Coronavirus Information for Beaumont
The health, safety and well-being of our residents, staff and visitors is our city’s priority.
Here is a collection of information and resources regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including updates from the Government of Alberta, Government of Canada and the City of Beaumont.
Prevent the Spread
We continue to ask the community and our employees to practise healthy hygiene habits and physical distancing (maintaining an appropriate distance from others) to prevent the spread of germs, including:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Stay home if you are sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Do not share water bottles or similar containers
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
Physical distancing is a term that refers to a conscious effort to reduce close contact between people and hopefully reduce community transmission of the virus. Practise physical distancing in all public situations as this plays an important role in minimizing the spread of the virus.
This means staying at least two metres (six feet) away from other people, avoiding groups of 15 or more and visiting places with larger groups. However, this does not mean you must stay inside. Social distancing is not about staying indoors; it’s about maintaining an appropriate distance from others.
New information about COVID-19 is being shared on a regular basis on the Government of Alberta website.
City of Beaumont Updates
- City of Beaumont's Pandemic Plan
- Financial Support and Recovery
- Support for Beaumont Businesses
- Community and Mental Health Support
- Beaumont Services
- Closures and Cancellations
- Planning and Development Applications
- Information for Community Groups
- RV Parking
City of Beaumont’s Pandemic Plan
The City of Beaumont activated its Emergency Coordination Centre on March 16 to allow the orderly planning and coordination of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the appropriate resources are in place. Our top priorities are the health and safety of the public and city employees, as well as the continuity of services to residents.
The city and its contractors have plans in place that can be activated to ensure essential services are not disrupted if a significant number of employees become unavailable to work. Employees have received instruction on how to minimize the risk of transmitting coronavirus in the workplace and to the public, and enhanced hygiene, sanitization and prevention measures have been implemented throughout our facilities, workplaces and on Beaumont Transit.
During a pandemic, the city prioritizes:
Maintaining public safety services, e.g., fire, ambulance and police
Maintaining essential public works and municipal services, such as water treatment and delivery, garbage collection, and utilities
Working with Alberta Health Services to provide information and advice to the public
Closing public buildings when in the best interests of public safety and minimizing the spread of infection based on the recommendations of health officials
Coordinating and directing Family and Community Support Services and local non-government organizations’ support to our response
In addition, the City of Beaumont has agreements with neighbouring communities to share personnel capable of managing and maintaining essential services.
Financial Support and Recovery
Payment deferrals
Residents and businesses experiencing financial difficulties now have the ability to delay their utility bill and property tax payments.
Water, wastewater and garbage collection bills
Residents can delay paying their city water, wastewater and curbside (garbage) collection bill until September 30, 2020 without penalty or service cut off. Bills will continue to be sent, but residents can choose to delay payment and pay any time before September 30; penalties will be applied beginning on October 1 if payment has not been made.
Customers who are set up for automatic withdrawals and want to defer their payments must cancel their withdrawals by completing the Pre-authorized Payment Plan Changes form on our website.
A flexible repayment schedule with the city can also be discussed by emailing utilities@beaumont.ab.ca or calling 780-929-1351.
FAQ - water, wastewater and garbage collection bills deferral
Property taxes
Homeowners and businesses can also delay paying their property taxes to September 30, 2020 (from June 30, 2020) with no penalty. Penalties will be applied beginning on October 1 if payment has not been made by September 30.
Taxpayers on the monthly property tax plan can choose to withdraw from it by completing the Pre-authorized Payment Plan Changes form on our website. They must pay the remainder of their taxes in a lump sum by September 30.
For questions, please contact taxes@beaumont.ab.ca or 780-929-3306.
Online payment and service options
The City of Beaumont offers a number of payment and service options online for residents who are not able to pay in person at the city office.
Residents can manage and pay their utility bills and property taxes online at Virtual City Hall.
Pet licenses and renewal of business licenses can be done on the same platform. To activate your online account you will need your Customer ID. If you need help finding your Customer ID give us a call at 780-929-8782.
Support for Beaumont Businesses
The City of Beaumont compiled information and resources to help businesses manage the impacts of COVID-19.
Community and Mental Health Support
Stress and anxiety are normal emotions during a public health emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be heightened if you have chosen or are required to socially distance yourself. Alberta Health Services offers these tips to protect your mental health:
- Limit the amount of time you spend watching, reading, or listening to news about COVID-19
- Get the facts about COVID-19 from reliable sources such as the Government of Alberta’s website.
- Be mindful; gently paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. This can help you understand why you’re feeling anxious or stressed
- Use healthy approaches and skills you normally use to cope with stressful situations
- Keep in mind that this situation is temporary, and eventually things will return to normal
Alberta Health Services has compiled tips and other resources to help you cope with the current situation and look after your mental health. Read more here.
Beaumont’s Family and Community Support Services also suggests the following resources for additional support coping during the pandemic.
- The Distress Line offers supportive listening for any distressing issue; you don’t need to be suicidal to call: 780-492-4357
- Counselling – FCSS can offer a subsidy to families or individuals who qualify: 780-929-1006
- Addictions and Mental Health, Alberta Health Services: 780-424-2424
- 24 hour Addiction and Mental Health Crisis Response Team 780-342-7777
- Mental Health Helpline: 1-877-303-2642
- KIDS help phone: Text CONNECT to 686868
- The Leduc Beaumont Devon Primary Care Network offers mental and emotional health assessments and assists patients in finding most appropriate mental health service in the community (available through referral by your regular doctor): 780-986-6624
Additional suggested resources
Psychological support during a Pandemic (Psychologists’ Association of Alberta)
Parent/caregiver guide to help families cope with COVID-19 (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, USA)
What to do if you’re anxious about COVID-19 (Anxiety Canada)
Beaumont Services
City of Beaumont Services
Most municipal services continue without disruption.
Transit
Bus fare was waived for Beaumont Transit effective March 18, 2020, as all locations to buy bus passes and tickets are now closed to the public. ETS will operate its buses on the route.
Waste and Recycling
Weekly waste collection begins April 6-July 6 to accommodate increased volumes with more residents remaining at home.
Recycling pick-up will also be suspended temporarily beginning April 6. The City of Beaumont’s contractors made the difficult decision to stop the blue bag/blue bin recycling program to ensure the health and safety of their staff.
Residents have a couple of options for the disposal of recyclable material:
- Paper and cardboard can be placed in your green organics bin. Some examples of items that can be placed in your organics bin are pizza boxes, paper towels, shredded paper, and newspapers. A good rule of thumb is if the material came from something that was once living, it probably goes in your organics bin. *Please note that coffee cups and other food packaging that has a plastic lining should go in your grey bin. For more information about what goes in the organics bin visit beaumont.ab.ca/156 Other recyclables can be placed with your regular waste in the grey bin.
- Residents can bring their recyclables to the Leduc and District Waste Management Facility free of charge. Please bring proof of residency in Beaumont.
Curbside large item collection is postponed. Large items can be taken to the Leduc and District Waste Management Facility, though fees may apply for some items. For more details, visit leducregionallandfill.ca
Click here for the updated curbside collection schedule.
We will continue to look for other longer-term solutions for recycling.
Support for seniors
The City of Beaumont has compiled an information sheet for those in our community. Here are some tips on how to prevent the spread, shop at local businesses and stay happy and healthy during this time.
Closures and Cancellations
City Buildings Closures and Restrictions
The City of Beaumont is restricting access to all city buildings and facilities for the health and safety of residents and employees.
City Office - The office is closed to the public. If you require assistance please call 780.929.8782.
Family & Community Support Services - FCSS is closed to the public, residents can access their services through phone and email.
- Email: FCSS@beaumont.ab.ca
- Phone: 780.929.1006
Operations building, Fire Hall and RCMP – These buildings are all closed to the public. In case of an emergency, please call 911.
Recreation Facilities
The following facilities are closed to the public until May 1:
- Centre Communautaire Beaumont Community Centre
- Ken Nichol Regional Recreation Centre
- Chantal Bérubé Youth Centre
- All outdoor rinks are closed for the season
All city programs for the spring season (April-June) are cancelled. This includes all fitness and community programs. FCSS and Youth Centre programs are now online and more information can be found through the FCSS Facebook page.
City events such as Volunteer Appreciation (April 24) and Spring Kick-Off (May 2) are also cancelled.
Starting April 1, current membership holders and registered program participants will be issued a credit on their accounts. For anyone with bookings through May 1, cancellations have been made and credits will be issued to your account. To discuss refund options, please contact Guest Services at 780.929.1221.
The situation will be re-assessed regularly based on the risk level and recommendations from the Government of Alberta. Closures and cancellations may be extended further. Please check this page and the city’s Facebook page for updates.
City Playground Equipment and Structures
All city and school playground equipment and structures in Beaumont are closed. This closure will help stop the spread of COVID-19 by minimizing public gatherings and maintain social distancing. Beaumont’s parks and trails remain open, but we urge all residents to follow the Alberta government’s requirement for physical distancing.
Beaumont Dog Park
The gate at the dog park was removed on March 30 and replaced with a zig zag (corral-style) entrance. Please note that the park will no longer be completely secure. We have taken this measure to reduce potential touch points.
Early Learning Child Care and School Age Site Closed
The Alberta government ordered the closure of all licensed child care facilities, including Beaumont’s Early Learning Child Care Centre and School Age Site, in March. While the government has since re-opened some facilities in the province for the children of essential workers, Beaumont’s centres remain closed at this time.
Bibliothèque de Beaumont Library
The Beaumont Library is closed. You can sign up or renew your membership on their website beaumontlibrary.com. All holds and due dates will be extended and any fines will be waived. For the time being please keep any borrowed material at home. The Library also posting online programming on their Facebook page.
Planning and Development Applications
Effective March 18, 2020, the City Office is closed to the public. For Planning & Development applications, please note the following:
- We encourage all applicants to email applications for development permits, building permits and compliance certificates to development@beaumont.ab.ca. Payment can be made using credit cards by filling out the credit card payment form found here and submitting it with your application.
- Other land development applications including Area Structure Plans, Redistricting, Subdivision and Development Agreements can also be submitted electronically by sending them to planning@beaumont.ab.ca. Payment for these applications can be made by cheque and dropping it in the after-hours drop box at the City Office.
- Alternative payment arrangements can be made by contacting development@beaumont.ab.ca
- For building codes inspections, please e-mail all inspection requests to buildinginspection@beaumont.ab.ca. For all building inspections, to maintain safe social distancing for our staff and the public, we are asking that there be no one on-site at the time of the inspection. Prior to booking the inspection, you will be asked if anyone has been quarantined, sick or travelled recently. Where the Safety Codes Officers are not comfortable as they approach or enter a site, they have the right of refusal where they deem it unsafe.
- Fast Track New House applications will not be accepted until further notice.
- Rush compliance requests are still being accepted.
We are working to maintain service delivery, however, our service levels may be longer than normal. We thank you for your patience and understanding. Please contact 780-929-8782 for general inquiries.
Information for Community Groups
Social Services Support for COVID-19 Funding Criteria
The Alberta government is providing funding to municipalities, charitable and non-profit organizations to provide help to individuals, seniors, families and other vulnerable Albertans who are isolated or impacted by measures to contain COVID-19. Grants will be provided through local Family and Community Support Services.
See here for full details.
Contact the Beaumont FCSS for the Funding Request Form by emailing FCSS@beaumont.ab.ca or calling 780.929.1006.
RV Parking
The City of Beaumont implemented a 15 Day Parking Permit for Beaumont residents who are returning from out of country travel.
As directed by the Government of Alberta, residents returning from international travel with a recreational vehicle (RV) are required to go straight home without making a stop at an RV parking facility.
Residents who are returning with an RV are asked to contact Municipal Enforcement at 780-929-7435 to register their RV (someone will be available 24/7). This will allow residents to park their RV in their driveway or on the street for the 14 day isolation period without resulting in any enforcement action.
Additional COVID-19 Information
- Resources for Families & Individuals
- Government Resources for Businesses
- Public Health Complaints
- COVID-19 Updates
Resources for Families and Individuals
Beaumont’s Family and Community Support Services team is available to assist families and individuals by phone, email and social media. FCSS continues to connect residents with resources, programs and supports, and provide opportunities for mental wellness and connection. We encourage all Beaumont residents to build a network of friends, family and neighbours to support them during this time and FCSS is here to be part of that network.
We have compiled the following links to programs, resources and supports available from government and other sources for families and individuals. If you need assistance or can’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact FCSS at 780-929-1006 or fcss@beaumont.ab.ca
COVID-19 Financial Assistance
The Government of Canada is providing a range of supports for families and individuals, including those facing unemployment or unable to work due to COVID-19 and people who are sick or required to self-isolate. For more information, visit the Government of Canada’s website.
The Government of Alberta is providing relief for families and individuals in a number of ways, including working with the utility regulator to allow customers to pause payment of utility bills, and implementing a six-month, interest-free moratorium on Alberta student loan payments. For more information, visit the Government of Alberta’s website.
Other Supports
Alberta Works Office: In-person services are temporarily suspended. For Income Support, call the Leduc Office at 780-980-3565 to start the process.
Alberta Supports After Hours Emergency: For emergency financial assistance, or anyone who needs help after the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call 780-644-5135.
Utility Deferral Program:
- Residential customers can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off, regardless of the service provider.
- If you are unable to pay your utility bills please call your utility company to make payment arrangements. At this time no utilities will be cut off during COVID-19.
- The City of Beaumont is allowing residents and businesses to delay payment of their water and wastewater bills until September 30, 2020 without penalty or service cut off. Businesses and homeowners can also delay paying property taxes until September 30, 2020 with no penalty.
Financial Assistance for Utility Arrears: Contact Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992. Assistance is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Leduc & District Food Bank: Residents can contact the food bank at 780-986-5333 and book an appointment to pick-up a hamper. Call Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays before 8:30 a.m. to secure a spot for the same day.
Halal Food Hamper: Offered in partnership by the Islamic Family and Social Services Association with the Edmonton Food Bank. Call 780-900-2777.
Seniors Transportation: Drive Happiness provides seniors assisted transportation to grocery stores, prescription pick-ups and other trips. Delivery also available. Call 780-424-5438 to book a ride.
Childrens’ Services: Child Protective Services remains open as an essential service. During regular hours between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, contact the Leduc office at 780-986-7869. For help after hours and weekends, contact 780-427-3390.
Family Violence:
- The Alberta government offers activities and resources to help prevent family violence and support healthy relationships. The Family Violence Info Line is available 24-7 in more than 170 languages at 310-1818. Albertans can also use the Family Violence Info chat online at alberta.ca/SafetyChat between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily.
- The Riseup Society in Leduc offers individual counselling for adults affected by intimate partner violence. Counselling is available by phone; office and staff are available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Call 780-739-7473.
- The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters is available 24/7. Phone at 1-866-331-3933 to speak to someone at a shelter near you.
Sexual Assault: The Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton’s support and information line is open between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. at 780-423-4121 and trained volunteers answer texts sent to 1-866-403-8000.
Legal Resources: The Centre for Public Legal Education of Alberta (CPLEA) has compiled frequently asked questions about legal matters related to COVID-19.
Legal Services: Many community and legal clinics are not seeing clients in person, but can provide services by phone.
- The Edmonton Community Legal Centre office is closed, but you can fill out their online intake form. Someone will call you back if your matter is urgent.
- Student Legal Services (University of Alberta) is closed until further notice.
- Legal Aid Alberta is only accepting applications for in-custody criminal matters, urgent out-of-custody criminal matters and urgent family or child protection matters. Intake services at the courthouse are closed. You can apply by telephone at 1-866-845-3425.
- Resolution and Court Administration Services provides information about courts and resolution services in Alberta. Call 1-855-738-4747 or fill out the contact form for more information.
For information on a range of resources, including supports for mental health, addictions, homelessness, residents with disabilities, along with information for students and parents, please contact Beaumont FCSS at 780-929-1006 or fcss@beaumont.ab.ca
Government Resources for Businesses
The City of Beaumont compiled information and resources to help businesses manage the impacts of COVID-19.
Public Health Complaints
Self-isolation and mass gathering
Alberta implemented public health orders restricting mass gatherings of more than 15 people and legally requiring returning international travellers, close contact of confirmed cases, and people exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms to self-isolate.
If you know someone who is not self-isolating when they are legally required to:
- take proper precautions and distance yourself from the person to limit your risk of exposure if they have symptoms.
- remind the person that not following public health orders is against the law and puts people at risk.
Albertans can submit a complaint to Alberta Health Services if they are concerned about an establishment or individuals not following the public health orders.
Albertans have an obligation to protect themselves, their families, and others by doing what they can – including following self-isolation requirements.