Outdoor safety
When you are outside, prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On this page
What should I think about when doing outdoor activities?
Enjoy outdoor activities! And continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Make sure you protect yourself and others, and follow all public health orders:
- Stay home if you are sick or displaying any symptoms of COVID-19
- Practise hand hygiene
- Avoid touching commonly touched surfaces, such as rails
- Practise physical distancing (two metres apart) at all times
- If you cannot maintain physical distancing, wear a non-medical mask
- Refrain from sharing equipment
Check also:
Alberta’s guidance on gathering restrictions and physical distancing requirements
Driver, pedestrian and cyclist safety
With more people heading outside, residents are encouraged to share outdoor spaces safely.
- 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.
Driver, pedestrian and cyclist safety
With more people heading outside, residents are encouraged to share outdoor spaces safely.
- 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.

Winter activities
There are lots of opportunities for skating in paths and outdoor rinks, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. New locations this year! Remember to stay off stormwater ponds for your safety.

Outdoor amenities
Outdoor courts are open with restrictions.
Hard-surface amenities such as playgrounds are now open.
View a full list of closures and open facilities.

Trails
Residents are encouraged to use multi-use trails in their own neighbourhoods. Learn the guidelines for sharing trails and open spaces.

Winter activities
There are lots of opportunities for skating in paths and outdoor rinks, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. New locations this year! Remember to stay off stormwater ponds for your safety.

Outdoor amenities
Outdoor courts are open with restrictions.
Hard-surface amenities such as playgrounds are now open.
View a full list of closures and open facilities.

Trails
Residents are encouraged to use multi-use trails in their own neighbourhoods. Learn the guidelines for sharing trails and open spaces.
Events
Online (virtual) community events
The community events calendar accepts submissions for free, online (virtual) community events. Please note the guidelines, available on the calendar.
Frequent questions
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1. Who can I call if I see people gathering together, and not physically distancing appropriately?
Permanent link to Who can I call if I see people gathering together, and not physically distancing appropriately?If you are concerned someone is not following proper physical distancing (not maintaining two metres apart from people outside of your immediate household, and/or gathering in groups larger than 10), you may:
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Remind the person that not following proper physical distancing puts our community at risk
Activities with people who are not in your immediate household should be avoided as much as possible. People are encouraged to connect using the phone, video and other ways of communicating instead.
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2. Can I join my friends outside as long as we stay two metres apart?
Permanent link to Can I join my friends outside as long as we stay two metres apart?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.
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3. Are there any outdoor spaces that are open?
Permanent link to Are there any outdoor spaces that are open?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.
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4. Why are we encouraged to stay within our own neighbourhood?
Permanent link to Why are we encouraged to stay within our own neighbourhood?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.
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5. Are there fines for breaching Alberta Health Services' public health orders?
Permanent link to Are there fines for breaching Alberta Health Services' public health orders?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
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6. I’m having a hard time coping right now. Who can I call?
Permanent link to I’m having a hard time coping right now. Who can I call?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 -
7. There are many more people out walking and cycling. How do we stay safe while maintaining physical distancing guidelines?
Permanent link to There are many more people out walking and cycling. How do we stay safe while maintaining physical distancing guidelines?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.
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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
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9. Who do I call to complain about dogs off-leash or people not picking up their dog’s waste?
Permanent link to Who do I call to complain about dogs off-leash or people not picking up their dog’s waste?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.
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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.
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11. Can I hold a drive-in event on a Strathcona County public space?
Permanent link to Can I hold a drive-in event on a Strathcona County public space?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.
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12. I’d like to hold a virtual event. How can I promote it?
Permanent link to I’d like to hold a virtual event. How can I promote it?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.
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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.