Like all communities, the Village of Carbon is finding a new normal in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This will be a summer for all to remember, including residents of Carbon. As the outbreak began to spread in Canada, the Village took some proactive measures including closing the village office and public works shop to the public and the Carbon Emergency Management Agency enacted its business continuity plan. It has also been busy keeping residents updated through its social media and website channels.
Council has also waived all utility penalties until the September billing cycle, and those who are having difficulties making utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic can contact the Village Office to make payment arrangements.
Mayor Bryan Peever says he is seeing residents taking care of each other throughout this emergency, whether it be picking up items for neighbours or helping out. The Carbon Valley Community Church has been offering food hampers for families in need. The Carbon Fire Department has also been active doing its drive-by birthday celebrations. Those in need of a bit of support can call the village office and they will connect with volunteers.
Like many villages, a number of spring and summer events have been cancelled, including Sports Days. The swimming pool has also been closed for the season, and the library and playgrounds have closed for the time being.
Businesses in the community have been creative in finding ways to serve the community and their customers. The Carbon Grocery Store is open but has implemented measures including social distancing and asking customers to wash their hands. The Bottle Depot has also remained open and many restaurants have adjusted to offering take-out or delivery orders. The province eased some restrictions to businesses last week, which may see some shops reopen or offer greater services.
The Village of Carbon made the decision to open the campground on June 1. Peever says the reservation system has been open since February, and they will have to make some adjustments due to Public Health Orders. Camping will be a lot different from the normal. The campground will operate at 50 per cent capacity to allow safe spacing for each unit. The tenting sites are closed.
All camping will be in self-contained units, and shared facilities at the campground such as washrooms and showers are closed. So are playgrounds, group sites, group fire pits, and ball diamonds. Campers will be responsible for the disposal of all their garbage or recycling. Each site will be sanitized after each use by the attendant.