Lethbridge City Hall. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

City announces utility deferral, fire ban, parks prohibitions

Mar 23, 2020 | 3:48 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The City of Lethbridge is taking steps to keep the public safe from COVID-19.

Four announcements were made Monday, one of which is a fire ban in the river valley.

This is primarily meant to encourage social distancing since fire pits often have people sitting close to each other.

Another is around city parks.

Until further notice, playground equipment, benches, picnic shelters, picnic tables, fire pits, washrooms, and fitness equipment are closed until further notice.

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Interim City Manager Jody Meli says there is no way they would be able to ensure all of those amenities are being sanitized often enough to effectively reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The public is still invited to utilize pathways as long as they make sure to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres.

Chief of Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services Marc Rathwell says, at this time, there are no firm penalties are in place for those who do not follow the fire ban or park prohibitions, but they are working on implementing them

The city has launched a 90-day Utility Deferral Program.

The provincial government announced last week that residents will have the option to defer city utility payments for up to 90 days when faced with financial hardships related to COVID-19.

“When payment is deferred, customers will not have to pay within the agreed-upon 30 day payment period,” reads a media release from the City of Lethbridge. “In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Alberta utility companies, including the City of Lethbridge, are required to defer this deadline by 90 days.”

The deferral program does not cancel these payments, but it provides temporary financial relief for those that need it.

Anyone requiring a utility deferral for electricity, water/wastewater, and garbage/recycling pickup in Lethbridge is asked to phone 311.

A payment plan can be implemented.

Earlier Monday, the City also declared that public transit will be free and that passengers are asked to enter and leave the bus from the back. More details here.