ComServ Issue #8 Now Available

ComServ is the Community Services Status Guide, a new product of Community Services and Strategic Services at the Town of Hinton to provide an all encompassing update on our Pandemic Status.

PARKS RECREATION AND CULTURE

DR DUNCAN MURRAY RECREATION CENTRE

We opened our Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre to welcome skaters back on the ice! We are excited to have more and more youth come in again. Read more about our recreational services below.

COURTS/OTHER INDOOR FACILITIES
Courts 1, 2, & 4 - Meeting Room and Peoples Centre available for public use
Please note that we have specific Peoples Centre Pandemic Guidelines in place.
Call the Customer Service (780-865-4412) or Kayla Carson (780- 865-6028) for booking details and reservation.

Bouldering Wall remains closed until the safety measures are in place. The required and continuous cleaning of the holds on the wall is our main concern in ensuring the safety of
all users. We are looking into industry standards and new developments.

The Public Hours for the Rec Centre are:

Daily open: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Expect extended opening hours in the morning when the Pool re-opens (see next page).

Staff capacity is back to 100% in our Customer Service area to assist you

TAKE NOTE THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE

Customers will be required to sign in at Customer Service
- Day Care customers will be welcomed and signed in by Day Care staff separately
Users are required to arrive dressed for their activity and bring own Equipment
- Rental equipment will not be available at this phase
Meeting Room accommodates a maximum of 11 occupants
- We ask customers to call and book whenever possible
Customers wishing to meet with staff are asked to call ahead and book an appointment during public hours
There will be no access to the photocopy room, ATM, vending machines, coin lockers, court lockers, Foyer furniture and courtesy phone
- Copy service will be available through Customer Service only at this phase
Washrooms will be available to Rec Centre customers
- All other public can use the spray park washrooms, as access to the Recreation Centre is still limited at this time
Customers are asked to pay by debit or credit whenever possible to lessen cash transactions

ARENAS ·
Both Arena ice floors are finished and limited for the following use:

Hinton Minor Hockey Association (HMHA) is hosting their hockey tryouts until September 11, after which will begin their regular practice schedule.
Ringette will start up in the second week of September, after Labor Day.
We are working with other user groups to support their season and start ups. More
information will follow, please connect with the non-profits for registration
information.
There is no public ice use available at this time.

Phased-in usage with restrictions for both public use and ice user group programming is underway while we work with the user groups during the start up of their ice season.

The Arena staff is working hard to ensure all extra COVID related cleaning and sanitizing are done. Please let the crew know if you observe issues so they can be addressed as quickly as possible.

POOL
We are thrilled to announce that the opening of the POOL is finally here!

The extended shutdown maintenance is wrapping up and barring any unforeseen issues during start up of our systems we are working towards a planned reopening date of your pool.

All Aquatic staff have been recalled and new procedure and safety training is underway.

Please register for your swim time at www.hinton.ca or by calling 780-865-4412,
sports are limited and are only available for reservation 24hrs in advance of
the swim time.

The pool will resume operation on September 14, 2020.
Opening hours will be 7–9pm Monday – Friday, 12-6pm on Weekends

New Safe swimming procedures

Once you have been granted access to the Aquatic Centre, we ask that you please follow the directional arrows
All swimmers are responsible for ensuring physical distancing from one another at all times. Masks are recommended in the Aquatic Facility but are not permitted to be worn while performing physical activity
Change Room capacity is limited and lockers are closed until further notice. It is recommended that swimmers arrive wearing their swimsuits
There are areas taped off on deck for you to place your belongings
All simmers MUST take a cleansing shower prior to their swim
Note: shower stalls are also reduced until further notice
Equipment use is limited. If you require a PFD, flutter board, or pull buoy you must request it from a Lifeguard
After use please place it in the bin on deck
We strongly recommend you take your post swim shower at home
Swimmers 10 years and younger must be accompanied by a guardian 18 years or older
During this time, we ask if you require to meet any staff member in the Aquatic Department that you call in advance and book a meeting

This first opening phase of the pool the activities will consist of Lane Swim, Aqua fitness classes, Family Swim and Private Lessons.

For further information, schedule details, and announcement of guide releases please stay tuned for future updates by liking our Facebook page – Dr Duncan Murray Recreation Centre. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the Aquatic Supervisor at 780-740-8063. Happy swimming ??

PARKS, OPEN SPACES & TRAILS

Parks crew continues to deliver all Parks services
Bringing in our Arena/Parks Staff to start up the indoor ice season did have certain impacts on the level of our outdoor Parks services
The temporary summer staff has contributed in a big way to everything that was so much different this year
We are now winding down to our regular winter staffing levels
If you have any observations, requests or concerns you want to share, please use the myHinton App 24/7 and follow the directions for your submission
- You can also contact our department by phone (780-865-2634)

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Event Coordination Support for community delivered events and equipment rentals have resumed. The event checklists and planning documents have been updated with the latest COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines to assist event organizers with safely planning and hosting their next event or activity. Cleaning guidelines for all rented equipment are in place.

Planning an event? Visit www.hinton.ca to complete an online equipment rental request form or event checklist.

Our Event Coordinator, Don Engerdahl, is a great resource to all event organizers and will assist and answer any questions you may have. Please contact him at (780) 865-6055, Monday to Friday between 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. or email events@hinton.ca

Please respect physical distancing on our boardwalk, trails and in our parks
to help keep the areas open for all to enjoy.

SEASONAL FACILITIES OPEN FOR USE

Town-owned and operated outhouses
All Outdoor Tennis and Pickle Ball courts
Athabasca Riverfront Park
The Rotary Play and Spray Park
- The washrooms and change rooms remain open - 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm – until:
  - The Pool facility opens again (expected to be mid September); or
  - Night temperature falls below zero and we have to winterize the system and building
- Sun safety is important so please take adequate precautions
  - Due to vandalism we cannot ensure that there is continuous supply of sunscreen
The washroom facility at Mary Reimer Regional Park(MRRP) will open when user group activity demands warrant the additional operational requirements. The outhouses at MRRP are open 24/7.

THE HINTON MUNICIPAL LIBRARY

PHASE 3 IN EFFECT
Effective September 1, the Library has continued to Phase 3 of the Relaunch Transition Plan. Phase 3 of the Library’s Relaunch Transition Plan expands on office services including laminating, faxing, and scan to email. Entry into the Library will continue to be by appointment only. Browsing of the Library stacks is not permitted at this time.

Phase 3 Details

Based on improving pandemic conditions as reported by the Provincial Government, the Library may expand building access, allowing more patrons into the library and beginning in-person programming on a small scale.

The Library may allow patrons to access the following services:

Priority access for seniors & patrons with mobility restrictions between 10 am -11 am
Requesting materials from the stacks at the service desk
Using public computers for scheduled limited amounts of time
Printing and laminating services provided by appointment
Exam proctoring provided by appointment only
Limited use of quiet study room

MODIFIED HOURS
Library staff will be available Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 5:30 pm to answer phone calls and monitor chat, emails, & social media. Entry into the Library will be allowed by appointment only.

LIVE CHAT
Visit www.hintonlibrary.org/chat to chat with Library staff in real time. Available Monday – Friday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

LAPTOP LENDING
The Hinton Municipal Library is offering laptop lending & internet access to the community of Hinton. Laptops are equipped with internet hotspots and are available for one-day borrowing and by appointment only. Borrowers must have a form of government issued ID. Appointments are available Monday – Thursday.

PUBLIC COMPUTER

The Library has two computer stations set up for use by the public. An appointment must be scheduled beforehand, but a Library Membership is not required. Users can print materials from these computers.

RETURNS AND LATE FEES

All items that are returned to the Library are isolated for approximately 7-10 days before being checked in. Late fees will not be incurred at this time.

FREE MASKS AVAILABLE
The Library has received about 3,500 masks from the province that members of the public can pick up in the lobby or by curbside pickup. Please contact the Library to set up an appointment before you arrive. One package of four masks will be provided per person. More information about the Masks for Albertans program can be found at alberta.ca/masks.

RELAUNCH TRANSITION PLAN

The Library will resume services in phases under the guidance of directives provided by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health. In order to be able to meet the mission of the Library and to provide services to the community, the Library will follow the Mandatory Safety Standards for Workplaces as established by the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The Hinton Municipal Library Board will continue to revise this roadmap as necessary based on updates and reports of COVID-19 cases, and on the changing understanding of Coronavirus science and safety protocols as outlined by the Local, Provincial, and Federal agencies.

THE WEST FRASER GUILD - FCSS & Transportation

WE ARE OPEN!

Regular Office Hours:
Monday to Friday
8am to 4pm

Main phone line:
780-865-6036

Staffing levels will be at 100% as of September 8th

Community Resource Directory is Now Online
If you would like a printed copy of the Community Resource Directory please stop in at the FCSS office or call 211.

A directory of resources is available at Hinton.ca/ResourceDirectory

A few highlighted FCSS projects:

With an increase in family violence related calls in our community, our plan to provide more support and preventative programming as well working closely with community agencies like the Hinton Friendship Centre, Yellowhead Women’s Shelter, collaboratively updating the Family Violence Community Toolkit will be a key component in tackling this rise in our community
As needs and gaps continue to be identified in our community, one glaring gap that has been brought to the forefront is supporting parents and caregivers with individuals with disabilities
FCSS plans to work with Hinton Abilities Network to meet needs and find solutions for those with disabilities
We are excited to announce Charlene Sitar, Regional Abuse Prevention Coordinator has recently completed her Respite Services Training certificate through Safe Guards Training
Another gap that has been identified, lack of respite care in the community, Charlene Sitar and FCSS Caregiver Education Coordinator, Jackie Delves, are working on programs to alleviate these specific needs

FALL PROGRAMMING FOR THE HINTON FAMILY RESOURCE NETWORK
Fall is right around the corner. With the busy schedule of back to school time, parents need support now more than ever! Our Caregiver Education Coordinator is excited to launch some BRAND-NEW fall programs, including:

Infant Massage: to help parents connect with their little ones and support healthy sleep, digestion, and relaxation
Parent Connections: Have you been feeling isolated lately? Get together with other parents to build a circle of support. Get outside to walk, talk, share, and learn together
Parents’ Book Club: There are so many great parenting books out there, but there is so little time to read them all! Join us for a monthly get-together where we work through some of the best parenting books out there

There is also more to come!
Check out our Facebook page where we share program updates, schedules, resources, and more!

INTERAGENCY is BACK!!
Thursday, September 17th, 2020 12pm to 1pm through ZOOM
Interagency is a group of local human services providers who meet on a monthly basis to provide updates on their respective agencies. The gatherings provide an opportunity for providers to network, partner, form alliances and collaborate with one another.

Joan Melvin, Community Development Coordinator, is back in the office Wednesday to Friday 8am to 4pm and will be hosting the next virtual Interagency meeting.

If you would like to be added to the Interagency email distribution list please contact Joan Melvin at jmelvin@hinton.ca

HINTON KIDS FOR SUCCESS HAS SPACE FOR NEW FAMILIES AND BUSSING
Access to reliable, developmentally appropriate, and fun after-school care makes the transition to the new school year so much easier. Hinton Kids for Success has room for a few new children to join us after school for crafts, outside adventures, and learning!

Plus, we are excited to now offer AFTER-SCHOOL BUSSING for our Hinton Kids for Success families!

Please call 780-865-6036 to learn more or to register.

YOUTH CENTRE REOPENED
Welcome back! We are excited to be back at the Youth Centre with many wonderful teens from our community. Stop by for some games, support, snacks, or for an awesome place to hang out!

Please note that, due to COVID-19, we are currently requiring that everyone in the Youth Centre wear a mask to help make the Youth Centre a safe space.

HINTON YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!
Are you interested in local government, mentorship opportunities, and volunteering? Get involved with The Hinton Youth Advisory Council! Applications will be accepted until October 9, 2020!

EVERGREENS ANNOUNCEMENT
FCSS is proud to work with the Evergreens Foundation to ensure Accessible Transportation Services are available for our community

Monday, August 24, 2020, the Town of Hinton and the Evergreens Society officially signed an agreement for the transfer of the Accessible Transportation Service Freedom Express, as confirmed via the motion made by Council at the August 18, 2020 Council Meeting permitting this transfer to proceed, with the service transfer anticipated to occur in fall of 2020.

Mayor Michaels shared the following regarding this transfer:

The transferring of this vital service represents the ideal vision of community cooperation. Agencies recognizing community need, natural synergies and opportunities in our region, and building new ways to interface with our community. We as a Council are grateful to all of the members of Evergreens and Town Administration for identifying and pursuing this opportunity, now realized to the benefit of our residents with mobility obstacles.

Please watch local media for further information from Evergreens on this transfer and accessible transportation in Hinton.