CIty of Calgary COVID-19 update May 28
City of Calgary update on response to COVID-19 – May 26, 2020
The City of Calgary would like to remind citizens that we remain in a State of Local Emergency. This is to support the Government of Alberta’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19. The City of Calgary, in collaboration with social agencies, the business community, civic partners and citizens is taking immediate action to respond to COVID-19.
Please see below for the latest updates
May 25 relaunch update
To align with updated provincial guidelines, The City of Calgary will begin the process of re-opening more than 1,100 City-operated playgrounds, starting May 29.
Regional playgrounds will be opened first. These playgrounds are designed to serve more than one community, like Bowness Park, Riley Park and Stanley Park. Following this, community playgrounds will open. It will take several days to re-open all City-operated playgrounds. This process is expected to be completed by Wednesday, June 3.
As part of this process, Calgary Parks staff will be doing a light inspection of each playground. If any issues are discovered upon inspection, the playground will remain closed until maintenance can repair it. Calgary’s playgrounds typically receive monthly inspections during the summer and a total of seven inspections per year. These are done by qualified playground inspectors – these routine inspections will resume again following the re-opening.
Playgrounds are high-touch point structures. These play areas are not disinfected or cleaned after use. There is also a limited ability to manage physical distancing on these structures. Calgarians are strongly encouraged to follow these guidelines:
- Those who are sick or have symptoms related to COVID-19 must not use playgrounds.
- Practice proper hand hygiene. Wash and sanitize your hands before and after use.
- Encourage children to avoid sharing toys or sports equipment and limit contact with individuals outside of their household or cohort family. Try to encourage your children to avoid touching their face.
- Maintain two metres (six feet) of physical distance between yourself and others.
- Clean and disinfect toys and sports equipment prior to and after use.
- Carry and use hand sanitizer containing at least 60 per cent alcohol content immediately before and after using playground equipment.
- Maintain physical distancing and limit congregating with other people when entering and leaving the playground and supervising children playing (e.g. paths, benches, picnic areas).
- Follow Government of Alberta guidance on group gatherings.
“We know Calgarians are eager to return to playgrounds. We’re asking citizens to be patient,” says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Deputy Chief Sue Henry.” “Please wait until tape has been removed and signage has been placed indicating a playground is open before using a playground.”
30-minute curbside pickup and delivery free parking zone promotion:
The 30-minute curbside pickup and delivery free parking zone promotion is coming to an end May 31. Starting on June 1, payment will be required again. This was a temporary initiative – it is now being lifted as part of the relaunch/reopening.
Temporary Outdoor Patios
To support the local economy and small businesses that are re-opening, The City has developed a new process to approve temporary patios on public land, such as a sidewalk, and private property, such as a parking lot.
Businesses can call 403-268-5311 to start their application and speak with The City of Calgary Planning Department. There is no fee for a temporary permission on public land. However, if a patio is on private property, a development permit is require. Once a temporary patio is approved, the business will be required to follow Alberta Health requirements, guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Alberta, as well as Occupational Health and Safety requirements. This includes pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Temporary patios are one more option to create more physical distancing for patrons and staff.
To date, 45 applications for temporary outdoor patios have been completed, 34 applications are being processed (in the queue) and six temporary patios are installed and operating.
May 28 guidance for the weekend
“With warm weather expected this weekend and with the easing of restrictions, we know Calgarians will be keen to get outside,” says Calgary Emergency Management Agency Deputy Chief Sue Henry. “It’s important to maintain the progress we’ve made, and keep ourselves and others safe. We need to be careful and thoughtful about our actions to ensure we maintain two metres physical distance from others.”
Calgarians are being asked to be ready to adjust plans as necessary.
“If you go to a favourite park and find it’s crowded, please adjust your plans to go to a different area,” says Henry. “If you are driving to a park and find the parking lot is full when you arrive, do not park illegally or in nearby communities. We ask that you find an alternative so that we can manage crowding and enable physical distancing.”
City of Calgary Parks Ambassadors and Peace Officers will be patrolling popular areas such as Eau Claire where there continues to be challenges with crowding and physical distancing.
Additionally, Business Licence inspectors will continue to conduct weekly inspections helping to ensure the safety of both staff and patrons for the foreseeable future.
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