November 27, 2020
The City of Edmonton is taking action to help support and enforce the new restrictions the Government of Alberta announced on Tuesday to slow the spread of COVID-19. New measures and recommendations introduced by the City complement the provincial restrictions on gatherings and support enforcement.
“In the Edmonton Health Zone, we have reached the tipping point—where the rate of spread of the virus could grow exponentially and cause devastating harm to the health and safety of residents and our economy,” said Interim City Manager Adam Laughlin. “The priority right now is shutting down the spread of transmission and protecting our health system.”
“We know these restrictions and recommendations have a significant impact on Edmontonians and we don’t take that lightly,” said Mayor Don Iveson. “I ask all Edmontonians to come together and follow the new restrictions diligently so we can protect our health system and avoid additional restrictions through the holiday season.”
Enforcement activation
The City will support the new restrictions announced by the province by continuing to activate our enforcement teams. Through close coordination with Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and Alberta Health Services (AHS), teams of Peace Officers will work 7 days a week to support Face Covering bylaw enforcement and Public Health Order monitoring. While enforcement has occurred throughout the pandemic, the City will now concentrate our efforts on public spaces, gatherings and worship centres.
Recreation Facilities
Effective Tuesday, December 1, the City will shut down 22 City-operated arenas until December 18. The Downtown Community Arena will remain open to support the provincial exemption granted to the IIHF World Junior Championship. Three City-run Senior Centres and the St. Francis Xavier Sports Centre will also close. All indoor events and group activities at City facilities will be cancelled.
Additionally, also effective December 1, the City will refuse entry to City recreation facilities and the Edmonton Valley Zoo for individuals who choose not to wear a face covering, regardless of the individual’s exemption status. At recreation centres, face coverings can still be removed while exercising once in designated areas but must be worn when moving between equipment. Face coverings must be removed while in pools.
Firework Permits
Tier 2 consumer firework permits with a qualified shooter on private or public land will no longer be available to reduce the risk of the social gatherings these events promote. Tier 1 permits for consumer fireworks on private property remain available.
Outdoor Experiences
Modifications have been made to ensure the safety of outdoor holiday light installation experiences in Edmonton to allow them to continue. Guests of Zoominescence, the outdoor light installation at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, will be required to wear masks and purchase their tickets in advance. Candy Cane Lane will be a drive-through-only opportunity.
Travel Recommendation
The City recommends that Edmontonians limit their non-essential travel and avoid going to other jurisdictions unnecessarily.
In addition to the new restrictions and recommendations, the City continues to ask all Edmontonians to follow the fundamental COVID-19 health measures:
- Wash hands frequently.
- Wear a face covering or mask.
- Do not attend or hold indoor gatherings anywhere, including your own home.
- Keep as physically distant as possible from those outside your household.
- Stay home if sick.
