April 30, 2020
With the temperature finally increasing throughout the province, many people are starting to go outside more often to enjoy the fresh air, to get some exercise, and to head to the lake. I was at the Resort last weekend and was pleasantly surprized at how many people were already at their lots airing out their RVs and getting things ready for the new season. I was not surprized when the quiet returned again in the early evening as a slight breeze came across the frozen lake and dropped the temperature down, chasing everyone back inside.
As is typical for me I spent Saturday speaking with a lot of people, both on the phone and face to face. I did my best to always wait for an invitation before entering someone’s lot. Also, I found it interesting how many times someone would unconsciously move within my 6ft perimeter, and then quickly apologize and back up again. I am sure that Dale (the manager) is finding this same problem. Remember, we spend a lot of our day with various people and maintaining adequate space from others is a priority to us, for everyone’s protection. Please wait your turn and then approach us if we need to talk, rather than expecting us to approach you and your family. We will be carrying signs reminding everyone of the current COVID-19 risk and to practice physical distancing. Please understand all of this, when we call your attention to our sign in the middle of a conversation.
I have been speaking with our Alberta Health Services inspector pretty regularly this month, in an attempt to stay up to date on what we should be doing to help prevent the spread. I have been told that, although government owned campgrounds are likely closed for the season as per AHS recommendations, private campgrounds (both short term and long term) are currently permitted to remain open. He did admit to me that the Resort is unique compared to other locations in the zone. We had a brief discussion about how Annual Campers use their lakelots, and the types of facilities that we have. The locations that they are most worried about are the ones that attract the public for short stays, using their shared washrooms and staying in smaller daily campground lots.
Of course, some of the things that we discussed are affected by the restrictions. We have now posted numerous signs around the Resort reminding people to practice physical distancing, and specifying if an area is closed or not. You should also be aware that there is currently a Fireban for almost all of northern Alberta. This appears to be an attempt to prevent the need for a fire crew to respond to even a small wildfire, which would expose them to the risks of working in such close proximity.
We currently have no intention to reduce access to your lakelot at Fawcett Lake Resort. However, the common buildings and playground are closed. The Resort Store will remain open, but there will be changes in how it is run. I will still be available in my office at 9.00am most mornings, but meetings will likely take place outside. Also, the common outhouse behind the store will not be open at all, but the Nature Trails around Moose Park will remain available for use. We can expect that there will be a significant decrease in the number of Campers Association events this season. This includes the Canada Celebration fireworks (which would not be permitted under a fireban anyway). I think we can also expect that the Annual Meeting will be cancelled this year, but this decision will not be made until the May long weekend. Please watch for signs and messages to be posted then.
There is one temporary change to the Resort Rules. Until further notice, guests will not be allowed to stay in the Resort. No guests are allowed to use your lot or camp in Moose Park. This is to prevent short stay campers from coming in contact with our population and from over-crowding the lots. This prohibits all outside guests who bring their own RV, as well as those who stay in your RV with you. However, people who are part of your extended family, who regularly come to the Resort and stay with you in your own living unit are still allowed. Only one living unit is allowed per lot each night, unless arrangements have been made in advance for special circumstances.
I have also been speaking with some of the businesses in Smith. Both restaurants are open and eager for your business (no dine-in). They close at about 7.00pm and the pizza is pretty good. The grocery store, laundromat and gas stations are all still open as well with modified service. As always, I remind people to support our local businesses.
Once the season begins, I expect that I will see people visiting each other at their lots again, especially in the evenings. It is good that everyone is able to enjoy their lakelots, while still respecting the physical distancing requirements. I would like to stress that I feel this can easily be done by keeping a few guidelines in mind. Please see below for a list of these Resort specific guidelines.
There will likely be more items added to these guidelines as the summer progresses. Before the season begins, there will be another update with more information.
COVID-19 restrictions in Alberta
This wording has been copied directly from the Alberta Health Services website regarding how to “Assess risk to determine appropriate activities”. For more information go to: www.alberta.ca/covid
- Does the activity violate a public health order?
– any event or gathering of 15 or more people
– a situation where physical distancing isn’t possible
– requires individuals to maintain two metres (6 feet) from others
- Does the activity involve contact with frequently touched surfaces or objects?
- Can an activity proceed with physical distancing in place?
– Outdoor activities with people outside your household or cohort family can proceed as long as people are physically distanced, there is no contact with frequently touched objects or surfaces, and there are fewer than 15 people.
– Families with children who may require additional support can partner with another family to create a cohort family.
Guidelines for using your lakelot at Fawcett Lake Resort
– Do not enter into the Resort if you are feeling sick or have had contact with a confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus.
– Do not enter into another lot without permission and wait for an invitation … every time.
– We are allowed to gather with a small number of friends but any gathering must not include high risk activities. This implies that only 2 or 3 families should ever be present on any lot at a time. Each cohort family should sit in their own separate area, on their own personal lawn chairs that they brought from their own lot.
– It is recommended that each family should limit the number of families that they visit with at the lake, and keep track of who is in their social group.
– Preparing food, sharing of food or beverages and buffet-style meals are all listed as high risk activities and are not permitted at any gathering. This implies that you should bring your own prefilled mug or bowl of popcorn when you visit. However, do not leave dirty plates or utensils for the host to clean up. Take them back to your own lot to clean up yourself. If you need to refill your mug then do it from your own larger beverage container that you brought for your own exclusive use.
– Singing is also considered a high risk activity for transmitting the virus. The traditional campfire sing-along will need to be converted to a long distance performance.
– People who do not live in the same household should not be on a single boat together.
– Do not let other people operate your ATV or boat, without wiping down the controls and other frequently touched areas, both before and after its use.
– Even though you are camping, don’t forget about personal cleanliness. Everyone in your family should wash their hands each time they return to your lot, and whenever you have visitors.
It will be very difficult for children (and pets, as applicable) to abide by these guidelines. Pay special attention to make sure that everyone in your family is aware of the rules and guidelines, and that pets are controlled at all times.