COVID-19 will be the main talking point at Wood Buffalo council’s meeting this week.

They are holding a remote session on Tuesday to discuss measures being taken against the virus and steps to help residents financially.

Up for debate is potentially deferring payments for municipal fees. This includes solid waste, water, and sanitary sewage.

If approved, payment for these services won’t be collected until July 2020.

Also, Scott Davis, Director of Emergency Management, Deanne Bergey, Director of Community Services, and Kevin Weidlich, President and CEO of the Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation, will be giving separate updates about measures being taken.

Homeless Funding

Council will also look to allocate funding to multiple organizations focused on helping the homeless population.

The municipality is receiving funds from the federal and provincial governments to help local initiatives.

As of right now, the Centre of Hope would receive over $1.7 million for their housing first, permanent supportive housing, and eviction prevention programs.

The Salvation Army is set to get around $567,000 for its housing first program.

The Wood Buffalo Wellness Society is slated to get more than $900,000 for its rapid re-housing and outreach programs and centralized intake services.

And, the YMCA of Northern Alberta is looking at roughly $707,000 for its housing first program

Remote Access

The public is being encouraged to tune into the meeting online.

Anyone interested in speaking about a certain item on the agenda can email [email protected] their information to join a teleconference.

All registrants will receive an email with details about the call before the meeting begins.

Residents can still participate in-person, however, social distancing requirements must be followed.

The meeting gets underway at 4 p.m. at the Syncrude Atheltic Park Clubhouse.