This page was updated on Jan 8, 2021 at 4 p.m.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House continues to respond to the global pandemic of COVID-19. Municipal updates will be posted here and to the Town's Facebook page.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO TOWN FACILITIES IS LIMITED. Phone 403-845-2866 to find out if your business can be conducted remotely. Access to the Town Office is limited to one person per household, with a maximum of two public members in the building at one time. Please respect our staff and practice social distancing and hand hygiene. (View: Do I need to visit the Town Office? flow chart).
The Province of Alberta issues daily updates on the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. These updates are available here.
NEW: STRONGER MEASURES NOW IN PLACE
All essential municipal services will continue but some operations will be affected, as follows:
- Masks are now mandatory in indoor public places, including all Town facilities.
- The Credit Union Co-op Aquatic Centre and Christensen Sports and Wellness Centre will remain open until the evening of Saturday, Dec. 12. As of Dec. 13, these facilities will be closed to the public in accordance with mandatory provincial public health orders. Current Rocky Pass-holders will have their memberships suspended for the duration of the closure. (Refunds are available on request. Please call Guest Services at 403-845-3720 to request a refund).
- Some Town staff are working remotely, in accordance with mandatory provincial public health orders.
- Outdoor parks and trails remain open. Please stay distant from other households and wash or sanitize your hands before and after use.
- The Oval and Outdoor Rink are open. Please stay distant from other households.
COVID-19 symptoms and testing
Help in Tough Times (Mental Health resources/Alberta Health Services)
Healthy Together: Family life during COVID-19 (Alberta Health Services)
Financial Aid for Businesses and Individuals (Canada)
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (Alberta)
Learn more about the public health measures in place to protect the health system and limit the spread.
Check the status map to stay current with public health orders and gathering restrictions in our area. You can also sign up for notifications for our region, to be delivered directly via email or text.
Municipal action in response to COVID-19 pandemic
On March 16, the Town of Rocky Mountain House activated its Emergency Coordination Centre to to stay abreast of rapidly evolving COVID-19 protocols and restrictions. With the early activation of our ECC, the Town of Rocky Mountain House is prepared to act quickly should further restrictions be imposed by provincial or federal authorities. As the province moves through its relaunch plan, the Town continues to adjust its operations accordingly.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House is:
- Sharing links to ensure residents have access to the most up-to-date information from provincial and federal health authorities;
- Increasing hand sanitizer and disinfecting procedures in all facilities;
- Implementing no-contact guidelines for staff;
- Developing a business-continuity plan to maintain town services;
- Providing refunds or credits to organizations with existing Town facility bookings, whose events have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
- Waiving late fees on accounts receivable and utilities between from March 15 and Sept. 1, 2020.
- Waiving late fees on property taxes for 2020.
- Publishing resources for businesses
For more information, please consult Alberta Health Services or the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House will maintain essential services and adapt normal operations as needed. Staff are still working. Phone 403-845-2866 to find out if your business can be conducted remotely, or to make an appointment.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House will continue to follow Alberta Health guidelines and/or provincial directives as they evolve.
Status of Town facilities and programs:
Facility | Status | Details |
Town Office | Open to the public; some restrictions in place. | Staff are still working, with social-distancing and increased disinfecting protocols. Public access is limited to one person per household, with a maximum of two public members in the building at one time. Visitors will be required to wash/sanitize hands, and follow staff direction for social distancing. Phone 403-845-2866 to find out if your business can be conducted remotely, The Town of Rocky Mountain House has increased the frequency of cleaning in our facilities and public spaces. The Town Office is open, however we ask that any members of the public who are displaying symptoms or have travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days to not attend at our facilities. This is in accordance with Alberta Health protocol for returning travellers. |
Public Works | Closed to the public. | Staff are still working, with social-distancing and increased disinfecting protocols. No public access to the Public Works shop. Phone 403-845-3220 to speak with our Public Works department. |
Christenson Sports and Wellness Centre | Closed to the public. | As of Dec. 13, 2020, the Christenson Sports and Wellness Centre is closed to the public in accordance with mandatory provincial public health orders. Current Rocky Pass-holders will have their memberships suspended for the duration of the closure. (Refunds are available on request. Please call Guest Services at 403-845-3720 to request a refund). |
| Credit Union Co-op Aquatic Centre 5202 53 Ave. 403-845-6977 | Closed to the public. | As of Dec. 13, 2020, the Credit Union Co-op Aquatic Centre is closed to the public in accordance with mandatory provincial public health orders. Current Rocky Pass-holders will have their memberships suspended for the duration of the closure. (Refunds are available on request. Please call Guest Services at 403-845-3720 to request a refund). |
| Trails, Playgrounds, Skatepark and Tennis/pickleball Courts | Open - use with caution | Outdoor activity is encouraged for physical and mental well-being. Social distancing measures must be followed at all times. One household group at a time on playground equipment. Please wash/sanitize your hands before and after use. As always, adhere to public health orders regarding gatherings and stay home if you or your children have any symptoms. |
| Oval and Outdoor rink | Open - use with caution | Outdoor activity is encouraged for physical and mental well-being. Social distancing measures must be followed at all times. Stay distanced from other households. Hockey sticks and pucks are not allowed on the oval. As always, adhere to public health orders regarding gatherings and stay home if you or your children have any symptoms. |
| Sports Fields | Closed | Please phone 403-845-3720 for enquiries. |
| Lou Soppit Community Centre | Closed | Please phone 403-845-3720 for enquiries. |
| Centennial Campground | Closed for season | Closed for season |
| Public Washrooms | Closed for season | Public washrooms located at Centennial Campground and Helen Hunley Park - closed for season |
| Sani-Dump | Closed for season | $8 fee for potable water fill and sewage dumping - closed for season |
Current as of Jan 8, 2021 at 4 p.m.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House is prepared to implement further protocols and/or closures if the risk to public and staff increases or at the direction of public health agencies.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House wishes to reiterate the key messages of Alberta Health. To protect yourself and others:
- Use good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing;
- Cover coughs and sneezes;
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill;
- If you have symptoms, stay home and call Health Link 811 for instructions.
- Spread KINDNESS; not COVID.
Alberta Health Services is the lead agency managing the province's response to the global pandemic.
Please consult the following resources for current information:
Alberta Health Services information on COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Guidance documents for businesses, organizations, activities and facilities (Alberta)
COVID-19 symptoms and testing (Alberta)
Help in Tough Times (Mental Health resources/Alberta Health Services)
Healthy Together: Family life during COVID-19 (Alberta Health Services)
Financial Aid for Businesses and Individuals (Canada)
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (Alberta)
ENFORCEMENT: All complaints relating to violations of COVID-19 public health orders should be submitted to the Public Health Inspector by using the online form available here.
FOR KIDS: A children's story to explain COVID-19 By Manuela Molina
What Should I Do If I Think I Have COVID-19?
If you have symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing and have travelled outside Canada or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, stay home and consult the AHS self-assessment tool or call Health Link 811.
If you are not seriously ill, do not go to a physician’s office, a health care facility or a lab without consulting with Health Link 811 first.
Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need immediate medical attention and inform them that you may have COVID-19.
Source: Alberta Health Services
Related resources and documents:
Alberta Health Services information on COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Guidance documents for businesses, organizations, activities and facilities (Alberta)
COVID-19 symptoms and testing (Alberta)
Help in Tough Times (Mental Health resources/Alberta Health Services)
Healthy Together: Family life during COVID-19 (Alberta Health Services)
Financial Aid for Businesses and Individuals (Canada)
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (Alberta)
January 8, 2021 statement re: COVID-19-related layoffs
March 20, 2020 statement re: COVID-19-related layoffs
March 18 Statement from the Mayor re: COVID-19
Rocky Mountain House Responds to COVID-19 (March 16, 2020 News Release)
Lifesaving Society COVID-19 Recommendations for the use of Public Swimming Pools
Canadian Red Cross warns of a fraudulent offer of face masks
March 16, 2020 Special Council Meeting video
March 13, 2020 Special Council Meeting Highlights
Utility Payment Deferral Initiative (Government of Alberta)
Map of Global Cases by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE)
VIDEO: What we actually know about the coronavirus
This video has been produced by CBC. Both Alberta Health and the Alberta Emergency Management Agency are referring municipalities to this video as a good source of information about coronaviruses for residents.
Visit Alberta Biz Connect for workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely.
Rocky Mountain House Statement on Provincial Stage 2 Relaunch (June 12)
Fitness Centre to Reopen on Monday, June 22 (June 18)
Waiving late fees on property taxes for 2020.
