What is the Town doing to prevent the spread of the virus?
- Moving from face-to-face interactions to offering services virtually through phone, email and online
- closing buildings/facilities to the public, canceling programs, concerts, etc., as required
- closure of playgrounds & the skate park, as required
- increased cleaning and disinfecting procedures
- providing staff with personal protective gear
- many staff are working remotely and/or working flexible shifts to maintain essential services.
Where can I find social support information?
The Town has compiled a list of information and resources for residents to access:
Resource page
What is the Town doing for utility bill payment deferral?
Council is offering deferred utility (water and waste services) bill payments for a period of 90 days for the two billing cycles. Additionally, all interest and penalties will be waived for a minimum of 60 days.
Details
What is the Town doing about property taxes?
Town Council passed Bylaw 22-20 to permit Town of Okotoks taxpayers the option to defer the payments on 2020 taxes without penalty, until August 31, 2020. Learn more
Are Council meetings still open to the public?
No, Council meetings are not currently open to the public. Council will be meeting through electronic means, and Council Chamber is currently closed to the public. Visit the Council Meetings page to live-stream Council meetings, and to learn how to submit hearing or delegation information online:
Council meetings
What is the Town doing to help businesses?
The Town of Okotoks and the Okotoks Entrepreneur Ecosystem are working together to compile the resources and information businesses need to access during this crisis. Details
Is the Town’s water safe?
The virus causing COVID-19 is not believed to spread through water systems. We want to assure residents that our water is safe to drink. The Town’s water treatment processes are of the highest standards. Regular daily processes include testing water samples in the lab. Watch the following video on water and wastewater during COVID-19 to learn more.
Video
Are waste collection services still running as normal?
Yes, waste collection continues as normal. The Eco Centre remains open to help residents manage extra recycling and compost needs. Special items like paint, Styrofoam, coffee K-cups, etc. are also accepted. Visit the Eco Centre page to learn more about safely visiting the facility and protocols that are in place. Learn more.
Download the waste app to stay up-to-date on any waste collection changes:
Download the app
Why has the Town relaxed parking for RV/Container parking?
This temporary change will help families who need to use their RVs for self-isolation or to support extended family who are in self-isolation, and for those who are financially impacted and need to eliminate storage fees. Easing regulations around shipping containers will support businesses that have had to close storefronts or leave their locations due to the crisis and need somewhere to temporarily store materials, inventory and equipment.
How can residents use the Okotoks Transit grocery delivery service?
This temporary service has ended. Sobeys continues to offer a delivery service using their own vehicle; other local grocery stores also offer convenient online ordering & pick-up options. Sobeys: General Inquiries – 403-938-3439; Deliveries – 403-938-4043; SobeysOkotoks.com
For more information on Okotoks Transit, including hours of operations and purchasing passes, visit www.okotokstransit.ca.
What will happen to community garden?
It was opened as usual this spring, with physical distancing and safety measures in place.
What are the safety steps everyone should be following?
To help prevent the spread of the virus, follow the latest recommendations from Alberta Health Services:
AHS information
Is there any way the Town can indicate where individuals in the Foothills with COVID-19 have visited?
This is something Alberta Health Service is responsible for; the Town does not have access to this information. For the number of cases in the region and other health-related information, please visit www.albertahealthservices.ca
Does the Town have an emergency communications plan and how is the Town communicating with residents?
Yes, it is part of the Community Emergency Management Plan and we are following the specific provincial pandemic plan from the province. The Town communicates via its website, social media feeds @TownofOkotoks (Facebook, Instagram & Twitter); e-newsletters; phone; email and messaging through our local radio, the Eagle 100.9FM (www.okotoksonline.com) and newspaper, the Western Wheel (www.okotokstoday.ca).
More Information:
If you have a question that is not covered here, please contact the Town's Communications department online.
