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July 2020

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July 2020

Councillor Update

Happy Canada Day to everyone! As venues are re-opening and people are getting back to work, I’m sure this is worrisome for some of us since the COVID-19 numbers are rising in the urban and rural areas of the RMWB. I just want to re-affirm the goal of the different levels of government wasn’t to prevent us from catching COVID-19, but to not overwhelm the health care systems. I personally think that as a community, we did an awesome job with the social distancing. Things have changed dramatically for us in regard to what is considered “normal” now. All I can say is to “do you”….if you aren’t comfortable going out without a mask, then wear one, and if you’re one of the people who cannot wear a mask for whatever reason, then don’t wear one. All I ask is that people be kind to one another as things change so quickly. Just a quick update, I participated in a table-top exercise on Companion Animal Disaster Rescue and they used Fort McMurray and a fire for the scenario. The facilitator definitely wasn’t from this part of the province and I don’t think he realized that we are still one way in/out. Anyways, the scenario was that 25000 people had to evacuate due to a fire in the northwest part of the RMWB and that there were 1300 dogs and cats to be accommodated. Don’t get me wrong, the idea of having a companion animal rescue plan is a good idea and should be implemented into all of our emergency plans, but this plan definitely needs a lot more work. Some of the things that were commented on was the timing of the response, distance and also the kinds of animals. The exercise had the animal response teams arriving after 72 hours and that they were coming from Calgary and Edmonton. They weren’t sure how they were going to contain the animals, where they were putting the volunteers etc. They asked for feedback and they definitely got it. I also had my virtual AUMA infrastructure and energy committee meeting and we were presented with information on 5G networks and how the companies were planning on implementing it. They indicated that netweorks will involve the use of routers. The wireless hibs will need to be hardwired into some kind of electrical source, so companies completing the work will have to work with our internal departments to determine how this can be accommodated. Lots of exciting work ahead! Last month, we passed a 5 million dollar budget for extensive repairs to Saprae Creek Trail (Highway 69) from the airport turnoff to Spruce Valley Drive. I was told in the council meeting that it would be hot asphalt and that sections would be replaced, not just pothole repairs. There is one more council meeting before the summer break and hopefully when September comes around, we will be able to have in-person council meetings. Until next time, stay safe. Sheila

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July 2020

Municipal Response to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is an on-going situation that continues to evolve. Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy is now underway. As part of that relaunch, the Municipality is working to re-open some Municipal spaces, adjust certain Municipal services and continue to implement protocols that align with public health orders issued by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. Information is changing quickly, so we encourage you to visit rmwb.ca/covid19 for the latest information on municipal service changes, re-openings and resources available to you. You can also call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or toll free at 1-800-973-9663 for more information on the Municipal response to COVID-19. Important reminders:

• Practice physical distancing by keeping two metres between yourself and others

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time

• Do not touch your face

• Cover coughs and sneezes

• Stay home if you are feeling sick

Find more information at rmwb.ca/covid19

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July 2020

Have you been affected by COVID-19 and are looking for information on the support

available to you, your family or your organization?

There are support programs and resources available. Find these resources online at

rmwb.ca/covid19.

If you have lost your job and need income, you can apply

for:

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit

• Employment Insurance

If you are struggling to pay bills:

• You have the option to defer Municipal utility

payments until July 2020.

• Property owners have the option to defer Municipal

property tax payments until Sept. 30.

• You can defer utility payments for electricity and

natural gas until June 19, 2020.

• If you are struggling to pay rent, information on your

options, and frequently asked housing questions, are

available on the Municipal website.

• Many major banks in Canada are offering mortgage

deferrals. Please contact your bank.

• Most major automobile manufacturers are offering

vehicle payment relief programs. Please contact your manufacturer.

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July 2020

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July 2020

Engineering/Construction Updates- Saprae Creek Estates H. Wilson will be returning to the community for construction and improvement work on Sol Park Drive and Weiss Drive as well as minor construction activities in other areas of the community. Access to residences will be maintained through detours, where applicable for the duration of the construction period. Chandos Construction is completing work at the new sewage lift station at the Saprae Creek Estates Firehall property. Heavy Equipment operations to be expected. Demolition and installation work in the Annex building is still in progress. Earthworks behind the Firehall is substantially completed and the construction work area will be restored with gravel where required. Weaver Group completed their work along Saprae Creek Trail/A- Frame Road. The construction work area will be restored with seeding where required. Seeding will be done during the ideal growing seasons such as in the spring (April to June). Minimal disruption to residents is expected from these improvement projects.

For any questions, please contact Pulse!

Residents in rural communities can contact the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 24/7 by contacting Pulse via the

following:

• 780-743-7000

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July 2020

VULNERABLE PERSONS REGISTRY (VPR) The VPR is a free, voluntary and confidential service aimed at improving the safety of residents living at home who would be at a greater risk during emergencies. The VPR is available to residents in the region who: • Experience severe difficulty with mobility, vision or hearing • Have developmental/intellectual, cognitive or mental health challenges • Require electricity for life-sustaining equipment such as life support, oxygen, dialysis etc. To register, go to rmwb.ca/VPR or call Pulse at 780-743-700 or toll-free at 1-800-973-9663.

Mental Health Resources

SOS- Crisis Line – (780) 743- 4357 Mental Health Line- Alberta (877) 303- 2642

Wood Buffalo Primary Care Network- through referral from your family physician.

Canadian Mental Health Association- (780) 743-1053 for general information only.

Alberta Health Services (Walk in Clinic)- (780) 793-8360. The Walk in Clinic remains

open 8am- 7pm Monday to Friday. Telephone sessions available. Must ensure to have

a health care card (regardless if it’s out of province or not).

Waypoints- 24/7 Family Violence Crisis Line: 780-743-1190

Legacy Counselling Centre- info@legacycounsellingcentre.org, 587-536-6619

(currently no wait time).

Some Other Solutions- Phone: (780) 743-8605, 24/7 CRISIS LINE: (780) 743-

(HELP)4357 (currently no wait time). Appointments can be made online on their

Facebook page, click book now. Mindfulness classes and SASP program are running

virtually.

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July 2020

Text4Hope: Supporting Mental Health & Wellness in a Time of Stress &

Isolation Are you feeling stress, anxiety and depression due to the COVID-19 crisis? Alberta

Health Services' program Text4Hope is a free service providing three months of daily

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)–based text messages written by mental health

therapists.

Text4Hope is an evidence-based tool that helps people identify and adjust the negative

thoughts, feelings and behaviours a pandemic might be expected to provoke.

Through a set of daily messages, people receive advice and encouragement helpful in

developing healthy personal coping skills and resiliency.

Simply subscribe to receive ongoing supportive content by texting COVID19HOPE to 393939. Text messages free, dependent on your cell phone plan. For more information, visit AHS' Text4Hope page.

Mental Health During COVID-19 Pandemic As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt our way of life, looking after your mental health should be a priority for everyone. We have compiled articles from trusted resources to help you and your family cope with the stress and anxiety during this challenging time. • Manage Anxiety and Stress (CDC) • Talking to children about COVID-19 (CDC) • How teenagers can protect their mental health (Unicef) • The Globe and Mail has also published an article titled How to talk to kids about coronavirus that you may find helpful. Please note that these are external links with content provided by outside agencies. The RMWB does not take any responsibility for the functionality of the link or the content.

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July 2020

Do you own a small business in a rural community within the RMWB? You may be able to save money on your taxes by applying for the rural non-residential small business tax rate. Your current tax bill doesn’t reflect this rate and you must apply every year to receive it. Eligibility requirements and criteria are available online. Applications are being accepted until Dec. 31, 2020. Regardless of the status of your application, property taxes are due June. 30, 2020, but you can defer payment until Sept. 30. If you qualify for the rural non-residential small business tax sub-class after you pay your taxes, you will receive a credit on your account or receive the funds via cheque. To apply and learn more, visit rmwb.ca/taxes

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July 2020

Watch out for no parking signs!

Don’t get ticketed or towed - Watch out for temporary no parking signs!

These signs are placed 48 hours in advance at the location of where street maintenance will

be happening. Please help keep your street clean and accessible by following these signs and

keeping your vehicle or trailer off the road in these areas.

Temporary no parking signs may be used for:

• Street sweeping

• Snow removal

• Road maintenance work

• Emergencies – water main break, etc.

Cooperation from community members will help crews perform their work quickly, minimizing

any inconvenience. Thank you!

For questions, connect with Pulse at 780-743-7000, 1-800-973-9663 or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.

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July 2020

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July 2020

Your 2020 Property Tax Notice was sent in May. If you did not receive it, please call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663 to request a reprint.

To support community members affected by COVID-19 and the April flood, you may defer your property tax

payments until Sept. 30.

For those wishing to defer exiting Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) payments, please contact Pulse.

Property owners who pay their property taxes through their financial institution, must contact their financial

institution to defer payment.

The initial late penalty and penalties on outstanding balances have been waived until Oct. 1, 2020, with

further late penalties being waived for the remainder of the year.

For more information, including payment options, visit rmwb.ca/taxes

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July 2020

The library may be closed, but you can visit us virtually! Need a FREE membership? Visit wbrl.ca, select “My

Account” and then “Register”. Need assistance or to

renew a current membership? Email

customer.service@wbrl.ca.

Your free membership gives access to many entertainment and educational supports

through our Online Resources. Find some books to read, movies to watch, or study

guides to help your at home students. Need assistance with our Online Resources?

Email school.services@wbrl.ca.

Impact of COVID-19 and Flooding on

Local Sport

Wood Buffalo Sport Connection (WBSC) is conducting a survey to determine the effects of COVID-19 and recent flooding on local sport organizations. Visit Wood Buffalo Sport Connection on Facebook to start the survey. Thank you for your participation!

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July 2020

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July 2020

Some Other Solutions Society for Crisis Prevention

Fort McMurray’s trusted resource for mental wellness

A society for crisis prevention, Some Other Solutions is a trusted resource for mental wellness in Northern Alberta with professional counselling services, mentorship programs and a 24/7 crisis line to ensure everyone in the community is supported in the moment they need it most. As one of the longest running social agencies in Fort McMurray, we are here for you now and beyond. We offer: • Free Video and Phone Counselling At SOS, we provide health and wellness support to close to 1,300 people every year. Our professionally trained, knowledgeable counsellors offer individual and family counselling in a non-judgemental, safe, confidential environment. All appointments can be booked online. Please visit https://someothersolutions.janeapp.com to book an appointment and visit our website for more information on how our counselling services can help you. • SOS 24-Hour Crisis Line The 24-hour crisis line provides emotional support and resources to individuals struggling with life’s challenges and crisis situations. Call 780-743-4357(HELP) to have someone listen. • Virtual Grief & Loss Support Group Join us in our virtual group sessions and connect with other people in our amazing community Grief & Loss Support Group June 17, 3 pm - 4:15 pm Call our office at 780-743-8605 to register. • Online Resources Our annual community resource poster as well as wellness videos, podcasts, and blogs can be found on Some Other Solutions Facebook page and website. • Mentorship Programs Our programs empower and support children and youth to develop resiliency, self-confidence, and positive mental wellness to meet life’s challenges. Facilitated by a dynamic team comprised of diverse educational backgrounds, our programs are offered through the local school divisions as well as our annual summer camp. Please visit our website for more information.

Downtown: 202A-8706 Franklin Avenue Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2J6 Timberlea: #5-118 Millennium Drive Fort McMurray, AB T9K 2S8

Office Number: 780-743-8605 www.someothersolutions.ca

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July 2020

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

PULSE (MUNICIPAL SWITCH BOARD)

1-800-973-9663 780-743-7000

PULSE@RMWB.CA

RMWB.CA/PULSE

COMMUNITY CONTACTS: SOCIAL MEDIA:

RCMP 780-788-4000

@WOODBUFFALORURALCOMMUNITYCONNECTION

@RMWOODBUFFALO

@RMWOODBUFFALO

FISH & WILDLIFE 780-743-7200

HEALTH LINK 811

ALL EMERGENCIES 911

To submit information to the newsletter please email:

koralee.samaroden@rmwb.ca

Deadline for June newsletter submissions: July 24, 2020

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July 2020

JULY 2020 COMMUNITY EVENTS & PROGRAMS CALENDAR

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Newsletter Submission

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