News — GPREP - Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership

Media Release July 24, 2020 | 11:00 a.m. 

Update #21: COVID-19 Pandemic  

GPREP Continues to Operate Under Sustained Operations Model  

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) continues to monitor regional COVID-19 cases and function under a Sustained Operations Model. 

The partnership is phasing-out the PPE4Biz and the Essential Service Resource Program, and has adjusted the model of the Business Ambassador Program. 

  While supply chains were unstable earlier in the pandemic, the PPE4Biz and Essential Service Resource program successfully sourced PPE such as masks, gloves, sanitizer, and other equipment for businesses and local non-governmental organizations.  

Businesses could purchase the PPE, and local community organizations could access PPE at no charge. Now that these products are more readily available, fewer and fewer groups are turning to GPREP for these items.  

  The Business Ambassador Program has successfully connected with over 1650 businesses in-person or over the phone to support compliance and understanding of provincial regulations. Moving forward, the GPREP Business Ambassadors are available for any businesses in need of support and may be contacted at: business@gprepeoc.com. 

  GPREP continues to meet weekly to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact in the region in order to assess the region and respond as needed to keep the region safe.  

  “Public health and safety is the priority of GPREP and we are aligned with the provincial recommendation of using masks in public areas when it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing of 2 meters at all times,” said Jennifer Wood, the GPREP Manager. “We are actively monitoring the region and will make recommendations to local elected officials based on the evolving situation.”  

GPREP continues to operate other programs, such as the Community Care Program, and overall assessment of the ongoing state of the COVID-19 Pandemic to keep the community at large safe.  

  Background 

The State of Local Emergency was in effect from March 18 to June 12 in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie, Towns of Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, and Wembley, and the Village of Hythe. 

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Media Inquiries:  

Lydia Sadiq 

Information Officer, GPREP  

info@gprepoc.com  

Playgrounds in GPREP Municipalities to Open June 1 

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) is lifting the regional closure of playgrounds on June 1.  

Playground users must always comply with current provincial gathering restrictions and maintain a 2-meter distance between individuals from different homes.  

Residents accessing playgrounds are reminded to:  

• Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms 
• Wear a mask in public places where maintaining 2-meters distance is not possible  
• Carry and use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol content 
• Remind children not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth 
• Consider using playgrounds close to home 
• Be cautious when using playground equipment and sanitize common touch points 
• Use surrounding green space if playground equipment is occupied  

Playground structures will not be sanitized by municipalities. It is the responsibility of individual residents to assess the exposure risk a playground poses, and residents are recommended to use proper hand hygiene, physical distancing, and sanitation practices. 

Residents are encouraged to review the Provincial Guidance for Playgrounds prior to visiting their favorite playground. Signage will also be posted at playgrounds within the partnering municipalities to ensure people are aware of the guidelines. 

GPREP’s primary goal is the health and safety of residents as it continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in the region. If risks such as not following physical distancing rules or an increase in COVID-19 cases occurs, playgrounds may be closed again to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Media Release May 11, 2020 | 4:30 p.m.

Update #17: COVID-19 Pandemic

Business Relaunch Offers Online Resources to Businesses Preparing to Re-open
A new section of the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership’s (GPREP) website – Business Relaunch – provides comprehensive and up-to-date information and resources to help support businesses that are re-opening or continuing operations.

Business Relaunch, at www.gprep.ca, offers resources on a range of topics including how to prepare workspaces to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19; proper use of personal protective equipment like masks and gloves; employee screening questions; and resources for financial support. A variety of free communication materials, such as decals and posters promoting safe workspaces, can be downloaded and printed right from the site.

“We know that as businesses prepare for Phase 1 of the relaunch of the economy, as set out by the Province, there are still many questions they might have,” said Dan Lemieux, GPREP Director of Emergency Management. “Business Relaunch aims to help local businesses navigate through this and upcoming phases while putting safety first.”
Lemieux said that information is also available on the new PPE4Biz program, which launches tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. at www.gprep.ca . Through the new program, businesses can apply online to purchase a limited supply of essential safety items such as masks, gloves and hand sanitizer. Interested businesses that meet program criteria are encouraged to apply early due to limits on available supplies.

GPREP is working on a long-term solution for business to obtain PPE for the future and is working with local vendors and suppliers. Information will be communicated as the plan develops.
To prepare for the safe and gradual reopening of businesses and activities, the Government of Alberta has prepared a three-step Relaunch Strategy. As part of the strategy, businesses are directed to adhere to the Province’s workplace guidelines for business owners.
The primary source of information for Albertans about COVID-19 is Alberta.ca/covid19.

The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership has renewed the State of Local Emergency in all six partner municipalities for another week.

Since the Province’s release of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy on April 30, the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) has shifted its focus to help support local businesses as they prepare to re-open as early as May 14, 2020.

“Last week, we launched the Business Ambassador Team to support local businesses through the re-opening of our economy, starting with essential services,” said Dan Lemieux, Director of Emergency Management. “The team has already connected with 91 local businesses and is working to contact each business in the GPREP service area to help them through the transition of re-opening their doors and understanding what additional measures they will need to take.”

Stage 1 of the Province’s relaunch strategy allows for several businesses to re-open, including retail businesses, some personal services such as hair salons and barber shops, museums and art galleries, daycares, and restaurants and bars. However, the Province requires enhanced infection prevention and control measures to be in place first in order to protect the public.

“Although businesses will be able to start to re-open, it isn’t going to be business as usual,” said Lemieux. “Before they can open, businesses will need to be able to accommodate effective social distancing as well as proper sanitation and personal hygiene to help mitigate risks of infection.”

On May 3, the Province released the Workplace Guidance for Business Owners, which outlines the criteria businesses will need to have in place prior to re-opening or continuing operations. The document includes information on COVID-19 communications, dealing with sick staff and volunteers, and prevention measures including cleaning and disinfecting and personal protective equipment.

“It is important for everyone to remember that we are still in the response phase of this pandemic and we will continue to be until there is a vaccine available for the general public,” said Lemieux. “We have to continue to be vigilant and practice social distancing and proper cleaning and hygiene for the foreseeable future to prevent an outbreak. If an outbreak does occur in our region, we can expect the Province to reinstate previous restrictions including business closures.”

Anyone looking for information and support to prepare for re-opening and are interested in speaking to a Business Ambassador can email business@gprepeoc.com.

Businesses should use the Government of Alberta website www.alberta.ca/covid19 as their primary source of information on the government’s response and health measures, including the reopening strategy and workplace guidance information.

Media Release                                                                       April 29, 2020 | 3:00 p.m.

Update #2: Regional Flooding

GPREP Demobilizes Flood Operations and Removes Flood Related State of Local Emergency

GPREP has reduced operations and demobilized activities supporting the emergency response to regional flooding.

The State of Local Emergency declared in response to regional flooding is no longer in effect.

Residents are reminded to continue to abide by signs, barricades, and the direction of local authorities. To stay informed on conditions in your municipality, check your municipality’s website and social media channels.

GPREP continues to be in contact with regional municipalities who are actively monitoring local conditions.

COVID-19 Response

GPREP continues to be active in its operations responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The State of Local Emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic is renewed and remains active in all six GPREP partner municipalities.

Background

Recent flooding resulted in expanded GPREP operations to assist local municipalities with flood mitigation. The response prompted a State of Local Emergency for regional flooding, we well as the COVID-19 Pandemic.

According to the Alberta Emergency Management Act, a State of Local Emergency lapses 7 days after declaration, unless renewed by the municipality.

Media Release April 21, 2020 | 4:00 p.m. 

Update #1: Regional Flooding 

GPREP Expands Operations to Respond to Regional Flooding 

Flooding in the Grande Prairie region has led to GPREP expanding its current operations in order to assist with flood mitigation. 

The flooding is caused by melting snow and has resulted in the closure of several local roads. Residents and motorists are asked to obey signs, barricades and the direction of local authorities.  

Currently, staff from regional municipalities have responded and are assisting the affected areas to assess the flooding and ensure safety for all members of the public.  

Residents in affected areas are encouraged to consider the following efforts to prepare for a flood and reduce the likelihood of flood damage:  

• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors. 
• Keep all floor drains clear of obstructions. 
• Store important documents and irreplaceable personal objects (such as photographs) where they will not get damaged. 
• Ensure your sump pump is operational.  
• Unplug all electrical appliances and remove them from the flood path.  

Residents are reminded to visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website for updates and to stay informed by their local officials by listening to the radio and following updates on municipal websites and social media channels. Additional precautions residents can take are to keep emergency kits close at hand, and to make sure cell phones are charged in the event that evacuation is necessary.  

Additional information regarding what to do in the event of a flood can be found on the GPREP website located at www.gprep.ca/spring-flood-2020. 

State of Local Emergency Renewed 

GPREP’s six partner municipalities continue to be in a State of Local Emergency, allowing a flexible response to emerging needs. Although initially declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this renewal now includes response to overland flooding in the region. According to the Alberta Emergency Management Act, a State of Local Emergency lapses 7 days after declaration, unless renewed by the municipality.