Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

The Town of Olds is actively monitoring the situation through Public Health Canada and Alberta Health Services as well as meeting regularly with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency regarding COVID-19. This is a fluid situation that is changing rapidly. Please monitor this page for any local COVID-19 news. If you have concerns or questions about novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please refer to the Alberta Health Services Novel Coronavirus Page.

For new provincial laws and/or regulations regarding the coronavirus, visit the Alberta Government webpage, COVID-19 Info for Albertans.

For information from the Federal Government, visit the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) page and Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Olds Business Grants: Local storefront businesses are eligible for a $500 grant and home based businesses will be eligible for a $100 grant in the business relauch after Covid-19. Apply Here.

Alberta Biz Connect

Alberta Biz Connect - Get Guidance to Reopen

Workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely.

Alberta's Relaunch Strategy

Please visit the Government of Alberta Relauch Strategy Page.

Resources for Business

Municipal Government

The Economic Support and Recovery Task Force is committed to assisting the businesses in our community as they are impacted by COVID-19.
The Task Force is compiling a list of programs and resources and will continue to update with additional resources when available.

Business Reopening Grants: Storefront businesses are eligible for a grant of up to $500 while home-based businesses are eligible for up to $100.

What's open in Olds? Here's a list of businesses that are open

Business Continuity Plans

Employers should consider their Business Continuity Plan and how COVID-19 could impact their workplace.

Additional information

Tips for Alberta Business and Community Leaders Addressing Social and Economic Fall-Out from COVID-19

Government Roles and Responsibilities During COVID-19

Questions or concerns?
Email or call

economicbusiness@olds.ca

403-556-6981

Provincial Government

Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant - Funding for small- and medium-sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 to offset a portion of their relaunch costs.

Alberta Government Financial Supports for Businesses and Organizations

Alberta Government Guidance for Reopening

Guidance for Retail Business
Relauch Strategy direct links for business

Workplace Guidance for Alberta's relaunch

Essential Services Defined

Restrictions on gathering sizes; all non-essential business ordered closed

Alberta Employment Standards Rules

Public Health Guidelines for Cleaning of Public Facilities

Alberta Bits and Pieces Program

Corporate Income Tax Changes
Education Property Tax Deferral

WCB Premium Payment Deferral
Utility Payment Deferral
Tourism Levy Deferral

When hazards related to COVID-19 cannot be completely eliminated, the following hierarchy of controls are required:

First choice: Engineering controls These control the hazard at the source. Examples include placing barriers or partitions between staff, removing seats from lunch rooms and dining areas, re-arranging lockers, restricting general access to the business and increasing ventilation.
Second choice: Administrative controls These controls change the way workers, volunteer and patrons interact. Examples include policies for physical distancing, limiting hours of operations and respiratory etiquette and providing adequate facilities, supplies and reminders for hand hygiene. Increased frequency of cleaning as outlined above is also required.
Third choice: PPE PPE is necessary when physical distancing of 2 metres or physical barriers cannot be maintained by administrative and engineering controls. PPE controls the hazard at the worker, volunteer and client level. Examples of PPE include gloves, eye protection, gown, face protections, procedure/surgical masks or NIOSH-N95 masks1 . When a hazard cannot be controlled by a single control method, the business owner should utilize a combination of these controls to provide an acceptable level of safety.

PPE should be stored, used and maintained as per the manufacturer’s instruction for use, so it can perform its intended function to protect staff and volunteers.

If a mask is deemed necessary, surgical and non-surgical masks are most often sufficient. Respirators (e.g. N95 masks) are only required when the work might cause large droplets containing COVID-19 to be aerosolized into tiny airborne particles1. This is not common in a majority of business settings.

PPE should be discarded in a lined garbage bag in between clients.

PPE, such as eye protection, may be reused by the same user, only if the manufacturer allows it and has provided clear cleaning and disinfecting instructions.

Municipal Financial Relief

The Town of Olds is offering financial relief for Utilities, Property Taxes and Account Recievables.

Detailed information on the Town Services Page.

For those paying Utilities aor Property taxes by automatic withdrawal, please see COVID-19 Impact on Paying Utilities & Taxes

Town Services

Town Administration Office

Town Administration Office: Open
Fire Hall: Open

Town Office hours are Monday to Friday from 9 am - 12 pm & 1 pm - 4 pm (Closed daily from Noon - 1:00 pm).

Fire Services Building

Open

Town Operations Centre

Closed to public, services still available

Curbside Bin Pickup

The curbside Bin Pickup Schedule has not been affected.

Cleanup Week originally scheduled for the week of May 11 has been postponed until further notice.

See the Garbage, Compost and Recycling Page for complete information.

Town Facilities Stage 2 Relaunch Schedule

Stage 2 Relaunch Schedule for Town Facilities

Sportsplex: CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
August 7 opening for Ice Users per regular seasonal scheduling.
A new condenser was scheduled to be installed in July 2020. The work to complete this project was moved up and is on schedule to be completed by June 26.
Sportsplex reopening for dry floor recreational use is to be determined.

Aquatic Centre: July 13
*Re-opening timing is contingent upon Alberta Health Services certifications/inspections
The Aquatics Centre has an annual maintenance shut-down each fall. This year an extended shut down with a full drain of the pool for tile replacement on the floor was scheduled for late August through September. This renovation was able to be rescheduled to a May start. The pool was drained 3 weeks ago, tiling is near completion, once complete it must cure for 10 days, then the pool refilled and pass AHS water testing certifications prior to re-opening.
Temporary layoffs of Aquatic staff are being recalled, training on new procedures, and adapting to new health regulations and guidelines to keep patrons and staff safe.
Staffing and program offerings will be adjusted as needed to support a healthy relaunch and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Splash Park: July 13 alignment with Aquatic Centre re-opening
*Re-opening timing is contingent upon Alberta Health Services certifications/inspections
Aquatics staff are responsible for the daily monitoring and testing of the water systems.
Water recirculation holding tank replacement is underway. A late spring and minor delays with contractor availability due to COVID-19 caused a later construction start than planned. Construction on this project has gone well. Spray park operation regulations are under the same AHS testing as swimming pools.
Centennial Park Washrooms will re-open with the operation of the Splash Park.

Rotary Athletic Park: June 17
Use is by scheduled bookings only.
Soccer Fields, Ball Diamonds, Batting Cage, Horse Shoe Pits.
Finishing touches are being completed on the fields but will be ready for play by June 17. Signage will be added later in the summer.
Washrooms will only be open during scheduled bookings.

OPENINGS
Users must comply with the health guidelines and restrictions on gatherings.
Those interested in booking a field should contact Facility Bookings at 403-507-4844 or email facilitybookings@olds.ca.
Hedges Ball Diamonds: OPEN June 12
Diamonds H1, H2, & H3
Diamonds are available for spontaneous use, providing no scheduled bookings are using the facility.

Exhibition Diamonds: OPEN June 12
Diamonds X4 & X5 (operated by the Olds Regional Exhibition)
Diamonds are available for spontaneous use, providing no scheduled bookings are using the facility.

Centennial Park Horseshoe Pits: OPEN June 12
Drop-in activity allowed providing no schedule bookings are using the facility.

Skatepark: OPEN

Disc Golf: OPEN
Course located in Hartman Green
Equipment is not sanitized.

Rotary Athletic Park: June 17
Use is by scheduled bookings only.

Elks Field: OPEN June 12
Field is available for spontaneous use, providing no scheduled bookings are using the facility.

Imperial Diamonds: OPEN June 12
Diamonds I1 & I2
Diamonds are available for spontaneous use, providing no scheduled bookings are using the fields.

Port-a-Pottie facilities in Parks and Trails remain closed at this time.

Town Administration Office: Re-opens to public June 22
Fire Hall: Re-opens to public June 22
Library: Re-opens to public June 16

Event Cancellations/Postponements

Canada Day Celebrations, July 1, replaced with Virtual Events

Cleanup Week - week of May 11. Postponed until further notice. See the Garbage, Compost and Recycling Page.

Humpty's Championship Cup - Rescheduled to April 2021

COVID-19 Outreach - Great Neighbours program

Great Neighbours Program COVID-19 Outreach includes the following

Milestone Celebration Drive-by Greetings
Isolation Check-in
Grocery & Prescription Delivery
Food Bank
Income Tax Preparation

Visit the Great Neighbours Program Page

Volunteers

Volunteers play many important roles in communities across our province. Volunteers and volunteer organizations must follow all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to protect themselves and those they help.

Volunteer organizations may have more than 15 volunteers and/or employees in one location.
Volunteers and employees may work together at distances of less than 2 metres, where unavoidable.
Volunteer organizations must take actions to prevent the transmission of infection among employees, volunteers and the people they are helping.
Proper hygiene and cleaning practices must be followed within the volunteer organization.
Any employee or volunteer with symptoms, including cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat, is required by law to isolate and may not participate in volunteer or workplace activities.
Information for non-health care volunteers.

Mental Health Supports

Your mental health matters

If you are having difficulties dealing with the effects of COVID-19, there are resources available to you.

For younger people seeking assistance, there is the Kids Help Phone. No matter what you want to talk about. Totally private. 24/7.

Alberta Health Services has a free, text-based service called Text4Hope. By texting COVID19HOPE to 393939, you will receive daily text messages on healthy thinking or actions to improve your mood.

For more resources, visit Alberta Health Services Help In Tough Times.

You are not alone. Ask for help.

Coronavirus: Guidance for Better Mental Health

Protective Services

For all emargencies, dial 911

RCMP Information

The Olds RCMP have implemented measures to help protect community members and RCMP employees during the COVID-19 pandemic response. Front counter services at the detachment, like all others in the province, have been modified. See full document here.

Municipal Enforcement

For all resident concerns regarding the Town please continue to use Town of Olds Report A Problem page, or contact the Bylaw Complaint Line (Non-Emergency) 587-796-1193.

Olds Fire Department

The Olds Fire Department is now open. Visit the Olds Fire Department Page.

News Releases

April 24: Olds Continues Recreation Closures and Event Restrictions

March 31: COVID-19 Financial Relief from Town of Olds

March 20: Olds RCMP Detachment Response to COVID-19

March 17: Town of Olds Activates EOC - Emergency Operations Centre

March 16: Town of Olds Closes Public Facilities to Stem COVID-19

March 13: COVID-19 Impact on Council Meetings

March 13: Town of Olds Facility & Event Updates Regarding COVID-19

Stay Safe and Healthy

Emergency Preparedness

It’s never too early to prepare for an emergency or disaster. Here are some ideas on how to start preparing without spending a lot of money.

Preventative Measures

During this time, focus on prevention of spreading the virus.

To help protect you and your family against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, you should:

Wash your hands often and well
Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
Contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health
When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands
Hard surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers (COVID-19) - Health Canada
Public Health Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities

Limit Social Activity

Use this time to stay home connect with family - playing board games or watching movies. Keep an eye out for neighbors who might need help with shovelling sidewalks or ensure they have what they need. Check in on those who are vulnerable to illness to ensure they are ok - but only do so by telephone/text/email.

Get outside for fresh air and exercise, but practice social distancing. Do not gather in groups, stay two meters (six feet) apart and do not use public playground facilities.

Guide to Physical Distancing

Help Reduce the Spread of COVID-19

Cohort Families

Families with children who may require additional support can partner with another family to create a cohort family.
This is an agreement to maintain physical distancing from everyone else.
All family members in a cohort must:

be completely committed to isolating from people outside the cohort family, except when it is necessary, such as to go grocery shopping or pick up prescriptions
be healthy and not show any COVID-19 symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat)
not have underlying medical conditions
not be at high risk (for example, seniors)
have not travelled outside Canada in the last 14 days

Guidance on Outdoor Activities

When outdoors in public, take precautions to protect yourself and those around you:

For now, plan your activities with people from your own household or your cohort family.
Plan your activity in advance to ensure physical distancing is possible. If your activity involves a public place:
- consider going during non-peak hours
- walk along the sides of trails and other public pathways to maintain distance
Practice good hygiene:
- wash your hands frequently
- refrain from touching your face with unclean hands
- carry and use hand sanitizer
Wear a mask in public places to help limit the risk of spread to others if you will be within 2 metres of people other than members of your own household.
Download and use the ABTraceTogether mobile contact tracing app when out in public.

Mayor's Messages

Video Messages from Mayor Michael Muzychka

Mayor announces Business Reopening Grants (May 28)

Mayor's Message - Grow Olds with us! (May 20)

Mayor's Message (April 7)

Mayor's Message (April 5)

Mayor's Message (March 31)

Mayor's Message (March 19)

Council Meetings

Council meeting schedules are on the Council Meetings Page. Instructions on attending a virtual Town Council Meeting are in the agenda for each meeting.

Public Health Orders and Complaints

Alberta Health Services

Novel Coronavirus Page

Government of Alberta

COVID-19 Orders and Legislation

Covid-19 Complaints

To report concerns and for questions you have regarding establishments not following Public Health Orders, residents are to notify Alberta Health Services via its Environmental Public Health Page or call 1-833-415-9179.

Message to Returning International Travellers

Canadians returning from extended stays outside the country are reminded to self isolate. Do not stop to buy groceries or visit friends or family. Please refer to the following documents for returning travellers.

AHS Returning Traveller FAQ - Land Border Return (March 20)

Government of Canada Returning Traveller Guide (March 20)

The COVID-19 situation is unprecedented and this will require a cooperative effort from all three levels of government to not only address the health and safety of our residents but also provide some financial relief as well. The Town is working on options and we hope to announce these measures in the near future. Please keep watching our website, the newspaper, social media and listen to the radio for updates.