Utility Deferral Process- In response to COVID 19

The Town of Black Diamond is approving waiving the late utility bill penalties for January and February 2020. 

We are also deferring payments dates for March, April, May and June 2020.

Our hope is to offer some relief to Black Diamond residents in the short term, during this unparalleled time.

Residents who can pay are encouraged to do so; for those who cannot, there has been a payment deferral option.

Utility bills will not come due until September 15. No late fees will accrue until September 15. If you can pay your utility bill at this time, please do so. 

Under Bylaw 18-01, Water and Sewer Bylaw, the Town authorizes administration to deal with utility billings and penalties (section 79).

The Town will waive penalties for the April 15^th, 2020 deadline for January/February overdue accounts.

Utility bills will continue to be sent out at their regular times throughout this year.

• Payments for March, April, May and June 2020 may be deferred until September 15^th, 2020. 
• Any outstanding amounts as of September 16^th will incur 5% penalty on the balance owing. 
• For the July/August billing period, we anticipate that a normal schedule will resume, and payments will be due on October 15, 2020.

For titled property owners and tenant agreement holders who would like to cancel their pre-authorized utility payments scheduled for withdrawal on April 15, 2020, please contact us by email at Tax@town.blackdiamond.ab.ca with Cancellation of Pre-Authorized Utility Payment in the subject line.   Please provide your property address and utility account number by April 03, 2020, to ensure that payments are not withdrawn from your bank account.

To reactivate pre-authorized payment for future utility bills, please email the above address.  

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

On March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.

Measures are in place to protect businesses, employers and employees from the economic disruption of COVID-19, including:

• Financial relief for businesses and employers
• Job-protected leave for employees
• Federal employment insurance benefits
• Business continuity planning resources

Click here for more information including how to apply for assistance

Government of Alberta Financial Supports

Protecting Alberta’s families and economy

Government is providing immediate financial assistance to Albertans affected by the COVID-19 crisis. New supports are available now, more information here.

There is also additional information in this Government of Alberta News Release - March 18, 2020.

Income Support – How to apply

Apply online or in person for money to pay for basic expenses like food, clothing and shelter.

Emergency financial assistance

Financial assistance for unexpected emergencies is available through the Emergency Needs Allowance.

Communication from Westwinds regarding precautions for our supportive living communities 

We want to provide you with an update to our response to COVID-19 in order to maintain the safest environment for our residents and employees. Please click here for our message.

If you have any questions, please contact us at cadmin@westwindscommunities.ca, or 403-652-8600.

Information for Snowbirds

Canadian Snowbird Association

Mortgage Lenders

Do you need to get in touch with your lender about your options during this emergency? Here are the customer service numbers to the major lenders.

Foothills School Division

Parent Learning Link

Covers many topics including:

• How to Talk to Your Child
• Structuring Your Child’s Day
• Options for Your Child’s Daily Schedule
• Mental Health and Wellness 
• Minds Matter Daily Words of Wellness
• Supports for Students with Disabilities
• Help and Supports