Town Maps out Potential Reopening Plan as Province Enters Stage 2 of Relaunch Strategy
June 9 marked the Government of Alberta’s announcement to enter Stage 2 of the Relaunch Strategy. The Town is working to understand the new guidelines and the impact of potential reopening of Town facilities previously closed due to COVID-19.
The Government of Alberta’s Stage 2 guidelines became effective on June 12. The relaunch included an increase in public gathering numbers and permission to open additional commercial businesses and recreation facilities.
“We are reviewing the requirements for opening previously closed facilities included in the Stage 2 relaunch. The safety of the public and the impact on the Town’s adjusted 2020 financial plan continue to guide our COVID -19 response decisions. We will provide additional information to the public once we have completed our review,” says Karl Hill, General Manager of Community and Protective Services. “We know everyone is anxious to get out and enjoy their usual seasonal activities, but the safety of our staff and community members remains a high priority.”
The following facilities are being considered for potential reopening:
Stony Plain Public Library
The Stony Plain public library is projected to reopen to the public on June 22 with restrictions. Please visit the library’s website for updated information.
Community Halls
Stony Plain community halls including Heritage Park and the Community Centre are permitted to open in Stage 2. Town staff are communicating the new guidelines to facility users and preparing the facilities for public access. The facilities will be available for booking and public access on July 2.
Sport Fields
Town sport fields are permitted to open in Stage 2 and are prospected to be ready for booking and public use by July 2. Organized sport groups will be required to meet provincial guidelines. Town staff will be working with users to ensure the guidelines are met and fields are being used safely.
Glenn Hall Centennial Arena
The Glenn Hall Centennial Arena is permitted to open in Stage 2 with restrictions in place. Town staff are working with users to ensure all guidelines can be met.
Stony Plain Outdoor Pool
The Stony Plain Outdoor Pool is permitted to open in Stage 2. Town staff are reviewing staffing and financial resources required to meet the guidelines for opening. Pools were initially included in Stage 3 of the provincial relaunch.
Stony Plain Rotary Spray Park
The Stony Plain Rotary Spray Park is permitted to open in Stage 2. Town Staff are reviewing the guidelines for opening and a potential opening of the Spray Park by July 2.
Summer Programs
Administration is currently reviewing provincial guidelines for day camps and the feasibility of reinstating summer programming.
Greenspace and Horticultural Service Level Changes
In response to a revised budget, residents will see a decrease in greenspace and horticultural service levels this summer. The change in service levels will have the following implications:
- Grass cutting has been reduced from cutting once a week to cutting every second week;
- Shrub beds will not be maintained; and
- Flowers will not be planted this year.
“We understand residents are frustrated. Our financial capacity to provide public services has taken a hit and we are still recovering from the impacts of COVID-19 on Town operations,” says Mayor William Choy. “We will continue to support our staff and examine approaches to maintaining service levels during this difficult time.”
In total, 24 staff filling casual positions and 6 full time staff were temporarily laid off back in April. The Town further announced limited capacity for summer seasonal positions in light of COVID-19’s impacts on Town finances. While operating with limited capacity, Town crews will continue maintaining greenspaces throughout the season.
More information on facility reopenings and public services will be released in the days and weeks ahead. Updates will be posted to the Town’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.