Mike Yargeau, Mayor for the Town of Penhold.

By Sheldon Spackman

Planning Ahead

Council approves economic recovery package in Penhold

Apr 17, 2020 | 4:56 PM

Like many communities throughout Alberta, the Town of Penhold is now considering what economic recovery might look like amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Tuesday, town council agreed to move forward on a Penhold Economic Recovery Package.

Town officials say the package features several efforts such as having 2020 utility accounts (up to and including August billing) to have no penalties charged.

The 2020 tax payment deadline is being extended to Dec. 30, a previous property tax increase of 1 per cent, originally committed for trail development, will be reversed, with the funds collected to be reflected as a credit on residents’ 2020 tax bills.

In addition, a Newly Constructed Home Buyer Incentive Program is expected to be announced soon.

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In the meantime, Town officials note the Municipal Office remains open during regular business hours by phone and email with reduced staffing.

Residents are also reminded the Public Works team will ensure key vital services throughout the pandemic, although it’s anticipated response times may be delayed with new protocols in place.

Mayor Mike Yargeau says the initiatives are important as town residents are feeling financial pressures in ways they never have before.

“As municipal leaders, myself and council are committed to helping ease those pressures in any way we can,” he explains. “At the same time it’s important to make sure we are in a strong position to grow and build our town when we come out of this. That’s why we wanted to tie future incentive plans in with the relief efforts we are putting in place.”

Yargeau says the Town and council both recognize that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic shutdown will extend beyond the next few months, so they want to help their residents in any way they can.

“Community facilities have been closed since March 18,” he points out. “This has impacted numerous community events and other functions. Some businesses in town have temporarily closed to protect staff and others have reduced staffing levels due to lost revenue.”

“COVID-19 has impacted the way of life for everyone in our community in one way or another,” continues Yargeau. “Penhold is a young, vibrant community that thrives when we are able to come together with our neighbors and connect. At this point we are looking into July before we may have that opportunity again.”

In terms of Town staffing amidst the pandemc, Yargeau declares council is committed to keeping staff employed to at least the end of April.

“At this point we are sticking with that commitment and have moved into a summer maintenance mode in order to keep staff busy and with the hopes that we can open things up once we are through this,” he explains. “Aside from that, it is still too early to tell what long term effects this will have on the way we do business.”

Yargeau says Penhold residents can trust that the Town is in a strong financial position and will assist in any way it can to help ensure everyone gets through the pandemic.

“Coming out of COVID-19, we expect to be aggressive in targeting commercial and residential growth to further reduce tax burdens which residents will potentially face from all levels of government,” warns Yargeau. “We have a strong, committed, and connected council who are working with a great administrative staff on a daily basis following provincial and federal updates and recommendations.”

“Right now it is important to follow all public health orders,” he proclaims. “Keep social distancing, but at the same time, make sure we look after one another.”