Pandemic infection rate on the rise; Lewington

“The rate of COVID-19 infections has continued to rise in recent weeks across southern Alberta,” said Stirling Mayor Trevor Lewington in his July Mayor’s Message. “Local facilities like the campground, Reunion Centre, Community Centre/Lions Hall, Village Office and parks remain open at the present time with appropriate restrictions for gathering size, physical distancing in place of the use of masks when required pursuant to current public health guidance.”

“Stirling residents are encouraged to follow all public health guidance…together we can take steps to protect ourselves and others.”

Stirling Fall Festival cancelled

“In light of the continued restrictions on the size of gatherings and after consultations with the Stirling Historical Society, council voted to cancel this year’s Fall Festival that would normally have taken place in September,” stated Lewington. “Making the decision now allows our dedicated volunteers to avoid spending time on planning activities and buying supples for an event that very likely cannot take place.”

Village launches municipally-controlled corporation

“The new company, Ridge Utilities Ltd., will be reselling natural gas and electricity at competitive rates,” reported Lewington in his July Mayor’s Message. “The benefit of buying your residential power and gas from the new company is than any profits will be reinvested back in our community rather than going to the shareholders of a large foreign firm like Direct Energy.”

“Look for more information and details on how to sign up in your mailbox in September.”

Outdoor pool regulations

“With the closure of the Stirling Pool this year, many residents have opted to purchase ‘on ground’ pools to beat the heat this summer,” continued Lewington. “Alberta’s Building Code defines any pool with a water depth of more than 24 inches or 600 mm, regardless of whether the pool has a circulation system, as a so-called ‘private pool’ for safety code purposes. That means that the entire area of an outdoor pool must be protected ‘by a fence, building wall or enclosure that can prevent access by unauthorized persons.’ Fences are not required if the pool comes with a lockable cover that meets the ASTM F-1346-91 standard or if the wall of the pool is at least six feet or 1.8 meters tall and the pool is only accessible through a gate or other protective measure.”

“It is the home owner’s responsibility to obtain the relevant building permit and ensure a building/safety codes inspection is completed. You may also want to check liability clauses in your homeowner’s insurance.”

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