The City of Fort Saskatchewan is monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in Alberta. The City is taking the following steps and continues to revise services in these unprecedented circumstances.
Mandatory Facial Covering Requirements in Fort Saskatchewan
Effective August 10, 2020, the City of Fort Saskatchewan requires face coverings in all City operated indoor facilities for persons 10 years of age and over.
A city-wide Bylaw for face coverings will be in effect only if AHS reports 10 active cases in Fort Saskatchewan.
Mandatory Face Covering Bylaw C29-20
Mandatory Face Coverings in City Facilities Plan
AHS Case Numbers
A person must wear a face covering while in a:
- City operated public premises;
- City owned public washroom; and/or
- Fort Sask Transit vehicle and shelters.
Exceptions:
The requirement to wear a face covering will not apply to:
- persons 9 years of age or younger;
- persons who are unable to place, use, or remove a face covering without assistance;
- persons providing care or assistance to a person with a disability where a face covering would hinder that caregiving or assistance;
- persons sitting and consuming food or drink, in an area designated by the City for food or drink consumption, when 2m physical distancing can be maintained from others who are not part of their immediate family or cohort group;
- persons engaging in aquatic activities, intense physical exercise, or an organized sports program;
- persons engaging in services that require the temporary removal of a face covering (e.g., mask fit testing);
- Persons engaging in an organized activity while on the Shell Theatre stage; and
- Persons in areas exclusively accessed or used by City employees or the operators of a Fort Sask Transit vehicle, provided that physical barriers or physical distancing practices are implemented between any person not required to wear a face covering by operation of this exemption and any other person.
| Definitions |
- “City” means the City of Fort Saskatchewan
- “City operated public premises” means all or any part of a City operated building, structure or other enclosed area to which members of the public have access as of right or by express or implied invitation and includes:
- City operated buildings including cultural and recreation centres;
- City Hall;
- Fort Heritage Precinct Museum Buildings, and for participants of a guided tour of the Precinct, the grounds covered during the tour;
- “City owned public washroom” means a City washroom facility, but does not include a temporary or portable single stall toilet.
- “Face covering” means
- a commercially produced procedural or medical mask with ear loops or ties
- a commercially produced and NIOSH approved respirator or equivalent standard approved by the Government of Alberta (e.g., N-95, N-99, P-100, etc.), but excludes a mask with an exhalation valve that does not prevent the exhalation of droplets.
- a mask or other face covering of two or more layers of tightly woven fabric (four being ideal), that covers the mouth, nose and chin of the person wearing it to limit the transmission of respiratory droplets;
- “Operator” means a person responsible for the day to day operations of a public premises or Fort Sask Transit vehicle;
- “Patron” means a member of the public who is present for personal reasons such as use of facilities (recreation, library, park, public transportation, etc…), to access a City service, or as a meeting point.
- “Fort Sask Transit vehicle and shelters” means a bus, van or other vehicle operated by or for Fort Sask Transit and includes an enclosed transit shelter.
- “Youth program” means a City run program for children and youth.
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| Facial Covering FAQs |
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If you're question cannot be found here, please send your questions, comments or feedback at fortreport.ca
| Why is the City introducing a mandatory face covering protocol? |
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As part of the City of Fort Saskatchewan’s ongoing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep the community safe, City Council passed Bylaw C29-20 making it mandatory to wear facial coverings or masks, in any indoor location where the public has access. While the Bylaw has passed effective August 4, 2020, it will only be enacted by the City Manager should Alberta Health Services declare 10 or more active cases in Fort Saskatchewan.
In the interim, the City Administrative protocol coming into effect on August 10th, makes it mandatory to wear a suitable facial covering or mask in all City operated buildings, city owned washrooms, FortSask Transit vehicles and enclosed shelters.
To be truly effective, a regional approach is required to ensure public health measures can protect individuals and the community in which they live from the spread of COVID-19. It is still critical to practicing good hygiene, maintaining physical distancing, wear a suitable face covering in public, stay home if ill and get tested and monitor for symptoms.
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Where do I have to wear a face covering?
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A person must wear a face covering while in a:
- City operated public premises;
- City owned public washroom; and/or
- Fort Sask Transit vehicle and shelters.
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| What is an approved facial covering? |
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An approved face covering includes:
- a commercially produced procedural or medical mask with ear loops or ties
- a commercially produced and NIOSH approved respirator or equivalent standard approved by the Government of Alberta (e.g., N-95, N-99, P-100, etc.), but excludes a mask with an exhalation valve that does not prevent the exhalation of droplets.
- a mask or other face covering of two or more layers of tightly woven fabric, that covers the mouth, nose and chin of the person wearing it to limit the transmission of respiratory droplets.
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| How would I know if my mask meets the standards above? |
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Make sure the mask you purchase meets the standards. Refer to the packaging that came with your mask or facial covering and compare it to the Government of Alberta Guide for Masks; OR Follow the directions from the GOA and GOC sites to make a safe, suitable mask.
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| Why can’t I wear a mask with an exhalation valve? |
| Health Canada and other medical experts note that masks with exhalation valves do not prevent droplets from being discharged and therefore don’t offer protection from transmitting a virus. |
| Where can I purchase or obtain a suitable mask? |
| Refer to the City's COVID-19 Resources for Businesses page and look for the heading, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Supplies. Many grocery stores, drug stores, and local department stores are now offering masks / facial coverings for sale. |
| Masks are expensive. What options are there? |
| Masks vary greatly in cost, depending on the seller and whether they are reusable or disposable. Reusable masks may have a higher initial cost per mask than disposable masks but can be washed and reused many times. |
| If I wear a mask, am I safe from the virus? |
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Non-medical masks work by protecting others. Think of the saying, “My mask protects you, your mask protects me”. When others wear a mask, they are helping to protect you. When you wear a mask, you are helping to protect them. As more people wear masks, fewer people will be exposed to droplets that may contain a virus.
Remember though, that if a droplet containing the virus settles on a surface and you touch it with your hand, you risk becoming infected unless you wash your hands.
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| Will the City of Fort Saskatchewan provide masks? |
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Anyone attending a City operated property is encouraged to bring their own reusable mask or a disposable mask they’ve purchased.
Coinciding with the introduction of mandatory facial coverings, the City has a limited supply of masks available for those whose mask is soiled, damaged or defective, or if the person forgot or were unaware of mandatory facial coverings. Supplies are limited.
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| Why didn’t the City pass a Bylaw to make wearing masks mandatory in other places like shopping centres? |
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Fort Saskatchewan City Council passed Bylaw C29-20 that would make wearing masks in all publicly accessible places mandatory. However, the Bylaw must be enacted by the City Manager and only when AHS identifies 10 or more active cases in the City. The City has not yet reached that threshold.
Council supported the City Administrative Plan to make wearing of facial coverings mandatory in all City operated buildings, city owned public washrooms, and on Fort Sask Transit vehicles or enclosed transit shelters.
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| If I wear a mask, do I need to stay 2m apart? |
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The Public Health Order issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) requires all people, other than members of an immediate family or cohort, to maintain 2m physical distancing, The CMOH has acknowledged that on occasion, it may be difficult to maintain 2m distancing and encourages all people to wear masks when in public and unable to keep 2m distance. The CMOH has also ruled that in specific circumstances, such as organized sports, riding a bus, or when co-workers ride together in a company vehicle, people must wear a mask when they cannot maintain 2m distancing. Distancing, hand hygiene, cough/sneeze etiquette and staying home if ill are still vital steps to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Ottawa Public Health was asked the same question, “Do I still need to stay 2-metres away from others if I am wearing a mask or face covering?” Their answer is consistent, “Yes. Wearing a mask is not an alternative to physical distancing. Every effort should be made to keep a 2-metre distance even when wearing a mask.”
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I lease a City building or part of a City building and allow the public access. Am I required to follow the City plan and make face coverings mandatory?
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No. The City plan is designed for City operated buildings vs. City owned buildings. Lease holders must follow provincial standards set out in Public Health Orders. They are not required to implement a mandatory mask policy but may do so. If Bylaw C29-20 is triggered, all publicly accessible buildings, including leased City spaces, would be included.
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Dow Centennial Centre
The Dow Centennial Centre is open as of June 22 with modified hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 6:30am to 8:00pm
- Membership fees remain the same
- Drop in fees will be $7.00 for all people and $1.00 for track use only
- Activities available: Apple Fitness Centre, Umicore Track
- All visitors must come ready for their activity as no locker rooms or shower facilities will be open. The steam rooms and sauna’s are also closed at this time.
- The DCC Sherrit-CEP arena is open for private bookings only, there are no drop-in ice times available. The change rooms remain closed.
| DCC Re-opening FAQs |
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Do I have to book a time to come work out?
No, our space can accommodate up to 50 people at one time.
What is the Fitness Centre Capacity?
50 (if we hit the maximum capacity, customers will be asked to wait until space opens up).
Is the Wellness Studio open?
It is temporarily closed due to spacing limitations.
Is Childminding open?
Not at this time.
Are there any safety requirements customers have to take?
- We are asking customers to wipe down their equipment BEFORE & AFTER each use.
- Please allow the equipment to air dry.
- Come ready to work out as the locker rooms are not open.
Do fitness users have to wear masks?
- It is not recommended that a mask be worn when doing high intensity physical activity.
- Customers are asked to maintain 2 metres physical distancing from other customers and staff.
What precautions are we taking to keep customers safe?
- We have spaced equipment out a minimum of 2 metres between each piece, and spacing reminder decals have been placed throughout the centre.
- Wipe stations have been strategically placed throughout the centre.
- Additional hand sanitizer has been made available.
- One way traffic flow into the Fitness Centre – Enter through the main doors and Exit through back door by the upstairs Cardio Node (off the track).
Are locker rooms open?
- Locker Rooms remain closed at this time.
- Cubbies are available for jackets, shoes, etc., however, valuables should be kept with you.
What else has changed?
- The Fitness Centre has a slightly different layout to accommodate placement of equipment a minimum of 2 metres apart.
- Only the Jacob’s ladder and a few of our duplicate benches removed off the floor.
- Shared attachments such as ankle and wrist straps are not available.
- Water bottle filling stations will be operable. Participants must bring their own water bottles.
Is the Walking Track Open?
- Yes. To accommodate the additional spacing requirements for the equipment and ensure track users have enough space, the 200 metre walking track around the soccer field is opened.
- 1 mile = 8 laps / 1 kilometre = 5 laps
How do memberships work?
- When you are ready to start back, stop by the front desk and get your membership reactivated.
- If you do not have a membership there are drop in fees:
- Drop In Fee: $7.00
- Track Only Fee: $1.00
Are indoor fitness classes being offered?
At this time we are offering Outdoor Classes only.
Closed Amenities
- Wellness Studio
- ATCO Gymnasium
- Nutrien Soccer Field
- Games Den
- Locker Rooms
- Steam Room and Sauna
- Towel Service
- Building water fountains will be inoperable, but water bottle filling stations are available.
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Sheep Grazing Program
The Sheep Grazing Program is back! Visiting hours are Tuesday to Friday, from 11:30am to 6:00pm. Residents must maintain physical distancing and personnel hygiene (hand sanitizing, no visiting if ill).
Fort Heritage Precinct
Fort Heritage Precinct opened June 30.
- Admission is $7.00/person
- Tours will be 1 hour in length and run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, at noon, 2:00pm, and 4:00pm.
- More information on FHP Tours.
Other Facilities/Services
Other facilities or services that are allowed to open with Stage 2 will take a bit more time to finalize and approve for opening:
- Harbour Pool is scheduled to reopen September 8;
- Outdoor field bookings;
- Indoor facility bookings like Lacrosse and family events;
- Indoor bookings for meeting space will be available starting September 8;
- Indoor fitness classes could resume by September 21;
- JRC will open August 16, followed by the Sportsplex on September 8.
These services are open:
- Basketball courts
- Golf Course
- Lions Campground
- Playgrounds
- Skatepark
- Spraypark
- Tennis and Pickleball courts
Users must follow the guidelines posted at each site:
- Please follow all Alberta Health Orders.
- Wash your hands at home before and after visiting a playground.
- Carry and use hand sanitizer while visiting the playground.
- Keep at least 2 metres distance from other users who are not from your household.
- Do not visit a playground/skatepark if you or any member of your household has any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Consider returning at another time if the area is crowded.
Check out the Relaunching Sports, Playgrounds and Open Spaces poster for more information
We must continue to be vigilant to keep our community safe
- Practice physical distancing (two metres apart)
- If you cannot maintain physical distancing, wear a non-medical mask
- Avoid touching commonly touched surfaces, such as rails
- Stay home if you are sick or displaying any symptoms of COVID-19
- Indoor gatherings of over 50 people is prohibited
- Outdoor gatherings of less than 100 people where physical distancing of 2m can be maintained are now permitted
Alberta's Relaunch Strategy
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Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy puts safety first while gradually reopening businesses, resuming activities and getting people back to work.
Stage 2
Stage 2 of the provincial relaunch plan came into effect Friday, June 12th. Our City administration has developed plans for a safe re-opening for our patrons and our staff following the Chief Medical Officer of Health orders. Please follow the signage in place to understand the new protocols.
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Closures
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Facility closures include:
- Alberta Lottery Art Gallery
- Fort Saskatchewan Curling Rink
- Harbour Pool
- Pioneer House
- Royal Canadian Legion
- Sportsplex Arena
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Community Supports
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Community Wellness
To help residents through this difficult time, we have added a list of activities that might help pass the time.
Check out our Community Wellness page
Community Support List
We have also compiled a list of Community Support information for residents, including information on counselling, family support, grocery delivery and pickup, and more.
Check out our Community Supports List
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| Essential Services |
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Essential services are public services, if interrupted, would endanger the life, personal safety or health of the public. These services are also necessary to the maintenance and administration of the rule of law and public security.
The intent of this list is to provide general guidance to business owners and operators. It is not meant to be exhaustive.
View the GOA Essential Services List
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Financial Support
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Government Supports
Anyone experiencing financial challenges is encouraged to access provincial and federal supports.
The Alberta Government is providing financial support to Albertans. Canadian workers and businesses can also access support outlined in Canada’s Economic Response Plan.
View all financial support options available to residents
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Local Businesses
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| For our local business community, we have created a COVID19 Resources for Businesses page and will continually update it as more information becomes available. |
| Online Services |
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We recommend calling before visiting any City administration building to see if we can assist you over the phone or online.
To enhance social distancing, you can access the following City services online:
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| Reporting, Violations and Fines |
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Please visit the Alberta Health Services Enforcement Portal for details.
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| Resources on COVID-19 |
| Get your facts from reliable sites:
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| Shell Theatre |
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At the Shell Theatre, we are doing our best to work with the artists and groups to re-schedule events for when it is safe to do so. See what shows have either been cancelled or postponed on our Shell Theatre Events page.
If your event has been postponed
Please hold on to your tickets until new dates are announced by email and social media. At that time, you can decide to keep the same tickets for the new date or obtain a full refund.
If your show has been cancelled
We will be in touch with you directly and you will be refunded the full amount of the ticket. Please allow up to 30 business days for the refund to be processed.
Shell Theatre Staff
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| Subsidized Programs |
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Connecting Families
The Connecting Families initiative helps bridge the digital divide for Canadian families who may struggle to afford access to home Internet. Eligible Canadian families will be able to access high speed Internet service packages for $10 per month from participating Internet Service Providers.
View more information on Connecting Families
Sign up for the Connecting Families Initiative
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Support Lines
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Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is opening a support line to connect with residents through the COVID-19 pandemic. If individuals have questions on how to access resources or find themselves navigating supports that are unfamiliar to them, they can call the line to discuss their needs.
The support line is 780-992-6281 and will be available starting Tuesday, April 14 during the following hours until further notice:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday — 8:00am to 4:30pm
- Tuesday and Wednesday — 8:00am to 8:00pm
- Saturday — 10:00am to 2:00pm
You can request a wellness check through the support line or by emailing FCSSinfo@fortsask.ca. If you are feeling isolated or concerned for someone who is, let us know and we will call and check in. FCSS is also available to discuss mental health and emotional wellness.
Family Violence Supports
- Family Violence Info Line 310-1818 | 24/7 | 170+ languages
- Chat online alberta.ca/SafetyChat | 8:00am to 8:00pm Daily
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| Taxes & Utilities |
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To provide relief to those residents and businesses that are experiencing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, City Council has approved the following changes to late fees and penalties on Taxes and Utilities.
Taxes
City Council approved to extend the penalty free period for late payments of municipal property taxes due June 30, 2020.
More information on Property Tax Payments Penalties in 2020
The City is pleased to now be offering credit card payments for tax accounts through PaySimply.
Utilities
Late fees and penalties will be waived on utility bills (water, sewer and waste) for the 90 days (March 23 – June 22, 2020).
We encourage all of our customers to keep accounts in good standing. We will continue to send the utility bills each month. Please contact the City’s utility billing staff at 780-992-6200 or by email at utilityclerk@fortsask.ca as soon as possible if you need to make these arrangements.
More information on Utility Payments during the COVID-19 response
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| Toilet Paper and Non-Flushables |
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A reminder to residents: Please do not flush facial tissues, paper towel, pre-packaged disinfecting wipes, flushable wipes or latex gloves down the toilet. Flushing products other than toilet paper can cause serious clogs in your home plumbing and city infrastructure.
More information on sewer backups
We ask residents to follow our procedures for curbside collection, of recycling organics and garbage.
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Transit
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Local Service Reduced and Saturday Added
Local routes 582 and 583 will operate Monday to Saturday on a 60 minute frequency. Please refer to the revised schedule on our website or track the buses in real-time using the Passio GO app available.
View the Revised Schedule
Download the Passio GO app for access to real-time bus tracking, route and schedule information as well as transit alerts.
 
Commuter Service Reduced
Until further notice, route 580 trips departing Clareview station at 7:25am, 7:55am, and 9:00am are suspended. Please refer to the revised schedule or track the buses in real-time using transit55.ca.
View the Revised 580 Schedule
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Additional Resources
Fort Saskatchewan COVID-19 Relaunch Report
Government Roles and Responsibilities during COVID-19
Sign up for Fort Sask Alerts
