Strathmore’s relaunch now underway

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore’s plan to reopen facilities and businesses is underway.

But the details and timing of the town’s full relaunch of the shutdowns made in response to COVID-19 depend on infection trends in Strathmore and beyond, said Mayor Pat Fule in a Facebook Live address made on May 15.

“Our path on the road ahead will be largely determined by changes in COVID-19 cases across our region and across the province,” said Fule. 

The Town of Strathmore moved quickly to respond to the COVID-19 situation, said Lauren McGougan, public information officer with the Town of Strathmore. “Our community pulled together to overcome this challenging situation, and that community spirit is going to help us in our recovery,” she said.

“It’s reassuring that we see so many people talking about the need for a careful approach to the relaunch. Our plans for easing restrictions will evolve with the COVID-19 situation. We’re prepared to act to keep Strathmore healthy and safe.”

The town has released a web page, Safe, Strong, and Resilient: Next Steps for Strathmore, outlining what to expect in town through the relaunch, which is subject to change as the situation continues.

“Our relaunch document provides a clear expectation of what town facilities will be prepared to reopen at each stage of the relaunch,” said Fule.

The town is offering support to its affected businesses as they reopen or continue to operate under new conditions.

“This is an event unlike anything we’ve ever been through before, so Strathmore’s business community is doing their best to operate their businesses in an unfamiliar time,” said Fule.

Businesses are not being forced to open, but the ones that do have to operate within the restrictions set by the province to keep employees and the public safe. “Each business owner or manager will decide when is the right time for them to welcome you back once a restriction is lifted.”

Any business needing information on or help with the situation can contact the town’s business support hotline at 403-361-2138, which is open Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Or go online to Alberta Biz Connect, a website released by the province providing information to businesses and non-profits to help them safely reopen and resume operations.

A successful relaunch will take patience, said Fule.

“Every business has required changes to their operations, and in some cases, it will affect their service delivery or their selections,” he said. “Please be patient and offer some understanding that they are working hard during a very challenging time.”