Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Following Stage 2 of the province's relaunch strategy being put in place on June 12, the Municipality of Jasper deactivated the Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) on June 15.
"We're just moving into 'new normal' operations," said Greg Van Tighem, director of protective services. "We don't have the need to manage this incident as it was before."
He said municipal staff can handle COVID-related matters within their duties. The province also lifted its public health emergency status.
Council voiced their appreciation for Van Tighem's handling of the ECC.
About the response to the pandemic, Mayor Richard Ireland said, "It really has been an impressive stance, community-wise."
He told Van Tighem his efforts are appreciated. Councillor Scott Wilson echoed Ireland's comments, expressing gratitude for his weekly updates.
Van Tighem told council Alberta Health Services is recommending all Albertans get tested.
"It's fairly quick and fairly immediate," he said, and added, "You will receive results in a few days."
Later, deputy mayor Jenna McGrath told council she had been tested for the virus and said, "I would encourage everyone to take five minutes to take the test."
About the COVID-19 protocol being followed locally, coun. Bert Journault said he sees a lot of inconsistencies in the relaunch strategy.
He said hand sanitizing stations should be in place in all outlets.
Journault also noted inconsistencies in sidewalk seating and wearing masks. He said that, for example, not all people in restaurants wear masks.
"We should be firm in our relaunch [strategy]," he said.
Van Tighem responded that AHS has the jurisdiction over COVID-19 protocol.
"There are a number of guidelines that may or may not be followed. They are regulations, not law, so there's no way to enforce them," he said.
Book a COVID-19 test on .
Shorter parking downtown?
Coun. Paul Butler suggested shortening parking times in the downtown area.
After discussing how much the time should be shortened and when to implement it, council gave notice that it will make a decision at its next meeting on June 30, reducing the maximum parking time from two hours to 50 minutes on Patricia Street and the west side of Connaught Drive between Pyramid Lake Road and Hazel Avenue.
If it is approved, designated handicap parking and off street parking will be exempt from the 50-minute parking limit.
Hiring to reopen
Council voted in favour of expending $62,000 to fund one full time custodial position until the end of 2020, in the culture and recreation department, and one summer season grounds position in the operations department.
With this, the municipality will be able to reopen a number of services, but on a limited basis. The custodial position will cover maintenance of the Connaught Drive public washrooms and a partial reopening of the Jasper Library and Cultural Centre - which will allow the Jasper Artist Guild to operate.
The summer seasonal grounds position will cover regular playground inspections and general maintenance and upkeep of municipal properties and facilities, as well as some irrigation.
Municipal parks were opened including the Cabin Creek playground, Centennial Park and Firemen's Park. Ground maintenance was done at the Lion's Park.
