Emergency Preparedness
COVID-19 Coronavirus
County of Vermilion River response to COVID-19
The County of Vermilion River is making every effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus. Effective March 17, 2020 at 4:30pm, the County of Vermilion River Administration Office, Gas Utility Shop and Public Works Shop will be closed to in-person public access.
The County of Vermilion River will remain closed to the public until further notice.
We are following the recommendations from Alberta Health Services, the Alberta Chief Medical Officer, the World Health Organization and federal health authorities as our key objectives are:
- Protecting workers and customers
- Limiting the spread of any infections
- Continuity of operations
The County of Vermilion River has now implemented processes and protocols to address and maintain all of our essential services, suchas water, sewer, gas, fire and snow plowing. Staff are meeting daily to proactively implement measures to try to slow the spread of the virus and mitigate potential impacts on the community. County Council and Administration will contintue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will be posting updates through social media applications and on the County's website when a change in strategy or approach is required.
After closing the buildings to in-perosn public access, the County has initiated work from home protocols, staggered shifts at our facilities and other contingency measures to ensure critical infrastructure and services are maintained, while keeping employees and the public safe. We are pleased that the County continues to fully operate core services during this difficult time.
Ratepayers and customers are asked to use alternative methods of communication and make contact with the County by phone (780-846-2244) or email (office@county24.com). Inquiries will be handled by Administration and directed to the correct department.
If you have question about County operations, please contact the County of Vermilion River Administration Office at 780-846-2244 or office@county24.com or for information on gas utilities, the Natural Gas Utility at gasut@county24.com.
Payments
Payments to the County can be made:
- via online banking at your banking institution
- on the County's website by OptionPay Credit Card
- by mailing a cheque or leaving it in the drop box at the front door of the County Administration Office
The Finance Department has developed modified work flows to ensure the accounts payable process is not disrupted. This means that despite the current situation all vendors will be paid on time. Should you notice any disruptions, please email us at payables@county24.com.
Public Works
Any utilities concerns (such as line breaks) can be directed to the office at 780-846-3309 or the after hours emergency line 780-846-2929.
Continue to place any concerns via the Report a Concern on our website or by calling the office at 780-846-3309.
All crews are continuing to work as normal - roads are being monitored with regards to Road Bans and the impending spring thaw.
Permits are still required to travel County roads. Although the office is currently closed to the public, you can sign your permit via fax or electronic signature via email.
Planning & Development
Customers are all encouraged to call, email or fax in permit applications and questions. mharvey@county24.com office: 780-846-2244 Fax 780-846-2716
Agriculture
Strychnine sales are postponed until April 1 so a new process can be put in place. Please visit our Pest Control page for more information.
Spring rat checks will be postponed until after the pandemic in order to comply with social distancing.
All Cropping Conversations producer meetings are cancelled.
Before the Plate/Before the Glass is postponed until a more appropriate time.
Community Halls
All Community Halls should now be closed to the public, due to new public health measures effective March 17, specifically: all events over 15 people to be cancelled and no attendance at rec centres, casinos, bingo halls, theatres and other facilities.
Fire Permits
Fire Permits can be obtained by calling the office at 780-846-2244 or emailing jlevesque@county24.com.
Enforcement Services
Calls for service are being assigned and officers are patrolling County roads. To protect health and safety of Albertans, law enforcement agencies now have full authority to enforce public health orders and issue fines for violations. Read more here.
Transfer Sites
Currently, all transfer sites are open for regular business hours. Patrons are asked to maintain social distancing when visiting the site. Staff are happy to answer any questions and direct you to the correct compound for disposal of your waste. Until further notice, the Vermilion Transfer Site Scale House is closed to the public. The speaker at the scale is operational and questions can be asked at the window. For now, residential pickups will continue as scheduled, but that may change depending on our contractor's staffing levels.
Council
Currently, Council Meetings remain on schedule and will convene via an online platform. Links will be posted on our website when they are available.
Resources
All individuals are encouraged to keep up to date on the latest developments throughout Alberta by viewing official information that can be accessed through the Government of Alberta's Website: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx
24 hour call number for COVID-19 - Call Health Link 811 or https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?Id=1001957
Supports for farmers and agri-food businesses
Text4Hope - Supporting Mental Health & Wellness in a Time of Stress & Isolation
COVID-19 (Government of Canada)
Economic Developers Alberta COVID-19 Business Impact Survey
Webinar: How to Manage Supply Chain Risk During COVID-19
Federal Programs: www.canada.ca
- Emergency Care Benefit providing up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks. The application will be available in April 2020 through Canada Revenue Agency.
- Increase to the Child Tax Benefit by $300 per child starting in May
- the one-week waiting period for EI has now been waived
- Emergency Support Benefit
Provincial Programs: www.alberta.ca
- One-time payment of $1,146 until federal emergency payments begin in April. An online application should be available this week.
- Utility Payment Deferral Plan
- Student Loan Repayment Deferral Plan
- Deferrals on loans, lines of credit, and mortgages for up to 6 months
Being Prepared
There are a variety of local emergencies that could impact our municipality - weather related emergencies, such as wind storm, winter storm, or tornado, as well as events such as wildfires or flooding. Here are some resources that can help make sure you and your family are prepared:
KNOW THE RISKS. MAKE A PLAN. HAVE A KIT.
Severe Storms - What to Do Guide
Related Links
