Show All Answers

1. Sept 15, 2021 - State of Public Health Emergency Declared for Alberta:

State of Public Health Emergency Declared for Alberta:

Restriction exemption program

Starting September 20, discretionary events and businesses must follow one of these 2 options:

1. Implement the Restrictions Exemption Program requiring proof of vaccination or negative rapid test result to continue operating as usual, or

2. Follow capacity and operating restrictions as outlined.

BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS 

Businesses that implement the Restrictions Exemption Program can operate as usual if they only serve people ages 12 and over if they have:

* proof of vaccination

    * single dose accepted between September 20 and October 25 if received 2 weeks before time of service

    * double doses required after October 25

* documentation of a medical exemption

* proof of a privately-paid negative PCR or rapid test within 72 hours of service (tests from AHS or Alberta Precision Laboratories not allowed)

The Restriction Exemption Program would not apply to:

* businesses or entities that need to be accessed for daily living

* employees of businesses participating in the program

* children under 12

PROOF OF NEGATIVE TEST

To enter spaces participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, people aged 12 and older can show proof of a negative test result.

Tests must be privately-paid COVID-19 PCR or rapid tests completed within 72 hours.

Tests must not be from Alberta Health Services or Alberta Precision Laboratories.

‼️PROOF OF VACCINATION 

To enter spaces participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, people ages 12 and older can provide proof of vaccination or documentation of a medical exemption.

* Sept. 20 to Oct. 25: proof of a single dose is considered acceptable as long as the dose was given more than 2 weeks before the time of service.

* After Oct. 25: proof of double vaccination is required.

Access your records

https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx#%23records

Book your Vaccination

https://www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx

2. New Restrictions May 4, 2021

Effective May 5th:

Gatherings

Indoor gatherings

• All indoor gatherings remain prohibited.

Outdoor gatherings

• All outdoor social gatherings must be limited to no more than 5 people and a maximum of 2 household cohorts.
• Mandatory physical distancing must be maintained at all times between members of different households.

  

Retail

 

• Retail services must limit customer capacity to 10% of fire code occupancy (not including staff) or a minimum of 5 customers.
• Shopping mall capacity limits will exclude common area square footage.
• Curbside pick-up, delivery and online services are encouraged.

 

Places of Worship

 

• Faith services are limited to 15 in-person attendees.
• Physical distancing between households must be maintained at all times.
• Virtual or online services are strongly recommended.
• Drive-in services where people do not leave their vehicles and adhere to guidance are allowed.

Funerals

• 10-people maximum for funerals, including participants and guests.
• Funeral receptions are not permitted.

Workplace

• Any workplace, except work camps and essential and critical services, with transmission of 3 or more cases will be required by health officials to close for 10 days.
• Any workplace that does not comply will be subject to enforcement.
• Working from home remains mandatory unless the employer requires the employee's physical presence to operate effectively.
• Where at work for operational effectiveness, employees must mask for all indoor settings, except in work stations or where two-metre physical distancing or adequate physical barriers are in place.

Effective 11:59 pm May 9th:

 

Fitness, Performance, & Recreation Activities - Indoor and Outdoor

 

Indoor activities

• All indoor sport, performance and recreation activities for youth and adults are prohibited.
• Indoor fitness and recreation facilities must close, including for 1-on-1 training.

Outdoor activities

• All outdoor sports and recreation activities are prohibited, except with members of your household, or your two close contacts if you live alone. This includes:

• all group physical activities, such as team sports, fitness classes, training sessions
• all one-on-one lessons and training activities
• all practices, training and games

• Outdoor recreation facilities can remain open unless specifically closed by public health order.

Professional sport organizations

• Professional sport organizations that have received an exemption can continue, provided protocols are strictly followed.

Personal and Wellness Services

• Personal and wellness services, including hair salons, barbers, nail salons, estheticians, tattoos and piercing, must close.

3. April 23, 2021 - Relief for businesses now available

Application intake for the spring 2021 payment from Alberta’s small business grant is now open.

As announced earlier this month, the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant program has been reopened for a new payment to businesses affected by the April 2021 public health orders. Eligible organizations can now apply for this additional COVID relief funding.

“We have to be there to help small businesses in Alberta get to the other side of this pandemic. With the expansion of the relaunch grant, we are helping small businesses make it through the third wave of COVID-19. We know the past year has not been easy and are grateful for what all small businesses in Alberta have done to help protect the lives of Albertans in their communities.”

Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG) offers financial assistance to Alberta businesses, cooperatives and non-profit organizations with fewer than 500 employees that have faced restrictions or closures due to COVID-related public health orders, and have experienced revenue losses of at least 30 per cent. Hotels, taxis and ride-sharing services are also now eligible for this payment.

Eligible organizations will receive a payment of up to $10,000, which follows the previous intake that provided up to $20,000. Funds can be used to:

• Cover costs of items that help prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.
• Pay rent, employee wages or replace inventory.
• Help businesses expand their online presence or e-commerce opportunities so that they can continue to serve customers.

Application intake for the program is open until May 31 with a budget of $350 million.

Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s health-care system.

Quick facts

• Application intake for the Small and Medium Enterprise Launch Spring 2021 Payment opens April 23.
  • Organizations that did not apply under the previous run of SMERG will not be able to apply for the prior payments – only the new $10,000 payment.
  • Applications received before the previous program closure on March 31 will continue to be processed.
  • Money received under SMERG does not need to be repaid.
• Small and medium enterprises are an important part of Alberta’s economy, accounting for more than 99 per cent of all businesses and nearly 55 per cent of all employment.
• As of April 22, Alberta’s government has provided more than $527 million to more than 40,400 small businesses through the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant.
• Alberta’s government has provided billions of dollars in supports to job creators since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
  • Deferring corporate income tax collection for six months, providing $1.5 billion in relief.
  • Deferring education property taxes and freezing the rate at 2019 levels.
  • Deferring WCB premiums and paying 50 per cent of them for small and medium businesses, saving them $350 million.
  • Providing a 90-day deferral for utility payments last spring.
  • Banning commercial evictions, rent increases and late fees for commercial tenants.
• Additional supports for businesses are available through the federal government.
  
  
  https://www.alberta.ca/sme-relaunch-grant.aspx
  
  

4. April 2, 2020 - Q&A - COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS)

COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS) as of April 2 AT 5:30 pm (Highlights)

Is Alberta’s current testing capacity enough?

Alberta is continuing to test people for COVID-19 and has completed more than 57,000 tests as of April 2.

On which day does the 14-day self-isolation period begin after having close contact with someone who has the virus? 

• Close contacts of cases are to be quarantined for 14 days from their last exposure to the case.  The last day of exposure is considered day 0 for the purposes of counting.
• If there is ongoing unprotected contact (such as in a household setting) the quarantine period begins when the COVID-19 case is considered no longer infectious. This would be 10 days after symptoms began in the case, or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer.

HOME CARE

Is Alberta Health Services (AHS) cancelling Home Care?

• AHS is not cancelling Home Care. That is a very important service, for many Albertans, particularly during this challenging time.
• Just as with other areas of the healthcare system, we are experiencing some staffing challenges due to people self-isolating, or staying home to look after their children. That’s understandable. This challenge will be ongoing, not just in home care, but in many other areas.
• Home Care staff are working closely with each client to discuss potential impacts and to determine what essential services still need to be provided. This may include establishing back-up plans, or involving a family member in supporting some of a client’s care needs.
• All AHS Home Care staff have appropriate PPE and follow proper donning and doffing procedures and hand washing techniques to protect themselves and their clients.
• If a client is symptomatic and the backup plan is not feasible to implement, and/or care services are considered essential, Home Care staff will continue to provide care using appropriate PPE and following proper donning and doffing protocols

POC and PESS

Donations and offers to provide services (for a fee, or for free)

How can we make an offer of goods or services?

• Many Albertans are offering to provide goods or services to the Government of Alberta or Alberta communities to help manage COVID-19.
• Please check local community support organizations if your offer is for a specific community.
• Albertans can also complete the information on this page to communicate an offer to emergency management and emergency social services professionals addressing provincewide impacts: alberta.ca/COVID19offersprogram

Provincial supply of Personal Protective Equipment 

How do we obtain personal protective equipment from the Government ?

• The Government of Alberta is coordinating province-wide requests from municipalities and select non-government organizations for personal protective equipment supplies for non-health related organizations and essential service providers. 
• This equipment includes hand sanitizer, wipes, disinfectants, masks, gloves and safety eyewear. We are using Alberta suppliers as much as possible.

Do you have priorities for distribution ?

• Healthcare workers are our priority and we are ensuring they get the PPE needed so they can continue to do their good work.
• Groups that support vulnerable populations, child care operators, police and peace officers, municipal fire, protection services, emergency management staff, and critical infrastructure operators are now receiving PPE. 
• Medical experts are reviewing all of the requests to ensure that what is being asked for aligns with best practices – for example, only healthcare workers need N95 masks.
• Organizations may not receive exactly what they have asked for, but they will receive what experts have deemed necessary for them to do their work safely.
• The general public is encouraged to continue to follow the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health – practice physical distancing, wash your hands, cough or sneeze into your elbow and avoid touching your face.

Can I continue going to daily prayer service at my place of worship?

• We recognize Albertans need a place to worship together in their various religious traditions, in a way that doesn’t put people at risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19.
• Gathering together with fewer than 15 people can still happen as long as proper mitigation measures are followed, and people maintain a 6 feet distance from each other. 
• Faith-based organizations are encourage to find other ways to worship, including live streaming activities instead of in-person events, whenever possible.
• More information can be found in the [guidance document for faith-based organizations |https://webcms1v11.gov.ab.ca/CMS/ckeditor/[ioID]28E0ADE779EB46BD9807A6A24E2B3474/covid-19-fact-sheet-faith-based-organizations.pdf] (PDF, 194 KB)

For the full Q&A download the document

5. March 28th, 2020 -Message from Hon. Josephine Pon Min of Seniors and Housing

Special Minister’s Statement on COVID-19

As our efforts to address the public health emergency continue, I want to thank seniors‑serving and housing partners for taking special care to look out for the Albertans we serve.

We know individuals over 60 years of age and those with pre-existing health conditions are most at risk of severe symptoms from COVID‑19. Our government is doing everything it can to prevent the spread and protect the most vulnerable.

Seniors and fraud

In emergencies like this, dishonest groups or individuals often try to take advantage of our fear and uncertainty.

Deceitful individuals who may pose as door-to-door salespeople, telemarketers, collection agents and, sometimes even distant relatives asking for help, can target vulnerable individuals, especially seniors.

If you have a parent, grandparent, vulnerable family friend or neighbour, please watch out for them. Offer to be their buddy, someone they can check in with before responding to matters involving money. A calm, informed person can advise a senior in their life about a caller or salesperson who is legitimate or a scammer.

Please, do not respond to requests for personal information or immediate payment. Take a moment and call a person you trust.

Public health orders

To protect the health and safety of Albertans, law enforcement agencies now have full authority to enforce public health orders and issue fines for violations. That includes the following:

• Mandatory 14-day self-isolation for returning international travellers or close contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19.
• Mandatory 10-day self-isolation for people with symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition: cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat.
• Violations of  mass gathering restrictions are now legally enforceable and subject to fines.
  

We encourage Albertans to report any infractions to provincial public health officials.

Snowbirds

All Albertans who have travelled outside of the country, including snowbirds returning home from wintering in the United States and other countries, must enter mandatory isolation upon returning to Alberta and self-isolate for 14 days.

You must not stop at the grocery store on your way home, or pick up the dog at the kennel.

You must go directly and immediately home, self-isolate for 14 days and monitor for symptoms.

Returning snowbirds who are not experiencing symptoms can still go outside, but this does not mean visits to all outdoors areas are advisable. Feel free to take a walk around your neighbourhood, but make sure to maintain distance from others – at least six feet (about the length of a bicycle).

Family members in continuing care, long-term care and seniors lodges

We are taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among people who live in various types of seniors accommodations.

A single individual designated by the resident or guardian is the only person who can visit a family member or friend living in continuing care, long-term care and seniors lodges in Alberta.

Facilities will have a greeter to verify that the resident or guardian has designated the visitor. Visitors will undergo a health screening, possibly a temperature check and a questionnaire, prior to entering the facility. Mandatory health screening protocols apply to staff, residents and essential visitors entering a facility.

As well, all facilities must follow enhanced cleaning practices and additional directions around the use of shared spaces and common activities.

We are taking these steps to protect seniors, and the staff who work at these facilities.

Non-essential medical appointments

If your family physician or other health-care provider is unable or unwilling to receive you, we recommend you contact another health-care provider.

To find a family doctor near you who is accepting new patients, Primary Care Networks and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta offer online tools. Visit https://albertafindadoctor.ca and https://search.cpsa.ca/physiciansearch.

We recommend the postponement of any non-essential visits at this time.

You may also download the Babylon by Telus Health App to meet with Alberta-licensed physicians through your smartphone.

Family and Community Support Services

Last week our government announced additional emergency funding to charities, non-profit and civil society organizations through the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program to support their COVID-19 response.

Funding criteria and forms for emergency funding to charities, non-profit and civil society organizations is now available.

We will continue to work with our important stakeholders to reach those who are most impacted by COVID-19.

Resources for caregivers

Caregivers Alberta offers supports to all caregivers, including those who might be experiencing heightened feelings of stress, anxiety, and isolation. The organization has closed its office to help slow the spread of COVID-19, but continues to offer support through its Caregiver Advisor and online programming.

Click here to access Caregivers Alberta’s COVID-19 resources including:

• Contact with the Caregiver Advisor at 780-453-5088 or 1-877-453-5088 (toll-free) or ladams@caregiversalberta.ca
• Online peer support
• Online workshops.

Click here for more information about Caregivers Alberta’s ONLINE Caregiver Support Community.

Identifying concerns and solutions

My ministry is currently working with key partners to find innovative ways we can help seniors‑serving organizations continue to provide key services and mitigate the impacts and effects of social isolation.

If your organization has identified a concern, please email seniorsinformation@gov.ab.ca.

Information and social supports

For information and referrals to social supports in your community, visit Alberta 211. For more information on COVID‑19, visit alberta.ca/COVID19. For steps you can take to protect yourself and others visit alberta.ca/prevent-the-spread.aspx.

Information that can be posted by your organization and shared with your clients is available here. As additional materials are developed, they will be available online.

The health of Albertans is, and always will be, our top priority. We will get through this together.


Josephine Pon

Minister of Seniors and Housing


March 28, 2020

6. Social Services Support for COVID-19 Funding Criteria

Overview

The Alberta Government is providing $30 million to municipalities, charitable and non-profit organizations to provide help to individuals, seniors, families and other vulnerable Albertans who are isolated or impacted by measures to contain COVID- 19.

Through grants from their local Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) in Edmonton and Calgary, and from Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) representing the remainder of the province, funding will be distributed to civil society organizations.

These organizations will support a range of services needed from at-home help for seniors, crisis and helplines, food security issues, emotional and mental health counselling or any other identified community issues.

FCSS Funding Distribution

The $30 million in funding will be distributed to the following municipalities:

• $7 million to Edmonton FCSS (one-time grant)
• $9 million to Calgary FCSS (one-time grant)
• $14 million to Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) to municipalities and Metis Settlements outside of Edmonton and Calgary (one-time grant)
•  Municipalities and Metis Settlements who require funding will be required to submit a funding request to the FCSSAA.

As funding is being distributed outside the scope of the FCSS Act and Regulation, the 80/20 funding rule will not applyCharitable and non-profit organizations are encouraged to connect directly with their local FCSS program to receive detailed funding guidelines and grant criteria. FCSS will work closely with Community and Social Services (CSS) to obtain project approvals.

Grant funding must be expended by March 31, 2021. Any surplus dollars from the grant must be returned and cannot be carried over to the following fiscal year (2021/2022).

Eligible Services

For services to be eligible, they must address the social well-being of those most affected by COVID- 19 and the measures implemented to limit the spread of the virus.

Those impacted may include seniors, individuals with chronic medical conditions, caregivers, families with children at home and individuals with limited access to supports. Services should align with one or more of the following funding priorities:

• help people maintain independence, build resiliency and strengthen their ability to cope during the COVID-19 pandemic;
• provide supports to help sustain people remain members in the community during the COVID- 19 pandemic;
• fund civil society organizations to deliver projects for vulnerable Albertans who are in need during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
• coordinate services and programs to address the social well-being of vulnerable Albertans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Examples of Eligible Services

Services to allow individuals, seniors and families who are isolated to have their home needs met, including home support and support services for children and families. Examples include: transportation or delivery of goods, such as groceries or prescriptions, housekeeping services, caregiver relief and other services.

Services to build capacity and strengthen volunteer work in the community. Examples include: food and meal service delivery, grocery shopping, helplines, volunteer support coordination, out of pocket expenses for volunteers and information services.

Provide alternate ways of supporting individuals and families so people can function within this new environment. Examples include: telephone mentoring, counselling/emotional mental health supports and supports to help address economic and food security needs.

Expand or supplement efforts to provide information and referral services and telephone/online support. Examples include: crisis/distress lines, 211 services, promotion of information and services, posters and signage.

Ineligible Expenses

Ineligible expenses include but are not limited to the following:

• Any expense NOT related to addressing the social well-being of those most vulnerable due to COVID-19.
• Offering direct assistance in the form of money or shelter.
• Being primarily rehabilitative or health-focused in nature.

 Purchase of any capital assets.

Any costs required to sustain an organization that do not relate to direct service delivery under the project.

Reporting Requirements

Organizations chosen to provide services and supports will need to sign an agreement and submit a report at the end of the grant term. This report must demonstrate that activities were completed and monies spent as described in the agreement.

Application Process

Organizations should contact their local FCSS to request funding for specific programs or services in their community. Funding for specific programs and services will not be distributed directly from the Alberta Government.

All projects must adhere to government recommended procedures and standards pertaining to COVID-19.

Key Contacts

Nanton Quality of Life Foundation (FCSS)

1601, 21 Avenue, Nanton, AB

T0L 1R0

Jennifer Herman 403.646.2436

quallife@telus.net

COVID-19 Information

For the most updated information, please visit  Alberta.ca/COVID19.

 

7. AUMA supports provincial government’s education tax relief

 MEDIA STATEMENT - APPROVED March 24, 2020 - afternoon 

A statement from AUMA President Barry Morishita: AUMA supports provincial government’s education tax relief 

Alberta’s municipalities and AUMA support the provincial government’s recent announcement of fiscal relief for residents and businesses of Alberta. The changes to the 2020 education tax requisition, which municipalities collect on behalf of the province, will relieve pressure on Albertans during this uncertain time. 

Education property tax freeze 

AUMA is pleased that the province has decided to cancel the increase to its education property tax requisition, which was announced in the 2020 Budget. This increased tax burden would have fallen on Alberta’s residential property taxpayers and our already-suffering businesses. AUMA strongly advocated for the reversal of this increase, and we are grateful that the provincial government responded in this way. 

Education property tax deferral 

We also applaud the province for deferring its education property tax for businesses. 

In addition, AUMA wishes to collaborate with the provincial government to enable municipalities to provide deferrals for the municipal portion of the property tax. Municipalities need flexibility so they can implement and set property tax payment deferrals in a manner that reflects their local circumstances. 

We must emphasize that municipalities will have limited ability to defer property tax, as their cashflows are already strained. In order to be able to offer significant property tax deferrals for businesses, municipalities will require financial assistance from: 

• • senior orders of government, who can provide no-interest operating loans; and 
• • the provincial government, who can amend the Municipal Government Act to provide municipalities higher limits on operational borrowing. 

We have reached out to the Government of Alberta to work out the details of how municipalities can be full partners in supporting economic recovery and growth. 

Businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers in our communities are under a tremendous amount of stress, and Albertans rely on municipalities’ critical services, now more than ever. As Premier Kenney has mentioned, we are facing a period of profound adversity. Municipalities share the same ambition as the provincial government for a strong and prosperous Alberta, and we look forward to sharing in brighter times ahead once we have weathered this time of uncertainty. 

Media contact: 

Carla Putnam Kerr 

Communications Manager, AUMA 

780-668-2436 

8. March 18 Major Economic Announcement - Supports for students, laid off workers

Government is providing immediate financial assistanceto Albertans affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

New funding and supportive measures will provide immediate financial relief to Alberta’s families, vulnerable populations, local businesses and employers. “Albertans are doing their part to keep each other safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are doing ours by assisting Albertans and their families, protecting jobs and supporting workers and employers. We will help shelter Albertans from the economic disruption of COVID-19 now, and position Alberta’s industry and businesses to bounce back when the situation stabilizes. This is an initial set of measures, and more will follow in the days to come.”

Jason Kenney, Premier

Financial supports for Albertans

Albertans should be focused on their health and not worry about whether they can pay their bills, so the government has put a number of options in place for those struggling financially:

Emergency Isolation Support: $50 million

•    This will be a temporary program for working adult Albertans who must self-isolate because they meet the Government of Alberta’s published criteria for self-isolation, including persons who are the sole caregiver for a dependent who must self-isolate because they meet the public health criteria, and who will not have another source of pay or compensation while they are self-isolated.

•    It will be distributed in one payment instalment and will bridge the gap until the federal emergency payments begin in April.

•    We expect the program to be accessible by a simple online application through alberta.ca next week and that funds will be deposited in the accounts of eligible recipients beginning at that time.

Utility payment holiday

•    Residential, farm, and small commercial customers can defer bill payments for

the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off from these services during this

time of crisis.

•    This will cover electricity and natural gas, regardless of the service provider.

Student loans repayment holiday

•    The government will implement a six-month, interest-free moratorium on Alberta student loan payments for all individuals who are in the process of repaying these loans.

Banks and credit unions

ATB Financial customers impacted by COVID-19

•    Personal banking customers can apply for a deferral on their ATB loans, lines of

•    credit, and mortgages for up to six months.

•    Small business customers, in addition to payment deferrals on loans and lines of

•    credit, will be provided access to additional working capital.

•    For other business and agriculture customers, ATB will work with customers on a

•    one-on-one basis and further solutions are being considered at this time.

•    For more information on ATB’s relief program, please visit their website.

•    Alberta credit unions

•    Credit union members will have access to a variety of programs and solutions designed to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow.

•    Both individual and business members are encouraged to proactively contact their

•    credit union directly to work out a plan for their personal situation.

Employers

Alberta employers are facing significant challenges and uncertainty. To give them increased access to cash in order to pay employees, address debts and continue operations, the government will:

•    defer the collection of corporate income tax balances and instalment payments, due after today, until Aug. 31, 2020. This gives Alberta businesses access to about $1.5 billion in funds to help them cope with the COVID-19 crisis.

“In these exceptional circumstances, having cash on hand is vital to families and employers and it’s critical we give Albertans this certainty and support. This tax measure will provide timely relief and additional runway for businesses to continue operating and compensating their employees during this difficult time.”

Travis Toews, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

Alberta is pleased the federal government has responded to concerns and has taken the recommendation to increase supports to people receiving Employment Insurance. Alberta has contributed far more to the federal government in employment insurance (EI) premiums than it receives in EI support, so it is good to see the federal government providing the support Albertans need in these difficult times.

Relief measures already in place Albertans, seniors and vulnerable groups

•    Charitable and non-profit groups will immediately receive an additional $60 million to support seniors and other vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by COVID-19. This is in addition to the $3.9 billion for community and social services allocated in Budget 2020.

Health care for Albertans

•    The Government of Alberta has committed $500 million extra this year to respond to the public health crisis and to support front-line health professionals working to keep Albertans safe and healthy. This is in addition to the record-high $20.6 billion allocated for health care in Budget 2020. A further $58 million has been allocated to Alberta health care for COVID-19 response by the federal government.

Download the Press Release here

Show All Answers

1. Does my dog need to be licensed?

Yes. According to the Animal Control Bylaw 1237/11, every dog over the age of three months must have a license. Dog licenses must be renewed by January of each year.

2. Does my dog need to be on a leash?

Yes, your dog does need to be on a leash. The exception is when in designated off-leash dog area(s). You must be in full control of your dog at all times.

3. What happens if you catch my dog?

If your dog is running at large and we capture your dog, if there is a dog tag we will do everything in our power to contact the owner and return the dog. If the owner cannot be located OR if this is a continuous issue, your dog will be taken to the impound and you will be charged for these services.

4. Do dog owners need to pick up after their dogs?

Yes, All dog owners MUST pick up after their dogs. There are many dog-waste disposal bags located throughout the town. Fines will be issued for all violators! Please remember to be a responsible pet owner and help keep Nanton clean.

5. Will I get issued a ticket?

We believe in compliance through education. Our goal is not to ticket you; it’s to work with you. Re-offenders will be charged.

6. Do I need to get a Business license?

Yes. Every business must have an annual license. This includes all home businesses, as well as those that solicit door to door. All licenses must be renewed by February 15 of each year. For more information on Business Licenses, visit www.nanton.ca - Business

7. What is an unsightly property?

This is generally a property or the outside of a building which is characterized by a lack of general maintenance, repair and upkeep, and does not look neat and tidy in comparison to the surrounding neighbourhood.  The Community bylaw details more information in this regard.

8. Who cleans the sidewalks?

Every property owner and/or tenant is responsible for ensuring that the sidewalk adjacent to their property is free and clear of all debris. Snow must be removed within 24 hours of ANY accumulation to the full width of the sidewalk or it will be cleaned for you and you will be charged for this service. This is a safety issue and we encourage residents to ensure safety for themselves and others.

9. Do we have a Noise Bylaw?

The Community Bylaw generally addresses “noise” which may be reasonably likely to disturb the peace of others and designates “quiet times”. Our residents should be aware, however, that there may be events which preclude normal circumstances, such as large snowfall events, that may necessitate the use of certain equipment such as snow plows or blowers.

10. Can I park my trailer on the street?

No. With the exception of loading and unloading you are not allowed to have a trailer of any type on the street.

11. When can I water my lawn?

The Town of Nanton believes very highly that water conservation is important for our community.
According to the Water Conservation Bylaw 1202/09, “All outdoor water use, including watering lawns, washing cars, sidewalks, pads, exteriors of buildings, recreational use of sprinklers and like water toys, is permitted, according to the following schedule:

ODD: numbered addresses may use water for these purposes Thursdays and Sundays
EVEN: numbered addressed may use water for these purposes Wednesdays and Saturdays

WATERING – may occur only during the following hours: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

12. How do I file a complaint, and what happens after that?

If you feel that you would like to file a complaint you will need to come into the office and fill out a complaint form. No action will be taken without a written complaint. If you are unable to come into the office then a written letter containing your Name, Address, Concern, and phone number will be accepted. After a complaint is filed the Peace Officer will investigate your concerns and will get back to you and explain what actions or findings have been taken.

Show All Answers

1. R5 Land Use District

We've provided the attached document given the current level of community discussion about the R5 Land Use District.

2. What type of work requires a permit?

The Safety Codes Act requires that all contractors and homeowners in Alberta obtain permits prior to commencing work on buildings covered by the Alberta Building Code, the Canadian Electrical Code, the Alberta Gas Code, the Alberta Plumbing Code, or prior to operating a boiler or a pressure vessel.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a permit?

Obtaining a permit will ensure that the installation will conform to construction and safety standards that have been accepted under the Safety Codes Act, and that inspection(s) will be provided by certified Safety Codes Officers.

4. Where can I get a permit?

All new applications for building, electrical, gas, and plumbing permits can be dropped off at the Town Office, with payment, to be sent for further handling to:

Superior Safety Codes Inc.

422 North Mayor Magrath Drive

Lethbridge, AB T1H 6H7 

Ph: 877-320-0734 

For information on safety codes regulations and requirements visit the Superior Safety Codes website. Permit applications can also be filled out online.

5. Building a shed/garage/ greenhouse?

Here is the R1 Information Sheet for Accessory Use Buildings