November 2021 - Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
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November 2021
November 2021
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo continues to monitor the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and follow the
direction of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Chief Medical Officer of Health.
For provincial updates, please visit alberta.ca/COVID19.
For municipal information related to COVID-19, visit rmwb.ca/COVID19.
State of Public Health Emergency
On September 15, 2021 the Government of Alberta declared a State of Public Health Emergency and introduced a
number of new restrictions to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and protect the health care system. Find full details
on all province-wide restrictions at alberta.ca/COVID19.
Vaccine Program
All Albertans 12 and older can get their first and second doses now. Third doses are available to some people most at
risk of severe illness, including:
• Immunocompromised Albertans ages 12 and older
• Residents of seniors’ supportive living facilities
• Travellers to jurisdictions that don't recognize Covishield/AstraZeneca or mixed series doses
Getting vaccinated makes us all safer. A one-time incentive of $100 is available for Albertans 18+ who get their first
or second dose between September 3 and October 14. Learn more about Alberta’s Vaccine Program at
alberta.ca/vaccine.
Vaccine Records
Albertans 12 and older can get a card-sized vaccine record through the new express system at
alberta.ca/CovidRecords.
It's fast, easy and no account is required. Enter your personal healthcare number, birthdate, and month and year of
vaccination. Then, download your card and print it out or save it on your phone.
If you were vaccinated recently, it may take up to 2 weeks for your records to be available online.
For more information about province-wide requirements, visit alberta.ca/covid19.
JANVIER MUNICIPAL OFFICE
Staff members are still working even though the municipal offices are closed to the public.
You can reach them in several ways:
Email: martha.nokohoo@rmwb.ca
Phone: 780-559-223
2
November 2021
Engineering Update
Janvier Sewage Lagoon & Outfall
The contractor mobilized crews at the end of October to finish the remaining part of the project. The construction
zone will be localized by the Water Treatment Plant. Works would take approximately three weeks to complete
depending on the weather. Commissioning of the lagoon would commence at the end of November with expected
final completion by mid-December 31, 2021 with the exception of the Monitoring Wells that will be completed by
beginning of summer 2022.
Know someone who could
benefit from the VPR?
Spread the word!
The Vulnerable Persons Registry (VPR) is a free, voluntary and confidential service that helps improve the safety of
vulnerable residents living at home during emergencies. If you know someone who is eligible, and could benefit from
having added support during emergencies, tell them about the VPR!
Who is eligible?
The VPR is available to residents in the region who experience any of the following:
• Mobility issues
• Visual or hearing impairments
• Developmental or cognitive impairments
• Challenges related to mental health
• Individuals who require electricity for life-sustaining equipment (life support, oxygen or dialysis)
Individuals registering for the Vulnerable Persons Registry must have a permanent address and at least one (1) valid
contact number on their application. Individuals who are unable to meet these criteria will not be eligible for the
registry.
To register, visit rmwb.ca/VPR or call Pulse.
3
November 2021
Let’s talk about preserving heritage and assessing cultural spaces in Wood Buffalo
Have you heard? The municipality wants to hear your thoughts about preserving heritage
resources and assessing spaces for cultural activities in Wood Buffalo! You may be wondering,
“What is a Heritage Resources Management Plan or a Cultural Infrastructure Needs Assessment,
anyways? Why is it important for me to get involved?” These valuable community-based projects
will help the municipality identify what’s important to you! Learn more about each project below
before you get involved.
Heritage Resources Management Plan
Did you know heritage resources don’t need to be 100 years old to be
identified as such? Anything of significance to the community that is 35
years or older could be classified as a heritage resource or site, which is
why the municipality is working on a sustainable plan to acknowledge,
preserve, and commemorate what’s important to you.
What is a heritage plan? What heritage resources or heritage sites are
here? How should we preserve them? Through a participatory engagement, residents of Wood
Buffalo are invited to join the process of developing a plan to showcase and safeguard heritage
resources in the region.
The success of this plan relies on hearing from you! Share your important stories about heritage in
the region by joining a virtual discussion, submit responses to a short survey, or reach out to set up
a one-on-one meeting with the team. Get involved by visiting participate.rmwb.ca/HRMP!
Cultural Infrastructure Needs Assessment
Cultural infrastructure offers spaces to participate in cultural activities.
These types of facilities include art galleries, art studios, dance studios,
green space and parks, community halls, libraries, museums and theatres
or performing arts centres. While the municipality recognizes that arts
and culture are major contributors to reconciliation and quality of life, it
is important to hear directly from residents on any gaps in existing spaces
and resources currently available. Get involved today to help us identify
needs within the region knowing that your input will be included in a final
assessment used to guide future endeavours.
Submit your responses to a short survey, join a workshop, or contact us for a one-on-one
discussion by visiting participate.rmwb.ca/CINA!
4
November 2021
Santa is preparing his annual visit to Wood Buffalo!
The 2021 Santa Claus Parade is happening as a drive-thru event at MacDonald Island Park on Dec. 4 and 5.
You must book a time slot in advance to attend the parade, with registration opening Nov. 26. Please
reserve your spot early. The parade is highly anticipated each year as everyone loves to catch a glimpse of
visitors from the North Pole!
We know the bustle of holiday lights and sounds can be overwhelming for some. Each day there is a
sensory half hour alternative available with minimal stimulation so all can enjoy Santa’s visit to Wood
Buffalo!
2021 Santa Claus Parade dates, Mark your calendar!
• Saturday, December 4, 5-9 p. m. (4:30-5 p.m. Sensory)
• Sunday, December 5, 4:30-8 p. m. (4-4:30 p. m. Sensory)
Register a Float!
Are you a business owner, part of a community group, or do you work for a social profit? Highlight your
holiday spirit and community spirit by entering a float in the Santa Claus Parade!
Float registration deadline: November 19.
Pre-registration is required to attend the parade to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and the safety of
everyone. More booking times have been made available for this year’s parade but don’t wait to reserve
your spot. Registration opens Nov. 26 and will close once event capacity is reached.
Event registration for spectators opens: November 26
Find everything you need to know about the Santa Claus Parade and register at
rmwb.ca/santa
5
November 2021
Design benches for the Region and help create a connection between rural
communities and Fort McMurray
Public Art Wood Buffalo invites you to submit an expression of interest for the Public Art
Bench Program. The successful applicants will liaise with rural communities to
create custom designed park benches. Park bench designs selected will be replicated so
that a matching bench will be located in Fort McMurray and the other installed in the rural
community of inspiration.
In its inaugural year, benches will be inspired by two communities, Saprae Creek and
Anzac, and will be installed in the following sites:
• Site 1 – Vista Ridge Park located in the hamlet of Saprae Creek Estates
• Site 2 – Anzac Community Garden and Park
• Site 3 – Kiyām Community Park will be the site for the matching sister benches
The program is a pilot project that is anticipated to be repeated in each community over the
next five years and is aimed at strengthening a visual connection between Wood Buffalo’s
rural communities and its urban core of Fort McMurray.
Visit rmwb.ca/callforcreatives to learn more about the program!
6
November 2021
Janvier Garbage and Recycling Drop-off
Did you know that you can drop off residential garbage and recycling, including household hazardous waste, for free
at the Janvier Waste Transfer Station?
Help protect the environment and keep Janvier clean by disposing of items properly. All dropped off items are
brought to the Municipal landfill for proper disposal or recycling.
Everyone, including First Nation communities, are encouraged to use the facility! It is located at the end of
MacDonald Avenue in Janvier.
Hours of Operation:
Seasonal: April 1 – October 31 Regular: November 1 – March 31
To reduce bear activity in the area, and provide On November 1, the facility will return to its
improved service for waste disposal in the regular hours of operation:
community, extended seasonal hours are in
effect: • Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The following items are not allowed to be dropped off at the Janvier Waste Transfer Station:
Commercial waste, ammunition, explosives, radioactive waste, biological, biomedical or pathological waste, animal
carcasses or deceased pets, commercial waste, oilfield waste, waste containing free liquids, vehicles and vehicle parts
and asbestos.
Learn more about garbage and recycling services at rmwb.ca/garbage.
If you have any questions, connect with Pulse at 780-743-7000 or toll-free at 1-800-973-9663.
7
November 2021
Residents with Private Cisterns and Septage Systems
The RMWB would like to remind residents that maintenance of private water and sanitary systems are the
responsibility of the homeowner. Alberta Health Services (AHS) recommends that systems be tested twice a
year and cisterns cleaned and disinfected once per year.
Septage tank maintenance
Septage tanks also require proper inspection and maintenance. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
• Have your septic tank checked annually for buildup that can reduce your tank’s efficiency. You may
need to have your tank pumped by a professional sewage hauler every couple of years to ensure
proper operation.
• Do not enter your septic tank. During the treatment process, sewage gives off dangerous gases.
Always hire a professional for tank maintenance tasks.
• Do not allow livestock, vehicles, or any type of pathway to cross over your disposal field at any time.
This practice helps prevent pipe breakage, soil compaction and excessive freezing due to
compaction during the winter months.
• Keep your treatment system area well-maintained. Trim grasses and other vegetation short.
• Always consult your operations manual provided by the septage tank installer for specific
maintenance guidance.
Water quality
All water supplied to residents comes from the water treatment plant and has been tested to ensure it
meets quality standards and is safe to drink. The Municipality follows rigorous safety and quality
regulations, including regularly submitting samples to an AHS laboratory.
Should residents note a concern with their drinking water, please follow the steps AHS recommends such as
testing the water, ensuring maintenance has been completed, and conducting visual inspections to rule out
abnormalities. Should these steps not result in resolution, please contact PULSE at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-
973-9663.
8
November 2021
Tuesday and Thursday: Janvier, Anzac and Gregoire Lake Estates – Trip #1
Time Pick Up/Drop Off Location
8:00 a.m. Pick up Manning Avenue (AMA Parking Lot)
8:05 a.m. Pick up Hardin Street at MacDonald Ave
10:00 a.m. Pick Up Janvier Store
11:00 a.m. Pick up Anzac Recreation Centre
11:15 a.m. Pick up Gregoire Lake Estates (mailboxes)
12:05 p.m. Drop Off Hardin St & MacDonald Ave (Across from Provincial building)
12:15 p.m. Drop off Manning Avenue (AMA Parking Lot)
Tuesday and Thursday: Janvier, Anzac and Gregoire Lake Estates – Trip #2
Time Pick Up/Drop Off Location
16:00 p.m. Pick up Manning Avenue (AMA Parking Lot)
16:05 p.m. Pick up Hardin St & MacDonald Ave (Across from Provincial building)
16:40 p.m. Pick Up/Drop off Gregoire Lake Estates (mailboxes)
16:55 p.m. Pick Up/Drop Off Anzac Recreation Centre
18:00 p.m. Drop Off Janvier Store
9
November 2021
Specialized Mobility Bus Service – Janvier
The Specialized Mobility Assistance Required Transportation (SMART Bus) service is available in the rural
communities! Service is available for Janvier every Thursday. Trips can be booked between the hours listed
below.
Janvier SMART Bus hours of operation:
• Every Thursday
• Pick-up 8:45 a.m.
• Return 1:40 p.m.
How to book the SMART Bus
Individuals with disabilities or seniors, who have no other means of transportation, can register for the
service then book trips! Completed application forms must be received before booking the service.
To begin the registration process, visit rmwb.ca/smartbus, contact the SMART Bus booking line at 780-743-
7909 or email at smartbus@rmwb.ca .
Once registered, you may book a trip by calling 780-743-7909 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday.
Booking must be made by 12:00 p.m. the Wednesday before your trip. Clients must provide destinations for
pick-up, drop-off and return.
Please note the SMART Bus is a shared service and does not remain with the client for the duration of the
visit to Fort McMurray.
SMART Bus Fees
Rural Service is $10.00 each way. One-way trips can be provided.
Bookings for SMART Bus for rides in Fort McMurray, between the hours of pick-up and return, can be
booked for an additional $1.50/ ride.
For more information on SMART Bus, please visit rmwb.ca/smartbus
SMART Bus
Tel: (780) 743-7909
E-mail: smartbus@rmwb.ca Website: www.rmwb.ca/smartbu
10November 2021
Community events & programs
Residents in rural communities of the Regional Municipality of Wood
Buffalo can contact Wood Buffalo Addiction and Mental Health Services
for free and confidential support.
Individual counselling services offered virtually (zoom/telephone):
• Addiction and Mental Health Support
• Stress Coping Strategies & Life Skills Development
• Psychoeducation on Relapse Prevention, Harm Reduction,
Wellness and Wellbeing and Loss and Grief
• Referral to Addiction & Concurrent Treatment Programs, and
Psychiatry Services
• Any other therapeutic interventions as needed
Please call 780-793-8360 for more information or to book an
appointment with Addiction & Mental Health Rural Service Team
Wood Buffalo Addiction and Mental Health Services
#120-339 Powder Drive, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9K 0M4
PH: 780-793-8360 FAX 780-
11November 2021
To better understand the odours in our region, the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) is asking
community members to check out our COMP app and share information about the odours you are experiencing.
The WBEA launched the Community Odour Monitoring Program (COMP) and the COMP App so people could
anonymously submit odour observations and track odour events in the RMWB. The collected information is then
compared to the ambient air quality parameters measured at the WBEA’s air monitoring stations to determine if
there is a relationship between regional odours and air quality. Submitted observations can be found at
comp.wbea.org, and findings are reported to the public in an annual report. The 2020 COMP Annual Report can be
found here.
Please share your odour observations on the COMP app (available for iOS and Android devices) and help us better
understand the odours in our region!
Stay Alert to Emergencies Near
You – Download Alertable!
Want local emergency alerts sent right to your
phone? Download the Alertable app today!
Alertable is the quickest way to receive RMWB
emergency notifications.
Simply download the app for free from the Apple Store or Google Play, set your location within the region
and you’ll be ready to receive emergency notifications.
Learn more about Alertable, and other emergency alert systems available to you, at
rmwb.ca/emergencyalerts.
12November 2021
13November 2021
Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism (FMWBEDT) is launching
a regional survey to better understand household spending in the areas of retail, food and
beverage, personal services, and entertainment. Survey findings will
be combined with additional market research to inform the
direction of FMWBEDT’s Retail and Commercial Plan, focused on
supporting existing local businesses with retention and expansion,
and attracting new private investment.
Enter the Link below to complete the survey.
Household Spending & Consumer Demand Survey (surveymonkey.com)
Senior Activity Program
Sign up for the Seniors Activity Program (55+).
We will deliver to your house an activity package and a
snack.
Activities could include puzzles, games, cards, sudoku, crosswords,
and other fun games.
To sign up Contact
Joanne (Recreation Programmer) @ 780-714-0316
Martha (Janvier) @ 587-644-2240
Wendy (Conklin) @ 780-742-7456
14November 2021
Our Vision "Strong, vibrant communities where youth develop
successful careers."
Our Mission “Enable youth on their path to rewarding careers.”
Check out our website:
www.careersnextgen.ca
CAREERS CO-OP Apprenticeship Program
The CO-OP program is available for youth aged 25 or younger who are interested in starting their apprenticeship in the
trades. In order to apply, interested candidates must attend a mandatory information session. Currently all info
sessions are being held virtually with multiple dates and times to chose from.
Date Time Date Time
November 15th, 2021 7:00 p.m. January 28th, 2022 10:00 a.m.
November 25th, 2021 7:00 p.m. February 8th, 2022 2:00 p.m.
December 4th, 2021 7:00 p.m. February 16th, 2022 7:00 p.m.
December 7th, 2021 10:00 a.m. February 18th, 2022 7:00 p.m.
December 15th, 2021 2:00 p.m. March 7th, 2022 2:00 p.m.
January 4th, 2022 7:00 p.m. March 21st, 2022 2:00 p.m.
January 12th, 2022 2:00 p.m.
Please call 587-543-0436 or email Eric at eleatham@nextgen.org to attend an information
session.
CO-OP application deadline is April 1st, 2022.
Young Women in Trades and Technology (YWITT)
CAREERS is breaking down barriers and paving a path for women in skilled trades and technologies. Our virtual
mentorship series will allow young women in grades 9 and up to connect with successful female industry leaders and
hear about their career stories.
Upcoming Virtual Mentorship Sessions
Topic Date Time
Industrial Trades November 30th, 2021 5:00 p.m.
Agriculture & Cooking January 12th, 2022 5:00 p.m.
To register, scan the QR code or call us at 587-543-0436
Parent Information Session
CAREERS will be hosting a virtual parent information session on November 17th at 6pm for any parents of Indigenous
students who may be interested in our programs.
Please call 587-543-0436 or email Anika at acampbell@nextgen.org.
School Presentations
CAREERS is offering interactive virtual or in person presentations for Grades 9 to 12 students. Grade 9 presentations
provide general career awareness and readiness, as well as keep students informed of off-campus opportunities and
labour-market trends. Grade 10-12 presentations are geared towards students applying to specific CAREERS
programs such as RAP, Health, ICT, and Indigenous Youth Career Pathways.
Please call us at 587-543-0436 or email mhall@nextgen.org if you would like to schedule a
presentation for your students.
15November 2021
Looking to get your free library card and get library materials delivered to your community? Give Miki a
shout at miki.mcnaughton@wbrl.ca and she’ll help you set it up!
Don’t forget – we’re more than books! Check out video games, music and more! Browse the catalogue at
wbrl.ca.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Best wishes to everyone celebrating
Birthdays and Anniversaries in
November 2021
16November 2021
JANVIER MUNICIPAL OFFICE
Please note the office is closed at this
time due to COVID-19. Staff can still be
reached via the info below
110 Janvier Drive, Chard AB T0P 1G0
PH: 780-559-2230 FAX: 780-559-2230
martha.nokohoo@RMWB.CA
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
PULSE 1-800-973-9663 PULSE@RMWB.CA RMWB.CA/PULSE
(MUNICIPAL SWITCH BOARD) 780-743-7000
COMMUNITY CONTACTS: SOCIAL MEDIA:
RCMP 780-788-4000
FISH & WILDLIFE 780-743-7200
@WOODBUFFALORURALCOMMUNITYCONNECTION
JANVIER SCHOOL 780-559-2240
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
ATCO 1-800-668-2248 @RMWOODBUFFALO
JANVIER DENE
WOODBUFFALO
@RMWOODBUFFALO
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE 780-791-6247
HEALTH LINK 811
ALL EMERGENCIES 911 DEADLINE FOR DECEMBER NEWSLETTER SUMISSIONS:
NOVEMBER 25, 2021.
17November 2021
COMMUNITY EVENTS & PROGRAMS CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 2021
SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Remembrance
Day
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Food Bank
Delivery
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Newsletter
Deadline
28 29 30
31
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