UPDATE 8: COVID-19 Community PreparednessMarch 23, 2020The Town of Hinton is acting in the interest of public safety, proactively responding to an evolving worldwide scenario involving COVID-19. Community health and safety is our priority. We are taking immediate steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors and employees.All Community Playgrounds / Structures Closed Town of Hinton Senior Leadership Team have informed the Emergency Operations Centre that effective immediately, all community playgrounds / structures are closed. This action closes all of the playgrounds and structures - not the parks themselves. Individuals using parks as asked to continue to use physical distancing to inhibit potential spread.
Health Inspectors and Law Enforcement to Enforce Public Health Act Government of Alberta Communications and Public Engagement have shared an update regarding enforcement of self isolation rules:
Albertans have an obligation to protect themselves, their families, and others by doing what they can – including following self-isolation rules.
After receiving a complaint, health inspectors will be looking for voluntary compliance.
If that does not occur they can contact law enforcement to enforce the Public Health Act.
Health inspectors can also engage other regulatory bodies, such as Service Alberta, which could result in other regulatory and enforcement actions.
Use Town of Hinton Online Directories to find Contact Information for Resources or Businesses With many agencies, programs, and businesses using altered hours or contact methods, it can be difficult to get in touch with the people you need. The Town of Hinton website hosts both a Resource Directory and a Business Directory - use the hyperlinks to find what you need, from home. Reminder: Self Assessment Tool Available OnlineIf you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms - cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing: Reminder: 24/7 Mental Health Referrals and Support AvailableThe Town of Hinton FCSS wishes to remind all residents that they can call 211 at any time to speak with a live person who can assist in finding a wide array of social supports and referrals, or if a person is feeling stressed or anxious. This free resource is available 24/7 by call or text, with web chat also available by clicking here. Further updates will be provided via web and Facebook, with the next planned CivicSend update scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2020
|
|
|
|
UPDATE 7: COVID-19 Community PreparednessMarch 20, 2020
The Town of Hinton is acting in the interest of public safety, proactively responding to an evolving worldwide scenario involving COVID-19. Community health and safety is our priority. We are taking immediate steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors and employees.
Alberta Government Announces Student Learning Plans
The Government of Alberta has launched a website for student learning on their COVID-19 web page. They state:
Alberta students should continue to learn while in-school classes are cancelled.
School authorities will offer at-home learning opportunities for all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students online or through accommodations like course packages and telephone check-ins. Teachers will determine what content to cover based on remaining curricular outcomes and plan tasks that are reasonable to do from home. Read more here 24/7 Mental Health Referrals and Support AvailableThe Town of Hinton FCSS wishes to remind all residents that they can call 211 at any time to speak with a live person who can assist in finding a wide array of social supports and referrals, or if a person is feeling stressed or anxious. This free resource is available 24/7 by call or text, with web chat also available by clicking here. EI, ROE, and Self Employed SupportsIn addition to the business supports shared in a previous update, Community Futures West Yellowhead asks that local businesses and self employed individuals wanting to learn more employment insurance, records of employment, and other self employed matters to contact them via email by clicking here or call (780) 865-1224. Reminder: Self Assessment Tool Available OnlineIf you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms - cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing: Further updates will be provided via web and Facebook, with the next planned CivicSend update scheduled for Monday, March 23, 2020. |
|
|
|
UPDATE 6: COVID-19 Community PreparednessMarch 19, 2020 The Town of Hinton is acting in the interest of public safety, proactively responding to an evolving worldwide scenario involving COVID-19. Community health and safety is our priority. We are taking immediate steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors and employees
Critical and Essential Services Continuing
At this time, the Town of Hinton has no impacts to essential or critical services based on COVID-19 response; while our buildings may be closed, many staff members continue to work in alternate capacities. This means waste, water, roads, maintenance, emergency and protective services are all continuing. Rowan Street Recycling and the West Yellowhead Regional Landfill are currently open. Please continue to place waste containers for pick up in line with your scheduled collection date, and call 780-865-2634 for Infrastructure Services and Parks questions or requests.
Community Messaging
The Town of Hinton Emergency Operations Centre will continue to use CivicSend, web, and Facebook for our core COVID-19 messaging. Mayor Michaels is also sharing out collaborative community messaging via Facebook; find the page here.
Reminder: Self Assessment Tool Available OnlineIf you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms - cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing: Other NewsAHS has, on March 18, 2020, updated their statistics web page to include geospatial mapping. Find information on relative location of confirmed COVID-19 cases here. Further updates will be provided via web and Facebook, with the next planned CivicSend update scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2020. |
|
|
|
PREVIOUS
UPDATE 5: COVID-19 Community PreparednessMarch 18, 2020 The Town of Hinton is acting in the interest of public safety, proactively responding to an evolving worldwide scenario involving COVID-19. Community health and safety is our priority. We are taking immediate steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors and employees.
Town Programming Registrations Postponed
All Town Recreation, FCSS, and other programming registration is hereby postponed until further notice. We appreciate residents understanding as we work through this evolving scenario.
Community Futures West Yellowhead
Community Futures West Yellowhead asks that local businesses wanting to learn more about the supports being announced, and possibly still to come, from the Provincial and Federal Government please contact them via email by clicking here. Learn more about some of the supports here.
AHS Reports Phone Scam
AHS has reported they are receiving reports of a phone scam in which residents are told they have tested positive for COVID-19. The caller then asks for credit card information. AHS reminds that they will never call & ask for credit card information. Please hang up immediately and report by calling the non-emergency line for local law enforcement (780-865-5544 in Hinton).
PreventionTo help protect you and your family against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, you should: Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill Contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health
In addition, the Town is asking that any individuals who have recently traveled out of the country refrain from coming to Government Centre.
Reminder: Self Assessment Tool Available OnlineIf you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms - cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing: Other NewsThe Federal government has issued an update regarding EI and other supports for Canadians, including Businesses. Read more here. As of March 18, 2020, the Government of Canada will: ban foreign nationals from all countries except the United States from entering Canada (This measure does not apply to air crews, travellers arriving in Canada in transit to a third country, Canadian permanent residents, diplomats or immediate family members of Canadian citizens), redirect international passenger flight arrivals to 4 airports: Calgary International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Toronto-Pearson International Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. Read more here.The Provincial Government has announced upcoming expiry dates for Alberta drivers’ licences, vehicle registrations, other permits and certificates are being extended until May 15. Learn more here. Further updates will be provided via web and Facebook, with the next planned CivicSend update scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2020. |
|
|
|
UPDATE 4: COVID-19 Community PreparednessMarch 17, 2020The Town of Hinton is acting in the interest of public safety, proactively responding to an evolving worldwide scenario involving COVID-19. Community health and safety is our priority. We are taking immediate steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors and employees.
Other Town Owned Facilities:
In addition to the closures referenced yesterday, the Performing Arts Theatre of Hinton (or PATH, located in the West Fraser Guild), have now received confirmation that Hinton Movies has suspended showing of movies until further notice. All other live events have already been cancelled for March and April. The facility is now closed.
This cancellation includes the annual Yellowhead Regional Arts Festival. YRAF has issued the following comment:
"We hope that during these times of great difficulties, you find comfort through your artistic endeavours, and know that your community is here for you." - read more here.
Enhanced Security Measures in Place for Closed Facilities
The Town of Hinton has taken expanded security related actions in relation to facility closures and reduced hours. All cash monies, including the ATM, have been removed and returned to a secure location. All Town Facilities are practicing No Cash on Site parameters.
Library Service Hours
Staff at the Hinton Municipal Library are working to ensure that residents still have access to library services and information. Alike many Town Staff continuing to work in reduced capacities and remaining available for phone and email, Library Staff are available via Social Media, email, and phone between 9:30am and 1:30pm on weekdays.
Hinton Voice Moving to Online Distribution
The Town of Hinton, through a winning Request for Proposal submission, selected the Hinton Voice as our primary advertiser for Town items. The Hinton Voice's move to online distribution during the COVID-19 outbreak means residents will need to find Town materials in a new way. The Hinton Voice is allowing free online subscribers via their website here. The Towns ad presence is also available on the Town website, available here.
PreventionTo help protect you and your family against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, you should: - Wash your hands often and well
- Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
- Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
- Contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health
In addition, the Town is asking that any individuals who have recently traveled out of the country refrain from coming to Government Centre. Reminder: Self Assessment Tool Available OnlineIf you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms - cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing: Other NewsParks Canada has announced they are closing visitor services at all Parks and Heritage Sites. Learn more on their website, available here. The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO). Alberta will be declaring a State of Public Health Emergency under the Public Health Act on March 17. Learn more on the Government of Alberta's website, available here. The Town of Hinton is not at this time under a State of Local Emergency. Alberta’s Provincial Operations Centre has been elevated from a level 3 to a level 4, the highest level. Included in the announcement was the decision to limit Mass gatherings to no more than 50 attendees. This includes worship gatherings and family events such as weddings. Grocery stores, shopping centres, health-care facilities, airports, the legislature and other essential services are not included. Read more here. Further updates will be provided via web and Facebook, with the next planned CivicSend update scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, 2020. |
|
|
|
PREVIOUS:
UPDATE 3: COVID-19 Community PreparednessMarch 16, 2020
The Town of Hinton is acting in the interest of public safety, proactively responding to an evolving worldwide scenario involving COVID-19. Community health and safety is our priority. We are taking immediate steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors and employees.
Other Town Owned Facilities:
The Chamber of Commerce will be closed to the public starting tomorrow, March 17, 2020. Chamber Staff continue to work and be reachable by members of the community. To contact the Chamber of Commerce, click here.
At this time, the Performing Arts Theatre of Hinton is evaluating events on a case by case basis. Find updates on their Facebook page, available here.
The Hinton Share Shop has announced they are closed until further notice. They ask residents to refrain from donations as space is limited. Find their Facebook group here.
Other Services Located at Government Centre
In our previous update, we announced the decision to close the Town of Hinton Government Centre.
1st floor tenants, organizations that are a part of AHS, are asking that clients come through the lower doors using the outside ramp. Children's Services is considered an essential service.
3rd floor tenants, Government of Alberta staff including Environment and Parks, are closed until further notice.
Any visitor to Government Centre, be it to tenants or to meetings with Town staff, are instructed to obey the Government of Alberta's prevention tips:
PreventionTo help protect you and your family against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, you should: - Wash your hands often and well
- Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched
- Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill
- Contact your primary health provider or Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns about your health
In addition, the Town is asking that any individuals who have recently traveled out of the country refrain from coming to Government Centre. Reminder: Self Assessment Tool Available OnlineIf you recently returned from travel outside Canada or have symptoms - cough, fever, fatigue or difficulty breathing: Town Launches Parenting Resource Page Social Distancing can mean new demands from parents, at a time when parents also may find themselves without answers.
The Town of Hinton is doing what we can to help. Our network of skilled professionals including staff from Hinton Kids for Success, Hinton Parent Link, and the Hinton Youth Centre have prepared a directory of resources below for you to use to try and fill some of the newly freed time in productive ways.
Find the new webpage here.
Other News
In the time since our last update, the Prime Minister of Canada has announced the closure of Canada's borders, effective Wednesday. View the update via CPAC here.
The Government of Alberta has an update scheduled for 4:30 pm today. View it here.
Further updates will be provided via web and Facebook, with the next planned CivicSend update scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2020. |
|
|
|
UPDATE 2: COVID-19 Community PreparednessMarch 16, 2020
This morning, March 16, 2020, a meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre Command Staff and activated Section Chiefs came to new decisions for the community. Continuing the Town of Hinton actions in the interest of public safety, proactively responding to an evolving worldwide scenario involving COVID-19, the Town of Hinton is closing the Government Centre to the public effective 11am March 16 (further information on business continuity below).
Further to this, any Town owned and leased out facilities are now asked to practice reduced occupancy; we request that you consider your approved capacity to be halved. This action helps encourage physical distancing while avoiding social isolation.
Community health and safety is our priority. We continue to take steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors and employees.
This closure brings the total list of facility closures to: - Infrastructure Services Building (330 Fleming Drive)
- Government Centre Building (131 Civic Centre Rd)
- Emergency Services Building (Fire Hall/Bylaw) (184 Eaton Road)
- The RCMP Office (111 Civic Centre Road) will be closed to the public. Members of the public may call 780-865-5544 to speak with the detachment.
- Always call 911 in an emergency.
- Recreation Centre (805 Switzer Drive)
This closure includes the Hinton Municipal Library, Pool facility, Parent Link, Youth Centre and Hinton Children's Learning Centre.
- Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) department (out of the West Fraser Guild) (821 Switzer Drive), including Hinton Kids for Success, with the following exceptions:
- Freedom Express Services are continuing, limited to critical services with increased safety measures;
- Home Support Services will continue with increased safety measures;
- Public Transit will continue with increased safety measures
An update to closures will be provided prior to Monday, March 30, 2020.
 Business Continuity PaymentsDuring this time, the Town of Hinton is engaged on expanding our Corporate Services online payment taking ability. Business and Animal Licenses are already available through paypal, and further services are being evaluated and investigated at this time.
Scheduled Meetings
Any scheduled meetings with the Town of Hinton involving members of the public from outside the community are hereby cancelled. Any meetings with Town of Hinton employees are encouraged to move to online or email based communications. Where meetings are necessary, meetings will occur in the public sides (i.e. Committee Room, Council Chambers, Mayor Office, or Interview Room) of the building.
Council Meetings
Hinton Town Council meetings will, at this time, continue in the interest of continued operations. However, the capacity for public viewing or speaking will be substantially reduced to 25 members of the public - limiting to the room capacity to below 75 individual attendees. Expanded sanitizing and cleaning procedures will be in place, and numbers will be enforced by Hinton Peace Officers.
New Business Most Town of Hinton staff are continuing to work in differing capacities during this time. Individuals with new business to discuss are encouraged to call or email wherever possible to communicate, and new essential meetings with members of the community are currently being permitted. These meetings will take in the public sides (i.e. Committee Room, Council Chambers, Mayor Office, or Interview Room) of the building.
Cemeteries
At this time, new business relating to the Cemetery is encouraged to be handled via your funeral director through to the Town of Hinton, as drop in meetings are not being accepted from the general public at the Government Centre. Should you wish to meet with Cemetery staff, please call 780-865-6016 to schedule a meeting.
Further Information
Find out more on AHS's COVID-19 website, Government of Alberta, and Town of Hinton Newsflash. The Government of Alberta has released new posters that residents, businesses, and employees may find beneficial. Find them here, and view below. |
|
|
|
|
|
Later today, a Civicsend announcing online resources for parents will be sent. The URL for these resources will be Hinton.ca/AtHomeResources.
Further updates will be provided via web and Facebook, with the next planned CivicSend update scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
|
|
|
|
PREVIOUS
Update: COVID-19 Community Preparedness March 15, 2020 The Town of Hinton Kids for Success program, a division of Hinton Family and Community Support Services, will now be closed to the public. This follows the Government of Alberta's recommendation for the closure of all schools (find the most recent Government of Alberta update here). Hinton Children's Learning Centre will also be closed to the public.
Tomorrow, the Town of Hinton will launch a web resource featuring a directory of babysitters and other supports for parents, as well as resources to assist in at home activities during potential social isolation. The URL for this page will be Hinton.ca/AtHomeResources and it will include resources for families of all ages.
This closure brings the total list of facility closures to:
- Infrastructure Services Building (330 Fleming Drive)
- Emergency Services Building (Fire Hall/Bylaw) (184 Eaton Road)
- The RCMP Office (111 Civic Centre Road) will be closed to the public. Members of the public may call 780-865-5544 to speak with the detachment. Always call 911 in an emergency.
- Recreation Centre (805 Switzer Drive)
- This closure includes the Hinton Municipal Library, Parent Link, Youth Centre and Hinton Children's Learning Centre.
- Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) department (out of the West Fraser Guild) (821 Switzer Drive), including Hinton Kids for Success, with the following exceptions:
- Freedom Express Services are continuing, limited to critical services with increased safety measures;
- Home Support Services will continue with increased safety measures;
- Public Transit will continue with increased safety measures
Government Centre (131 Civic Centre Road) will remain open to the public with increased safety measures in place.
Further updates will be provided via web and Facebook, with the next planned CivicSend scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020.
|
|
|
|
PREVIOUS:
COVID-19 Community PreparednessMarch 13, 2020) The Town of Hinton is acting in the interest of public safety, proactively responding to an evolving worldwide scenario involving COVID-19. Community health and safety is our priority. We are taking immediate steps to help reduce the risk to our residents, visitors and employees.
Further updates will be provided via web and Facebook, with the next planned CivicSend scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020.
The nature of services offered in some Town facilities result in an inability to enforce recommended social distancing practices. Additionally, there are limited staffing numbers, making service maintenance challenging if illness were to spread. As such, the following buildings will be closed to the public, effective 12:01am of March 14, 2020. An update will be provided prior to Monday, March 30, 2020.
- Infrastructure Services Building (330 Fleming Drive)
- Emergency Services Building (Fire Hall/Bylaw) (184 Eaton Road)
- The RCMP Office (111 Civic Centre Road) will be closed to the public. Members of the public may call 780-865-5544 to speak with the detachment. Always call 911 in an emergency.
- Recreation Centre (805 Switzer Drive)
- This closure includes the Hinton Municipal Library, Parent Link, and Youth Centre.
This closure does not apply to Hinton Children's Learning Centre
- Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) department (out of the West Fraser Guild) (821 Switzer Drive) with the following exceptions:
- Freedom Express Services are continuing, limited to critical services with increased safety measures;
- Home Support Services will continue with increased safety measures;
- Public Transit will continue with increased safety measures; and
Hinton Kids for Success will continue to provide services with increased safety measures. If schools close due to COVID-19 Hinton Kids for Success will close immediately.
Government Centre (131 Civic Centre Road) will remain open to the public with increased safety measures in place.
An update to closures will be provided prior to Monday, March 30, 2020.
PaymentsTown of Hinton Corporate Services would like to encourage residents to use online payment methods wherever possible; find online forms for Business Licenses and Animal Licenses at the links provided. Please also use online utility or tax payments through your banking services provider. For recreation user groups, alternative arrangements for invoicing will be shared in the coming week.
Level One Activation Of Emergency Operations Centre
As a precaution, the Town of Hinton is implementing a low-level level one activation of the Emergency Operations Centre. This will include Director of Emergency Management, Public Information Officer, Liaison Officer, Risk Management Officer, and Finance Section Chief. The EOC operation period at this time will be limited to standard office hours, i.e weekdays from 8am-4pm.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.
Prevention
To help protect you and your family against all respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, you should: Wearing Medical MasksMasks can be very important in certain situations. When sick, wearing a mask helps prevent us from passing illnesses on to other people. This is why we ask people who have a cough or respiratory symptoms to wear a mask and wash their hands when visiting an emergency department or clinic. Further InformationFind out more on AHS's COVID-19 website, Government of Alberta, and Town of Hinton Newsflash. |
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
