March 20, 2020
The City of Edmonton is taking new measures to enhance safety and assist Edmontonians in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These new measures will be implemented until further notice or until additional direction is provided by City Council.
Suspension of Transit Fares and Access Through Rear Doors
Effective March 21, The City of Edmonton will temporarily suspend fare collection on all Edmonton Transit Service buses, LRT and DATS service. In addition, all entry (unless otherwise required) will be through the rear doors only.
Suspending fares adds another layer of protection for our Operators as it eliminates the need for cash and transfer handling, thereby minimizing contact with others and increasing social distancing measures. Changes in fare collection are in response to keeping the community safe, and are not intended to encourage increased use of transit services.
Suspension of Parking Fees in City-owned Parking Lots
Effective March 21, 2020, parking fees in the EPark parking system, curbside and in City of Edmonton lots, will be suspended. This will encourage safe movement around the city.
2020 Property Tax Payments
No late penalties will be charged to tax payments made by September 30. In regular circumstances, interest would be charged for accounts not paid by July 30. More information will be available before tax notices are mailed in May.
Deferral of Utility Payments
The City is working with the Alberta Utility Commission and utility partners on a deferral program and has recommended a deferral period of March 18 to June 18, 2020. The City is committed to ensuring no interest or fees are charged and no utilities are cut off during this period, even for customers in arrears.
Edmonton EXPO Centre to open for vulnerable population
The City of Edmonton, in partnership with Alberta Health Services and Homeward Trust, is working to open the Edmonton EXPO Centre to provide shelter and support for vulnerable populations. The opening date for this facility will be announced in the coming days.
City Hall Closure
The City has made the decision to close City Hall effective immediately for the public. Edmonton joins a number of other Canadian cities that have closed their City Hall buildings as a safety measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was made to ensure the safety of the public and employees during this health emergency.
Council and Committee meetings have been suspended until April 27, 2020 with the exception of a Council Meeting on March 30, 2020.
The City of Edmonton will provide additional details and communications related to these measures in the coming days both online and through media briefings.
