September 2020
We are open for business

September we celebrate Alberta Culture Days and Blackfalds is offering its own activities and events. Please scroll down for details.


Whatever you choose to do, be safe and have fun!

Stay healthy, practice physical distancing, and if you are sick, please stay home. 
The Town of Blackfalds is committed in being transparent by providing accurate and relevant information. If you have any suggestions or see something that needs to be corrected, please send them to [email protected].
Latest News & Updates
BOLT - Blackfalds On-demand Local Transit

We are changing our regional transit to a local On-demand service. The Regional transit service between Blackfalds, Red Deer and Lacombe's public transit service will cease operations on August 28 and will be replaced by the new On demand service...

Read more
www.blackfalds.com
Be the Difference in Your Community
Volunteering at Town events is a dynamic way to get involved and contribute to the community, develop new skills and meet new friends. Let us help you find your perfect match!

• September 26 | Drive-In Movie at Blackfalds Culture Days

To check out volunteer page for more info or subscribe to the volunteer newsletter Click Here!
Business Resource Centre

We're here to help! Contact the Economic Development Officer to discuss programs and services to support the Blackfalds business community. Check back regularly, as the information here will be updated daily.

Read more
www.blackfalds.com
Lunch Box Program Extended
The Blackfalds Lunchbox Program assists families with bringing healthy lunches, snacks and now breakfast to children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each Monday you can pick up a box of food supplies for the week to build healthy lunches and breakfast for your family at home. The first box of supplies will be available for pick up on Monday, August 31st at 5pm at After the Grind. 

If your household, or someone you know, could benefit from this program please contact FCSS at 403.600.9066 or send an email. 

Government Roles & Responsibilities during COVID-19
In a time of a pandemic, it may not be clear what Municipal, Provincial and Federal roles and responsibilities are.

We are following the guidelines put forward by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Province of Alberta.

Vacancies on Town of Blackfalds Boards, Committees & Commissions
Are you interested in greater participation within the community, providing creative and valuable input, and being involved in the growth of Blackfalds? 

If so, you are invited to visit blackfalds.com/government/boards-committees for more information about Council Appointed Boards, Committees or Commissions.

All interested residents must send their intentions in before September 15th to be considered for member at large positions appointed by Council at the October 27th Annual Organizational Meeting.

If you have questions about serving on a Town Board or Committee or would like additional details, please contact [email protected] or 403.885.6360
For all Town news visit blackfalds.com/news
Notice to Residents
Budget Week 2021
During the week of September 14, we will be showcasing various departments within the Town, the services they provide and what your taxes go towards!

We will be inviting residents to submit questions regarding the 2021 Budget which will be answered in a video featuring our Council.

Follow our social media platforms for updates!
Road Repair in Progress
Please be advised that the Town is in the process of conducting annual road repairs throughout Town. Starting Sept. 9, asphalt repairs will be done at the corner of Indiana Avenue and Highway 2A.

We ask residents to follow all detour signage and slow down when approaching work areas. We thank you for your cooperation!
Sidewalk Repairs in Progress
Please be advised that the Town is in the process of conducting annual sidewalk repairs throughout Town over the next 3 weeks. Each year the Town conducts an inspection of all sidewalks and prioritizes areas for repairs based on annual budget.
 
We ask residents to follow all detour signage and slow down when approaching work areas. We thank you for your cooperation!
Each year the town inspects the roadways and prioritizes areas that need immediate attention.  The Town has hired a contractor to undertake these road repairs, consisting of spray patching and/or asphalt overlays, identified as being the worst, throughout the town. Work will commence in the early part of September lasting a few weeks. Please be mindful of construction signage and detours that may affect your route.
Snow Removal Survey
The Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy survey is intended to identify residents' satisfaction with current snow removal, areas for improvement, and expected levels of service. The outcome of this survey will be used to update this Policy and implement the level of service that are most important to our residents.
Survey has been extended to Wednesday September 23, 2020.
Recycling Services
We are pleased to announce that our solid waste contractor has resumed recycling pick-up as of July 6, 2020.
A big thank you to all residents for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during this time.

Please remember to again place recyclables in the blue carts only.

Things to keep out of the recycling:
  • Grass
  • Food and Liquid
  • Diapers
  • Styrofoam
  • Textiles (clothing, fabric material)
Remember to leave enough space around your carts so you can comfortably walk between and around them.
  • At least 1 m (3 ft) from obstacles on either side, such as parked cars, power poles, utility boxes, fences, downspouts and garages.
  • At least 1 m (3 ft) of space behind your carts.

Catch Basin Cleaning
Throughout the later part of the summer months you may notice the Towns vac truck, with an elephant trunk like attachment at the front, stopped at a storm drain working. 

Most storm basins have a sump, which is designed to hold solids material like sand, rock and other materials from flowing downstream into waterways. 

Over time these sumps need to be vacuumed out to ensure they work to their design and have the storage capacity to hold back materials.

If you notice a catch basin grate outside your residence that is covered with leaves or other debris and you are unable to clear the debris give the town a call so the situation can be corrected before the next rain event causes back-ups in the area.
Tax Installment Payment Plan
Tax payments made affordable! 

Join our Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) to have your Annual Tax Levy divided into equal payments.

For more information:
Or contact our Tax Clerk at 403.885.4677
What NOT To Flush Down The Toilet
Your Public Works department would like to remind residents to help the environment and protect your wastewater system by properly disposing of household items. Products that can cause damage to your sewer pipes include:
  • Baby and Lysol wipes
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Dental floss, paper towel
  • Disposable diapers
  • Cooking fats, oils, and grease

By putting these items in the sewer you could cause blockages and damage to your system or the towns system. We appreciate your support!

Don’t use the toilet as a trashcan.
See an issue around town?

Report your non-emergency issues to the Town of Blackfalds from your smartphone or computer using Blackfalds Connect!

For more details and to download the app, visit the Report an Issue web page.
Community Events
We invite you to say good-bye to summer with a variety of events throughout the
Town celebrating Arts & Culture. Check out the event schedule at blackfalds.com/Events.

The Town of Blackfalds is grateful to have the opportunity to bring our community together by providing a month of family friendly activities to enjoy!

When: All September long!
What: Variety of events all around Blackfalds. Scavenger Hunt, Art and Culture Workshops, Fireworks and many more!
Community Information Expo
Don't miss the opportunity to meet with various Blackfalds community groups, get information about services and register for programs. 

Monday, September 14, 2020 Event Time: 6-8PM
Blackfalds Community Centre | Main Hall

As well, this is an opportunity for all Community Groups to provide information about the programs and services they offer.
 
At your organization’s booth you may include information about the:
• programs you run
• recruitment of volunteers/members
• opportunity for registration
• promote upcoming events or fundraisers

For more information contact [email protected]
Town of Blackfalds Community Garage Sale

Join us Saturday September 19 from 9 am - 3 pm for the Town of Blackfalds Community Garage Sale!

Register by emailing [email protected] with your address and list of items for sale.
Deadline to register is 4:30 pm. Thursday, September 17.

Garage sale addresses will be available September 18 at www.blackfalds.com/events

Curbside Give Away
When: Sunday September 20 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Place items on the edge of your property clearly marked as FREE.
Please remove any items left at the end of the day.
Don't miss another event! Bookmark blackfalds.com/events
Volunteers Needed
Volunteering at Town events is a dynamic way to get involved and contribute to the community, develop new skills and meet new friends. Let us help you find your perfect match!

Check out the volunteer page for more info or subscribe to the volunteer newsletter.
Programs & Activities
Register today! Set up an online account for online registration.
Complete the Online Account Setup Form and email to Guest Services.
Child Safe Canada Home Alone Safety
An interactive safety training program for youth. Safety, first aid and comfort skills are covered in this course through interactive games and role playing. A must have class for any youth staying home alone. 

Grades 4 - 6
6:00 - 8:00pm
September 23rd
Red Cross Babysitters
Abbey Centre
Operation Changes for Abbey Centre
As the change of season is upon us please note the following operational changes effective immediately:
  • bookings for the Servus Program room and Field House have resumed. The maximum number of people allowed in the Program Room is 15 people per booking (masks recommended). In Field House 3, the maximum number of participants/spectators is 30 total. Booking must be within the two hour blocks. Minimum 2 hours per booking in the Program Room.

  • There will be no registered fitness classes this Fall. We are currently creating a schedule for drop-in fitness classes (possible to start in October), please stay tuned.

  • Access to the facility will remain at our 2-hour intervals of a maximum of 200 people. After the two hours, the facility will close down for a half hour in order to sanitize and prepare for the next 2-hour interval of 200 people. Doors will lock after 200 people have entered.

For a current, complete listing of facility information please go to https://www.blackfalds.com/tourism-recreation/abbey-centre

Thank you for your patience while we navigate through various restrictions, guidelines and closures to help prevent the spread and keep our users and staff safe.
Fitness Centre

Taking every precaution necessary, the Fitness Centre is now open! Visit our website to catch up on all the new rules and regulations to ensure your safety and others in our community.

Read more
www.blackfalds.com
Visit the Abbey Centre website for more information or email to Guest Services.
Did You Know?
Vibrant Living 50+
Welcome to Vibrant Living 50+, your go-to page for mature residents to engage in activities and making social connections.

Feeling isolated or unable to connect?

Town Council Meetings
Regular Council (RCC) and
Standing Committee meetings (SCC) are now open to 12 people maximum, however, you can join Council meetings from the comfort of your home! Catch them live streamed on the Town's YouTube channel.

Please note that Video, images and audio contained in a live stream or recording must not be altered, re-purposed or republished without the permission of Council.

Watch Live Stream here.
Meeting agendas and schedule can be viewed at blackfalds.com/councilmeetings.

The next scheduled dates and times are:
RCC: Tuesday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m.
SCC: Monday, September 14 at 7:00 p.m.
RCC: Monday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Click here for this months' Councillor's Corner by Councillor Will Taylor

See the Mayor's Blog, a personal and interactive blog that is open for your comments and questions.