April 16, 2020
The City of Edmonton is extending the state of local emergency for an additional seven days and is introducing new measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“The COVID-19 pandemic remains a serious, dynamic event that will continue to cause major upheaval in the lives and lifestyles of Edmontonians for several months to come,” said Interim City Manager Adam Laughlin. “The State of Local Emergency affords us the flexibility to respond to emerging concerns swiftly and decisively.”
ETS Service Reductions and Protection for Transit Operators
On Monday, April 20, service reductions on ETS will be rolled out to reflect a drop in ridership system-wide. LRT services will end at 10 p.m. every night and bus service will be shut down at midnight. The City is exploring options to assist essential services workers who may be impacted by this change.
The City is introducing new measures to help to protect the safety of DATS drivers and passengers: screening questions will be added to the DATS trip booking process, drivers will be issued surgical masks and DATS trips will only transport one passenger at a time. DATS drivers are closer to riders and DATS buses do not have plexiglas shields found on conventional buses.
Cancellation of Public Sports Fields Bookings
The City has cancelled all bookings at City sports fields until the end of May. Groups that had a booking will receive a refund. The City is working with leagues and other groups to revise their season schedules and game plans. While the fields themselves are not closed, the City asks Edmontonians to continue following physical distancing rules if they are in any of these public spaces.
E-scooter License Suspension
The City of Edmonton will suspend the license agreements between the City and e-scooter businesses until the second quarter of this year. This decision will be re-evaluated at the end of May for the third quarter. This decision was made with the safety of the public in mind.
Road Adjustments
The City is looking to create more options for sharing roadways with walkers and cyclists. This weekend, the City will expand access from Victoria Promenade to include Victoria Park Road, to connect people with the river valley.
Next week, pedestrian and bike space on Saskatchewan Drive will be expanded. The City will continue looking at other areas to add in the near future.
