April 30, 2020
The City of Edmonton will be reviewing its COVID-19 response following the Government of Alberta’s release of its plan for relaunching economic activities.
In the coming days, the City will assess its emergency orders, operational practices, and enforcement activities to ensure that Edmonton continues to strike the right balance between public safety and civic life.
“While we remain in the response phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to see the province’s plans for relaunch. As public health and economic restrictions are gradually relaxed, we will carefully assess our own approach for Edmonton’s relaunch,” said Mayor Don Iveson.
As a public service provider, the City of Edmonton is following the province’s direction on program restrictions and facility closures. In accordance with provincial requirements, pools and arenas remain closed. Additional decisions about park services, safeguards for transit operations, and timing of golf course openings will be made after a thorough review.
“While the relaunch plan gives us hope for the future, it’s important to remember that this transition won’t be linear and could last for months. We expect to be flexible and adaptive as we refine our approach to ensure public safety,” said Interim City Manager Adam Laughlin.
The State of Local Emergency extended today for an additional week will remain in place. The City will reevaluate as the province releases more information and before the next Emergency Advisory Committee meeting on May 7.
The City thanks Edmontonians for their dedicated efforts to stay safe over the past many weeks. Those efforts will continue to have a direct impact on the City’s ability to safely prepare for relaunch in Edmonton.
“This has been an unprecedented crisis for our city but Edmontonians stepped up to the challenge. Today’s news of a staged provincial relaunch is a testament to that,” Laughlin said. “Your community spirit and commitment to safety has made a real difference for our city and province.”
