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1. What is PED (Porcine Epedemic Diarrhea)?

For information on PED, please visit the Government of Alberta's Agriculture and Forestry website.

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1. Provincial Information for Businesses and Non-Profits

September 17, 2020

Alberta Biz Connect offers workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely.

Visit https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx 

Relaunch Policies and Procedures
All workplaces are expected to develop and implement policies and procedures to address COVID-19 prior to reopening or to continue operations after May 1. Click here for more information

Guidance Documents
Click here for provincial relaunch guidance for various sectors

Contact
For questions about the relaunch plan for businesses, email: BizConnect@gov.ab.ca 

2. Alberta's Relaunch Strategy: Stage 2

Starting June 12, more businesses and services can reopen in all areas of Alberta.

• Click here for the most up to date information about Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy
• Click here for the printable document 

To be successful during the economic relaunch, businesses should continue acting responsibly by following public health and physical distancing measures and using good hygiene and disinfecting practices.

Visit https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx  for more information. 

3. Restricted and Non-Restricted Services

September 17, 2020

Businesses on the non-restricted services and permitted to reopen lists can provide services at locations accessible to the public, but they must follow general and sector-specific guidance and have enhanced infection prevention and controls in place.

Visit https://www.alberta.ca/restricted-and-non-restricted-services.aspx for a list of restricted and non-restricted services. 

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1. Who can apply for a Community Grant?

• Non-profit organizations, societies or associations who operate within Kneehill County, and have had society status for a minimum of 2 (two) years, in good standing, can apply. 
• The project must also be completed within Kneehill County borders. 
• Organizations must be able to match the funding requested at a minimum of 50% of the total project cost

Community Grants Policy

2. Who is ineligible to apply for a Community Grant?

• Municipalities or individual persons
• Organizations that provide services or programs that are the responsibility of another level of government, including Health, Education, Libraries and Social Services
• Religious organizations; however, we will consider an organization with religious affiliations that are seeking funding for a non-denominational initiative that is open to the community-at-large
• Organizations with political affiliations
• Projects that have already been started or completed
• Programs, events, and activities that receive support from the County through other programs or policies with the exception of the Kneehill County Rural Community Halls listed in Policy #15-13
• Programs, events, and activities that have received support from the County through another application from another non-profit organization
• Organizations that received Kneehill Community Grant to Non-Profit Organizations funding in the prior year of more than $1,000 are not eligible this year
• The project cannot enhance or create a fully owned municipal asset. Applications involving land and/or facilities must include a Certificate of Title.
• Organizations must be able to match the funding requested at a minimum of 50% of the total project cost 

Community Grants Policy

3. How do I apply for a Community Grant?

Grant applications and criteria are available electronically on the Kneehill County website or can be picked up at the Kneehill County Administration building.  

No other form of application will be accepted. 

Community Grant Application

4. How much Community Grant funding can I apply for?

• The amount and availability of grants will be determined by Council at the annual budget deliberations.
• Grant funding is approved on a matching basis. This means organizations must contribute an amount equal to or exceeding the actual Community Grant. The matching requirement may be met in the form of any combination of money, volunteer labour, services, donated materials or equipment, all of which must be specifically related to the project.  
  • The value of volunteerism for Community Grant is based on:
    • $10.00/hour for unskilled labour
    • $25.00/hour for skilled labour
    • Donated materials and professional services at verified fair market value; and
    • Donated heavy equipment (incl. operator) $50.00/hour.
  • Time and labour provided towards the preparation of Community Grant funding applications, committee planning meetings, fundraising, and similar activities are not eligible for Community Grants matching purposes.
• Funding is limited to a minimum of $250 dollars
• Organizations can request to present to Council but are not mandatory
• Additional information or clarification may be requested by Council before approval of funds

Community Grants Policy

5. How long do we have to use our Community Grant funding?

• Organizations have one year to use the funds. 
• If the Organization is unable to conduct the project program, event or activity in the current year, a written letter of request for an extension must be submitted.

Community Grants Policy

6. What can I use the Community Grant funding for?

The entire amount of financial support received through the Community Grant program must be used exclusively for the project described on your Community Grant Application.  

Community Grants Policy

7. Who can I contact regarding Community Grants?

Questions about the Community Grant Program? Call or email Carolyn Van der Kuil at Kneehill County, 403-443-5541.

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1. Who do I contact for Community Support in the Kneehill Area?

September 18, 2020

Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services are here to help and support residents during COVID-19. Call 403-443-3800 to connect over the phone, or to make an appointment. Calls will be answered between 9 am - 12 pm, and from 1 pm to 4 pm.

• Social/Emotional supports are available through your Family Resource Worker. Messages are confidential and regularly checked during business hours. Call 403-443-3800.
• Community Volunteer Income Tax Program- A modified version of this program is also available.
  Call 403-443-3800 for eligibility and to make an appointment.  

If you schedule an in-person appointment with KRFCSS, please follow all protocols set in place for COVID-19 to protect volunteers, staff, clients and our communities.

Visit the Kneehill Regional FCSS website.

2. I need mental health support. Where do I go?

September 18, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant impact on mental health.

Local Supports

Kneehill Regional FCSS

• Social/Emotional supports are available through your Family Resource Worker. Messages are confidential and regularly checked during business hours. Call 403-443-3800.

Non-Local

Online resources are available if you need advice on handling stressful situations or ways to talk to children.

• Help in Tough Times (AHS)
• Mental health and coping with COVID-19 (CDC)
• Talking with children about COVID-19 (CDC)
• COVID-19 information for young kids and students (PDF, 122 KB)

If you need to talk, call the 24-hour help lines:

• Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642
• Addiction Help Line at 1-866-332-2322

Additional resources are available at alberta.ca/mentalhealth.

Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support

The Wellness Together Canada mental health and substance use support portal gives access to psychological and social supports for you or someone you know. The portal provides free online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals.

Visit https://ca.portal.gs/ 

3. How do I talk to my kids about COVID-19?

September 18, 2020

The Alberta Government has resources to help explain COVID-19 to children. Download Frequently Asked Questions on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Young Children and Students.

4. How can I help my community during COVID-19?

September 18, 2020

Neighbours helping Neighbours Program

Kneehill Regional FCSS is offering additional supports to assist area residents confined to their homes. They are looking for volunteers to assist with supplementing what regional businesses are already offering, whether it’s helping someone with their grocery shopping and dog walking or other errands – any little assistance you can offer will go a long way for someone in need.

Find out more: Community Helpers, Neighbours Helping Neighbours during COVID-19.  

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1. How do I contact my Councillor?

Visit the Council Contacts page to find Contact information for each Division Councillor. View our Election District Map to find out which division you live in. 

Council Contacts

2. How do I find Department contacts?

There is a Contact Us link at the bottom of each page.
The main office phone number is 1-403-443-5541 or Toll free at 1-866-443-5541.
Email: office@kneehillcounty.com

Contact

3. How do I get on Council's Agenda?

See the Council page for the Procedural Bylaw.
All meetings of Council are open to the public, however, you have to be on the agenda in order to speak to a subject.

Council Meetings

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1. What is the population of Kneehill County?

Federal Census 2016 result is 5,001 residents in Kneehill County.
The overall population including all municipalities within Kneehill County boundary is 11, 205 (Including Town of Three Hills, Town of Trochu, Villages of Linden, Carbon and Acme).

Visitors Page

2. Where do I find zoning information to set up a business?

Zoning information can be found in our Land Use Bylaw and Municipal Development Plan. Refer to the Planning pages for those documents.

Development Page

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1. How do I change my address?

Visit our Changing Your Address page for a fillable form. You can also email the main office at office@kneehillcounty.com or phone 403-443-5541 for more information.

Forms

2. Where do I find out more information about my assessment?

Visit the Assessment page for general information on assessments. You can contact Caroline Siverson at 403-443-5541 should you have questions about your assessment.

Taxation & Assessment Page

3. When are my taxes due?

Council passes the taxation bylaw annually in April/May. Combined Tax and Assessment Notices are mailed out in May and due on October 31.

Tax Notices

4. How can I make online payments?

You can pay your Kneehill County bills online through your Canadian Financial Institution's website. You must add Kneehill County as a payee, and choose either Taxes, Utilities, or General. These account numbers can be found on your invoices. Please visit our Making a Payment page for more information. 

Online Banking

5. What methods of payment do you accept?

Kneehill County accepts cash (during open business hours only), cheque, Interac debit, and online banking. We now accept credit card payments on everything except tax accounts. Visit our Making a Payment page for more information. 

Making a Payment

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1. What financial supports are available for individuals?

September 18, 2020

Government of Canada Financial Support

Click here for more information on Federal financial relief, including Employment Insurance, and Canadian Emergency Response Benefit.

Province of Alberta Financial Support

Click here for more information on provincial financial relief, including utility deferrals.
 

Please be aware that Alberta Health Services will never ask for your SIN or banking information via email, call or text. 

2. What is the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit, and how do I apply?

September 18, 2020

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) gives financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who are directly affected by COVID-19.

If you are eligible, you can receive $2,000 for a 4-week period (the same as $500 a week).

Extra 4 weeks available – CERB extended from 24 weeks to 28 weeks for workers who:

• stopped working due to COVID-19 or
• are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits or
• have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020.

Only apply for the CERB through either Service Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – not both.

You may be eligible for support via other programs as well. Answer some questions to find financial help during COVID-19.

Do not apply for the CERB if you have already applied for EI.

Apply for the CERB

You can also apply over the phone: 1‑800‑959‑2019 or 1‑800‑959‑2041

3. What supports are the Governments of Alberta and Canada providing for businesses and non-profits?

September 17, 2020 

Supports and guidance are available for businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19. Please visit our COVID-19 for Business page for more information. 

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1. Why does a fire truck show up when I call for EMS?

Because of our rural area, 911 dispatch will, in many cases depending on the situation, dispatch the area fire department to provide extra assistance. Our volunteer fire fighters are trained as First Responders.

Fire Department

2. Do I need a burn / fire permit?

Fire permits are mandatory all year round, including in the winter months. Fire Permits can now be accessed online. See the Burn Permits page for more information.

Burning Information

3. Is there a fee for a burn permit?

No!

Burn Permits

4. Who issues the burn permits?

Fire Guardians issue the permits. A Fire Guardian is any Fire Chief from within the County of the Emergency Management Coordinator.

Burn Permits

5. is there a penalty if I don't get a burn permit?

Yes.

1st Offense: $500

2nd Offense: $750

3rd Offense: $1000

Burn Permits

6. Do I need a permit for my burning barrel?

No, a permit is not required for:

a) an incinerator fire, either domestic or any commercial or industrial type incinerator that is required to be licensed under the Environment Protection and Enhancement Act

b) a fire that is set for the purpose of cooking or obtaining warmth

c) a smudge fire that is set for the purpose of protecting livestock from insects

d) fires set for the purpose of training firefighters

e) controlled burns conducted by the County

However, please be aware that burning barrels are not permitted in Hamlets.

7. Why do I need a burn permit? I have never needed one before.

In the interest of public safety and the preservation of valuable property and resources, the Council of Kneehill County adopted a Fire Protection and Emergency Services Bylaw on August 19th, 2003. Requirements for burn permits came into place at that time.

Burn Permits

8. How do I know if there is a fire ban in effect?

Kneehill County will publish any fire bans that come into effect on both the County website and Facebook page.

In addition, you may also visit the Alberta Fire Ban Website.

Burn Permits

9. What is prohibited to burn?

Under the Environment Protection and Enhancement Act, there is a list of debris that is prohibited to burn.

It is prohibited to burn any flammable waste that when burned may release dense smoke, offensive odors, or toxic substances, which includes:

• animal manure,
• pathological waste,
• non-wooden materials,
• waste material from building or construction sites, excluding wooden materials that do not contain preservatives,
• combustible materials in automobile bodies,
• tires,
• rubber or plastic, or anything with rubber or plastic attached to scrap steel,
• solid waste from sawmills with an annual production in excess of 6324 cubic meters of lumber,
• used oil,
• wood of wood products containing substances for the purpose of preserving wood

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1. When will my garbage be picked up? (Hamlet)

Waste collected in Wimborne, Huxley, Swalwell, and Torrington takes place Thursday mornings. Please visit our Hamlet Garbage page for more information. 

Hamlet Garbage

2. Where do I take my garbage (Acreage, Farm)?

Depending on where you live, there are transfer sites in many areas that Kneehill County residents have access to including Torrington, Three Hills, Trochu, Carbon, Linden, Acme. Visit our Transfer Sites page for more information. 

Transfer Sites

3. What recycling services are in Kneehill County?

Kneehill County is a partner in the Drumheller & District Solid Waste Association. Recycling is part of its mandate and we have various recycling options set up at the various transfer sites in Torrington, Three Hills, Trochu, Acme, Carbon, and Linden. Visit our Transfer Sites page for more information. 

Garbage and Recycling

4. What are the transfer site hours and location?

Kneehill County has many transfer sites (Torrington, Three Hills, Trochu, Linden, Carbon, and Acme). Not all sites take all products. The Transfer Sites page details what is accepted at each location, hours of operation as well as location.

Transfer Sites

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1. How do I obtain an Ownership Map?

Maps may be purchased from the Kneehill County office during regular business hours. Ownership map may also be viewed on the website under Maps. 

24 inch- $10.00, 32 inch- $15.00, 42 inch- $20.00, 60 inch $30.00, Map Book- $25.00 (+ GST)

Maps

2. What Council Division am I in?

A Council Division map can be found on the Map page. The map has the division breakdown according to Election Districts. 

Maps

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1. What are the best websites to get the information I need?

Update September 17, 2020

Government of Alberta

COVID-19  Information for Albertan’s
Alberta Health Services’ latest health information and advice for Alberta.

The Public Health Agency of Canada

COVID-19 Outbreak Updates and more information. 

2. What is COVID-19?

September 17, 2020

An outbreak of respiratory illness, now known to be caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, was first identified in Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a public health emergency. The novel coronavirus disease has been given the name COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a serious health threat, and the situation is evolving daily. The risk varies between and within communities, but given the number of cases in Canada, the risk to Canadians is considered high.

3. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

September 17, 2020

You should get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptom.

If you have any these symptoms you are legally required to isolate for at least 10 days from the start of your symptoms or until they resolve, whichever is longer:

• Fever
• Cough (new cough or worsening chronic cough)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (new or worsening)
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

If you have any of these other symptoms, stay home and minimize your contact with others until your symptoms resolve:

• Chills
• Painful swallowing
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• Feeling unwell, fatigue or severe exhaustion
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye

Monitor your health and call Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns. Call 911 immediately if experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.

4. I think I have COVID-19 symptoms. What should I do?

September 17, 2020

You should get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptom.

If you have any these symptoms you are legally required to isolate for at least 10 days from the start of your symptoms or until they resolve, whichever is longer:

• Fever
• Cough (new cough or worsening chronic cough)
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (new or worsening)
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

If you have any of these other symptoms, stay home and minimize your contact with others until your symptoms resolve:

• Chills
• Painful swallowing
• Stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• Feeling unwell, fatigue or severe exhaustion
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite)
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye

Monitor your health and call Health Link 811 if you have questions or concerns. Call 911 immediately if experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, including difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, feelings of confusion or loss of consciousness.

5. Who can be tested for COVID-19?

September 17, 2020

In preparation for winter cold and influenza season, Alberta is updating its testing approach. Testing will prioritize Albertans with symptoms and vulnerable groups at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. This will reduce testing wait times and speed up access to results.

Priority testing is available to:

• any person exhibiting any symptom of COVID-19
• all close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases
• all workers and/or residents at specific outbreak sites

Voluntary asymptomatic testing is also offered to:

• school teachers and staff
• health care workers
• staff and residents at congregate living facilities, including long-term care
• Albertans experiencing homelessness
• travellers who require testing prior to departure

Asymptomatic testing will be available to additional groups if required.

Albertans without any symptoms or exposure to COVID-19 who have concerns about their health should speak with their health care provider.

How to Get Tested

Book a Test

If you have symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19, you must stay home and book your test online with AHS assessment tool or call Health Link 811.

Take the COVID-19 assessment / Book a test

Visit a Participating Pharmacy

Pharmacies can test people who have no symptoms and no known exposure to COVID-19.

Three Hills IDA (Sandstone Pharmacy) offers asymptomatic testing. Call 403-443-5551.

Visit https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/news/asymptomatic-testing.php for more participating pharmacies. 

Access Your Results Online

Albertans 14 years old or older can access test results online through MyHealth Records, a secure Alberta government service that helps keep track of your health information.

6. How do I isolate?

September 17, 2020 

Albertans are legally required under public health order to isolate for:

• 14 days if they recently returned from international travel or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19
• 10 days if they have a COVID-19 symptom (cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, or sore throat) that is not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition

If you have symptoms, take the online assessment to arrange testing.

If you are in mandatory isolation:

• Stay home – do not leave your home or attend work, school, social events or any other public gatherings.
• Avoid close contact with people in your household, especially seniors and people with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
• You are prohibited from taking public transportation like buses, taxis or ride-sharing.
• Do not go outside for a walk through your neighbourhood or park. This includes children in mandatory isolation.
• You can get fresh air in your backyard, if you have one, but you must remain on private property not accessible by others.
• If you live in an apartment building or highrise, you must stay inside and cannot use the elevators or stairwells to go outside. If your balcony is private and at least 2 metres away from your closest neighbour’s, you may go outside on the balcony.

Have symptoms but tested negative for COVID-19:

• If you tested negative and have known exposure to COVID-19, you are legally required to isolate for 14 days.
• If you tested negative and have no known exposure to the virus, you are not legally required to isolate. However, it is important to stay home until your symptoms resolve so that you do not infect others.

Find out more about isolating requirements and exemptions. 

7. Which specific public health orders are subject to fines for violation?

September 17, 2020

To protect the health and safety of Albertans, law enforcement agencies now have full authority to enforce public health orders and issue fines for violations.

• Mandatory 14-day self-isolation for returning international travellers or close contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19.
• Mandatory 10-day self-isolation for people with symptoms that are not related to a pre-existing illness or health condition: cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat.

View more Public Health orders and Exemptions: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-orders-and-legislation.aspx

Enforcement

If you violate the public health order to isolate, you may be subject to a $1,000 fine. Courts could also administer fines of up to $100,000 for a first offence and up to $500,000 for a subsequent offence for more serious violations.

If you are concerned someone is not following public health orders, you can:

• remind the person that not following public health orders is against the law and puts people at risk
• submit a complaint to AHS public health inspectors

Submit a complaint

If you cannot submit online, you can also call 1-833-415-9179 to submit a complaint by leaving a message when prompted. Please only submit a complaint once. Do not submit online and by phone.

Complaints that require an immediate response related to gathering restrictions or physical distancing can also be reported to your local police force through their administrative phone line.

8. What should I do if I know of someone violating public health orders?

September 17, 2020

Take proper precautions and, if possible, distance yourself from the individual to limit your risk of exposure if they have symptoms. If possible, remind the person that not following public health orders is against the law and puts people at risk.

Public health order complaints can be lodged with Alberta Health Services by submitting a complaint online. 

If you cannot submit online, you can also call 1-833-415-9179 to submit a complaint by leaving a message when prompted. Please only submit a complaint once. Do not submit online and by phone.

Complaints that require an immediate response related to gathering restrictions or physical distancing can also be reported to your local police force through their administrative phone line.

9. How do I prevent the spread of COVID-19?

September 17, 2020

To protect yourself and others:

• keep at least 2 metres (about the length of a hockey stick) distance from people outside your household or cohort group
• limit the number of times you leave your home for errands; try to limit grocery store visits to once a week
• try to have only one person in the household do the shopping
• try to shop at less busy times
• order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible
• go for a walk in your neighbourhood or park while maintaining distance from others
• avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces
• follow Alberta’s mandatory restrictions on gatherings
• wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces

Other steps you can take

All Albertans must continue taking personal steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To protect yourself and others:

• wear a mask in public when distancing is not possible
• download and use the ABTraceTogether mobile contact tracing app while out in public
• wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer
• use gloves properly if you choose to wear them (they are not necessary)
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
• avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• avoid travel outside Canada
• watch for COVID-19 symptoms (see the full symptom list)
• get tested, whether you have symptoms or not, by:
  • completing the AHS online self-assessment, or
  • visiting a participating pharmacy if you don’t have symptoms or known exposure
• follow mandatory isolation requirements:
  • 10 days minimum if you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, or until the symptoms resolve, whichever is longer
  • 14 days if you recently returned from travel outside of Canada or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of symptoms, should they occur, whichever is longer

Visit https://www.alberta.ca/prevent-the-spread.aspx for more information. 

10. What is physical (social) distancing?

September 17, 2020

Physical distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. It can help you reduce the risk of getting sick. This is not the same as self-isolation. You do not need to remain indoors, but you do need to avoid being in close contact with people.

To protect yourself and others:

• Keep at least 6 feet (the length of a bicycle) from others when going out for groceries, medical trips and other essential needs
• Limit the number of times you leave your home for errands
• Try to shop at less busy times
• Order online to have groceries or other items delivered if possible
• Go for a walk in your neighborhood or park while maintaining distance from others
• Avoid overcrowding in elevators or other enclosed spaces
• Follow Alberta’s recommendations on mass gatherings
• Wash or sanitize your hands after touching communal surfaces

For more information: https://www.alberta.ca/prevent-the-spread.aspx#p25621s3 

11. Should I wear a non-medical mask when out in public?

September 17, 2020

Albertan’s are encouraged to wear non-medical masks in public when it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres at all times.

Wearing a homemade or non-medical mask in public is another tool to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It hasn’t been proven that masks protect the person wearing it, but it can help protect people from being exposed to your germs.

Masks should complement – not replace – other prevention measures. Continue physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and stay home when sick.

When to use a mask

• When it’s difficult to maintain 2 metres distance from people for a prolonged period of time:
  • public transit and airplanes
  • grocery stores and pharmacies
  • hair salons and barbershops
  • some retail stores
• Masks are mandatory for Grade 4 to 12 students and all school staff, as part of the school re-entry plan
• When mask use is mandatory by municipal bylaw, check your local community for details

When not to use a mask

• If it’s dirty or damaged in any way
• If it gaps or doesn’t fit well
• If it’s been used by another person
• Children under 2 years of age
• Anyone that has trouble breathing
• When you are only with people from your own household

Visit https://www.alberta.ca/masks.aspx for more information. 

12. What else can I do to prepare for COVID-19?

September 17, 2020

Create a Household Action Plan

Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan.

• Discuss with household members, other relatives, and friends what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community and what the needs of each person will be.
• Plan ways to care for those at greater risk of serious complications, such as ensuring you have sufficient medication, and determining what supplies are needed and if they can be delivered.
• Talk with your neighbours about emergency planning.
• Create a list of local organizations you can contact if you need access to information, health-care services, support or resources.
• Create an emergency contact list.

Prepare for Isolation

• Choose a room in your home you can use to separate sick household members from healthy ones.
• Choose a separate bathroom for sick individuals to use, if possible.
• Plan to clean these rooms as needed when someone is sick.
• Have 72 hours’ worth of food and supplies at home. We do not recommend stockpiling goods.

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1. Who can vote for the new logo?

Residents and ratepayers with a valid rural Kneehill County address can vote for the new logo. (Must have a land location, blue sign number or street address in a Kneehill County hamlet.) 

Voting closes August 31, 2019. One vote per person.

2. How much will the new logo cost?

While there will be some costs associated with the new logo, most changes will be made during the natural replacement of items, such as the new highway entrance signs, which have to be replaced regardless of the logo change. In anticipation of the new logo, Kneehill County staff have been very deliberate with purchases and as a result, most items can be replaced with the new logo at no additional cost.

3. How will the new logo be introduced?

The transition from the current logo to the new logo will be a gradual one, taking place over the next few years, as most items will be changed out only when they come up for replacement. Rolling out the new logo in this fashion will minimize the costs associated with the re-branding.

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1. Kneehill County's Re-Opening Plan

September 17, 2020

With the province announcing Phase 2 of their relaunch strategy, Kneehill County’s officewe will see further restrictions relaxing, and more operations and services resume. (Businesses and non-profits in the County can visit Alberta Biz Connect for guidelines and supports to prepare for re-opening safely, once they are able.) 

Following the province’s lead and relaunch strategy, the Kneehill County office is open to the public for walk-ins and in-person services. In-person attendance to Council and Committee meetings have resumed as well.  Safety protocols, increased sanitization and proper barriers are in place at the office to ensure the continued safety of residents and staff. Please continue to physically distance, practice good hygiene, and do not visit the Kneehill County office if you are ill.

Kneehill County will continue to monitor updates from the province and Alberta Health Services, and will determine future services, events and increased public interaction based on their recommendations.

2. Can I go for a hike at Horseshoe Canyon?

September 17, 2020

Yes! Horseshoe Canyon and Orkney Viewpoint are open to the public.

Please note the following restrictions in place:

• Garbage cans will be blocked open to avoid any contact during disposal
• Picnic shelters should not to be used; regular and routine sanitation of hard surfaces is not taking place
• Use at your own risk. Please continue to practice good hygiene and physical distancing when accessing these parks, and do not visit the parks if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

3. Are Kneehill County's campgrounds open?

September 18, 2020

Kneehill County Campgrounds opened for the season June 1, 2020 with restrictions in place due to COVID-19, closing for the season September 15, 2020.

Please check back in the spring for more information on the 2021 camping season. 

4. How can the public attend Council meetings?

September 18, 2020. 

Residents can attend Council and Committee meetings in-person, or can continue watching the Council meetings via Kneehill County’s YouTube channel. A link to the live stream is made available on the homepage of the Kneehill County website the morning of the Council meeting. 

5. Can I come to the office to pay a bill?

September 18, 2020

Yes! The Kneehill County office is open to the public. 

In person services and bill payments are available. You can also attend upcoming Council and Committee meetings in-person. 

Please continue to practice physical distancing, cough etiquette, good hygiene, and do not visit the County office if you are ill. 

You can find more payment options and more information here:

• Bill Payments
• Online Payments
• Credit Card Payments
• Online and Downloadable Forms

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1. How do I reserve a campsite?

We take reservations for all of our campgrounds (Keiver’s Lake, Bracconier Dam,  Swalwell Dam, and Torrington) through the Let’s Camp reservation system.

 For more information on camping, visit our Parks & Campgrounds page.

Camping

2. How many campgrounds are in Kneehill County?

Kneehill County has its own campgrounds at Keiver's Lake, Bracconier Dam, Swalwell Dam, and Torrington Campground. Other campgrounds in our area include Three Hills, Trochu, Acme, Carbon, Linden. Visit the Parks & Campgrounds page for more information regarding our region.

Visitors

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1. When do I need a Development Permit?

Development permits are generally required for any construction (including new construction, additions, and structural renovations), change of use of land or a building, or a change in the intensity of land or building use. Examples of developments requiring permit approval include expansion of an existing approved business, a mobile home, a structural alteration to an existing building, the relocation of an existing building, a fence over 3 feet in height (when located in a front yard, and 6 feet when located in side yards).

Visit our Development Permit page for more information. 

Planning Department

2. How long is my development permit good for?

An approved development permit is good for 1 year, unless otherwise specified on the development approval. If construction has not been commenced within that time, the permit is considered null and void and a new application for development will be required.

Planning Department

3. How much will a development permit cost?

Processing fees are set by the Master Rates Bylaw and vary by type of development. Visit our Development page for more information.

Master Rates Bylaw

4. Can I move in a mobile home?

Mobile homes 20-35 years of age are considered discretionary use in the Land Use Bylaw and will be taken to the Municipal Planning Commission for approval.

Mobile homes over 35 years of age are prohibited.

Mobile homes must be compatible with other buildings in the vicinity and must be CSA approved. They must be placed on a permanent foundation and completely screened from view by skirting within 60 days of placement of the unit.

A Development Permit and Building Permit are required for a mobile home as well as electrical, plumbing, gas, and private sewage permits.

Visit our Development page for more information. 

Mobile Home

5. I am building a deck, do I need a permit?

Yes, if the deck is 2 feet or more off the ground. Ensure you install 36” handrails and 42” handrails if the deck is 6 feet or more off the ground. The verticals must have a maximum spacing of 4”.

A Development Permit and Building Permit are required. Visit our Development page for more information. 

Development

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1. Is my road banned or closed?

View our Road Closures page for up to date closures in our area. Weight restrictions and bans can be found on our Road Bans page, as well as Roadata information. 

Road Closures, Bans

2. How do I sign up for Dust Control?

Applications for Dust Control are available every spring.  

There is a deadline for dust control to ensure we can prepare and complete the dust control project in time. Visit the Dust Control page for more information.

Dust Control

3. When will my gravel road be graded/snow plowed?

The graders are on a rotation. Kneehill County has over 1900 kilometers of gravel roads and 10 grader divisions. We attempt to have all grading completed in each division within 1.5-2 months. We attempt to have all snowplowing of gravel roads completed as soon as possible, depending on weather.

Snow Plowing

4. Who do I call to report a dead animal on the road?

Dead animals on County roads will be dealt with by the Transportation department (call County office at 403-443-5541). Provincial and Secondary highways are the responsibility of Emcon Canada Inc. (1-800-390-2242).

Roads

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1. How do I receive services to my house?

If you have just moved into Kneehill County, you can access sign up forms via the Water Services/Utilities page of this website.
Depending on where you live, will depend on what services are available. Utilities

2. How do I read my water meter?

Kneehill County's water reading system is automatic and we receive meter readings without entering your home to attain an actual reading. To read your water meter, visit the Water/Utilities page for more information. Water Servicing

3. Who do I contact for other utilities (gas, electricity, internet)?

There are many private companies in our area. Visit the Residents page for more information.

Other Utilities in Area