May 8, 2020
COVID-19: Information Updates
Town of High River Response to Provincial Relaunch Strategy
Following the announcement of the provincial relaunch strategy, the Town is currently reviewing health protocols put in place as a response to the pandemic. For now, the Town encourages residents to stay the course. It remains important to keep restrictions in place until the number of cases decreases in High River and the surrounding area. 

Please continue to follow all health and safety measures and remain home except to run essential errands. When outdoors, continue to exercise caution and practice social distancing. COVID-19 is still a pandemic and these precautions are in place for the community's safety and well-being. 

New Operational Window  
In mid-March, the Town established an operational window that ended on April 24. A new operational window started on April 27 and will end on June 30. During this time the Town will continue to review activities and make decisions to align the Town’s operations with the health regulations set out by the province. As we move through the pandemic, the focus of each operational window may change as provincial directives and community needs change. 

Town of High River Resources
Check out our Wellness Corner for wellness resources and a weekly calendar of activities for mental health and physical well-being.

For general questions, contact our Customer Care line at 403-652-2110, or email [email protected]. As always, visit our COVID-19 webpage for the latest on the Town’s response to the crisis.

Mayor's Facebook Live Weekly Updates
Tune in to the Town's Facebook channel Thursdays for live updates from Mayor Craig Snodgrass. The live session will remain for viewing on Facebook, and is also uploaded to the Town's YouTube Channel for viewing and sharing. In addition, Sun Country 99.7 will broadcast the Mayor’s updates following each live airing.
Construction Corner
Southwest Dike.   Construction is expected to start this week. Drivers will be able to access 12th Avenue SW in the initial phase of this project. However, there could be heavier than usual traffic and residents should be on the lookout for construction vehicles. 12 th  Avenue SW will be closed when crews start work on the Baker Creek Crossing and Utility construction phase beginning in June.  

SE Phase 4: Centre Street. Work will begin on May 19 (weather depending) on the SE Phase 4 Centre Street project. The area of work is between 2 nd and 7 th Avenue on Centre Street and 4 th, 5 th and 7 th Avenue side streets. There will also be work on the alley east of Centre between 6 th and 7 th Avenues.
The initial phase of the work will begin at the North end between 2 nd and 4 th Avenue and will then move Southward. Detour routes will be posted. Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout the project. Please obey all signs and watch for workers.

Visit the  Major Projects Map  for locations and details  
Special Meeting of Council: May 11
Live Meeting
On May 11 at 1pm, tune in for a Special Meeting of Council that will stream live on our   YouTube Channel .  

The open session of the meeting begins at 1pm sharp and the stream will become available at that time. The live meeting feed will not show up until the published start time. 
Street Sweeping
Residential street sweeping began on May 4 and will continue through until July. Signs will be placed on boulevards of the streets that will be worked on next, as the Town moves through its rotation. Please move your vehicles and RVs off the street during that time. Crews will not come back to sweep if vehicles or RVs are parked in the way of the sweeper. 

The schedule for sweeping this year will be as follows: 
  • May 4-8 Montrose, SE/NE Central & Emerson Lake areas 
  • May 11-15 South West 
  • May 19-22 Hamptons and Sunshine Lake areas 
  • May 25-29 we will be working in the North West  
Farmers Market/Food Trucks/Yard Sales Cancelled
Opening of the Farmers Market, garage/yard sales and food trucks are on hold for now to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Farmers Market season opening has been delayed indefinitely due to COVID-19 restrictions on gathering size. Many of your favourite vendors are online – check them out! Residents may not hold garage or yard sales at this time. Residents should consider moving their buying and selling online. The Town will not be issuing business licenses to food trucks until further notice. The Town will review the status of these activities and food trucks before the end of the current operational period on June 30. 
RV Safety & Isolation
Residents who need to self-isolate outside their home will be allowed to temporarily use their RV’s on their property or on the street in front of their property. 
The RV must remain attached to a tow vehicle and not block traffic. The use of gas generators is not allowed. The George Lane Park sani-dump is now open for proper waste disposal – tanks may not be dumped in the street or in a park. RV’s may not be rented out for self-isolation. Once the RV is no longer needed for self-isolation, Town bylaws will apply and non-compliance with the Traffic Bylaw could result in fines. 
Fire Reminders for BBQ and RV Safety
It’s the time of year when we get ready for BBQ season and prepare RVs for use. Here are a few safety tips to make your BBQ or RV season safe: 

  • Prior to running propane equipment check for leaks at connections, this can be done with a light dish soap and water mix. Spray the connections and check for bubbles. Bubbles will indicate a leak. If a leak is found shut off the propane supply and have the leak repaired. 
  • Consider having a propane alarm installed inside your RV to help warn you of a potential leak. 
  • Keep your BBQ clean and as free of grease as possible, this will limit the potential for a grease fire. 
  • Keep your BBQ clear of combustibles and away from the siding and deck rails of your home.  
  • Always transport propane cylinders in the upright position and ensure they are secured in a well-ventilated area. 
  • In the event of a fire involving a propane cylinder, keep everyone clear of the area and call 9-1-1. 
Fly Fishing/Emerson Lake  
Anglers are welcome to enjoy some quiet time fishing at Emerson Lake. The Alberta Conservation Association restocks the lake with Rainbow Trout each May. The keep limit for Rainbow and other trout is 5. The exception is Bull Trout which are ‘catch and release’ only. Anyone fishing at Emerson Lake is reminded to observe social distancing rules and keep 2-metres away from others enjoying the lake, green space and pathways. Also, you must clean up any fish-related debris before you leave, so that the park remains safe and inviting for others. 
Pruning Town Trees  
The most common tree maintenance procedure within the Town’s Urban Forest is pruning. Trees are pruned to remove dead branches, improve form and to reduce risk of disease.

This maintenance is performed on Town trees by or under the direction of a Certified Arborist. For more information, visit highriver.ca . Reminder: Elm Pruning Ban is in effect at this time.  
Property Assessment Appeal Deadline Extended to July 2nd
On April 17, 2020 the Government of Alberta extended the Property Assessment Appeal Deadline by issuing a Ministerial Order. As a result of this time extension the “Customer Review Period” deadline will now be July 2, 2020. This extension is applied to the  2019  assessment year only.  

There is no change to the procedure or fees for submitting assessment appeals.  Assessment appeals must be received before 4 pm on July 2, 2020. Please direct any questions to:  [email protected] .  
Notice of Development Permit Applications  
The following development permit applications have been considered by the Development Authority and given conditional approval subject to appeal. A mandatory twenty-one (21) day appeal period is required for anyone claiming to be affected by these notices.  

Proposed Development: Single detached dwelling with variances
Civic Addresses: 539 Montana Bay SE
Legal Addresses: Plan: 1712420; Block: 16; Lot: 13
21-day posting period end date: May 15
For more information, contact [email protected]

Proposed Development: Single detached dwelling with variances
Civic Addresses: 537 Montana Bay SE
Legal Addresses: Plan: 1712420; Block: 16; Lot: 12
21-day posting period end date: May 27
For more information, contact [email protected]

Proposed Development: Single detached dwelling with variances
Civic Addresses: 535 Montana Bay SE
Legal Addresses: Plan: 1712420; Block: 16; Lot: 11
21-day posting period end date: May 27
For more information, contact [email protected]
Be Informed!

Follow trusted websites for accurate information, including Alberta Health Services. A list of trusted websites can be found on our COVID-19 webpage.
Follow the Town on Facebook and Twitter for additional updates and information.
An official Town of High River publication. For more information:
contact the Town of High River Office at 403.652.2110 or email [email protected]