COVID-19 update: municipal payment options, outdoor structure and recycling centre closures

Update #3

The health and safety of our community, including County staff, remains the top priority as the COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) situation continues to change rapidly.

In alignment with Alberta Public Health’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.

Options for municipal utility bill payments
In recognition of this unprecedented time, Strathcona County residents and small businesses facing financial hardship may request utility bill payment deferrals, for up to three months with no penalties. For residents and small businesses in financial need, contact Utility customer billing at 780-464-8273 or email customerbilling@strathcona.ca. Further details, including the utility payment deferral request form, is available at strathcona.ca/bills.

Closure of all County-owned outdoor hard surface play areas
Effective immediately, all Strathcona County-owned outdoor hard surface amenities will be closed until June 15 or until further notice; including playgrounds, skateboard parks, courts, spray parks, picnic shelters and gazebos. These high-touch location closures are necessary as social distancing cannot be maintained and it is not possible to adequately disinfect these areas.

Closure signage and overall social distancing reminders will be posted throughout the community and social media.

A reminder that all outdoor rinks, off-leash dog parks and Strathcona Wilderness Centre continue to be closed.

Closure extension for recreation and culture facilities
Effective immediately, the closure date for all recreation and culture facilities will be extended from April 14 to June 15, or until further notice. Strathcona County will work directly with its clients to provide refunds. Millennium Card payments will not be processed during this timeframe.

Strathcona County front-line service counters remain closed; however, staff continue to provide service via phone and/or email. 

Closure of Enviroservice and recycling stations
Effective end of day March 27, the Broadview Enviroservice and Ardrossan recycle stations will be closed to the public, until further notice. These closures help protect staff and residents’ health and safety by eliminating in-person waste collection interactions. In addition, future South Cooking Lake recycling events are postponed indefinitely. Residents are asked to hold onto those items they would normally drop off, until these facilities reopen. Hazardous materials should not be disposed of in the black cart. Please store safely in a shed or garage.

Waste management staff continue to work hard to maintain the regular curbside waste collection schedule (black bins, organic bins and recycle). The waste system depends on having materials correctly sorted. Residents are asked to help prevent unnecessary burden on waste collection capacity by properly sorting waste, organics and recycling materials. A reminder that 80 per cent of household waste can be composted or recycled.

Overall
Strathcona County continues to deliver its critical services. Strathcona County also remains resourced and prepared to respond to seasonal events, such as spring flooding.

Strathcona County’s Emergency Management Agency continues to action contingency planning and response to COVID-19.
 

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community. 

 
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Contact: Strathcona County Communications 780-410-6595