Strathcona County carefully planning for phased re-openings

While the Government of Alberta announced its provincial Stage 2 relaunch as of June 12, 2020, the responsibility to safely operate municipal programs and services remains with Strathcona County.

It will take time, up to several weeks in some cases, to prepare and re-open County facilities and services to the public. Strathcona County continues to take direction from Alberta Health Services, as part of a collective responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19.

As the County prepares to re-open its services and facilities, the municipality will pay close attention to positive COVID-19 cases in the region and adjust timelines accordingly. Enhanced infection control measures will remain in place throughout all stages – including physical distancing requirements, monitoring for symptoms and practicing good hygiene.

Strathcona County’s relaunch plan considers necessary service modifications; staff and public controls (such as predictable supply of protective equipment and cleaning products), communication and training; as well as an adjusted approach to service delivery. The logistics are complex, including staff recalls and operational start-ups. COVID-19 information continues to change, sometimes daily.

Phased re-opening timelines
Strathcona County is taking a phased approach to re-opening its facilities and amenities. Residents can expect the delivery of County-run services to look different upon re-opening. As a reminder, physical distancing and gathering restrictions remain in effect. The targeted re-opening dates may be subject to change, at the discretion of Strathcona County.

For a listing of recreation facility/amenity targeted re-opening timelines, call 780-467-2211. User fees are being reviewed and will be communicated to the public, once confirmed.

Strathcona County Transit continues to adapt its services during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of July 1, Transit will safely resume fare collection and front-door boarding. Transit’s additional safety measures, including the installation of plexiglass shields at the front of all conventional buses and enhanced fare payment handling procedures, continue to ensure customer and Transit staff safety. Visit strathcona.ca/transit for route and pass sales information.

In-person services continue to be limited
At this time, Strathcona County continues to encourage phone and online contact with Strathcona County staff, including online bill payments, where possible. Please call 780-464-8111 before coming to Strathcona County offices.

Family and Community Services continues to offer virtual and telephone services for residents seeking supports. Visit strathcona.ca/fcs or call 780-464-4044 for more information.

As a reminder, all Albertans are now eligible for COVID-19 testing, whether experiencing symptoms or not. Offered by appointment and free-of-charge at Alberta Health Services assessment centre locations around the province, testing is easily booked online by visiting ahs.ca/covid. If internet is not available, call 811, and 811 staff will book a test appointment for you.

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