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COVID-19

COVID-19 Overview

While the evolving situation surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to unfold, we want to assure Devon residents that the Town is closely monitoring the situation and has plans, partnerships, and resources in place to support our staff as well as the community.

  • August 4, 2020, Alberta Health Services announces staged re-opening of Devon General Hospital Emergency Department
    Please refer here for details on the re-opening.

  • June 12, 2020, Alberta enters Stage 2 of relaunch strategy

  • June 5, 2020, Town of Devon allows State of Local Emergency to expire

  • May 14, 2020, Governent of Alberta launches Stage 1 of relaunch strategy

  • May 1, 2020, Alberta Government announces relaunch strategy for Alberta economy
    The Government of Alberta has announced a staged approach to reopening the Alberta Economy.

  • March 27, 2020, non-esssential business closure notice.
    Please refer to the Public Health Order as directed by the Province, for details.

  • March 24, 2020, Town of Devon declares local state of emergency for COVID-19
    The Town of Devon has declared a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) effective Mar. 24, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. in order to further support provincial efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

  • March 17, 2020, COVID-19 outbreak was declared a global pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO). Alberta declared a public health emergency on March 17.

Alberta Health Services Self Assessment

If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, you can conduct a self-assessment here.

Devon Splash Park Open June 12

We are proud to announce that the Devon Splash Park in Centennial Park has reopened to the public with the start of Stage 2 of Alberta's relaunch on June 12. If everything keeps moving forward, we expect it to remain open all summer. The Splash Park hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. each day.

If you intend to use the Splash Park, please continue to practice all of the health and safety recommendations from AHS including physical distancing, good hygeine and sanitization and leaving kids toys at home.

Devon Town Office Reopening May 25

As Stage 1 of the Government of Alberta Relaunch Strategy continues, the Town of Devon Municipal Office will reopen to the public on May 25 at 8:30 a.m. and hopes to continue with regular hours pending the COVID-19 situation declining.

Town Council will also return to in-person meetings on starting at their May 25 Council Meeting at 7 p.m. at the Town Office, Council Chambers.

Devon RCMP Detachment - Reduced Counter Service

The Devon RCMP is asking everyone to call the Detachment at 780-987-3414 before going to the station as they currently have reduced counter services and hours until further notice.

Facility Closures

The following faciltiies have closed to the public as a precautionary measure to protect our residents:

  • Devon Community Pool

Facility Rentals

Those who have a facility booking during the closure period or looking to cancel any future facility rentals will also be given a full refund from the Town for the booking.

Questions about facility rentals can be directed to our Community Services Coordinator at P: 780-987-8328 or E: CSekora@devon.ca.

Local Support / Chat Groups and Mental Wellness Information 

Follow this link to the Devon Family and Community Support Services Facebook page for details on groups available and wellness options: Devon FCSS

Out of Hours

FCSS is not a 24 / 7 service but there are supports that you can reach out to. For assistance 24 / 7 you can call 2-1-1. There are specific contact supports here: Resident Support Numbers (not all are 24/7).

Food Security Support

Leduc & District Food Bank

The Leduc and District Food Bank supports residents in Devon year-round. They provide full hampers of food for individuals and families and typically with enough supplies to last around one month.

During this difficult time, Devon residents who may or may not previously have needed to access any of these supports may need to do so now and we want to make sure you know where you can reach out to. 

To Access the Food Bank:

  • Option one - Call the Leduc Food Bank directly at 780-986-5333 on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays in the morning. They will do an intake over the phone, which covers basic information required to build a hamper and establish identification. They will then arrange a pick-up time with the resident. There is no direct contact, so social distancing rules are in place. If a resident is unable to pick up due to self-isolation or lack of transport, the Food Bank will arrange with either one of their volunteers or Devon FCSS to collect and deliver. 
  • Option two – If a resident would prefer Devon FCSS to access the Food Bank on their behalf they can email FCSS@devon.ca , CSOC@devon.ca or call 780-987-8300 and they will go through the intake process with an FCSS staff person who will then provide that via email to the Leduc Food Bank to connect directly with the resident and follow up as necessary.

To Access Food / Essential Items Funding Support – Devon FCSS:

If a low income resident needs a small amount of support for essentials please call the Devon FCSS office at 780-987-8300 to discuss options. 

For Shut-In’s / Self-Isolating / Single Parents Without Other Supports:

Anyone who is under mandatory or health related isolation (e.g. returning snowbird, senior, disabled etc.)  or single parents with young children who cannot be safely left alone AND who does not have local support, Devon FCSS can provide a shopping service and / or pick-up and delivery. 

  • Option one – residents can online shop through Independent or they can call into IGA  and place their orders. Residents then call Devon FCSS to pick up and deliver those orders on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Devon Lions Club can also do pick-ups Monday – Friday https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/devonab/page-10.php.
  • Option two – if residents are unable to online / phone in shop, Devon FCSS can take a shopping order (up to $100) and go shop for the resident. Residents need to call in on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8:30am – 4:30pm with their order and then the shopping and delivery will take place the day after. Copies of receipts will be provided along with notice of anything that was unable to be purchased. The resident will then get an invoice for the shopping within 1-2 weeks.  There is no Fri-Sun service.

Donation Inquiries

We have received many donation inquiries from residents to help those in need.

Donation Option 1

Food Bank – donate online at www.candahelps.org and type in Leduc Food Bank (it services the Devon community)

Donation Option 2

Devon FCSS Families in Need Crisis Fund – made via our office to take payment over the phone. This fund supplies Devon residents in need with essential items (food, gas, etc.).

To donate to the Families in Need Crisis Fund, call the Town of Devon Office at 780-987-8300.

Property Tax & Town Utility Payment Deferral

Property Tax Deferral

Town Council has approved the deferral of property taxes for residents on a case-by-case basis to assist those impacted financially by COVID-19. Property Tax Notices will be mailed out on June 30, 2020 and the new due date for property tax payments is Sept. 1, 2020.

Residents on a monthly payment plan facing financial difficulties are encouraged to call the Town Office at 780-987-8300 to see how we can support you during this time.

Utility Payment Deferral

The Town is extending its utility deferral program and will be waiving penalties on late payments until Sept. 30, 2020 to provide support and flexibility to residents struggling to catch up on their finances due to COVID-19. There will also be no disconnects of any utilities during this period.

After Sept. 30, a letter will be sent to Devon property owners who have outstanding arrears on their accounts with a deadline of Nov. 30, 2020 for payment. Any amounts remaining on utility accounts after Nov. 30 will be transferred to tax roll on Dec. 31, 2020

Please note, a deferral means that you must still pay property taxes and utility bills at a later date. 

If bills become a concern there may be options available to support you. Please contact Family & Community Support Services at 780-987-8300 to discuss your particular situation.

Food Security

Follow this link for information on accessing local food support if funding is an issue: Food Security

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

This includes support for:

  • individuals and families
  • people facing unemployment
  • people who are sick or in directed self-isolation
  • people who are unable to work
  • seniors, students, youth and other people in need
  • businesses to avoid layoffs, access credit support and help find financial stability

Learn more about the COVID-19 Econonic Response Plan here

Federal Government Support for Albertans

Albertans may also be eligible for financial support through the federal government including:

  • Employment Insurance sickness benefits
    • Provides up to 15 weeks of income replacement for eligible Albertans who are unable to work due to illness, injury or quarantine (self-isolation). One-week waiting period is waived for people in self-isolation.
  • Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
    • Provides $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to workers without paid sick leave (or similar workplace accommodation) who are unable to work, sick, quarantined or forced to stay home to care for children.
  • Canada Child Benefit
    • Eligible parents will receive $300 more per child with their regular May CCB payment.
  • GST rebate increase
    • Provides low- and modest-income Albertans with a one-time special payment in May of up to $400 for single people and $600 for couples.
  • Eased rules for Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) 
    • The required minimum withdrawal from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) will be reduced by 25% in 2020 in recognition of the impact of volatile market conditions on many seniors’ retirement savings.

Learn more about the Government of Canada's Coronavirus (COVID-19) response here

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

The Government of Canada is launching the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) on Apr. 6 to provide temporary income support to employed and self-employed Canadians whose employment has been directly affected by COVID-19.

The CERB will provide eligible applicants who have stopped working because of COVID-19 with temporary income support of $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

Who is eligible?

The CERB will be available to workers:

  • residing in Canada who are at least 15 years old
  • who have stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits
  • who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to their application date
  • who are, or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period

Canadians who have already applied for Employment Insurance (regular or sick benefits) do not need to reapply for the CERB.

Those who became eligible for EI on or after March 15 will have their claim processed under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Those who became eligible for EI before March 15 will have their claim processed under the pre-existing EI rules, regardless of when they applied.

How to apply?

Applications for the CERB will begin the week of Monday, Apr. 6, 2020, however the CRA has assigned specific days of the week for accepting applications based on the month applicants were born.

There are two ways to apply:

When can I apply? (online or by phone)

If you were born in the month of

Apply for the CERB on

Your best day to apply

January, February or March

Mondays

April 6

April, May or June

Tuesdays

April 7

July, August or September

Wednesdays

April 8

October, November or December

Thursdays

April 9

Any month

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

 

 

After you apply

If you are eligible for the CERB, you can expect $2,000 for a 4-week period through a single payment. Those with employment situations continuing beyond 4-weeks can re-apply every 4 weeks to a maximum of 16 weeks.

Once applied, payment can be expected in 3 business days for those with direct deposit with the CRA and approximately 10 business days for those without direct deposit. All CERB benefits are taxable and will need to be reported on next year’s tax filing.

Alberta Government Support for Albertans

The Government of Alberta is also providing immediate financial relief to Alberta's families and vulnerable population through:

Learn more about Government of Alberta Support for Albertans here

Alberta Supports

Alberta Supports can help you access more than 30 programs and 120 services for seniors, people with disabilities, job seekers, parents and families, homelessness, financial assistance, abuse, and family violence prevention. To protect the health of all Albertans, Alberta Supports Centres are temporarily suspending in-person services until further notice.

Note: The Alberta Supports Contact Centre is experiencing higher than normal wait times. We are working to address this and appreciate your patience.

Shopping Support *No Fee Delivery

If you live in Devon and are a senior/have a disability who is unable to get to the grocery store, here are some additional ways to find help getting what you need.

Devon Lions

If you are able to purchase online with Independent or over the phone with IGA, the Lions are available for collection and delivery. Follow this link for more information: https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/devonab/page-10.php

Town of Devon - Pick Up or Shop For You

  • Town staff can pick up and deliver your pre-ordered / pre-paid items.​​
  • Town staff will take a shopping list ($100 or less worth of items), do your shopping and deliver the items to your door.
  • Phone: 780-910-1960

How does it work through the Town?

Option A - PICK UP

If you have already ordered and paid for your your food and just need a collection / delivery, you can call 780-910-1960 to arrange. Delivery to your home can take place Tuesday and Thursday.

Option B - SHOP FOR YOU

Call 780-910-1960, place your small (weekly or bi-weekly) shopping list order, up to $100 worth, and we will have staff do the shopping for you and delivery the groceries to your doorstep. Call Monday or Wednesday, 8:30am - 4:30pm for a delivery on Tuesday or Thursday.

You are still responsible for the cost of your groceries and we will arrange payment through an invoice.

If funds are an issue for your groceries, please discuss this when speaking to our staff to arrange grocery delivery.

Senior Shopping Hours

Hardy's Independent Grocer and Devon IGA are offering a seniors only shopping to provide seniors a safe shopping experience and senior discounts will be applied during this time. If transportation is required, seniors can book a pick up/drop off, with the Town's community bus.

Hardy's Independent: Tuesday and Thursday from 7-8 a.m. 

Devon IGA - Golden Hour: 7 days a week 7-8 a.m.

Home Delivery / Take Out

Check here for the updated list of service available in Devon.

Medical Appointment Support

For those needing assistance with getting to medical appointments we currently have a couple options.

Appointments outside Devon

For appointments outside of Devon, the Drive Happiness Seniors Assistance Program is available. This is a paid service and is coordinated externally with volunteers. To support those in need, the Town of Devon will take these calls from residents and assist with arranging a ride to medical appointments.

Appointments in Devon

For appointments within Devon, the Community Bus is available within Town on Tuesdays and Thursdays and we have waived the $5 ride all day fee at this time. Additional arrangements may be able to be made to accommodate those in need.

Keeping Connected

Senior Centre Without Walls - 789-395-2626

This is a free call in senior centre that allows seniors to call in, register and access a variety of interactive telephone-based social and health programming. Follow this link to their webiste for details: Seniors Centre Without Walls

Facetime/Facebook Messenger Video Chat

For those with the proper technology, Facetime/Facebook Messenger video chat are a great way to stay in touch and socialize if need be.

Social Connection and Opportunities

The Town of Devon is working on developing programs to engage our seniors in a social way. Follow this link to the Devon Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Facebook page for details on support / chat groups: Devon FCSS Facebook

Mental Health Resources and Wellbeing Support

Local Support / Chat Groups and Mental Wellness Information 

Follow this link to the Devon Family and Community Support Services Facebook page for details on groups available and wellness options: Devon FCSS

STAGE 2 of Alberta’s re-launch strategy - June 12, 2020

The Province announced the following additional businesses and services that will be allowed to reopen and resume operations starting June 12th, ensuring that 2m (6’) physical distancing requirements and other public health guidelines are in place.

Alberta's Relaunch Strategy
Sector Specific Guidance Documents
Alberta Biz Connect
Business Rental Assistance Program (CECRA)
Covid-19 Return to Work Employer Toolkit

It is not a requirement to reopen. Business operators, sport and recreation services can determine if they are ready to open, ensuring all guidance for workplaces are met.

Lifted Restrictions:

  • K-12 schools, for requested diploma exams and summer school, following guidance
  • Libraries
  • More surgeries
  • Wellness services such as massage, acupuncture and reflexology
  • Personal services (esthetics, cosmetics skin and body treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, facial treatments, artificial tanning)
  • Movie theatres and theatres
  • Community halls
  • Team sports
  • Indoor recreation, fitness and sports, including gyms and arenas
  • Pools for leisure swimming (Note: The Devon Pool will remain closed for the 2020 season)
  • VLTs in restaurants and bars
  • Bingo halls and casinos (but not table games)
  • Instrumental concerts
  • Provincial campgrounds at full capacity

Increase capacity for Events and Gatherings:

  • 50 people maximum: indoor social gatherings, including wedding and funeral receptions, and birthday parties
  • 100 people maximum: outdoor events and indoor seated/audience events, including wedding and funeral ceremonies
  • No cap on the number of people (with public health measures in place):
    • worship gatherings
    • restaurant, cafes, lounges and bars
    • casinos
    • bingo halls
  • More flexibility for ‘cohort’ groups – small groups of people whose members do not always keep 2 meters (6’) apart:
    • a household can increase its close interactions with other households to a maximum of 15 people
    • performers can have a cohort of up to 50 people (cast members or performers)
    • sports teams can play in region-only cohorts of up to 50 players (mini leagues)
    • people could be part of a sports/performing and household cohort.

NOT APPROVED in Stage 2:

  • Social gatherings that exceed above listed maximums
  • Regular in-school classes for kindergarten to Grade 12. Classes will resume September 2020
  • Vocal concerts (as singing carries a higher risk of transmission)
  • Major festivals and concerts, large conferences, trade shows and events (as these are non-seated social events and/or vocal concerts)
  • Nightclubs
  • Amusement parks
  • Hookah lounges (permitted for food and drink only)
  • Major sporting events and tournaments
  • Non-essential travel outside the province is not recommended – this won't be lifted until stage 3 of the relaunch strategy
May 14, 2020 - STAGE 1 of Alberta’s re-launch strategy

 

Lifted Restrictions:

  • Some retail businesses like clothing, furniture and bookstores.
  • All farmers' market vendors.
  • Some personal services like hairstyling and barber shops.
  • More scheduled surgeries and dental procedures will continue.
  • Cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars can reopen for public seating at 50% capacity, but people will not be able to go to the bar to order drinks, they will need to be served at the table.
  • Museums and art galleries.
  • Daycares and out-of-school care, with occupancy limits.
  • Summer camps, with occupancy limits (this could include summer school).

Please feel free to reach out to our Economic Development Officer should you have any questions.
Patricia Nicol   780-987-8306 / pnicol@devon.ca

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Devon Property Tax & Town Utility Payment Deferral
Property Tax Deferral

Town Council has approved the deferral of property taxes for residents on a case-by-case basis to assist those impacted financially by COVID-19. Property Tax Notices will be mailed out on May 31, 2020 and the new due date for property tax payments is Sept. 1, 2020.

Utility Payment Deferral

Town utility account holders will also have the option of deferring their Town utility payments for up to 3 months (Mar. 18 to June 18, 2020). Monthly bills will continue to be distributed to residents and businesses, however no penalty fees or service disconnections will be applied to any account in arrears during this time.

Please note, a deferral means that you must still pay property taxes and utility bills at a later date.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Financial Resources

Workplace Programs

Information Guides and Templates

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has graciously provided a few guides, information sheets and templates to assist businesses in the workplace.

 

Stay tuned to all Devon-related updates to the COVID-19 Response here. 

All Alberta Health Services updates are available at alberta.ca/covid19

All Government of Canada updates are available at canada.ca/coronavirus

June Updates

May Updates

April Updates

​March Updates

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Municipal Office Contact
Town of Devon Municipal Office
1 Columbia Avenue West
Devon, AB T9G 1A1

 Phone: 780-987-8300
 Fax: 780-987-4778
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