(EDIT: A previous edition of this article stated WBH may consider looking at temporary layoffs. That statement was made in error and the WBH is not considering layoffs at this time. We apologize for this error.)
In preparation for a potential COVID-19 outbreak, Wood Buffalo Housing made significant preparations.
WBH closed its main administration and maintenance offices to the public and tenants until further notice.
Staff shall work remotely housing and assisting tenants using social distancing practices.
Senior lodges Rotary House and Ayabaskaw Home will maintain in-house staff.
Both will close to all visitors according to rules from Alberta Health Services.
WBH President and CEO Henry Hunter said these are unprecedented times.
“We are still taking applications for housing, moving people in and responding to emergency maintenance requests. We, of course, have had to alter how we do these things with social distancing in mind and the health and safety of our staff and tenants as a priority, but so far it has been working well.”
Hunter added everyone needs to work together and heed the warnings from medical professionals.
A new triage for incoming calls is in place with the main administration line.
Callers may leave a message and the WBH will respond later that day during its regular office hours.
An emergency answering service will also receive all after-hours calls.
“We know this is a challenging time for many of our tenants who may be temporarily laid off as a result of this pandemic, and we are encouraging everyone to utilize the financial assistance options that our governments have put into place.”
Hunter said the WBH website will provide instructions for tenants looking to pay rent online.
The main administration office will also open on March 30 and April 6 so tenants may the option of dropping off payments.
Dates may change to align with recommendations from Alberta Health Services.
“Our property administrators have been busy calling every single WBH tenant this week to check-in and see how they are doing,” Said Hunter, “and we are monitoring the updates from the government closely.”
WBH said it will continue monitoring advice from different levels of government while updating its Emergency Response Plan and other preventative measures.
Tenants may follow WBH on social media for updates, and call for questions and assistance at (780) 799-4050.
