Outdoor safety

The Government of Alberta is permitting outdoor social gatherings in groups up to 10 people. Six feet of physical distancing is still required. It is best to limit gatherings with anyone outside of your household, and connecting using phone, video and other ways of communicating are encouraged.  

Yes! Outdoor spaces like parks, playgrounds, dog parks, nature trails and toboggan hills are open for casual use. Please follow all posted signage and guidelines. The latest information about outdoor space closures and openings can be found on the closures, openings and refunds page.

Physical distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. We are asking people to stay within their own neighbourhoods (as much as possible) to help avoid congestion on the shared path/trail systems. 

Alberta Health Services encourages Albertans to  go for a walk in your neighbourhood or park while maintaining distance from others. 

Public health orders that can be legally enforced with fines include, but are not limited to, 14-day mandatory self-isolation for international travellers who return to Canada, 10-day mandatory isolation for people with COVID-19 symptoms and restrictions around gatherings of more than 15 people. For a full list of the public health orders currently in place, or to submit a complaint, visit the Alberta government’s website

If you are struggling, or have financial, housing or parenting concerns, call 780-464-4044 for assistance in connecting you to support. 
strathcona.ca/wellbeing

With more people heading outside, residents are encouraged to share outdoor spaces safely and responsibly.

• Everyone - be courteous when sharing the trails with others, including walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs, scooters and joggers. Warn others of your presence when passing.
• Drivers - expect more cyclists and pedestrians. Slow down and give space for all to be safe.
• Pedestrians – make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and share space on sidewalks and trails. Avoid paths during high-use times. We need to do our best to stay away from other people when going outside.
• Cyclists – share the trail by slowing down when passing others; ring your bell to warn others of your presence; cross the street safely.

In order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, residents are asked to stay within their neighbourhoods, whenever possible. A listing of Strathcona County trails and biking maps are available at strathcona.ca/trails

Strathcona County has signage that goes up into park spaces to remind people to pick up after their dogs. Our RCMP and Enforcement Officers are patrolling the community as much as possible, but would appreciate a short call to their complaint line at 780-467-7741 when you notice dogs off-leash in restricted areas or not picking up after their dog.

Residents may apply for block party permits at this time. 

Please refer to provincial guidelines for the most up-to-date guidance and restrictions on outdoor gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All block parties must follow the public health direction for physical distancing, gatherings and hygiene. 

Strathcona County facilities and spaces are currently closed, and unavailable for large events.  If you wish to enquire about such events on private property, please contact Alberta Health Services at  BizConnect@gov.ab.ca. Large public gatherings are currently prohibited. Alberta Health Services has provided guidance for places of worship looking to hold events. 

The community events calendar will be accepting submissions for free, online (virtual) community events, from now until June 30, 2020. Guidelines are available on the community calendar. 

During COVID, there may be various operational impacts that align with changing Alberta Health restrictions.

Check for the latest updates and service impacts.

Enhanced cleaning protocols are in place.