September 2021 - Regional Municipality of ...
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September 2021
September 2021
Municipal Face Covering Bylaw no longer in effect
On June 22, 2021, Council voted to repeal the
Municipal Face Covering Bylaw (No. 20/024),
meaning this bylaw is no longer in effect.
However, masks are still required on public
transit and in taxis or rideshare cars.
Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan
As of July 1, 2021, the province is in Stage 3 of the Government of Alberta’s Open for
Summer Plan and most COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines have now been eased. This
includes the general indoor provincial mask mandate. However, masking is still required in
specific settings, as determined by the Government of Alberta. This includes acute and
continuing care settings, as well as on public transit and in taxis or rideshare cars.
For more information about Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan at alberta.ca/openforsummer.
Visiting other communities
While the RMWB Face Covering Bylaw is no longer in effect and the province-wide mask
mandate eased, there may be First Nations and some municipalities in Alberta and Canada
that have additional masking protocols in place. Should you travel to another community,
please plan ahead and review each area’s COVID-19 mandates.
For more information, visit rmwb.ca/facecovering or call Pulse.
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: 780-559-2230
2
September 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 regular updates, please visit alberta.ca/COVID19.
For municipal information related to COVID-19, visit rmwb.ca/COVID19.
Alberta’s Vaccine Program
Alberta’s Vaccine Program is well underway. Currently, any Albertan 12 years of age or
older is eligible to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are now being offered in stages. As of June 21,
2021, Albertans who received their first vaccine in March, April or May are now eligible
to book their second dose appointments.
Anyone who is eligible is strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. All approved COVID-19
vaccines are safe, effective, help prevent serious illness and save lives.
To learn more about the vaccine program or to book your appointment, visit
alberta.ca/vaccine or call 811.
Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan
Alberta enters Stage 3 of the Province’s Open for Summer Plan on July 1, 2021.
The plan aims to ease COVID-19 restrictions in three stages as vaccination targets are
reached and hospitalizations decline.
Stage 3, the final stage in the plan, will see the easing of most province-wide restrictions.
For more information, visit alberta.ca/openforsummer.
3
September 2021
Engineering Update
2021 Construction Season
Did you know you could get Engineering construction updates directly in your inbox?
Residents are encouraged to sign up for updates at rmwb.ca/construction for the areas that matter to you.
By signing up, you will be automatically entered to win one of three $100 pre-paid Visas, part of the Love.Shop.Local
program from the Chamber of Commerce and a chance at the grand prize, valued at $400.
The final draw will be on October 20th, 2021.
Engineering Update
Janvier Sewage Lagoon & Outfall
Approximately 90% of the project is completed. The remaining parts of the project such as the STEP system,
monitoring well installation, landscaping and minor deficiencies should be completed by September 2021. The
existing sanitary collection system would be temporarily diverted to the old lagoon until the new lagoon is fully
operational and sanitary services connection agreements for the houses have been approved. A temporary tie-in was
built to handle this matter. The lagoon is expected to be commissioned by September 2021.
The next municipal election will be held
on October 18, 2021. Interested
candidates will find important
information on rules and eligibility
requirements, links to official forms,
and more on our website at
rwmb.ca/elections
4
September 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.
5
September 2021
Join the 6-Week Reconciliation Challenge
Please accept this as your invitation to join the 6-Week Reconciliation Challenge as we move forward to the
first annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30, 2021.
With the discovery of unmarked graves at former residential school sites, confirming the terrible wrongs
etched into the Indigenous experience, many Canadians have asked how they can help advance
reconciliation.
One important way is to actively participate in listening to and learning about truth and reconciliation. As
such, 6 Weekly Reconciliation Challenge activities will be offered to increase awareness of the legacy of
residential schools, local Indigenous culture and history, the TRC Calls to Action, Principles of
Reconciliation, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Every Thursday, leading up to Sept. 30, new learning opportunities will be introduced based on weekly
themes.
Visit RMWB.ca/TRC and to find a link to the Challenge.
• Sign and share a Personal Pledge of Reconciliation as an individual commitment.
• The Pledge can be shared on social media with #RMWBpledgetoTRC.
Residents who complete the Challenge will also receive a certificate and be invited to receive a gift package
at a special event on September 30.
While reconciliation isn’t something that can be achieved in 6 weeks, every journey begins with the first few
steps – and we encourage everyone to join us in this journey of learning, by taking part in this Challenge and
signing the Personal Pledge.
For more information, visit or follow the RMWB Facebook and Twitter accounts
6
September 2021
Nomination Day reminder for Municipal and School Board
elections
Nomination Day for the 2021 municipal and school
board election is September 20, 2021. Candidates
have until noon on September 20, 2021 to file their
papers.
All candidates are encouraged to file paperwork
as soon as possible. The deadline for accepting
nominations is legislated and cannot be changed or
extended.
Changes in provincial legislation have allowed candidates to file paperwork in person or by mail or courier
since January 1, 2021.
• Due to this extended nomination period, in-person appointments for nominations will be
provided in Fort McMurray.
Past practise provided multiple locations for candidates to submit their nomination paperwork.
To make arrangements to file your Nomination for Mayor and Councillors, or for Trustee for the Fort
McMurray Public School Board, please contact the Elections Office at 780.743.7001
or elections@rmwb.ca .
To make arrangements to file your nomination for the Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School
Trustee, please call 780-799-5700.
There are 11 positions on RMWB Council: the Mayor, who is elected at large, and 10 Councillors, who are
elected under a ward system as follows:
• Ward 1 (Fort McMurray) - 6 Councillors
• Ward 2 (Fort Chipewyan, Fort Fitzgerald, Fort McKay) - 2 Councillors
• Ward 3 (Draper, Saprae Creek Estates) - 1 Councillor
• Ward 4 (Anzac, Conklin, Gregoire Lake Estates, Janvier) - 1 Councillor
There are 7 Trustee positions for the Fort McMurray Public School Division (FMPSD) who are elected at
large. The FMPSD encompasses the Municipality’s Wards 1 and 3, which includes Fort McMurray, Draper
and Saprae Creek Estates.
Information for interested candidates
More information for interested candidates is available at rmwb.ca/elections.
7
September 2021
Review the Final Concept
The Waterfront Park final concept is available to view and provide final feedback.
The Waterfront Park is a large green space in downtown Fort McMurray that will
be transformed into a unique community space. The design covers 6km of
Waterfront from the Athabasca Bridge to Horse Pasture Park in Waterways.
Engagement opportunities include:
• Online Survey at rmwb.ca/waterfront;
• Phone Survey by calling PULSE at 780-743-7000 or toll-free 1-800-973-
9663;
• Open Houses – Pre-Register at rmwb.ca/waterfront.
Review the design online at rmwb.ca/waterfront and provide your feedback by
September 12.
8
September 2021
Volunteers needed for Community Cleanup!
It’s time to slam dunk the junk, put trash in its place and help create a litter free
Wood Buffalo!
Volunteers are needed for the Community Cleanup and Adopt a Trail or
Roadway programs.
Residents, groups, teams, schools, businesses, and neighbours are encouraged
to show their community spirit by volunteering to clean up their favourite park,
green space, block, trail, or roadway. Bags, gloves, and picker sticks are being
provided to all volunteers!
Sign up for more than 4 cleanups this summer and next and you’ll get an Adopt a
Trail or Roadway recognition sign installed at or near the location you’re
cleaning up!
Before registering, check out the Community Cleanup map to see what areas
have already been completed and pick the area you want to cleanup.
All participants must follow all Alberta Health Services’ public health measures
and guidelines, including outdoor gathering limits.
Learn more and register at rmwb.ca/cleanup.
9
September 2021
Willow Lake Métis Nation Flag raised in Anzac in historic first
For the first time in RMWB history, two Métis flags are now permanently raised
in Anzac — at the gazebo park and at the Anzac Fire Hall — as a visual reminder
to recognize and honour that the land upon which we live is the traditional lands
of the Cree, Dene and Métis people. Council unanimously passed an updated flag
policy that is inclusive of Indigenous flags in July.
The Willow Lake Métis Nation Flag Raising Ceremony was held on Wednesday,
August 18, at the gazebo park in Anzac. The event included Municipal
representatives and Willow Lake Métis Nation leaders as well as community
members.
The ceremony marks the first flag-raising since the passing of the Municipality’s
new Flag Policy recognizing and incorporating Indigenous community flags,
including the Willow Lake Métis Nation flag.
The RMWB is committed to implementing recommendations from the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of Canada and looks forward to continuing this work
with all Indigenous communities.
10September 2021
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.
11September 2021
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
Best wishes to everyone celebrating
Birthdays and Anniversaries in
September 2021
12September 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
13September 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
14September 2021
Janvier Garbage and Recycling Drop-off – New Seasonal
Hours
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 Ave. in Janvier.
New Seasonal Hours of Operation: April 1 – October 31, 2021
To reduce bear activity in the area, and provide improved service for waste disposal in the community, we are
extending the hours of operation as follows:
• Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.*NEW
• Tuesday: 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
• Asbestos
• Oilfield waste
• Waste containing free liquids
• Vehicles and vehicle parts
Learn more about garbage and recycling services at rmwb.ca/garbage.
15September 2021
Grants available for community organizations, athletes and performers
Local non-profit organizations, athletes, performers, coaches, instructors and artists are encouraged to
apply for the Municipal grants currently available through the Community Investment Program (CIP). All
applications are now being accepted online through the CIP Grant Portal.
The deadline to apply for the Community Impact Grant and the Games Legacy Grant is September 7, 2021
at 4:30 p.m. MST.
CIP Grant Portal
Starting in 2021, all CIP grant applications are being accepted through the CIP Grant Portal. The online
portal will make the application and reporting process easier, faster and more efficient. CIP staff will be
available to assist organizations with online application submissions.
• Are you a new applicant? If you haven’t applied for a CIP grant in the last five years, you must
register to get started.
• Are you a returning applicant? If you, or your organization, have applied for a CIP grant within the
last five years, you are pre-registered. Please reach out to CIP@rmwb.ca for login details.
One-on-one support
Staff are available to help navigate the CIP Grant Portal, application process and answer any questions you
may have. One-on-one support is available to applicants through virtual meetings or over the phone. For
more information on how to book your one-on-one meeting, contact PULSE.
Applications are being accepted for the following grants:
Community Impact Grant – Provides funding through three grant streams to local non-profit organizations
to support community needs and contribute to the priorities identified in the 2018-2021 Regional
Municipality of Wood Buffalo Strategic Plan.
16September 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-
17September 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.
18September 2021
19September 2021
20September 2021
Some Other Solutions Society for Crisis Prevention
Fort McMurray’s trusted resource for mental wellness
A society for crisis prevention, Some Other Solutions is a trusted resource for mental
wellness in Northern Alberta with professional counselling services, mentorship
programs and a 24/7 crisis line to ensure everyone in the community is supported in the
moment they need it most.
As one of the longest running social agencies in Fort McMurray, we are here for you now
and beyond. We offer:
• Free Video and Phone Counselling
At SOS, we provide health and wellness support to close to 1,300 people every year. Our
professionally trained, knowledgeable counsellors offer individual and family counselling in
a non-judgemental, safe, confidential environment. All appointments can be booked online.
Please visit https://someothersolutions.janeapp.com to book an appointment and visit our
website for more information on how our counselling services can help you.
• SOS 24-Hour Crisis Line
The 24-hour crisis line provides emotional support and resources to individuals struggling
with life’s challenges and crisis situations.
Call 780-743-4357(HELP) to have someone listen.
• Virtual Grief & Loss Support Group
Join us in our virtual group sessions and connect with other people in our amazing
community
Grief & Loss Support Group June 17, 3 pm - 4:15 pm
Call our office at 780-743-8605 to register.
• Online Resources
Our annual community resource poster as well as wellness videos, podcasts, and blogs
can be found on Some Other Solutions Facebook page and website.
• Mentorship Programs
Our programs empower and support children and youth to develop resiliency, self-
confidence, and positive mental wellness to meet life’s challenges. Facilitated by a dynamic
team comprised of diverse educational backgrounds, our programs are
offered through the local school divisions as well as our annual summer
camp. Please visit our website for more information.
21September 2021
Want to learn Cree or Dene?
The Athabasca Tribal Council has developed
free Cree and Dene language apps to promote
and preserve Indigenous languages. These apps
have over 400 words, with a growing list, that
will help those interested in learning the
language.
We may be closed to the public, but we are still getting library materials into your hands!
Need to get your free library card or help with placing a hold? Give Sheri a shout at
sheri.anthony@wbrl.ca.
Don’t forget – we’re more than books! Check out video games, music and more! Browse the
catalogue at wbrl.ca.
Need to return library materials during building closures? Give us a shout at
community.services@wbrl.ca to arrange a pickup.
22September 2021
23September 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 OCTOBER NEWSLETTER SUMISSIONS:
SEPTEMBER 24, 2021.
24September 2021
COMMUNITY EVENTS & PROGRAMS CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER 2021
SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Office Closed
Labor Day!
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
FOOD
BANK
DELEVERY
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Newsletter
Deadline
26 27 28 29 30
National Day
for Truth and
Reconciliation
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