Effective immediately, municipal offices within Wood Buffalo will close and transition to an essential service approach.
CAO Annette Antoniak said the RMWB will take necessary precautions to prepare for and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“These steps align with the advice and recommendations made by public health officials and the federal government and we’re committed to doing our part to keep residents and employees safe, while continuing to provide essential services.”
The announcement followed the closure of public facilities around the region and the postponement of events on March 13.
Online service remains available for such things as payment for utilities, tickets, and other services.
Residents should follow up with municipal officials to determine a plan for any upcoming meetings or activities.
Beginning, March 18, 2020, the public drop-off area at the landfill will close.
Commercial use of the landfill may continue.
As for sanitation, residents should not separate their garbage or recycling.
They should bag all refuse and put them inside collection bins.
Crews shall pick up two bins per home on regular collection days, starting March 23.
These changes will not affect garbage and light blue bins for the week.
Rural garbage and recycling depots shall remain open until further notice.
The Municipality added recycling depots in Fort McMurray will be unavailable in the days ahead.
Increased cleaning and preventative measures in public transit are currently underway
Antoniak said staff will work from home or by other alternative arrangements.
The transition by the RMWB remains in effect until further notice.
A full list of adjustments by the Municipality is available on their website.
