March 27, 2020
COVID-19: Information Updates
Please continue to follow ALL health precautions to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Observe proper hygiene and please maintain social and physical distancing.

Visit the Town's website for the most up to date information about Response, Event Cancellations and Facility Closures. Updates will continue to be shared on the Town website and on social media. Visit the Alberta Government’s websites for accurate information.

Mayor's Facebook Live Weekly Updates
Tune in to the Town's Facebook channel Thursdays for live updates from Mayor Craig Snodgrass. The live session will remain for viewing on Facebook, and is also uploaded to the Town's YouTube channel for viewing and sharing. In addition, Sun Country 99.7 will broadcast the Mayor’s updates following each live airing.

This issue of the Town Crier is up to date as of March 26
Working Together to Reduce the Risk and Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
“As Gandhi famously said, the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. In High River we look after each other. We know how to stand strong. Let’s continue to work together to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
-Mayor Craig Snodgrass
Town Hall Closed to Public Access
The Town and Foothills County are restricting public access to the Joint Administration Building as part of their commitment to ensure public health and safety. The complete list of Town facility closures and event cancellations can be found on the Town's website .

Customer Service remains a high priority. Our dedicated Town Hall Customer Service Representatives will continue to answer your phone calls. We also welcome your emails as we carry on business and operations. Vendor payments will be handled as usual. We encourage you to use our external drop box or email to submit invoices. Do not put cash in envelopes for the drop box. Electronic payments are recommended and preferred at this time.

Please use our phone and email lines for regular business inquiries.
Phone: 403-652-2110

To reach Foothills County: 403-652-2341

Business as Usual . Although many staff are working in different locations at this time, Town services will not be interrupted. Staff who are working from home can still connect with residents and businesses through technology. We thank you for your patience as some work is delayed at the present time, while we focus on this emergency and adjust to a ‘new normal.’ The Town will press forward with many priority projects including the completion of the Southwest Berm and major construction projects.
FCSS Office Closed
The Town's Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Resource Centre will be closed to public access effective Monday, March 30. Even though the office is closing, staff will continue to provide services to our residents by telephone and email.
FCSS plays an important role in our community.

FCSS’s primary focus is to continue to provide services as best as we can to those in the commu- nity requiring additional supports.

Now more than ever we are committed to supporting our community through social support services. FCSS staff will still be available to provide low income earners with Income Tax assistance and can provide Employment Insurance assistance for people having difficulty applying. Staff will also be available to answer general inquiries, help access local resources and provide support with govern- ment services.

Please call 403-652-8620 or email fcss@highriver.ca to learn more or to request a telephone appointment. Check out the Wellness Corner for additional information on how to stay well in mind and body during this difficult time.
Playgrounds and Fitness Equipment Use Prohibited

Use of all Town playgrounds and fitness equipment is prohibited until further notice. Please do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Town Parks remain open. Residents are encour- aged to get outside and enjoy nature. Please follow all health precautions while out in public spaces. If an area is busy, please move to another area. Do not gather in groups. If someone is approaching on a path or trail, please step aside. Practice proper hand hygiene. See the High River Parks and Recreation Facebook page for a daily exercise break video!
Interest and Penalties Waived

Town of High River Council and administration recognize this is a challenging time for residents. To minimize the impact of COVID-19 in our community, interest and penalties on utilities and tax accounts will be waived for three months. This is in effect beginning March 23 and ends on June 30, 2020.
 
  • Property Tax accounts will not incur penalties or interest until June 30, 2020. TIPP payments will continue to be processed with no penalty or NSF charges until June 30, 2020
  • Utility Accounts will not incur penalties or interest until June 30, 2020. Utility bills will continue to be delivered, but no penalties will be applied until June 30, 2020.
  • Accounts Receivable will not incur penalties or interest until June 30, 2020.
Support Local Businesses

When we practice social and physical distancing, there are still things we can do to support the local economy. You can start by shopping locally. You can also like or love a business’ social media posts and share them with your friends. Thank our businesses publicly for the ways that they are supporting the community. Order take-out, use the
drive-through, or purchase gift certificates for future shopping. And continue to shop locally when this is over.
Assessment Inquiries and Appeals
All scheduled assessment open houses have been cancelled. Assessment inquiries are important to us and we will ensure that concerns are addressed within the 60-day customer review period: March 2 to May 1, 2020.

For information on steps that must be followed to appeal your property assessment, visit the Town's Assessment webpage.

If you have any questions, e-mail assessment@highriver.ca or call the Customer Service Desk at 403-652-2110.
An official Town of High River publication. For more information:
contact the Town of High River Office at 403.652.2110 or email communications@highriver.ca