The municipal office for Rocky View County is closed effective immediately until April 1. The announcement was made on Monday, March 16.

All official county events will be cancelled up until April 1.

According to the county, essential services remain. Those include fire protection, snow clearing, law enforcement, and waste disposal. All other activities will be suspended during the closure.

“The health, safety, and well-being of our residents and employees, and our efforts to maintain important County services for the public, are our top priorities,” says Chief Administrative Officer Al Hoggan. “Rocky View County will continue to fully operate core services, including fire, enforcement, utilities, solid waste, and road safety. However, non-essential and in-person services, such as building permits or planning applications, are suspended. At this time, we anticipate providing full service again starting on April 1.”

“I know this is a stressful time for residents, and especially for seniors and others who already have health concerns,” says County Reeve Greg Boehlke says. “Things are changing dramatically on an hour-by-hour basis, so out of an abundance of caution we have made this difficult decision to close County Hall given the high levels of public interaction that occur in the building.”

Council and Council committee meetings will also be cancelled, with the agenda items rescheduled for a later date.

The County is encouraging residents to practice the following precautions :

Regular handwashing with soap and water

Not touching the face

Covering the mouth and nose while sneezing

Sanitizing frequently used surfaces

Ensuring proper sleep and nutrition

Practicing social distancing – keeping a few feet away from others when possible

The County apologizes for any inconvenience but is following the necessary steps outlined by Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer.