Parkland County
53109A Hwy 779 T7Z 1R1 Parkland, AB, Canada

Parkland County has long been part of a vibrant and thriving community that includes our municipal neighbours. For this purpose, Parkland County, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain began work in January 2019 on developing a Tri-Municipal Regional Plan. The work well underway and this week all three Councils were presented with a project update on how we plan to improve governance, service delivery, fiscal capacity and economic prosperity for all. We anticipate the final report will be complete in spring 2021.

Today we recognize World Pancreatic Cancer Day - working to build awareness and the fight against the world’s toughest cancer. Learn more about this cause at www.worldpancreaticcancerday.org

While our physical offices have been closed to walk-in visitors, County employees have been busy working from home to ensure services are maintained and your questions are answered promptly. With that said, County services will be closed over the holidays, including the Animal Shelter. Please note: Hours at some of the transfer stations will also be impacted. Essential services will be maintained. View our holiday office hours, visit www.parklandcounty.com/holidayhours

The next while will be challenging with the new COVID-19 restrictions. When you don't know where to turn, contact 211 and get connected to supports. This service is available 24/7, simply Dial 2-1-1 Text INFO to 211 or Chat at ab.211.ca In crisis? Call the Distress Line 780-482-4357 (HELP)

With the winter weather, it's important to be cautious as you're travelling throughout the County. Allow for extra drive time when the roads are wet, snowy or icy.

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, you are so magnificent and sneaky! The placement of your Christmas tree may look perfect, but it might not be safe. Be sure to place it at least three feet away from any heat source, use indoor rated lights, and make sure it does not block any exits. If you opted for a living tree, some additional safety tips to keep in mind include picking one with fresh green needles, helping hydration by cutting one inch off the bottom and watering it daily. What kind of tree do you have in your home, an artificial or living tree? Note: Contest winner must reside in Parkland County, though we encourage everyone to consider these safety tips!

As we continue to try and reduce the spread of COVID-19, we would like to remind you that our Temporary Mandatory Face Covering Bylaw is in effect. Wear a face covering or mask at all times while in an indoor, enclosed, or substantially enclosed public place or in a public vehicle. A list of exemptions is available online. Learn more at www.parklandcounty.com/masks.

Tonight at 6:30 p.m. is our FREE Water Treatment Webinar! Forgot to register? Not to worry, drop-ins are welcome! Get the most of this webinar, have your water analysis on hand (not required), and your questions at the ready. www.parklandcounty.com/waterwebinar

Have you registered for SeniorConnect Tri-Region? This FREE online training program teaches you how to recognize and respond to seniors in need, an excellent opportunity to work together in helping seniors in our community find local information, resources and supports! Learn more, visit www.sprucegrove.org/SeniorConnect.

Much like gingerbread houses, older homes are not always up to code. It’s important to follow current building code requirements for smoke alarms in all homes old and new. Safeguard you and your family, friends and housemates by placing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside of each sleeping area and on every floor. How many smoke alarms do you have in your home? Note: Contest winner must reside in Parkland County, though we encourage everyone to consider these safety tips!

Christmas can be a challenging time of year, and this Christmas is unlike any other! If you need a little help providing for your family, consider applying for a Christmas hamper through the Stony Plain Kinsmen and Parkland Food Bank Society. Application deadline: November 21, 2020 Hamper pick up: December 18, 2020 (by appointment only) For details, visit: parklandfoodbank.org/need-help/

Mark your calendars! #FirePreventionWeek is October 4 - 10, 2020. This year’s theme, Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen! , and focuses on the importance of cooking safely! Did you know cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries? Learn more today, visit www.parklandcounty.com/fireprevention

School can be expensive - we want to help out by offering $500.00 Agricultural Bursaries to five post-secondary students who live in the County and are enrolled in an agricultural based program! APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 16, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

Notice: there is an unplanned natural gas outage from RR12 to RR20, HWY 16 north to TWP 534. Gas will be restored by 1pm September 25, if a relight is required please contact the office at 780-963-3311

UPDATE (September 25, 9:30 a.m.): The water line has been repaired and water restored to the subdivisions listed below. Thank you for your patience and understanding during the repair. - Parkland County is working to repair a water main in the Big Lake area. Water service will be restored as of 5:00 p.m. September 23, 2020. However, water will be shut off tomorrow, Thursday, September 24, between 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. in the following subdivisions: Royal Springs Estates, Mo...rningside Properties, Walker Lake Estates, Lake Ridge Estates, Legends Estates, Grandview Estates, Spring Meadows Estates, and Greenbriar Estates. When water is restored, it may be slightly cloudy due to entrained air bubbles. Water will remain safe to drink and will not harm appliances. We recommend residents in the affected area store enough water to meet your needs during the outage. Thank you for your patience as we work to repair the water main. Updates will be provided as work progresses.

Have you heard; Parkland County offers up to five Agricultural Bursaries valued at $500.00 each? If you are a student living in the County who is enrolled in an agricultural based program at a recognized post-secondary institution be sure to apply today! APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 16, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Learn more, visit www.parklandcounty.com/scholarships

Have your say on the Acheson Industrial Area Structure Plan at our virtual open house this week (September 21 25). We encourage you to provide your feedback on the draft Acheson ASP to help us refine what guides future subdivision and development of the Acheson Industrial Area. The project team will be available to chat at the virtual open house from: Monday, September 21 from 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22 from 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Have your say today! ... www.parklandcounty.com/HaveYourSay See more

A message from Mayor Rod Shaigec: I wanted to reach out directly and let you know that over the last week I have received excellent care in the hospital. I am working hard on recovering and returning to full strength, and am looking forward to returning to work as soon as I am able. I am extremely grateful for our exceptional health care system and the skills and dedication of health care professionals in this province.... I am also incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support. Many have expressed interest in forwarding regards and well wishes, however, the hospital is not able to accept flowers or other messages at this time due to COVID-19. I appreciate that in these times often folks are looking for some way to reach out, for something they can do to help. If you are feeling this way, please consider making a donation to STARS Air Ambulance. I feel at ease knowing that residents, businesses, and I can rely on our capable and adept Administration and Council for business continuity and to serve the community as they always do. Again, thank you for continuing to respect our privacy as I make my way toward full health and recovery. I will provide another update in the near future. Sincerely, Rod

Have you registered for SeniorConnect Tri-Region? This free online training program that teaches participants how to recognize and respond to seniors in need. In just two hours it covers topics like why it’s important to connect, caregiver burnout and mental illness. Learn more, visit sprucegrove.org/SeniorConnect

Join our virtual open house next week and have your say about the Acheson Industrial Area Structure Plan (ASP) from September 21 25. The project team will be available to chat at the virtual open house on the following days: Monday, September 21 from 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22 from 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Learn more... www.parklandcounty.com/AchesonASP See more

FRIDAY at 4:30 p.m. is the deadline to apply for one of the Equipment Operator II grader operation positions! There are two permanent, full-time openings available based out of our Stony Plain location - Apply online today! www.parklandcounty.com/currentopenings

UPDATE (as of Sept. 16 at 7:19 p.m.): Highway 16 eastbound has been re-opened. ROAD CLOSURE: All eastbound lanes on Highway 16 at Century Rd. are closed due to motor vehicle incident. Please avoid the area and take alternate routes.

On Friday, September 11, Mayor Rod Shaigec was involved in an agricultural accident. He was admitted to the hospital with serious injuries, and is now in stable condition. Mayor Shaigec and his family are extremely grateful for the work of all first responders, especially EMS and STARS Air Ambulance, and for the outpouring of support from the community. The Shaigec family is requesting privacy during this difficult time. Parkland County Council and Administration will continue to serve residents and businesses.

A Special Meeting of Parkland County Council will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Parkland County Centre, Parkland County, Alberta for the purpose of the following matters: 1. Closed Session Personnel Matter. To view the agenda please access the Parkland County website at www.parklandcounty.com/meetings