Municipality shares initial reactions to new provincial health directives

Patrick Gibson
Dec 23, 2020  •  December 23, 2020  •  1 minute read
RCMP and Municipal Enforcement vehicles together during a parade through Jumping Pound on December 2, before tougher public health measures were introduced in town and across the province.
RCMP and Municipal Enforcement vehicles together during a parade through Jumping Pound on December 2, before tougher public health measures were introduced in town and across the province. jpg, CT

While the new provincial health regulations that took effect December 8-13 are in place to keep friends, families and neighbours safe, they’re the strictest Albertans have seen throughout the pandemic. They’re set to be in place until at least January 12.

Mayor Jeff Genung noted that as a result of the new Government of Alberta measures, ‘enforcement’ on a local level shifts to being more about provincial regulations (as opposed to local municipal bylaws).

“Around the enforcement, with the new guidelines, the enforcement side of things is really now with the provincial health act,” he said during a December 14 meeting, also noting the RCMP and Municipal Enforcement’s extra power in handling matters related to these new measures.

Interim chief administrative officer Drew Hyndman said while there had been some provincial regulation-related visits to local businesses, the interactions were relatively positive.

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“There have been visits to a number of businesses, again, we’re gaining compliance through some of the discussions.”

Earlier in the discussion, he took a moment to acknowledge the work of the Town of Cochrane’s bylaw staff throughout COVID-19.

“Municipal Enforcement, their job is challenging at the best of times,” Hyndman said.

“We see what’s happened throughout the pandemic, how people have responded, some of the heightened tensions. They are already put into difficult situations but they’ve done it with the utmost professionalism and I just think that that needs to be highlighted.”

While the measures are in place for public health, one effect is particularly unfortunate for local pyrotechnic enthusiasts.

“One of the decisions that was recently shared was the ability not to proceed with the New Years Eve fireworks, and that is really related to the both formal and informal gatherings,” the interim CAO added.

“We are trying to do everything that we can as an organization and as a community to prevent the spread.”