Strathcona County preparations for Stage 3 re-opening

On July 1, Alberta is lifting nearly all health restrictions across the province. Additional programs, services and amenities as well as increased capacities will begin on July 1 in Strathcona County.

County actions

Masks will continue to be mandatory in public transit, rideshares, taxis and some health care settings as part of the Province’s Stage 3 guidelines. While masks and physical distancing will no longer be mandatory in other indoor settings as of July 1, the County is recommending the public continue these practices as well as using hand sanitizer and staying home when unwell.

County staff will continue wearing masks in certain settings. Plexiglass barriers, enhanced cleaning and hand sanitizing stations will remain in place as we adjust to Stage 3.

As programs and services continue to re-open, Strathcona County will monitor and adjust its approach to ensure our community’s ongoing health and safety.

Frequently washing or disinfecting your hands, getting vaccinated and staying home when you’re sick will continue to be important to protect our community and limit the spread of COVID-19. 

Recreation and culture

Many programs, services and facilities were open and available in Stage 2.  Beginning July 1, as part of Stage 3, additional programs, services and amenities will be available and capacities will increase, in alignment with the provincial plan.  

Beginning July 1, pre-booking will no longer be required to use Millennium Place, Ardrossan Recreation Complex and Glen Allan Recreation Complex wellness centres.

On July 5, based on staffing, the following facility amenities will be open and pre-booking will not be required: 

• Youth Lounges at Millennium Place and Ardrossan Recreation Complex 
• Millennium Place gymnasium and leisure ice
• Aquatics centre (lap swim, walking lanes and recreation swims) at Millennium Place. Recreation swims will start off with reduced capacities until a full complement of lifeguards have been hired and trained.
• Edu-tainment Centre at Millennium Place and Ardrossan Recreation Complex.

Pre-booking will continue to be required for all swimming activities at Emerald Hills and Kinsmen Leisure Centres as staff are hired and trained.

Summer programs, indoor group fitness and swimming lessons continue to be open for registration and capacities are being increased where possible, based on instructor ratios and space.

Public bookings of County facilities including community halls, the Agora and bookable recreation spaces will resume on July 1.  

More program details will be shared with the public as plans are finalized over the coming weeks. Current and upcoming programs, bookings and registration for all ages will continue to be added to RecOnline.strathcona.ca and strathcona.ca/summeropportunities.

Mental health

While we are excited to continue opening programs and facilities, we understand these changes can feel overwhelming. Everyone’s level of comfort will be different, so please be respectful, kind and patient as we adjust.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or need to talk about parenting, finances, well-being and more, County staff can support you. Call Family and Community Services at 780-464-4044.

Please note, the FCS office is not yet open for drop-in visits. Please phone to book an appointment for counselling or call us for support and connections to community resources.

  
Current COVID-19 situation

As of June 22, Strathcona County has 18 active COVID-19 cases. 

For stage three details of the Province’s Open for Summer plan, visit alberta.ca/openforsummer.

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Contact:  Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595