Release: March 23rd 2020 Town of Nanton Office
NANTON, AB (March 23rd 2020) – _Over the course of last week, the Town took significant steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection among its staff, elected officials and the general public. Our offices are now closed to the public and will remain so until further notice.
Has an Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) been Activated in Nanton?
No. We are not close to requiring activation of the ECC or declaring a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) – _the event does not yet meet the criteria for a SOLE, especially as emergency powers are not yet required to bring community elements into compliance with Alberta Health directives/ guidelines. This could change at any time, however, and the members of the Nanton Emergency Management Agency have been contacted and advised of their potential role. Barry Sturrock, the Director Emergency Management, is currently preparing for that potential eventuality.
Nanton.ca/387 or https://www.nanton.ca/387/COVID-19-and-Emergency-Management will take you to our main information page.
Does Nanton Quality of Life (FCSS) have a role?
Yes, they are a required member of the Nanton Emergency Management Agency as Emergency Social Services (ESS) would initially be their key liaison role in the event of ECC activation. Their Executive Director, Jennifer Herman, today advised the Town that they are staying in close communication with the local Food Bank.
What actions has the Town Taken?
- The Tom Hornecker Recreation Centre closed early on March 15th;
- The Town Office was closed the the public March 19th
- A COVID-19/Emergency Management page has been created on the Town website;
- Municipal and LRSD playgrounds have been closed to the public;
- Key provincial information is being circulated through the Town website and on social media• Council and staff are currently being prepared for remote work and remote meeting participation. Interdepartmental meetings have been scaled back to reduce risks.
- Utilities: Chemicals, supplies and reagents have been ordered in sufficient quantity to eliminate supply chain problems.
This is a fast-moving situation and we do appreciate the patience of our residents at this time.
This is a unique event and there are numerous possibilities, but at present the following items may cover some issues of concern out there.
1) Any health or essential service worker who wishes to park an RV in front of their home to keep them separate from the rest of their household can contact the Town for a flexible permit from the CAO (to avoid worry over bylaw enforcement complaints). We ask that you do request a permit if considering this given current concerns about out-of-town individuals temporarily relocating to small towns and rural areas in RVs to avoid COVID-19 spread, potentially bringing it with them.
2) Council meetings will continue at present on their normal schedule with tele and web conferencing available to all of Council and administration. At present, the public cannot be legally excluded. This will be reviewed as advice changes. Administration will consider live or recorded meeting streaming.
3) Administration will bring forth an omnibus bylaw for Council consideration that will contain a package of utility bill, interest and penalty forgiveness/ deferral measures given the economic climate caused by the situation. Municipalities are still waiting to see if any measures with respect to property taxation, interest and penalties will be recommended or required by the Province.
4) Activation of the ECC and declaration of a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) may come if senior government authorities require the Town to compel particular actions within the community if public health measures at present prove insufficient or are ignored.
Read the rest of the update, including a message from the Mayor.