Outdoor safety

Physical distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. It is best to refrain from gathering with anyone outside of your household. People are encouraged to connect using the phone, video and other ways of communicating instead.

The health and safety of our community, including County staff, remains the top priority as the COVID-19 situation continues to change rapidly. 
 
In alignment with Alberta Public Heath’s direction to address COVID-19, Strathcona County has implemented additional preventative measures to limit the spread of infection and, ultimately, to help keep our employees, customers, community and visitors healthy and safe. 

The latest information about outdoor space closures and openings and be found on our 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.

Strathcona County is currently evaluating summer festivals and programming.

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.

The community gardens are not yet open. The program is paused temporarily while Strathcona County develops detailed operating guidelines that follow restrictions on gatherings, physical distancing and cleaning requirements. Once confirmed, Strathcona County will share information, including opening dates, with garden leaders. 

Effective May 6, Broadmoor Public Golf Course will be open to the public with certain restricitons. View the most up-to-date information regarding recreation openings and closures.

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. 

The short answer is we don’t know, as the situation is continually changing.

However, Strathcona County continues to align its activities and services with Alberta Public Health’s direction for addressing COVID-19, taking necessary preventative measures to limit the spread of infection and, ultimately, to help keep our employees, customers, community and visitors healthy and safe.

Spray parks and spray decks are closed until June 15 or until further notice.