Municipal playgrounds and play structures are closed in Jasper, effective today.
Lions' Park and Fireman's Park will close, but other parks and green spaces including the off-leash area, remain open.
The Municipality of Jasper made the announcement on their website today.
"This decision was made to limit exposure to the COVID-19 virus on hard surfaces, such as playground equipment, while allowing residents to continue to use municipal parks and green spaces," said the announcement.
Beverage containers and plastics recycling suspended
The Operations Department has suspended the collection of beverage containers and household plastics.
In a statement, the municipality said these categories of recyclables are the most likely to have been in contact with the COVID-19 virus as they have been in contact with people鈥檚 mouths.
That means they pose a health and safety risk to municipal staff, and waste management authorities across North America are recommending this approach as a best practice.聽
Individual beverage container bins located downtown are being removed (as of Monday, March 23), and receptacles for beverage containers and plastics in S-Block and at the Activity Centre parking lot will be shut down.
Residents should dispose of beverage containers and plastic items with their regular garbage for the time being as holding on to recyclables is not recommended for sanitary reasons.
Referral line launched
The municipality has also launched a COVID-19 referral line. 聽If you have questions about what the Municipality is doing in response to the pandemic or about the services that are available in Jasper, call 780-852-6530.
