The County of Grande Prairie is modifying operations to ensure public and staff safety while continuing to provide services during the response to COVID-19.

Starting March 20, access to County facilities will be limited. Residents and businesses are encouraged to do business with the County online or by phone. Access to the County Administration Building will be allowed by appointment only. Council Chambers, in the Administration Building, will be open to the public for Regular Council and Committee Meetings. Strict social distancing and hygiene protocols, as outlined by Alberta Health Services (AHS) will be in place.

Municipal services will continue to be delivered, with alternative delivery options in place for most services and programs. These measures will be in place until further notice.

From March 20 to May 24, County Councillors will have the opportunity to participate in Regular Council and Committee Meetings electronically.

County Regional Fire Service has issued a Fire Advisory, effective immediately, to allow personnel to focus on core services.

To issue a fire permit in the County, an in-person site inspection may be part of the approval process. In areas identified as high risk, a site inspection is required. In support of social distancing guidelines, and because Regional Fire Service provides an essential service to residents, interactions between personnel and the public are being limited as much as possible.

The current process for fire permits depends on which of the four Fire Burning Areas the property is located. View a map of the burning areas at countygp.ab.ca/firepermits. Residents located in the white or yellow burn zones can request a fire permit online or by phone at 780-532-9727. People living in a County hamlet, residential subdivision or the red (restricted) burn zone who are seeking a fire permit are asked to contact Regional Fire Service to discuss.

Residents with existing fire permits are unaffected. Regional Fire Service is requesting that only essential burning take place for the time being.

For a complete list of County of Grande Prairie operations that have been impacted, visit countygp.ab.ca/covid19.

The most up to date information on COVID-19 is available at alberta.ca/covid19 and canada.ca/covid19.