The Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation (WBEDC) has been tasked with reviewing aid packages announced by federal and provincial governments.
Mayor Don Scott said the move will allow the municipality to see how it can strengthen and assist businesses in our region.
“We want to make sure that they not only survive, but in the long run succeed and do really well. We’re going to do everything we can to support business in the region.”
WBEDC is to present its findings during an upcoming council meeting.
Scott said that with the challenge of the economic climate before the crisis this is going to continue to be a challenging economic time for our region.
He said the aid packages are a good first step.
“Whatever the federal and provincial governments announce, I’m unlikely to say it’s ever going to be enough.”
Mayor Scott said while aggressive measures are being taken it’s important to remain calm.
Director of Emergency Management, Scott Davis said that when it comes to our homeless population, the municipality has been actively working with social support agencies.
He said the municipality is also in contact with our local Indigenous communities and their field and zone officers to ensure information is accurate.
All those under the municipality’s Vulnerable Persons Registry have also been contacted to ensure their needs are taken care of.
The Chipewyan Prairie First Nation in Janvier has set up a check stop on its land to review everyone trying to enter the community.
While there are no confirmed cases of the virus in the region, Davis said the municipality is working with Alberta Health Services to identify potential sites to be set up as assessment centres.
Along with changes to garbage pickup and other essential services that were announced earlier this week, transit will run on a weekend schedule as of March 20.
The municipality said it would continue to maintain parks, trails and outdoor rinks.
