Town of Blackfalds Moving Forward with Restriction Exemption Program for Select Town Facilities

Blackfalds, Alberta (November 10, 2021)– After two months of continuing the 1/3 fire code occupancy with social distancing and mandatory face-covering requirements, the Town of Blackfalds will now be implementing the Restriction Exemption Program (REP) in the Abbey Centre, and the Community Centre effective Monday, November 15, 2021.“It has been a difficult time, but Council has agreed on a balanced approach in maximizing the provision of services while meeting current health guidelines,” explained Chief Administrative Officer Myron Thompson.The recommendation came from Administration to Council during the November 9 regular Council meeting. Council decided to move to REP in select Town facilities, specifically the Abbey Centre and Community Centre.The Eagle Builders Centre, Civic Centre, and all other Town facilities will continue to run at the 1/3 capacity.Opting into the REP* allows the Town to operate without restrictions (masks are still required) as long as visitors aged 12 and older provide one of the following:Proof of vaccination (Government Issued ID and QR Code)Medical exemptionA negative rapid test result within 72 hours of a visit to facilities*Exceptions to the REP include personnel performing work-related responsibilities, and youth aged 12-17 years while participating in youth-only activities will not have to provide proof of vaccination, medical exemption, or negative COVID-19 test result.According to the Government of Alberta, the Alberta QR code vaccine record will be the only valid Alberta proof of vaccination as of November 15.“This was a painstaking process that involved significant input from our Administration, many residents, and organizations within Blackfalds, and a lot of back-and-forth with AHS,” shared Mayor Jamie Hoover. “We believe that we've landed on a compromise with these temporary restriction options that will benefit as many residents as possible, while still keeping facilities open during this continued state of emergency. We're all hoping that our facilities can return to normal operations very soon and appreciate everyone's patience in this difficult interim period.”According to the Government of Alberta, the Alberta QR code vaccine record will be the only valid Alberta proof of vaccination as of November 15.With the introduction of REP, adult fitness classes will be rescheduled (depending on facilitator availability), registrants will be contacted, and new programs will be available for registration. If you have any questions, please email guestservices@blackfalds.com.As the Government of Alberta’s QR Code Reader will be implemented and used by Town employees, we ask that residents and visitors treat our employees with respect and patience during this time.Details regarding the restrictions are available online.Please stay up to date by visiting the Town of Blackfalds’ COVID website or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Jamie HooverMayor403.872.2555jhoover@blackfalds.comMyron ThompsonChiefAdministrative Officer403.885.6255mthompson@blackfalds.com

Apollo Health Centre to Host Grand Opening

Blackfalds, Alberta (November 26, 2021)–The Blackfalds Health Professionals Attraction & Retention Committee is excited to join the Apollo Health Centre for their grand opening event on December 3 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.Apollo staff invites everyone to stop by and meet them, tour the new Apollo Health Centre, enjoy coffee and snacks, and enter for prize giveaways from local businesses.Health practitioners are also encouraged to attend and build out their referral networks. Dr. Kauchali is currently looking for more health practitioners to join the Apollo Team. Since opening in early September, the Centre has met the health care needs for over 800 Blackfalds residents and continues to accept new patients. The Clinic can be found at the Aurora Centre on the north end of Broadway Ave. The operating hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information:Dr. M. Kauchali5001 Aspen Lakes BlvdBlackfalds, AB1.587.797.4088Christopher JohnsonEconomic Development Officer403.885.6246cjohnson@blackfalds.ca

Notice of Proposed Development

The Town of Blackfalds Planning and Development Department has received a development application for the address noted below. As the proposed use is discretionary within the Town of Blackfalds Land Use Bylaw 1198/16, the adjacent landowners are to be notified. The details are as follows:Development Permit:218-21Civic Address:61 Murphy CloseProposed Development:Rear yard setback relaxation of 1.1 m (24%)Total lot coverage relaxation of 0.5%Municipal Planning Commission Review Date: December 14, 2021 (tentative) Please provide this office with any written comments and/or concerns that you may have with thisapplication. To avoid delays by regular mail, responses may be received via fax to theTown ofBlackfalds at(403)600-0045or atthe general email atplanning_development@blackfalds.ca. The response deadline is December 7, 2021.If we have not received a written reply by this date,it will be assumed that you have no objections regarding the proposed development.