COUNCIL CORNER: Town of Tofield has not imposed State of Local Emergency measures – yet!

Recently, Mayor and Council held their first Regular Meeting of Council through teleconference. During these exceptionally challenging times, there is still a necessity to conduct business for the Municipality, and forge forward for the betterment of the community.

Collectively, we are fortunate that mediums through technology exist to allow Council to meet, while still adhering to the necessity to physically distance. It is the intent of Mayor and Council to use these mediums to continue to meet and participate in not only Regular Meetings of Council, but also for our roles on Boards and Commissions.

Although there have been unforeseen challenges in doing so, truly, there is a necessity for each member of Council to fulfill their roles and duties as elected officials.

A recent point of discussion for Mayor and Council has been around the Declaration of a State of Local Emergency (SOLE). At this time, Council does not believe there to be a necessity to enact a SOLE. It should be noted; this does not prevent Council from declaring a SOLE at any point in the future should the situation change and dictate this necessity.

Now, one may ask, what is a State of Local Emergency and what does it do?

A SOLE is an exceptionally powerful legislative tool that Municipalities can use during the course of an emergency and requires the use of extraordinary measures. This measure is done through legislation by providing additional emergency powers to local officials for the  purpose of responding to an emergency. A SOLE can be active for up to seven days and then at this point would need to be renewed or it lapses.

Please know, these are measures not to be taken lightly, under a State of Local Emergency a local government can:

• Restrict travel,

• Distribute essential supplies,

• Evacuate people and animals,

• Enter properties and buildings without a warrant,

• Procure fixed pricing on essential products,

• Conscript individuals, and equipment for use in responding to an emergency.

As one can see, these measures are wide spreading and should be given intense thought. The decision to not declare a SOLE at this time comes through conversation and feedback with the Province of Alberta, feedback from the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, and, through the Beaver Emergency Services Commission Regional Emergency Manager. This individual provides solid guidance to the entire County of Beaver and is well skilled and versed in the operations of emergency management.

Conversations with the Emergency Manager have been consistent and to date solid direction has been provided. It is our plan to continue on with these conversations and to weigh each day individually with regard to the best approach for Tofield.

Although Town Council has not issued a SOLE at this time, we have taken actions to respond to this crisis. Some of these actions have included the closure of all Town owned and operated facilities to the general public, the closure of playgrounds and once again, the close working relationship with Beaver Emergency Services Commission and the Province of Alberta.

This is without question an exceptionally trying time for Tofield, Beaver County, Alberta and the world. The entire Town of Tofield organization is taking this situation very seriously.

Mayor, Council and Administration are taking cues from the Province and implementing them in Tofield where required. In this breath, the situation is evolving, rapidly and our response will be as well. Mayor and Council encourage our residents to keep up to date through our Social Media (Facebook page) which we are regularly updating. Mayor and Council also encourage each resident to visit the Alberta Health site specific to COVID 19 (https://www.alberta.ca/COVID19)

Together, we can succeed. Together we can each show the strength of Tofield.

Sincerely,

Mayor and Council