Events at a glance

< October 2021 >

COVID-19 Information

Foothills County Response to COVID-19

Foothills County 403-652-2341 | Staff Email Contact List | Additional Contact Information

Trusted Sources of Information

MYTH BUSTERS - World Health Organization's Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public

Call 8-1-1 Health Link if you are sick: CLICK HERE
Please do not call 9-1-1 unless it is an emergency, as this is a dedicated emergency line.
If you accidentally call 9-1-1 please stay on the line to let the dispatcher know you called by accident and do not have an emergency.

Foothills County Closures

Foothills County COVID-19 Updates
April 29, 2020: Recreation Vehicle Use Effective April 29, 2020, Foothills County Council passed a motion permitting the occupancy of recreational vehicles to assist people in self-isolating until July 1, 2020 Council may extend or reduce this timeframe as necessary, depending on circumstances that may arise Foothills County recognizes the challenges some families and front-line workers face when trying to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to assist our residents who need to self-isolate, the county has relaxed some of the rules regarding occupancy of recreational vehicles For rural properties / acreages: No more than 5 recreational vehicles are permitted on Country Residential or Agricultural parcels that have existing residences on them Recreational vehicles outside of hamlets must be parked fully on the private property, not on the roads Within hamlets: No more than 1 recreational vehicle is permitted on a property within a Hamlet If the recreational vehicle is parked on private property in a hamlet it must not overhang a sidewalk or roadway A recreational vehicle may be occupied when parked on a roadway within a hamlet, subject to the following conditions: It must remain attached to the tow vehicle at all times No hoses or extension cords are to be left on / hanging over sidewalks No slides shall be extended on the left side of the trailer, that would protrude into the roadway Slides may be extended on the right side of the trailer as long as the slide does not obstruct a sidewalk Septic disposal: All landowners utilizing recreational vehicles shall ensure that the septic holding tanks are emptied into a proper sani dump station or are emptied by a mobile vacuum truck service.
April 27, 2020: Enforcement of Public Health Act Orders Community Peace Officers have been provided enforcement authorities under the Public Health Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Foothills County CPO’s will be working alongside Public Health Inspectors, RCMP and other front line enforcement agencies to promote voluntary compliance with the Orders issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, that legally require: Restrictions on gatherings and businesses Returning international travellers to self-isolate for 14 days; People exposed to COVID-19 to self-isolate for 14 days; People experiencing symptoms to self-isolate for a minimum 10 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. The most current information on symptoms can be found here at AHS Limited access to nursing homes, designated supportive living and long-term care facilities, seniors lodges For full details and information on these Orders, please visit COVID-19 info for Albertans Anyone found in violation of an Order may be charged under the Public Health Act. Each offence carries a fine of $1000.00 plus surcharge. Alberta Courts can administer fines of up to $100,000.00 for a first offence and up to $500,000.00 for a subsequent offence for serious violations. TO FILE A COMPLAINT: Please submit complaints to Alberta Health Services (AHS) Public Health Inspectors if you are concerned that an establishment or a person is not following Public Health Orders. Public Health Inspectors, with the assistance of CPO’s / RCMP when required, will investigate the complaint. To report a high-risk physical distancing situation Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, call Foothills Patrol at 403-603-6300. At all other times, submit complaint directly to the AHS Complaint Portal.
April 20, 2020: Increase in Local COVID Cases The Foothills region is seeing an accelerated increase in cases of COVID-19 in the Foothills-High River area. Foothills County is working closely with Alberta Health Services, Town of High River and City of Calgary on this situation. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the Government of Alberta at www.alberta.ca/COVID19 and Alberta Health Services at www.albertahealthservices.ca
April 7, 2020: RISE and SHINE *A message of encouragement from Foothills County Reeve Suzanne Oel* We have been going through a world-changing few weeks and dealing with a lot of stress. Every morning we have to make a decision whether to be overwhelmed by this new reality, or whether to RISE-and-SHINE! I invite you to do just that: RISE-and-SHINE! Start your day with positive thoughts and action. Think about something you are thankful for and share with your family, friends and co-workers. Help someone. Ask for help. Encourage someone. Read a good news story. Be filled with inspiration. There’s hope and we will get through this together. One day at a time. You are valued by Foothills County. We are thinking of you and your families and send Easter Greetings and best wishes for your health and safekeeping! RISE-and-SHINE Everyone!
March 25, 2020: Financial Relief for Foothills County residents At the March 25 council meeting, council passed two bylaws in order to aid residents who are experiencing financial distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic: Resident’s who receive utility invoices from Foothills County for water/sewer/garbage will continue to receive their utility bills but Foothills County has waived all penalties on delinquent accounts until December 31, 2020. Foothills County has eliminated the October 1, 2020 tax penalty.
March 23, 2020: Municipal Office Closed to Public Effective March 23, 2020, the municipal offices of Foothills County and the Town of High River are closed to the public. Foothills County continues to provide services, including fire, enforcement, utilities, solid waste and road safety. If you have business with the County, please contact Foothills County by phone or email. County staff contact information is at top of page. Any items that need to be delivered to the municipal office, may be place in a sealed envelope in the drop box to the left of the front door at the municipal office. Do not put cash in this envelope. Electronic payments are recommended and preferred at this time.
March 19, 2020: Public Hearings Cancelled Until Further Notice Following the direction of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, to help contain the spread of COVID-19, Foothills County Council has postponed all Public Hearings until further notice. When the Public Hearing is rescheduled, you will receive a notice in the mail with the new date and time. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact our Planning and Development Department by phone or email.
March 18, 2020: COVID-19 The health, safety, and well-being of our residents and employees and our efforts to maintain important County services for the public are Foothills County top priority. We will continue to operate core services, including fire, enforcement, utilities, solid waste and road safety. If you have business with Foothills County, we ask you to call or email first, before visiting in person. Prevention starts with awareness. Be informed on how you can protect yourself and other from COVID-19 Learn more about COVID-19 from trusted sources. We are taking additional steps to protect the health of Albertans. New public health measures are now recommended to limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and crowded spaces. Effective immediately: Mass gatherings are now limited to no more than 50 attendees. This includes worship gatherings and family events, such as weddings and funerals. This does not include: grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, the legislature and other essential services. Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreation facilities and private entertainment facilities. This includes gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres and bingo halls. Albertans are restricted from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are prohibited by law. Sit-down restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, food courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with a minors-allowed liquor license, are limited to 50% capacity to a maximum of 50 people. Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is permitted Licensed facilities are permitted to deliver liquor Buffet restaurants are an exception and must close These are aggressive steps that we do not take lightly, but these are necessary to keep us all healthy and safe. I understand the tremendous impact this will have on all of us. We will get through this together, but we need your help and support by following these recommendations and all other public health guidance. Albertans’ health is and will always be our top priority. Additional FAQs - pdf
March 16, 2020: Message from Reeve Suzanne Oel Message from the Reeve - pdf COVID-19 is dominating the headlines around the world. While the risk may be still considered low here in Alberta, we are committed to responding with best practices and to work with Alberta Health Services recommendations. As this situation evolves, Foothills County will provide ongoing updates with our response to COVID-19 on how we will maintain essential services, business and community planning and staff safety protocols. Links to trusted resources for accurate and up-to-date information are listed here on our website. Foothills County is committed to providing essential services, community water and wastewater, fire department response and road maintenance. We will continue to following all of Alberta Health’s recommended best practices. We can all play a role to reduce the risk and prevent the spread of this virus. While we hope these collective measures will provide a different outcome than other countries ahead of us on the timeline, we remain optimistic in our resiliency. Many suggestions in the community are being shared about supporting organizations facing loss of business or individuals facing illness. Let’s be creative in our ideas on how to support each other. We are grateful for those who are acting to keep others safe in this uncertain time.

Foothills County COVID-19 Updates

September 8, 2020: Open For Business

Foothills County Municipal Office (HighRiver)
Foothills County Fire Stations
Peace Officers
Agricultural Services Building
Public Works - Aldersyde & West Shop

July 2020: Recreation Vehicle Use Update

Foothills Council has extended the recreational vehicle use provisions to August 26, 2020.

Foothills County recognizes the challenges some families and front-line workers face when trying to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to assist our residents who need to self-isolate, the county has relaxed some of the rules regarding occupancy of recreational vehicles

For rural properties / acreages:

No more than 5 recreational vehicles are permitted on Country Residential or Agricultural parcels that have existing residences on them
Recreational vehicles outside of hamlets must be parked fully on the private property, not on the roads

Within hamlets:

No more than 1 recreational vehicle is permitted on a property within a Hamlet
If the recreational vehicle is parked on private property in a hamlet it must not overhang a sidewalk or roadway
A recreational vehicle may be occupied when parked on a roadway within a hamlet, subject to the following conditions:
- It must remain attached to the tow vehicle at all times
- No hoses or extension cords are to be left on / hanging over sidewalks
- No slides shall be extended on the left side of the trailer, that would protrude into the roadway
- Slides may be extended on the right side of the trailer as long as the slide does not obstruct a sidewalk

Septic disposal:

All landowners utilizing recreational vehicles shall ensure that the septic holding tanks are emptied into a proper sani dump station or are emptied by a mobile vacuum truck service.

May, 2020: Alberta's Relaunch Strategy

As businesses prepare to reopen as part of Alberta's relaunch strategy, resources are available to help keep you, your staff, and your customers safe.

Guidance for reopening: Alberta Biz Connect

https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx

All workplaces are expected to develop and implement policies and procedures to address COVID-19.

April 29, 2020: Recreation Vehicle Use

Effective April 29, 2020, Foothills County Council passed a motion permitting the occupancy of recreational vehicles to assist people in self-isolating until July 1, 2020
Council may extend or reduce this timeframe as necessary, depending on circumstances that may arise

For rural properties / acreages:

No more than 5 recreational vehicles are permitted on Country Residential or Agricultural parcels that have existing residences on them
Recreational vehicles outside of hamlets must be parked fully on the private property, not on the roads

Within hamlets:

No more than 1 recreational vehicle is permitted on a property within a Hamlet
If the recreational vehicle is parked on private property in a hamlet it must not overhang a sidewalk or roadway
A recreational vehicle may be occupied when parked on a roadway within a hamlet, subject to the following conditions:
- It must remain attached to the tow vehicle at all times
- No hoses or extension cords are to be left on / hanging over sidewalks
- No slides shall be extended on the left side of the trailer, that would protrude into the roadway
- Slides may be extended on the right side of the trailer as long as the slide does not obstruct a sidewalk

Septic disposal:

All landowners utilizing recreational vehicles shall ensure that the septic holding tanks are emptied into a proper sani dump station or are emptied by a mobile vacuum truck service.

April 27, 2020: Enforcement of Public Health Act Orders

Community Peace Officers have been provided enforcement authorities under the Public Health Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Foothills County CPO’s will be working alongside Public Health Inspectors, RCMP and other front line enforcement agencies to promote voluntary compliance with the Orders issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, that legally require:

Restrictions on gatherings and businesses
Returning international travellers to self-isolate for 14 days;
People exposed to COVID-19 to self-isolate for 14 days;
People experiencing symptoms to self-isolate for a minimum 10 days or until symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. The most current information on symptoms can be found here at AHS
Limited access to nursing homes, designated supportive living and long-term care facilities, seniors lodges

For full details and information on these Orders, please visit COVID-19 info for Albertans

Anyone found in violation of an Order may be charged under the Public Health Act. Each offence carries a fine of $1000.00 plus surcharge. Alberta Courts can administer fines of up to $100,000.00 for a first offence and up to $500,000.00 for a subsequent offence for serious violations.

TO FILE A COMPLAINT: Please submit complaints to Alberta Health Services (AHS) Public Health Inspectors if you are concerned that an establishment or a person is not following Public Health Orders. Public Health Inspectors, with the assistance of CPO’s / RCMP when required, will investigate the complaint.

To report a high-risk physical distancing situation Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, call Foothills Patrol at 403-603-6300.

At all other times, submit complaint directly to the AHS Complaint Portal.

April 20, 2020: Increase in Local COVID Cases

The Foothills region is seeing an accelerated increase in cases of COVID-19 in the Foothills-High River area. Foothills County is working closely with Alberta Health Services, Town of High River and City of Calgary on this situation.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the Government of Alberta at www.alberta.ca/COVID19 and Alberta Health Services at www.albertahealthservices.ca

April 7, 2020: RISE and SHINE

A message of encouragement from Foothills County Reeve Suzanne Oel

We have been going through a world-changing few weeks and dealing with a lot of stress. Every morning we have to make a decision whether to be overwhelmed by this new reality, or whether to RISE-and-SHINE!

I invite you to do just that: RISE-and-SHINE!

Start your day with positive thoughts and action. Think about something you are thankful for and share with your family, friends and co-workers.

Help someone. Ask for help. Encourage someone. Read a good news story. Be filled with inspiration. There’s hope and we will get through this together. One day at a time.

You are valued by Foothills County. We are thinking of you and your families and send Easter Greetings and best wishes for your health and safekeeping!

RISE-and-SHINE Everyone!

March 25, 2020: Financial Relief for Foothills County residents

At the March 25 council meeting, council passed two bylaws in order to aid residents who are experiencing financial distress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic:

Resident’s who receive utility invoices from Foothills County for water/sewer/garbage will continue to receive their utility bills but Foothills County has waived all penalties on delinquent accounts until December 31, 2020.
Foothills County has eliminated the October 1, 2020 tax penalty.

March 23, 2020: Municipal Office Closed to Public

Effective March 23, 2020, the municipal offices of Foothills County and the Town of High River are closed to the public. Foothills County continues to provide services, including fire, enforcement, utilities, solid waste and road safety. If you have business with the County, please contact Foothills County by phone or email. County staff contact information is at top of page.

Any items that need to be delivered to the municipal office, may be place in a sealed envelope in the drop box to the left of the front door at the municipal office. Do not put cash in this envelope. Electronic payments are recommended and preferred at this time.

March 19, 2020: Public Hearings Cancelled Until Further Notice

Following the direction of Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, to help contain the spread of COVID-19, Foothills County Council has postponed all Public Hearings until further notice. When the Public Hearing is rescheduled, you will receive a notice in the mail with the new date and time. If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact our Planning and Development Department by phone or email.

March 18, 2020: COVID-19

The health, safety, and well-being of our residents and employees and our efforts to maintain important County services for the public are Foothills County top priority. We will continue to operate core services, including fire, enforcement, utilities, solid waste and road safety. If you have business with Foothills County, we ask you to call or email first, before visiting in person.

Prevention starts with awareness.
Be informed on how you can protect yourself and other from COVID-19
Learn more about COVID-19 from trusted sources.

We are taking additional steps to protect the health of Albertans.
New public health measures are now recommended to limit the time Albertans spend in large crowds and crowded spaces. Effective immediately:

Mass gatherings are now limited to no more than 50 attendees.

This includes worship gatherings and family events, such as weddings and funerals.
This does not include: grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, the legislature and other essential services.

Albertans are prohibited from attending public recreation facilities and private entertainment facilities.

This includes gyms, swimming pools, arenas, science centres, museums, art galleries, community centres, children’s play centres, casinos, racing entertainment centres and bingo halls.

Albertans are restricted from attending bars and nightclubs, where minors are prohibited by law.
Sit-down restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, food courts and other food-serving facilities, including those with a minors-allowed liquor license, are limited to 50% capacity to a maximum of 50 people.

Take-out, delivery or drive-through service is permitted
Licensed facilities are permitted to deliver liquor
Buffet restaurants are an exception and must close

These are aggressive steps that we do not take lightly, but these are necessary to keep us all healthy and safe.
I understand the tremendous impact this will have on all of us. We will get through this together, but we need your help and support by following these recommendations and all other public health guidance.
Albertans’ health is and will always be our top priority.

Additional FAQs - pdf

March 16, 2020: Message from Reeve Suzanne Oel

Message from the Reeve - pdf

COVID-19 is dominating the headlines around the world. While the risk may be still considered low here in Alberta, we are committed to responding with best practices and to work with Alberta Health Services recommendations.

As this situation evolves, Foothills County will provide ongoing updates with our response to COVID-19 on how we will maintain essential services, business and community planning and staff safety protocols. Links to trusted resources for accurate and up-to-date information are listed here on our website.

Foothills County is committed to providing essential services, community water and wastewater, fire department response and road maintenance. We will continue to following all of Alberta Health’s recommended best practices. We can all play a role to reduce the risk and prevent the spread of this virus.

While we hope these collective measures will provide a different outcome than other countries ahead of us on the timeline, we remain optimistic in our resiliency. Many suggestions in the community are being shared about supporting organizations facing loss of business or individuals facing illness. Let’s be creative in our ideas on how to support each other. We are grateful for those who are acting to keep others safe in this uncertain time.