This page was updated on March 31, 2020 at 2:45 p.m.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House continues to respond to the global pandemic of COVID-19.
The Province of Alberta issues daily updates on the COVID-19 situation in Alberta. These updates are available here.
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 27: The Government of Alberta has imposed further restrictions on mass gatherings, and ordered the immediate closure of all non-essential businesses. Full details at www.alberta.ca/COVID19.
View the list of essential services.
ENFORCEMENT: Community Peace officers have authority to enforce orders under the Public Health Act. 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.
ALL TOWN FACILITIES ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. Phone 403-845-2866 to find out if your business can be conducted remotely. Access to the Town Office is by appointment only. (View: Do I need to visit the Town Office? flow chart)
FOR KIDS: A children's story to explain COVID-19 By Manuela Molina
Financial assistance for Individuals:
- Government of Alberta - Emergency Financial Assistance
If you are facing an unexpected emergency, you can apply for emergency financial assistance.
If you are an existing Income Support recipient, contact your support worker.
Otherwise, apply online or by calling the 24-hour Emergency Income Support Contact Centre:Toll free: 1-866-644-5135
TTY toll free: 1-800-232-7215 (ask to speak to Alberta Supports)
Fax: 780-422-9681
Email: hs.iscc@gov.ab.ca (responses may take 1-3 business days) Government of Alberta Emergency Isolation Support
Eligible working Albertans can receive a one-time emergency isolation support payment of $1,146 if they are required to self-isolate or are the sole caregiver of someone in self-isolation and they have no other source of pay or compensation.
If you need help completing your application, call Alberta Connects at 310-4455, open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. Please be patient as call volumes may be high.
- Canada Emergency Response Benefit - Service Canada
Will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.The Canada Emergency Response Benefit application portal will open on April 6.
Government of Canada Employment Insurance
Summary of provincial financial relief
In this video, Mayor Tammy Burke explains explains how the Town will handle utility penalties and recreation fee refunds during the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares some of the ways she is adhering to public health recommendations on social distancing.
Mayor Tammy Burke issued the following statement on March 18, 2020:
Hello Rocky Mountain House and surrounding communities,
We are facing unprecedented times. You may be experiencing anxiety, confusion and fear of the unknown. 
I want to assure you that the Town of Rocky Mountain House is following all recommendations and directives set out by Alberta Health. We will be keeping everyone up to date by posting any changes to our website and facebook page.
We have always been a community that takes care of one another. I know we will continue with all these acts of kindness as neighbours help neighbours and we all look out for one another.
I also want to thank all of our healthcare workers, truck drivers and store workers that are keeping food and medication stocked and any others that are continuing to provide essential services during this time. The social and economic impacts will be far-reaching. Please support our local businesses when possible.
I’ve had many people reach out to say they are also thinking of us, and praying for us to make sound decisions in these difficult days. We appreciate all your support.
We know that we are a loving and caring community. This will not change. We will work together to safely get through this.
Mayor Tammy Burke
Town of Rocky Mountain House
On March 17, Alberta declared a state of emergency under the Public Health Act, resulting in further closures to Town facilities. Both the Christenson Sports and Wellness Centre and the Credit Union Co-op Aquatic Centre are closed to the public until further notice.
“The Town of Rocky Mountain House is taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with recommendations and directives from Alberta Health,” said Mayor Tammy Burke. Alberta Health is the lead agency coordinating Alberta’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House has increased the frequency of cleaning in our facilities and public spaces. The Town Office is open by appointment only, 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.
Status of Town facilities and programs
Facility | Status | Details |
Town Office | Access by appointment only. | Staff are still working, with social-distancing and increased disinfecting protocols. Public access is by appointment only. Phone 403-845-2866 to find out if your business can be conducted remotely, or to make an appointment. |
Public Works | Closed. | 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 | Closed to the public. This includes ice surfaces, fitness centre, play centre and meeting rooms. All programming and event bookings are cancelled until further notice. |
| Credit Union Co-op Aquatic Centre 5202 53 Ave. 403-845-6977 | Closed | Closed to the public. This includes the swimming pools, hot tub and meeting rooms. All programming and event bookings are cancelled until further notice. |
Current as of March 23, 2020 at 1700
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.
Alberta Health Services is the lead agency managing the province's response to the global pandemic.
As of March 15, 2020 the Province of Alberta has imposed heightened measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, including school closures. The Town of Rocky Mountain House continues to operate within the provincial guidelines.
Please consult the following resources for current information:
Alberta Health Services information on COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Alberta Health Services COVID-19 self-assessment tool
Public Health Agency of Canada information on COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Health Canada Travel Advisories
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.
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.
The Town of Rocky Mountain House is acting on provincial recommendations by:
- Sharing the above 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 public facilities;
- Implementing no-contact guidelines for staff;
- Developing a business-continuity plan to maintain town services;
- Restricting events with more than 50 expected attendees in our facilities; and
- Providing refunds or credits to organizations with existing Town facility bookings, whose events have been cancelled due to COVID-19.
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. All Town facilities are closed to the public. 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.
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.
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 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 media documents:
March 20, 2020 statement re: COVID-19-related layoffs
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
