79 ATB NDA 38279 $897,900.54 $898,638.54 Totals $29,268,140.73 $48,330,803.39
TERM DEPOSITS Interest TERM DEPOSITS TERM DEPOSITS ‐ CREDIT UNION : September 30, 2020 October 31, 2020
Totals $0.00 $0.00
TAXES RECEIVABLE :
Levy as of May 31 2020 $26,339,965.11
+ Tax Arrears (previous) 2019 $4,409,991.66 ‐ Tax Prepayments for the future year 2020 $45,956.26 + 12% Penalty added Oct 16 2020 $897,814.53 + 6% Penalty added May 01 2021 $0.00 + Tax Notification 2020 $0.00
= Taxes Receivable as of May 31, 2020 $31,601,815.04
Taxes Outstanding as of October 31, 2020 $8,342,319.01
% Percentage Collected as of October 31, 2020 73.60% % Percentage Collected as of October 31, 2019 81.75%
G:\Deb\Excel\Documents\BANK - REPORT08 CURRENT SHARED RESCUE UNIT COMMUNITY ATB ATB FLAGSTAFF COUNTY TOTALS ACCOUNT INVESTMENT TRUST RESERVE NDA 33179 NDA 38279 2019 BOOK BALANCE OCTOBER 31 $45,642,161.66 $593,821.92 $187,004.44 $57,400.04 $951,776.79 $898,638.54 $48,330,803.39
ADD: RECEIPTS $463,715.39 $463,715.39 INTEREST EARNED $16,914.61 $68.98 $21.17 $808.36 $763.23 $18,576.35 DIRECT DEPOSIT ‐ FINE REVENUE $3,754.00 $3,754.00 FUEL SALES $4,537.52 $4,537.52 Cancelled Cheques $1,800.00 $1,800.00 GST 3rd QUARTER PAYMENT $140,271.35 $140,271.35 ASB GRANT $123,907.21 $123,907.21 GRANT COVID $383,506.00 $383,506.00 FFCS PYMT ‐ DEC $24,090.00 $24,090.00 FlAGSTAFF MSP GRANT $16,000.00 $16,000.00
SUBTRACT: DISBURSEMENTS $1,136,616.06 $1,136,616.06 PAYROLL / BENEFITS $391,344.66 $391,344.66 BANK FEES $551.10 $551.10 COMMON SHARES $59,382.19 $59,382.19
BOOK BALANCE NOVEMBER 30 $45,292,145.92 $534,439.73 $187,073.42 $57,421.21 $952,585.15 $899,401.77 $47,923,067.20
RECONCILE BANK TO BOOK
BANK BALANCE NOVEMBER 30 $45,467,019.70 $534,439.73 $187,073.42 $57,421.21 $952,585.15 $899,401.77 $48,097,940.98 ADD: OUTSTANDING DEPOSITS $3,539.57 $3,539.57 SUBTRACT: OUTSTANDING CHEQUES $178,413.35 $178,413.35
BANK BALANCE NOVEMBER 30 $45,292,145.92 $534,439.73 $187,073.42 $57,421.21 $952,585.15 $899,401.77 $47,923,067.20
OUTSTANDING TRANSFERS IN $0.00 OUTSTANDING TRANSFERS OUT $0.00
RECONCILE BANK TO BOOK $45,292,145.92 $534,439.73 $187,073.42 $57,421.21 $952,585.15 $899,401.77 $47,923,067.20
CASH ON HAND (petty cash) $400.00 $400.00
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
G:\Deb\Excel\Documents\BANK - BANK08 FLAGSTAFF COUNTY BALANCES BANK ACCOUNTS - TERM DEPOSITS - TAXES RECEIVABLE November 30, 2020
BANK ACCOUNTS ‐ CREDIT UNION : BOOK BALANCE BOOK BALANCE October 31, 2020 November 30, 2020
Current Account $45,642,161.66 $45,292,145.92 Shared Investment ‐ Current/Payroll/Savings $593,821.92 $534,439.73 Rescue Unit Trust $187,004.44 $187,073.42 Community Reserve $57,400.04 $57,421.21 ATB ‐ NDA 33179 $951,776.79 $952,585.15 ATB ‐ NDA 38279 $898,638.54 $899,401.77 Totals $48,330,803.39 $47,923,067.20
TERM DEPOSITS Interest TERM DEPOSITS TERM DEPOSITS ‐ CREDIT UNION : October 31, 2020 November 30, 2020
Totals $0.00 $0.00
TAXES RECEIVABLE :
Levy as of May 31 2020 $26,339,965.11
+ Tax Arrears (previous) 2019 $4,409,991.66 ‐ Tax Prepayments for the future year 2020 $45,956.26 + 12% Penalty added Oct 16 2020 $897,814.53 + 6% Penalty added May 01 2021 $0.00 + Tax Notification 2020 $0.00
= Taxes Receivable as of May 31, 2020 $31,601,815.04
Taxes Outstanding as of November 30, 2020 $8,028,477.44
% Percentage Collected as of November 30, 2020 74.59% % Percentage Collected as of November 30, 2019 83.04%
G:\Deb\Excel\Documents\BANK - REPORT11 Total Coupons Given Out – 1200 ($30,000) Total Coupons Returned – 1035 ($25,875) ** 86% Of Coupons Have Been Returned So Far ** Began Handing Out Coupons – June 8th , 2020
Dollars Allocated Per Area
Total - $20,550 100.00%
Daysland - $5,950 28.95%
Killam - $3,125 15.21%
Unknown - $2,450 11.92%
Forestburg - $2,300 11.19%
Sedgewick - $2,025 9.85%
Lougheed - $1,100 5.35%
Heisler - $900 4.38%
Hardisty - $800 3.89%
Alliance - $700 3.41%
Galahad - $700 3.41%
Flagstaff County - $100 0.49%
Homeless - $100 0.49%
Fuel Versus Food – Returned Coupons Total Money Reimbursed to Local Stores - $25,875 *As of December 9th 2020* (Returned) Coupons Used for FUEL - $5400 – (21%) (Returned) Coupons Used for FOOD - $20475 – (79%)
Dollars Allocated Per Referral Agency Total – $30,000 100.00% Alberta Health Services - $15650 55% FFCS - $6500 22% Food Bank - $1400 5% Self-Referral - $2200 7% Healthy Families - $1125 4% Harm Reduction - $725 2% Canadian Mental Health - $600 2% Village of Lougheed - $300 1% Flagstaff Victim Services - $300 1% Town of Daysland - $200 1% Daysland Library - $200 1% Family School Liaison Worker - $100 0% Dayhome - $100 0% Dr. Rami - $200 1% Parents For Fun in Flagstaff - $100 0% Skills Link - $100 0% Wildrose Coop - $100 0% Seniors FIRST - $100 0%
Coupons given out to what communities Killam 214 Daysland 340 Homeless 4 Flagstaff County 20 Forestburg 140 Galahad 64 Heisler 60 Hardisty 72 Sedgewick 142 Lougheed 72 Alliance 44 Strome 28
Participating Stores and how many much money they received through the coupon program Sedgewick AP (old Bumper to Bumper) $ 925 WildRose Coop Sedgewick and Killam $ 12586.26 Hardisty Flag City store on main street $ 454.44 Alliance Grocery Store $ 74.95 Forestburg Fas Gas $ 1227.70 Moores Shopeasy Forestburg $ 3116.34 Daysland Family Foods $ 4599.33 Daysland Ready Mart $ 1550 Killam Esso $ 2047.95 Lougheed Food Store $ 324.26 Heisler General Store $ 98.92
Total $ 27,005.15
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Pandemic Frequently Asked Questions – December 18, 2020
While we continue to navigate the ever-evolving 2021 Municipal Elections COVID-19 pandemic together, Municipal Affairs
remains committed to issuing regular updates to The 2021 nomination period starts address frequently asked questions as well as when municipal offices reopen in provide new information or resources as they January 2021. For municipalities with nomination become available. For the most up-to-date deposit bylaws, the Local Authorities Election information on the COVID-19 situation in Alberta, Act (LAEA) requires nomination deposits to be in visit alberta.ca/COVID19. cash, certified cheques, and money orders. Are
there other paperless options available to If you would like a specific issue addressed in an encourage the current COVID-19 pandemic? upcoming update, please email your request to
[email protected]. YES. On December 14, 2020, the Honourable Tracy Allard, Minister of Municipal Affairs. signed Municipal Affairs Updates Ministerial Order No. MSD:103/20 to amend specific requirements under Section 30(1) of the LAEA to Previous COVID-19 updates are available allow deposits to be provided to the returning officer online at: www.alberta.ca/municipal- by in-person payments using a debit card or a credit government-resources.aspx card, in addition to the current cash, certified cheque, or money order options. This modification is
only in effect for the 2021 general election year. Christmas Closure If a nomination deposit bylaw states the form of Will there be support from payment, do municipalities need to amend their Municipal Affairs over the bylaw to include the new methods of payment? holidays should any urgent matters arise or if there are changes to the current health orders? YES. The MO No. MSD:103/20 does not amend a local bylaw. If a municipality’s local bylaw includes YES. Although our office will be closed from provisions that limit the way in which payments can December 25 to January 4, you can email any time be made, the bylaw would need to be amended to sensitive inquiries to [email protected] inbox, enable debit and credit card payments for 2021 only. which will continue to be monitored. Public Libraries Resources As we enter into this holiday season, take time to rest and reflect on the great work you have done in Resources are available at: being responsive to your citizens and businesses www.alberta.ca/public-library-services.aspx during this challenging year.
Municipal Governance during the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2020 Government of Alberta | Published December 18, 2020 | Page 1 Classification: Public
Can our municipal office remain open to accept In order to adhere to social distancing nomination forms? requirements, our municipality has moved council meetings to the community hall. Given YES. Employers shall require employees to work the current orders restrict the use of community from home, unless their physical presence is halls, is council required to change the location? required to effectively operate the workplace. Municipal offices could remain open to accept YES. As community halls are to remain closed nominations papers. Determining what constitutes except for a permitted use, councils should conduct an essential service remains a local operational meetings electronically per the Public Meeting decision, and individual municipalities are Procedures (COVID-19 Suppression) Regulation. If encouraged to choose a process for accepting meetings have already been scheduled to take place nomination forms that they deem appropriate. in the community hall, councils must call a special Nomination forms can be accepted at specific times meeting to change the location of the meeting. If set by the returning officer, by appointment, or at a time does not permit a special meeting to be called, secure drop box. municipalities should review their procedural bylaw, which may set out the process for adjourning a General Questions meeting should council not achieve quorum.
Can we provide an option for Relaunch Status Map households to rent public facilities Map reporting formats are updated. To (pools, indoor rinks) for personal review the level of risk in your community, use? rate of COVID-19 cases, number of active cases, and current measures in place, visit: NO. Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s www.alberta.ca/maps/covid-19-status- current recommendation is that municipal recreation map.htm facilitates should not be rented out to individual households, as this is difficult to determine whether social gathering restrictions are being adhered to. Additional Resources
The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Are there resources available to ensure (AUMA) and Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) municipal messages are consistent with the continue to be a valuable resource for municipalities. provincial public health guidance? RMA’s COVID-19 response hub is available at YES. The Government of https://rmalberta.com/about/covid-19-response-hub. Alberta collection of COVID-19 visual resources AUMA’s updated guide is available at is updated and also www.auma.ca/covid19. includes a new mandatory masking poster that The Federation of Canadian Municipalities also has municipalities and your a list of links and resources for municipalities community partners may available at www.fcm.ca/en/resources/covid-19- use. Information posters resources-municipalities. and fact sheets can be accessed and downloaded For the most up-to-date information on the online. COVID-19 situation in Alberta, visit: www.alberta.ca/COVID19.
Municipal Governance during the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2020 Government of Alberta | Published December 18, 2020 | Page 2 Classification: Public
Municipal Governance During the COVID-19 Pandemic Frequently Asked Questions – January 8, 2021
While we continue to navigate the ever-evolving Has it been determined in what phase of the COVID-19 pandemic together, Municipal Affairs vaccine roll-out plan that the vaccine will be remains committed to issuing regular updates to available to municipal first responders and address frequently asked questions and provide new firefighters? information or resources as they become available. For the most up-to-date information on the COVID- NO. The vaccination roll-out started on 19 situation in Alberta, visit alberta.ca/COVID19. December 15, 2020. The roll-out plan involves three phases. Phase 1A includes health-care workers in If you would like a specific issue addressed in an home care and emergency departments. upcoming update, please email your request to [email protected]. Phase 1B will begin in February and include: Seniors 75 and over First Nations, Métis and persons 65 years of age Municipal Affairs Updates and over living in a First Nations community or Previous COVID-19 updates are available Metis Settlement online at: www.alberta.ca/municipal- Health-care workers in medical, surgical and government-resources.aspx COVID-19 units or operating rooms
The second phase is scheduled to start in April 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and will continue targeting populations in sequence. At this time, the order of vaccinating populations has
Is there an update to the plan to distribute the not been defined. COVID-19 vaccine in Alberta? Phase three is targeted for Fall 2021 and involves YES. In December, Premier Kenney announced the the roll-out to the general public. launch of the COVID-19 vaccine task force responsible for distributing vaccines. More than 56 per cent of vaccine doses in stock have been Public Libraries Resources administered as of this week. Resources are available at:
https://www.alberta.ca/public-library- Up-to-date information on the phased services.aspx implementation plan and additional information Albertans need to know about the vaccine is available at www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx.
Municipal Governance during the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2020 Government of Alberta | Published January 8, 2021 | Page 1 Classification: Public
Municipal Elections Is the Public Meeting Procedures (COVID-19 Suppression) Regulation still in effect?
Due to the ongoing pandemic, are legislative YES. The Public Meeting Procedures (COVID-19 changes being considered for the Local Suppression) Regulation remains in effect until it has Authorities Election Act (LAEA) for the been repealed. The regulation enables upcoming municipal elections? municipalities to follow the Chief Medical Officer of
Health’s orders for physical/social distancing by YES. Municipal Affairs has met with key municipal conducting meetings electronically. While councils stakeholders to discuss potential risks relating to the are encouraged to consider electronic meetings to 2021 municipal general election and have identified ensure compliance with the public health orders some temporary modifications that could be made, if regarding public gatherings, the decision on how to needed, to specific requirements under the LAEA. conduct meetings remains at the discretion of the An example is the approval of Ministerial Order No. council, committee or commission, while ensuring MSD: 130/20, enabling nomination deposits to also the process used complies with current public health be paid by debit or credit card. The need for certain orders. modifications will continue to be monitored and
reviewed to ensure municipalities will have the appropriate ability to align election operations with General Questions public health orders or recommendations. Has a timeline been established as to when the The nomination period began January 1, 2021. current public health measures will be changed? As a way to avoid in-person contact, can candidates submit nomination papers NO. On January 7, 2020, it was announced that the electronically? current public health measures that came into effect on December 13, 2020, are extended and will NO. Currently, nomination papers cannot be remain in place until at least January 21, 2021. submitted electronically. In addition to being These provisions and the situation will be evaluated delivered in person, the specific requirement of closer to January 21, 2021. section 28 of the LAEA to submit nomination forms to the local jurisdiction office can be met by having Are there different authority levels for the forms mailed or delivered by courier. Nomination ongoing enforcement of current restrictions? forms can also be accepted at specific times set by the returning officer, by appointment, or at a secure YES. Enforcement is currently undertaken by drop-off box. several different authorities. Alberta Health Services Public Health Inspectors respond to business- related complaints and continuing care complaints. Council Meetings Response to any time-sensitive complaints about Can councils still hold council meetings in- distancing, social gatherings, and isolation breaches person with members of the public present? can be made by:
YES. Since municipal council meetings are business Police Officers meetings and not social meetings, they can be held Uniformed Community Peace Officers Level 1 in person, including with members of the public; Uniformed Alberta Peace Officers Level 2 however, because of the elevated risk, it is strongly
recommended to move to virtual meeting formats wherever possible.
Municipal Governance during the COVID-19 Outbreak ©2020 Government of Alberta | Published January 8, 2021 | Page 2 Classification: Public
As the warm weather continues, our Are Volunteer Fire Departments allowed to outdoor recreation and skating facilities continue training? continue to be popular destinations. Has there been any YES. Volunteer fire departments are permitted to further clarification made to the undertake training activities as long as appropriate guidelines of use for these municipal facilities protocols are being followed. If this training and on outdoor skating? can be safely delayed until mid-January when the current measures are YES. On December 23, 2020, Dr. Deena Hinshaw expected to be reviewed, then signed Order 44-20, which helps clarify the use of delaying is recommended. outdoor rinks and outdoor group physical activity, including hockey, and other concerns brought forward by municipalities. Additional Resources The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Section 38(2) provides additional clarity, and states (AUMA) and Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) “…a person may participate in an outdoor group continue to be a valuable resource for municipalities. physical activity consisting of less than 10 persons if a minimum physical distance of 2 metres between all RMA’s COVID-19 response hub is available at participants is maintained at all times.” https://rmalberta.com/about/covid-19-response-hub.
Is there a timeline established for when AUMA’s updated guide is available at municipalities may reopen arenas? www.auma.ca/covid19.
NO. CMOH Order 42-2020 is in effect until at least The Federation of Canadian Municipalities also has January 21, 2021. a list of links and resources for municipalities available at www.fcm.ca/en/resources/covid-19- How long arenas will remain closed will be resources-municipalities.
determined at the same time the stronger health For the most up-to-date information on the measures put in place on December 13, 2020 are COVID-19 situation in Alberta, visit: re-evaluated. www.alberta.ca/COVID19.
Renovations and construction continue during
the pandemic. Inspections under the Safety Codes Act are still necessary. Are there public health measures that impact our safety codes Alberta Biz Connect officers? Alberta Biz Connect provides workplace guidance and support to businesses and YES. Safety codes officers can continue inspections. non-profits. The online tool also provides Officers must mask while inspecting indoor public sector-specific guidelines to ensure spaces, including construction sites, and can enter businesses can reopen safely during the occupied houses for the purpose of inspection, COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses with according to CMOH Order 42-2020. 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 January 8, 2021 | Page 3 Classification: Public From: Bob Beck
Please share with all members of your Council.
“I would like to thank the membership from Zone 5 for enduring one of the most difficult times that anyone has faced as a municipal councillor. We have endured difficult finance issues with unpaid taxes, cuts and job losses, to the assessment review and finally COVID. It has been a learning curve that has been thrown at how we provide governance to our rate payers and how we as municipalities had to adapt. I would personally like to thank RMA and each of you for getting a strong message to the Alberta Government on our issues this summer on the cumulative affects that we would have to endure and it was heard loud and clear.
Unfortunately our next zone meeting is looking like it will have to be virtual just due to logistics and safety for each and everyone. Our Zone meeting has been arranged virtually on the 22nd of January so that the RMA could get out the survey for the members to review and to conduct the interviews of the RMA board in early January for the Board of Governance Review.”
Sincerely,
Gene Hrabec RMA District 5 Chairman
From: Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA)
December 2020 | President's Update View this email in your browser
Friends. I can honestly say, as I imagine you can agree, that I cannot wait to see 2021. As this year ends and we, by way of lockdown, spend the last of 2020 with those who matter most to us, we come to realize what is most important: family, friends, and community. This is a letter of hope and strength. With a vaccine on the horizon, we have hope that these days may be behind us, however, the anguish felt by our communities and our families will not be over anytime soon. We have a long road to walk along before this is over but the strength in our local politics has shown that we will not walk this road alone. Indeed, I believe it is this local political strength that will allow us to come through this in the best way possible.
The pandemic has emphasized that agriculture, as a basis of food security, is our most important asset. More importantly, we have learned that we are susceptible now more then ever to any breaks in our supply chain, sources of material (e.g., parts), and have been too reliant on external partners. While all this has occurred, Albertans might realize we can feed not only ourselves but the world. We need the supports in place to ensure that we remain a competitive trader of agricultural goods. At the same time, we must use our tremendous capacity to value add and leverage our own source of energy to develop new technologies and increase efficiencies. The gift of 300 years of natural gas beneath Alberta cannot only heat our homes but can be used to create a tremendous engine to produce food for ourselves and the world.
Parallel to the pandemic the outcomes of aggressive lobbying of multiple actors have attempted to vilify municipalities. In some cases, we had no opportunity to defend ourselves. This has been unfortunate and Bill 48: Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act, 2020 is the perfect example. Bill 48 was introduced into the legislature in mid-November as an omnibus bill and received royal assent on December 9. This bill impacts 12 pieces of legislation, including the Municipal Government Act, and also creates the new Land and Property Rights Tribunal Act, which legislatively combines the Municipal Government Board, the New Home Buyer Protection Board, the Land Compensation Board, and the Surface Rights Board into a single public agency. This change erodes our local autonomy related to any municipal planning decision that has an additional provincial approval granted by the Minister of Environment and Parks, including Water Act approvals. When questioned as to the reasoning behind this legislative change, the response from the Minister of Municipal Affairs was centred on a better use of upper-level hearing boards, however, in this move we have lost what I feel is the best form of local voice for long-term decisions. While understanding the need for effective use of provincial oversight boards or tribunals and associated hearings, the lack of understanding of the valuable role our SDABs provide in this process has resulted in the centralization of decision making. This bold singular move has eliminated our local decision-making authority and diluted local democracy. This, as with many provincial decisions, has unintended consequences and has resulted in another duplicitous action from a government that wants to “partner” with municipalities. Moreover, the core principle of community is eroded by displaced decision making.
The past year has kept RMA busy on your behalf on multiple fronts and multiple topics. A few of the topics of interest we will be focusing on in the new year include the following: 1. Predictable funding is critical to rural municipalities, and with that the anticipated changes to the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) – including future changes to the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) – are critical to rural municipalities. The new year will be spent supporting the rural voice on the critical discussions around this important funding mechanism and supporting a long term sustainable and fair funding model.
2. Local physicians and overall rural healthcare are a critical concern of all Albertans. COVID-19 has been a distraction to the overlying prospective changes to local healthcare in rural Alberta. From access to services, availability of physicians, to the actual existence of rural healthcare facilities. We must continue to advocate for all rural Alberta on this topic and will continue to express our strong voice.
3. Policing and crime continue to be both an issue of concern for all rural Alberta and one of the top local issues that we all deal with. RMA has been actively involved in the design of future advisory roles for local and regional policing, and will continue to prioritize that we not only maintain an advisory role but that our role is commensurate with the funding that we have been legislated to provide. It is obvious as policing contribution costs rise, we should continue to be a valued advisor to service provision.
Parallel to the advisory roles we are taking with the RCMP in rural Alberta, there is a movement afoot by the GOA to create a provincial police force. In the Fair Deal Panel’s Report to Government, it was recommended that province create a provincial police force to replace the RCMP. RMA is nonpartisan and our role is to work with all governments regardless of political affiliation and ideology. Without questioning the intent of such a move, RMA members have voiced concern over the cost of this provocation and, as contributors to police funding, it is expected that this would become a significant cost to all of Alberta’s taxpayers. Without understanding the full cost, this seems to me a political move – not a financial decision – and we will need to work in the new year to develop our position on this bold move.
4. Aside from policing, there are critical wraparound service (child welfare, crime, poverty, addiction, mental health) gaps that are stressors on all our communities. The long game to crime reduction is looking at root cause and the inability of current provincial programs to provide adequate wraparound services in rural communities, which is a serious issue that will need our ongoing attention. The best advocates for local needs are our RMA members and we will continue to advocate for this voice to be heard.
5. As we navigate the unknowns from the worldwide responses to COVID-19, there still exists the underlying impacts to Alberta’s energy exports. Layered upon the lack of market access has been the unbalanced climate change dialogue that has come out of Ottawa. A government that has not met any previous climate change goals continues to deliver a provocative rhetoric related to energy. Without presenting the technological opportunities, such as Sturgeon County pursuing a Hydrogen Hub, Alberta’s leadership in renewables, and the role of agriculture in carbon sequestration as a response to climate change, this discussion is uneducated and ill-advised. RMA will continue to provide a fact-based recognition that climate change solutions are facilitated by the constructive use of our energy reserves and by the technical and nature-based solutions that Alberta can provide. This lack of foresight and understanding resulted in carbon levies applied to grain drying and other agricultural practices that make our agriculture less competitive, without recognizing the role agriculture plays in climate change adaptation. Alberta and agriculture / forestry should not become a victim of climate change decisions but be recognized as a leader in solutions
6. Broadband continues to be an issue for rural Alberta. There is a rural / urban divide on access to broadband, making it imperative to find solutions to this growing issue. With COVID-19 forcing more and more people to work from home, it is apparent that our current system is weak and is not advancing with the pace of technology and demand. This needs to be expedited as our economy will continue to not only rely on technology but to be technology. I have shared my opinion on this topic with Ottawa and have postulated that to address issues in value-added agriculture, agricultural technology, education health, and economic development can be connected to all of rural Alberta’s issues. In fact, I believe personally that access to broadband at effective speed and reliability should not be a service or utility, but a right. To support our advocacy, we recently launched a project to test the speed of your internet service, which will help understand gaps in service. We are encouraging members to test their speeds frequently and at different times of the day to gather as much information as possible. Please refer to this link and share it with many of your rural contacts to provide as broad a sample as possible.
7. The Municipal Measurement Index (MMI) has been a provocative and ill-informed attempt to provide transparency in municipal finance. RMA, like all municipalities, recognize our role as public, transparent, and open governments, and the fact is that the apples-to-oranges comparison the tool affords does not point users in the direction of the key performance measurements that make good government. Efficient and effective local service delivery that matches the demands of our communities is what makes good government and fiscal indicators only tell part of the story. Informing Municipal Affairs that terms like “surplus” as a metric is not only incorrect, but also a suggestive way of portraying what is fiscal prudence. Capital replacement is as important as any other fiscal measure. RMA will endeavour to work with Municipal Affairs to provide indicators of good government and encourage sound fiscal decision making. Our mandate and performance as local, elected leaders are not found in a tool that compares apples to oranges, but in the individual narratives our local governments have regarding how we budget, plan, and deliver.
8. A central theme to all we do is based upon RMA’s consistent advocacy for local autonomy. The dilution of our authority coupled with the downloading of further responsibility is an erosion of our autonomy as duly-elected sovereign leaders in our communities. The only real form of accountable government is local government and attempts at consolidation of authority over local decision making is for ill-gotten gains. The fact is that RMA and our elected officials maintain a significant amount of social capital in rural Alberta. Our ratepayers and our communities are our biggest fans and recognize the good service we deliver. Any attempts to continue to attack local autonomy will result in a continual shift of political capital to rural municipal leaders in support of local decision making. RMA will continue to inform all levels of government that working with and empowering local decision making will prevent unintended consequences and will assist in building support of provincial and federal decision making. Your decisions are only as good as the advice you’re given, and it is important that RMA, working through and with our members, continues to provide a strong local and rural voice. Unpaid property from oil and gas and the assessment model review (AMR) will be our most important discussion in 2021. We will undertake this task together. RMA will be collecting data over the coming weeks to consolidate the outstanding unpaid taxes up to calendar year 2020. This data will be provided to the ministry and, working with our members and the ministry, we will identify solutions for correcting past unpaid taxes and to develop a plan going forward. Additionally, we will look to engage members to provide direction on the AMR. To support this ongoing engagement, we are communicating to Municipal Affairs that the assessment model review process be based on the following principles: The review process should be transparent The review’s scope should be specific Separate reviews should address assessment model modernization and how to mitigate impacts of assessment changes Assessment and mitigation working groups for each property type should take place separately We look to January to formulate and finalize this process and will work with the ministry to meet the commitment of an open, transparent, and collaborative discussion. On behalf of your communities and all Albertans, thank you for your leadership. In these trying times, we have learned that local leadership can get us through even the toughest of situations by working together. RMA is always on your side.
Best Regards,
Paul McLauchlin President Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA)
RMAlberta.com Facebook @RuralMA LinkedIn
Our mailing address is: 2510 Sparrow Drive Nisku, AB T9E 8N5
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RMA Mayors, Reeves and CAOs,
As follow‐up to our two Ministers Forums at the 2020 RMA Fall Convention, the Government of Alberta has responded to several questions that were posed by members either via email to RMA staff or in the chat window that could not be asked during the event due to time constraints. The attached document, provided by Minister Allard’s office, includes both the questions we supplied, and the government responses for your information.
Regards,
Tasha Blumenthal, MBA Director of External Relations & Advocacy
Office: 780.955.4094 Cell: 780.716.5190 RMAlberta.com 2510 Sparrow Drive, Nisku, Alberta T9E 8N5 780.955.3639
Attachment AR103552
Attachment: Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Ministerial Forum Questions and Answers
1. Question – Municipal District of Bonnyville We are looking for an update on the 911 levy. Without an increase, we will find it difficult to make a business case for Next Gen 911.
Answer We appreciate feedback from stakeholders on potential changes to the Emergency 911 Act, and the regulations. The Government of Alberta is considering these important issues and will be sure to share updates with key stakeholders, including the RMA, as soon as information is available.
2. Question – Municipal District of Fairview Why are landowners, both rural and urban, denied hearings they are entitled to by law at both the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and Surface Rights Board (SRB)?
Answer The SRB is an independent and impartial quasi-judicial tribunal that resolves and makes decisions about compensation matters involving surface leases and right of entry orders. The SRB will adjudicate proceedings, including in-person hearings, if the matter in dispute meets the requirements of the Surface Rights Act and the board’s procedural rules. Proceedings can be done through an in-person hearing, written submission, by telephone, or virtually. All decisions of the SRB are made independently, based on the evidence and arguments presented by the parties to a dispute.
The AER may hold a cooperative hearing when there are matters of overlapping jurisdiction and when doing so would result in efficiencies. However, compensation, damages, and right of entry are dealt with solely by the SRB and there are no overlapping jurisdictions with the AER. When overlapping jurisdiction arises, for example between the AER and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, where both have jurisdiction regarding Environmental Impact Assessments for energy development projects, they can establish a joint provincial-federal hearing panel to create efficiencies in the regulatory process.
3. Question – County of Grande Prairie Can the ministries work with the municipalities to identify outstanding taxes annually on non- residential and specifically oil and gas to reduce the burden on municipalities to submit education requisitions? It sounds like there is little appetite to allow municipalities to become registered creditors but identifying doubtful or outstanding accounts will help, and release municipalities from paying education requisitions that they will never collect from these delinquent accounts.
Answer The province recognizes the revenue challenges that municipalities face when they are required to remit to the province uncollected education property taxes from oil and gas companies. In response to these challenges, the province implemented the Provincial Education Requisition Credit (PERC) program. The PERC program provides affected municipalities with a credit equal to the provincial education requisitions associated with the taxable properties that are delinquent in payment of education property taxes.
Classification: Protected A Attachment AR103552
The recovery of taxes on linear property is especially challenging, and there are no straightforward, immediate legislative or policy solutions. However, we will continue to assess whether there are any additional tools that are appropriate and practical in light of the current economic situation.
Additionally, the province, with support from the federal government under the Safe Restart Agreement, introduced the Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST) program to help municipalities mitigate incremental costs, reduced revenues, and other impacts related to response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Municipalities may consider using these funds to offset any reduced revenues from unpaid or deferred taxes.
4. Question – Birch Hills County Just wondering if there is going to be a provision made in the fiscal report card for the unpaid taxes that are included in the 90 per cent pass rate – when anyone has a large delinquent account do you get a failing grade?
Answer The Municipal Indicator (MI) metric is not a measurement of passing or failing municipalities, but rather a tool to identify risk to municipal viability. The tax collection rate is considered a non- critical indicator. As such, two additional indicators would have to trigger for the same reporting year, before a municipality would be identified as potentially “at risk”.
A municipality would then have to remain on the list for three consecutive years before Municipal Affairs would initiate a viability review screening.
5. Question – Northern Sunrise County Alberta is a leader in Agriculture. I ask you Minister Dreeshen to have open and transparent discussions that support agriculture and private industry for the greater good of all Albertans. It is disappointing that we never get to meet you, even the 75th ASB anniversary which was a milestone. How can we have those discussions when there is always a cancellation from you to attend a meeting arranged? It appears private industry can meet with you but ASB fieldsman or the AAAF cannot. How can this be considered transparency?
Answer The Minister of Agriculture is aware of these concerns. He was also disappointed he was not able to make it to last year’s conference due to a scheduling conflict. The Minister is committed to attending and addressing attendees at the 2021 Virtual Alberta Agricultural Service Boards (ASB) Conference in January.
6. Question – County of Northern Lights There has been a major slide in our municipality on secondary highway 743 on the Whitemud River crossing. Can you update on what the plan is to repair this important crossing?
Answer The area/region has had multiple slides over this summer and Alberta Transportation is prioritizing repairs. Work has commenced at the Highway 743 slide location, and it is anticipated the highway will be re-opened within the next five weeks. The work that is being done is a temporary solution; it is likely we will have additional work for a permanent repair in 2021. Highway 743 is considered a low volume highway with less than 100 vehicles per day, and it serves mostly local passenger traffic.
Classification: Protected A Attachment AR103552
7. Question – Beaver County Highway 14 is now experiencing unprecedented amounts of traffic and was scheduled to be twinned many years ago. Today, traffic to the Heartland, the Hardisty Tank Farm, and now the regional landfill in Ryley has put extreme pressure on the corridor through the centre of our county. We have paralleling secondary 626 that has stretches of gravel and in particular the 17 kilometres that reach from Ryley to the new by-pass near Tofield. Would your department consider options that could improve the many cumulative affects that is present with this corridor through Beaver County?
Answer Highway 14 The main factor for determining when there is a need to twin a highway is the amount of traffic that uses the road. The amount of traffic that uses Highway 14 between the existing twinned section east of Edmonton and Tofield varies, with a heavier traffic volume of 6,850 vehicles per day to the west and 5,450 vehicles per day near Tofield. Typically, the need to twin a highway occurs when traffic volume reaches approximately 10,000 vehicles per day. While there are no twinning projects included in the current five-year capital program, Alberta Transportation will continue to monitor traffic volumes on Highway 14 and consider this work in the future as overall traffic conditions and provincial budgets and priorities permit.
Highway 626 Traffic volume on the gravel portion of Highway 626 between Highway 834 and Ryley is currently 170 vehicles per day. Paving of a gravel road is considered when traffic volumes are sufficient to make the required capital investment cost beneficial. While each highway is unique, the department usually does not consider paving gravel roads until traffic volume is approaching at least 500 vehicles per day. It is not anticipated that traffic volume will be sufficient to trigger the need to pave Highway 626 in the near future; however, traffic counts are gathered regularly. The department will continue to monitor traffic volumes on Highway 626 for consideration in future capital programs.
8. Question – Municipal District of Fairview Follow-up question on three-year tax breaks for new oil and pipeline – if we do not assess then we are not documenting how much taxes oil companies will not be paying?
Answer Under the three-year property tax holiday for all new well and pipeline assets, these properties will receive an assessment of zero for the next three years (beginning in assessment year 2021 for taxation in 2022). Municipal Affairs is currently investigating methods to track the assessments for the property tax holiday so that the value of the tax incentive can be measured.
9. Question – Mackenzie County In addition to Minister Savage’s comments on what is the role of the Government of Alberta in energy development, it is the municipality’s responsibility to supply roads, infrastructure, and vibrant communities that assist in recruitment and retention and a quality of life that Albertans and Alberta industry and businesses need to thrive. We cannot do that without all taxpayers paying fair municipal taxes, including our energy sector.
Answer The Government of Alberta recognizes the ongoing concern from municipalities regarding unpaid property taxes on oil and gas properties. With the downturn in the energy industry in recent years, some of the difficulty arises from insolvency or receivership of oil and gas
Classification: Protected A Attachment AR103552
properties. The province has taken measures to help alleviate the financial burden on rural municipalities, including establishing the Provincial Education Requisition Credit program for uncollectable taxes on oil and gas properties and extending the program until the end of the 2021 taxation year.
The recovery of taxes on linear property is especially challenging, and there are no straightforward, immediate legislative or policy solutions. However, we will continue to assess whether there are any additional tools that are appropriate and practical in light of the current economic situation. The best way to ensure oil and gas companies remain viable and capable of paying property taxes is to support Alberta’s overall economic recovery, which the government continues to do through the Alberta Recovery Plan.
10. Question – Municipal District of Willow Creek While Minister Savage stated it is a difficult situation with oil companies not paying their way with taxes due, why is it different than our situation in agriculture? I spent my life farming and it was not always easy to keep going either. Like the oil companies, someone else decided what I got for my production but I had to pay wages to my farm workers and, without exception, my land taxes.
Answer The Government of Alberta recognizes the ongoing concern from municipalities regarding unpaid property taxes on oil and gas properties. With the downturn in the energy industry in recent years, some of the difficulty arises from insolvency or receivership of oil and gas properties. The province has taken measures to help alleviate the financial burden on rural municipalities, including establishing the Provincial Education Requisition Credit program for uncollectable taxes on oil and gas properties and extending the program until the end of the 2021 taxation year.
We will continue to assess whether there any additional tools that are appropriate and practical in light of the current economic situation. The best way to ensure oil and gas companies remain viable and capable of paying property taxes is to support Alberta’s overall economic recovery, which the government continues to do through the Alberta Recovery Plan.
11. Question – Athabasca County It was great to hear about the upcoming Trails Act. I think this is where we need to go. In 2019, the powersport market in North America was 11 billion and is expected to grow to 50 billion by 2026. This brings in my opinion great opportunities in tourism in Alberta with trail networks and other resources that this industry would use. This is my passion when I talk trail networks I want to combine powersports and other users "Multi use trails.”
Answer Thank you for your interest in supporting sustainable trails on Alberta’s Crown lands, and for recognizing the importance of managing recreational activities while maintaining the health of watersheds. Municipalities play a key role in communicating and interacting with constituents regarding management of recreational use on Crown lands and municipal lands.
Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) is committed to continuing Alberta’s proud tradition of environmental stewardship. A major component of this is working to enhance and sustain our province’s trail network so that current and future generations of Albertans can further enjoy Crown lands and appreciate Alberta’s wilderness. Providing sustainable motorized and non-
Classification: Protected A Attachment AR103552
motorized recreational opportunities for Albertans and tourists plays an important role in diversifying the economy.
Responsible recreation is supported in many areas on Alberta’s Crown land, such as within Public Land Use Zones on designated trails, including enabling a variety of motorized and non- motorized use. Government also needs to ensure we are adequately protecting the environment, considering the experience of other recreational users, and integrating recreation with other uses on a busy landscape. AEP will continue to move forward on their commitments to introduce an Alberta Trails Act and fee framework to increase awareness about and encourage the sustainable use of trails, enhance trails and trail experiences, and protect trails for future generations.
AEP values your input and recognition of recreation management and providing tourism opportunities and exceptional experiences in Alberta that will help contribute to our economy and support environmental stewardship.
12. Question – Municipal District of Peace Why weren’t municipalities of Alberta that are thus far uninfected by fusarium provided the option of leaving fusarium as part of the Alberta Pest Act for their portion of the province? You did not directly address Corrina William’s concerns about the removal of fusarium graminearum from the Alberta Pest Act. It was removed by you as an Order in Council so little or no open discussion was held by your government concerning this matter. Representatives from our regional Ag. Service Boards met with members of your ministry staff to discuss this issue. Our representatives were advised this was a political decision. They were also advised the last round table discussions on this matter were held by the previous government and no notes were taken.
We in the North feel we were sold out to the seed and chemical companies who have been pushing for this move for many years under the guise of crop development, and red tape reduction. It has been said, producers in the infected areas maintain they were being forced to smuggle infected seed in from outside the province because they were unable to source seed in Alberta. It is doubtful much effort was made to source seed directly from Alberta’s own producers in uninfected areas since all seed cleaned at the local seed cleaning plants must be tested and found to be uninfected prior to being cleaned. Our only option to mitigate your Order in Council, municipal bylaws, are a poor substitute for the inclusion of fusarium in the Pest Act in ensuring the exclusive use of uninfected seed in uninfected areas of our province, due to enforcement difficulties.
Answer Effective June 1, 2020, Fusarium graminearum (Fusarium) was removed from the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation (PNCR), under the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act (APA) by Ministerial Order (signed May 20, 2020). The decision to remove Fusarium from the PNCR was not taken lightly. In the early 1990s, Fusarium was not well established in Alberta, and was thus declared a pest under the PNCR to help prevent its introduction and spread. However, in recent years, Fusarium has become well established in many parts of the province, thus making the PNCR ineffective.
Alberta was the only province in Canada which listed Fusarium as a declared pest. Other provinces, such as Saskatchewan and Manitoba, have been dealing with it in other ways besides legislation. Deregulating Fusarium was precedent-setting as this is the first pest to be removed from the PNCR.
Classification: Protected A Attachment AR103552
The regulatory status of Fusarium in Alberta has been historically controversial, with municipalities in the Peace supporting the continued regulation of this pest, while municipalities further south where the pest is more established are less supportive of regulating Fusarium. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry communicated directly with Agriculture Service Board (ASB) Chairmen and the Provincial ASB Committee before deregulation was communicated to the public. Municipalities that want to continue to control Fusarium through regulatory channels have the option to put municipal bylaws in place. Hopefully, bylaws pertaining to the pest will be somewhat coordinated amongst adjoining municipalities.
13. Question – County of Warner In referring to grazing lease renewals, producers have been waiting in excess of two years for their renewals and still no action. There is also a reluctance of Alberta Environment and Parks to return these leases and their operations back to Agriculture and Forestry, where we believe that these decisions should be being made. What plans does this government have to expedite the process in having these leases renewed in an expedited and reasonable manner?
Answer The Alberta government is working hard to reduce red tape and streamline processes to enhance efficiency. This includes making improvements to our internal processes to lessen timelines and make the application and review process more user-friendly. AEP is currently working to address a backlog of grazing lease renewal and assignment applications.
AEP recognizes the concerns grazing lease holders have related to the current backlog, and additional resources have been allocated to help expedite the processing of applications such as assignments. While processing of “straightforward” assignment applications is well underway, there is some additional delay for grazing lease holders who have applied for an assignment and have also applied for a renewal of their grazing leases. o Grazing leases in the renewal queue cannot be transferred or assigned until the renewal application has been processed. o AEP staff have been working with the grazing industry to develop an updated grazing lease renewal document and will continue to work collaboratively with industry towards a positive outcome. o A focused effort to process outstanding grazing lease renewal applications will be made at the completion of this work.
For more information, please contact Donna Zubko, Team Lead, Agriculture Maintenance Unit, Approvals and Disposition Services, in Edmonton at 780-427-8614 (dial 310-0000 for a toll free connection), or at [email protected].
14. Question – Rocky View County The key to perceived water issues in the Calgary Region is the creation of off-stream storage. If Alberta Environment and Parks granted licences that provide for off stream storage, capacity will be increased. We respectfully request that AEP treat all Municipalities equally by allowing secured Water License to be used anywhere within a Municipality’s Corporate Boundaries, eliminating lengthy and expensive processes to transfer water licence between quarter sections of land. Can you provide some certainty on when this process will be reviewed so that municipalities are treated equally?
Classification: Protected A Attachment AR103552
Answer Under the Bow, Oldman and South Saskatchewan River Basin Water Allocation Order, water licences can still be issued for storage, if it is for the protection of the aquatic environment and for improving the availability of water to existing licence holders and registrants. The ability to adjust the point of use of a licence is outlined in section 54 of the Water Act. An amendment to the licence can be requested to change the point of use, or add another point of use, if the use is located on the same land specified in the licence. If the change to the point of use is outside of the land specified in the licence then, as per the Water Act, the licence transfer process is triggered.
When considering a change to the point of use of a licence the department must consider the point of diversion, point of use and point of return, as changes to this could impact other users and the aquatic environment. The department is not aware of any specific requests to change the point of use on licences in Rocky View County. If Rocky View County would like to discuss any particular examples to better understand what would be required to make changes to point of use of certain licences, they are encouraged to contact Darren Bourget, Regulatory Assurance Manager, Calgary District, at 403-297-5930.
Municipal Affairs would also like to provide additional information on the following topics that were also discussed at the forum/convention:
15. Question – Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo The RMA/Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo would like the Government of Alberta to amend the Matters Relating to Assessment Sub-Classes Regulation to allow a tax rate differential of up to 50 per cent between the “small business property” and “other non-residential property” sub-classes.
Answer The Matters Relating to Assessment Sub-classes Regulation (MRAS) came into effect on January 1, 2018, and enables council to create a sub-class for small businesses, according to specific criteria, and apply a tax at a rate between 75 per cent and 100 per cent of the rate for all other non-residential property in the municipality.
In addition to the ability to create a small business sub-class, section 347 of the MGA provides councils with the ability to address exceptional circumstances in a targeted way, if it is deemed equitable to do so, by cancelling, reducing, refunding or deferring taxes generally, or with respect to a particular property, or a class of taxable property. Additionally, section 364.2 of the MGA enables councils to provide tax incentives for non-residential property, targeted to the development or revitalization of these properties.
Government must be mindful of tax fairness for all taxpayers as we work to promote economic recovery. Therefore, the government has no current plans to change the 25 per cent tax rate differential for the small business sub-class.
16. Question/Resolution – Brazeau County The RMA/Brazeau County are inquiring as to the link between the assessment model review proposed changes and a “trigger” oil price.
Classification: Protected A Attachment AR103552
Answer In Alberta’s regulated assessment system, property valuation is based on assessable construction costs of the physical asset, and is not directly linked to commodity prices or the value of the overall business enterprise.
Government is currently developing a plan for future reviews of the regulated assessment system. When the system is reviewed, we will be pleased to consider input and suggestions on how assessment may be more closely aligned with underlying economic drivers.
17. Question – Mountain View County When will public engagement for the Upper Red Deer River Hazard Study take place?
Answer Alberta Environment and Parks is preparing public engagement activities for many recently completed flood studies, including the draft Upper Red Deer River Hazard Study. Planned public engagement activities remain on-track and are expected to take place this fall.
Flood Hazard Identification Program staff have been in contact with the County to coordinate planned public engagement efforts.
18. Question – Woodlands County Is there an opportunity to link the recently announced 3-year tax holiday for new wells to a requirement for a tax payment plan for any taxes already owing (for any individual company)?
Answer Government is aware of the ongoing issue of unpaid property taxes from the oil and gas industry and recognizes that the oil and gas industry continues to struggle due to a number of factors, including depressed market conditions and high operating expenses. At the same time, we are aware that municipalities are dependent on property tax revenue to provide essential municipal services and programs.
The three-year tax holiday is an assessment measure that needs to be applied equally to all qualifying properties; it is not currently feasible to link specific tax payment information to assessment records. In light of the complexities of this situation, the government will continue to assess whether additional tools would be effective in assisting municipalities in collecting unpaid taxes, ensuring oil and gas companies contribute to municipal revenue requirements in a fair and stable manner.
Classification: Protected A December 17, 2020 | Volume 2020 Issue 50 | Download as PDF View this email in your browser
Resolution Deadline for 2021 Spring Convention With district meetings approaching, RMA is reminding members of the important role resolutions play in guiding the association’s advocacy efforts. To maximize these efforts, having well-written resolutions that are clear, concise, and include pertinent information is essential.
Learn more...
Please note, due to the upcoming holidays, this will be the last issue of Contact for 2020. Have a very Merry Christmas and we will see you all in the new year!
Member bulletins are posted to RMAlberta.com regularly each week. Below is a list of all the member bulletins compiled from the past week.
Ministerial Order Approved to Support @RuralMA COVID-19-Safe Municipal Nomination Process
The Honourable Tracy Allard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, has approved Ministerial Order No. MSD:103/20, which amends section 30(1) of the Local Authorities Election Act to allow municipalities to accept candidate nomination deposits by debit or credit card when the municipal election nomination period opens on January 1, 2021. Learn more... /RMAlberta
Universal Broadband Fund Application Deadline Approaching
In November, the Government of Canada launched its Moisture Situation Update as of November 8, 2020 Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) - a major win for rural, remote, and northern communities. In response to the urgent need for broadband expansion, the intake and selection process for the two project streams are on accelerated deadlines to early 2021. RMA, Nisku Learn more... Insurance Coordinator
Athabasca County Implementing the Water Conservation Assistant Agricultural Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas Fieldman Operations Town of Bonnyville General Manager of Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) released the Water Operations and Engineering Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations (WCP), replacing the Water Conservation and Allocation Parkland County Policy for Oilfield Injection (2006). The WCP provides Crop Inspector direction on water use and emphasizes the use of Horticulture Assistant alternative water sources.
Learn more... Sturgeon County Heavy Equipment Technician Information on Dutch Elm Disease for City of Red Deer Municipalities Safe & Healthy Communities Manager Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is caused by a fungal pathogen that affects American Elm trees. Alberta is home to the VIEW OUR JOB BOARD largest stand of DED-free American Elms in North America. The pathogens that cause DED are regulated in Alberta under the Agricultural Pests Act (APA).
Learn more...
Consumer Investigations Unit View our Contact newsletter Information archive or our member bulletin archive. The Consumer Investigations Unit (CIU) is a department within Service Alberta that provides consumer protections to Albertans. The CIU can investigate complaints and transactions on a variety of issues. CIU officers are Learn more appointed under the Criminal Code of Canada for sections about the key such as fraud, theft, and forgery in related to the above issues facing rural listed legislation. Alberta by reading our position Learn more... statements.
Provide Your Feedback on Draft Reports and Flood Maps Click the link above to check out our launch The Government of Alberta has released draft flood maps video for the Rural meant to improve public safety, support emergency Municipalities of management, and help build safer and more resilient Alberta! communities. Engagement opportunities are open for Albertans to provide feedback on new flood maps. The deadline to provide feedback is January 15, 2021. Forward to friend Learn more... Share on Twitter
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Announcing RMA Trade Webinars
The RMA will be hosting a series of short webinars to give members and stakeholders an overview of developments and services available from the association. The first webinar is scheduled for January 13, 2021, featuring one of our approved suppliers who will be providing educational content. Registration is now open.
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AEMA: How Does Knowing Your Community Help You Become More Prepared
Neighbours are often the first to lend a hand when an unexpected situation occurs. Knowing your neighbours makes it easier to ask for help when you need it most. The upcoming holidays are a great time to make connections, safely and virtually. Watch the video to learn more! Learn more...
ASCHA: Our Front-line “Superheroes” Need All Albertans To Be Their Sidekicks
This is an open letter to Albertans. Since the initial measures that were implemented back in March at the onset of the pandemic, our frontline workers in seniors housing and care have implemented rigorous measures to keep our most vulnerable safe, in the settings they choose to call home.
Learn more...
MCCAC: Recreation Centres are the Heart of Alberta Communities - Take Care of Them
Local arenas, aquatic centres, and curling rinks are core gathering places that unite communities through sport, recreation, and other local events. From hockey tournaments, curling bonspiels, tradeshows, concerts, and everything in between, these facilities are the heart of Alberta communities. See how Okotoks, Westlock and Foothills County are taking care of their recreation centres with energy-efficient upgrades.
The Town of Whitecourt hosted and participated in the Municipal Energy Champions Program’s Energy Management Basics training session. MCCAC provided education on global trends in energy and GHG emissions, energy basics, and energy management. Municipalities can apply to the upcoming Municipal Energy Champions cohort until December 18, 2020. Get 2021 off to the right start with energy management support like the Town of Whitecourt.
Alberta expands rapid COVID-19 testing pilot program
December 16, 2020 Resolution Deadline for 2021 Spring Convention
Resolutions must be submitted to RMA by February 16, 2021 to be added to the Spring 2021 resolution order paper
With district meetings approaching, RMA is reminding members of the important role resolutions play in guiding the association’s advocacy efforts. To maximize these efforts, having well-written resolutions that are clear, concise, and include pertinent information is essential. When is the resolution deadline for the 2021 Spring Convention? The deadline to submit resolutions for the 2021 Spring Convention is 4:00 pm on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.
District-endorsed or individual resolutions MUST be emailed in Microsoft Word format to [email protected] by this deadline. What makes a good RMA resolution? Resolutions should address issues that are provincial in scope and not focus on local issues. Resolutions should influence legislative changes that will impact rural municipalities. The issue identified in a resolution should clearly demonstrate that RMA is the best organization to advocate on moving it forward. The structure of resolutions is important. They must have a title, preamble, operative clause, and member background. What tools are available to help members draft good resolutions? RMA offers a resolution database, resolution-writing tips, FAQs, and a resolution template [Word]. All other resolution resources can be accessed by contacting RMA Senior Policy Advisor Wyatt Skovron at [email protected].
Wyatt Skovron Senior Policy Advisor [email protected]
Tasha Blumenthal Director of External Relations & Advocacy [email protected]
December 15, 2020 Ministerial Order Approved to Support COVID-19-Safe Municipal Nomination Process The Honourable Tracy Allard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, has approved Ministerial Order No. MSD:103/20, which amends section 30(1) of the Local Authorities Election Act to allow municipalities to accept candidate nomination deposits by debit or credit card when the municipal election nomination period opens on January 1, 2021.
This change is intended to reduce physical contact between election candidates and municipal staff due to COVID-19 health risks and is in effect only for 2021.
RMA is collaborating with the Government of Alberta and other municipal organizations to consider additional changes to the nomination and election process to support the health and safety of candidates, municipal staff, and voters. Any additional changes will be shared with members moving forward.
Wyatt Skovron Senior Policy Advisor [email protected]
Tasha Blumenthal Director of External Relations & Advocacy [email protected]
December 16, 2020 Universal Broadband Fund Application Deadline Approaching
Government of Canada funding applications due in early 2021
In November, the Government of Canada launched its Universal Broadband Fund (UBF)—a major win for rural, remote, and northern communities. This $1.75 billion fund will help connect communities to high-speed Internet across the country and includes a $150 million Rapid Response Stream to accelerate shovel-ready projects.
In response to the urgent need for broadband expansion, the intake and selection process for the two project streams are on accelerated deadlines:
The deadline for the rapid-response stream is January 15, 2021. Applications are being accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis. The deadline for the regular project stream is February 15, 2021. For those interested in applying but unsure where to begin, a detailed application guide is available online, or you can connect directly with a dedicated UBF team at ISED by telephone 1-800-328-6189 or email [email protected].
Warren Noga Policy Advisor 780.955.4079 [email protected]
Tasha Blumenthal Director of External Relations and Advocacy 780.955.4094 [email protected]
December 14, 2020 Implementing the Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations
Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) released the Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas Operations (WCP), replacing the Water Conservation and Allocation Policy for Oilfield Injection (2006). The WCP provides direction on water use and emphasizes the use of alternative water sources, including alternative non- saline water over high-quality non-saline water. This will reduce reliance on high-quality, non-saline water now and into the future. The WCP applies to the following energy subsectors:
oil sands thermal in situ operations, enhanced oil recovery and cold bitumen enhanced recovery operations, multistage hydraulic fracturing in horizontal wells, and oil sand mining operations. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is currently developing the guidance to implement the WCP for the first three subsectors listed above, which will be released in early 2021. There are no changes planned for oil sands mining operations, which will continue to follow the Surface Water Quantity Management Framework for the Lower Athabasca River and the Tailings Management Framework for the Mineable Athabasca Oil Sands.
The AER has released Bulletin 2020-25, which provides further information on WCP.
For questions about the WCP, contact Steve Wallace at AEP by email to [email protected].
For WCP-related questions on water licence applications, email [email protected].
Alex Mochid Policy Advisor 780.955.4085 [email protected]
Tasha Blumenthal Director of Advocacy and External Relations 780.955.4094 [email protected]
December 16, 2020 Information on Dutch Elm Disease for Municipalities
Municipalities have a role to play in inspecting for the tree disease
Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is caused by a fungal pathogen that affects American Elm trees. Alberta is home to the largest stand of DED-free American Elms in North America. This includes trees on municipal properties, shelterbelts, and on rural properties. The value of these elms is estimated to be over $2 billion.
The pathogens that cause DED are regulated in Alberta under the Agricultural Pests Act (APA). As part of the APA, municipalities must appoint inspectors. Under Section 10, the local authority of a municipality shall appoint a sufficient number of inspectors to carry out the APA and its regulations within the municipality.
For the purposes of checking trees or elm firewood, Section 17 of the APA stipulates that “land” does not include a private dwelling.
An inspector may, for the purpose of carrying out the inspector’s duties:
Enter at any reasonable hour on any land to inspect the land or any buildings, property, or livestock on the land Take specimens of a pest or nuisance and of any matter or thing that contains or is suspected of containing a pest or nuisance Some Alberta municipalities have DED bylaws in place and municipalities can appoint bylaw enforcement officers under the authority of section 555 and 556 of the Municipal Government Act (MGA). A community peace officer is not authorized to enforce municipal bylaws unless they are also appointed under the authority of the MGA, or if the specific bylaw states it can be enforced by a community peace officer working for that municipality.
For more information on DED and the role of municipalities, see the Government of Alberta pamphlet.
Warren Noga Policy Advisor 780.955.4079 [email protected]
Tasha Blumenthal Director of External Relations and Advocacy 780.955.4094 [email protected]
December 3, 2020 Consumer Investigations Unit Information
Peace Officers and Investigators within Service Alberta provide consumer protection
The Consumer Investigations Unit (CIU) is a department within Service Alberta that provides consumer protections to Albertans.
The CIU can investigate complaints and transactions related to:
Auctions Energy marketing Cemeteries Gift cards Charitable fundraising Home inspections Collection agencies Landlords and tenants (mobile home sites and residential tenancies) Condominium developments Payday loans Credit reports Prepaid contracting Door-to-door sales Time shares & travel clubs Employment agencies Unfair trade practices
Additionally, CIU officers are appointed under the Criminal Code of Canada for sections such as fraud, theft, and forgery in related to the above listed legislation.
The bulk of CIU work centers around the Consumer Protection Act of Alberta and the Residential Tenancies Act of Alberta.
CIU has developed several quick reference guides:
Home Improvements Protection from unfair practices Information for landlords Information for tenants
Consumer Contact Centre Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays) Toll free: 1-877-427-4088 Website: https://www.alberta.ca/consumer-protection-complaints.aspx
Northern Alberta (north of Ponoka) Southern Alberta (south of Ponoka)
Email (north of Ponoka): [email protected] Email (Ponoka and south): [email protected] Fax: 780-422-9106 Fax: 403-297-4270
Service Alberta Service Alberta Consumer Investigations Unit Consumer Investigations Unit 3rd Floor, Commerce Place, 10155 102 Street 301, 7015 MacLeod Trail SW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L4 Calgary, Alberta T2H 2K6
Warren Noga Policy Advisor 780.955.4079 [email protected]
Tasha Blumenthal Director of External Relations and Advocacy 780.955.4094 [email protected]
2
November 30, 2020 Provide Your Feedback on Draft Reports and Flood Maps
Alberta Environment and Parks is gathering feedback from Albertans on draft reports and flood maps
The Government of Alberta has released draft flood maps meant to improve public safety, support emergency management, and help build safer and more resilient communities. Engagement opportunities are open for Albertans to provide feedback on new flood maps, which will help ensure this work is technically sound.
The following flood maps are available for feedback:
Athabasca Flood Study Bow and Elbow River Flood Study Camrose Flood Study Cardston Flood Study Drumheller Flood Study Fort Macleod Flood Study Medicine Hat Flood Study North Saskatchewan Flood Study Peace River Flood Study Pincher Creek Flood Study Priddis Flood Study Red Deer River Flood Study Sheep River Flood Study Siksika Bow Flood Study St. Albert Flood Study Upper Bow River Flood Study Upper Red Deer Flood Study
Access to the flood studies is on Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) main engagement page. Please note, although some of the study names may imply a focus on urban municipalities, each study includes mapping through rural municipalities.
The deadline to provide feedback is January 15, 2021.
The focus of the current engagement is the flood inundation maps that support local emergency response. AEP is planning future engagement opportunities on other study components for early next year, including the flood hazard maps that define floodways. AEP plans to share the draft flood hazard maps with local authorities in 2021 for review and discussion, with public engagement following later. RMA will update members on any engagement opportunities as they arise. If you have any questions, please contact Julia Frohlich at [email protected].
Alex Mochid Policy Advisor 780.955.4085 [email protected]
Tasha Blumenthal Director of Advocacy and External Relations 780.955.4049 [email protected]
2 From: Carol Macrae
On behalf of the Valley Ski Club Board of Directors I would like to thank you for the support from Flagstaff County in the application for the CFEP Grant our club sent in last summer. Because of the funds your county has given the ski hill to do the stabilization work we were able to apply for matching funds through the CFEP grant. We have just been notified that we have been awarded $437,802. There is no way to describe how we feel right now except thankful. I have attached the letter of approval.
I so appreciate your speedy replies to the requests for letters of support etc, as we had very few days to complete this application. We also feel that the money you provided to do the Feasibility Study and Business Case Study was integral in receiving this grant. The Valley Ski Club Board of Directors thanks you for your continuing support and will keep you updated on plans as to where the money will be spent.
Thank you again
Carol MacRae On Behalf of the Valley Ski Club Board of Directors
CULTURE, MULTICULTURALISM AND STATUS OF WOMEN Office of the Minister
January 6, 2021
Mr. Ross Vincett The Valley Ski Club Castor Association PO Box 141 Alliance, AB T0B 0A0
Dear Ross:
RE: Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) Large Grant
On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I am pleased to advise you that your Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) Large Grant Application No. CFEP-089861 to assist the The Valley Ski Club Castor Association with the Ski Slope Stabilization and Snowmaking Upgrade project has been approved for $437,802. An electronic transfer of funds will be sent to your bank account in the coming weeks and notification will follow.
As Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women, I am extremely honoured to support the work of nonprofit organizations that aim to foster healthy, vibrant communities across Alberta. The Government of Alberta is proud to support organizations that improve the quality of life in our communities.
CFEP Large Grant funding approvals require the grant recipient to enter into a formal grant agreement with the ministry outlining the terms and conditions of the grant funding prior to the funds being released. CFEP Large program staff will provide the grant agreement to be signed by a signing authority within your organization and the ministry representative.
Your organization is to be commended on its hard work in connection with this large community project. It will have a positive effect on the quality of life in our community.
If you have any inquiries, please contact program administration at 1-800-642-3855.
I wish you continued success with your important work.
Sincerely,
Leela Sharon Aheer Minister
cc: Jackie Lovely, MLA Camrose
Room 227 Legislature Building, 10800 - 97 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2B6 Canada Telephone 780-422-3559
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