The COVID-19 pandemic has spawned economic uncertainty both worldwide and right here at home. During these challenging times, we want to reassure the business community: we're in this together, and we will support you to the best of our collective ability.

Wetaskiwin Economic Development has developed an economic resiliency strategy as a response to COVID-19 and the direct impacts this pandemic has and will have on our businesses and economy as a whole. This will be a fluid strategy that is responsive to the changing situation.

COVID Recovery Grant

City of Wetaskiwin Small Business COVID Recovery Grant

The City of Wetaskiwin has partnered with the Leduc & Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce to offer a COVID BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANT program to provide assistance to small businesses residing in the City of Wetaskiwin.

The grant will provide financial support towards the expense (up to 5 hours of professional services and maximum of $500) of a business requiring qualified Legal/HR or Accountant services to assist with the understanding, collecting of information and preparation of documents to apply for the current government COVID financial assistance programs. 

CLICK HERE to learn more or apply.

City News and Initiatives for Local Business Resiliency

Scroll down to find critical information, support updates, and links to different resources.
City of Wetaskiwin support measures for businesses
Plastic Bag Ban Temporarily Suspended
  

The City has temporarily suspended its plastic bag ban, meaning no penalties for businesses wishing to provide or supply them. MORE »
   
Cancellation of Water Disconnects and Late Charges for Utility Payments
  

To help ease the strain, City Council moved to freeze utility disconnects and late payment penalties on overdue accounts. MORE »
   
Intermodal Container Deferral of Fees and Charges Amendment
  

Administration pushed the current motion on the table to increase fees and charges related to intermodal containers to return to Council in Q4,
2020.
   
Noise Control Considerations
  

Consideration from the City Manager to issued permits allowing the production of certain sounds outside of normal business due to COVID-19.
   
Planning, Development & Engineering
   Planning, Development & Engineering services remain open for inquiries and applications (just not in person). MORE »

Resiliency Recommendations for Local Businesses

The following tips are designed to prepare your business to weather the storm and be better positioned for fiscal recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business continuity planning
  • The health and safety of yourself, your staff, customers and partners are number one priority; review the section below: Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
  • Familiarize yourself with Human Resources policies and processes, including absenteeism, communications, sick leave, employee travel, social distancing, and workplace disinfecting; be clear and consistent with your employees; review Alberta Employment Standards
  • Provide resources for those who have or will be laid off, explore the following sections: COVID-19: Financial Relief for Albertans (under Important News); COVID-19 Financial Relief Programs for Businesses, and; Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
  • Adhere to Cleaning and disinfection recommendations for COVID-19 (under Important News)
  • Abide by physical distancing, gathering restrictions, and all provincial public health orders
  • Abide by Alberta Biz Connect guidance for businesses and sectors (see below)
  • Implement flexible working arrangements if possible; utilize virtual office environments like GoTo Meetings, Skype for Businesses, Google Hangouts, or Zoom
  • Review your supply chain;  have a Plan B in case of disruptions of service in your primary vendor(s)
  • Work with customers and vendors to defer business instead of cancelling
  • Explore options for online sales of products and gift cards
  • Should your business need close for any reason, implement measures to reduce the risk of any criminal activity
 
City of Wetaskiwin RCMP encourages the following safe practices should your business be required to close:
  • Keep storefront and sales area lights on
  • Keep exterior lights on
  • Turn off/unplug all equipment
  • Store flammables and combustibles in secure location
  • Keep cash register open and empty; do not leave cash on premises
  • Secure other valuables if unable to take them off premises (equipment and stock)
  • Secure and lock all doors and windows
  • Activate security system and security surveillance equipment

Business owners and employees: you are not alone.

The Mental Health Help Line is available 24/7 to provide advice and referrals to community supports nearest you. Call 1-877-303-2642. Other resources include:

COVID-19 Financial Relief Programs for Businesses

In the face of an uncertain economic situation and tightening credit conditions, the provincial and federal governments are taking action to help affected businesses.
Connect 1:1 with a Business Strategist

As a small business owner, you may be facing immediate challenges in light of the actions taken by our government to further prevent the spread of COVID-19 as we continue to move forward with our relaunch strategy in Alberta. Business Link has gathered current information and resources available to you as you work through the implications this has on you and your business.

Business Link will continue to update this page with new information and additional resources as they become available.

Learn about the resources available for businesses affected by COVID-19

Business Link is supported by the Government of Canada and the Alberta Government.

COVID-19 Financial Support Measures for Various Sectors

The government is taking a tailored approach to better protecting individual sectors from the economic distribution of COVID-19.

Canadian Manufacturers Needed to Help Combat COVID-19

Are you a Canadian manufacturer or business that can supply products and services in support of Canada’s response to COVID-19? If so, we want to hear from you.
In combating COVID-19, we’re stronger together

If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. Please refer to the product specifications and requirements for Canada’s medical supply needs. If you can say yes to the following, we really want to hear from you.

  • You manufacture in Canada and/or have ready access to necessary inputs through your supply chain
  • You have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns, sanitizers, wipes, ventilators, and/or other medical equipment and supplies
  • You have skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the current circumstances
  • The Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19 directly supports businesses to rapidly scale up production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada that will help in the fight against COVID-19

Explore product specifications and requirements for Canada’s medical supply needs
My business wants to help

Canadian manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19

My business wants to help

Maintaining contact with the local business community throughout the pandemic and connecting them with supports has been a priority of the City. Local business owners and operators are the backbone of our community and our economic development team is working hard to help them see the pandemic through.
Tyler Gandam Mayor, City of Wetaskiwin
In an effort to safeguard our community by flattening the curve, we are all being called to unprecedented action. I ask that everyone renew their dedication to the measures being put in place by our federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Robert Osmond Director of Emergency Management, City of Wetaskiwin
These are aggressive measures and we don’t take them lightly. We need to do everything we can to flatten the curve and keep people healthy. I strongly encourage all Albertans to stay close to home as we are all in this together. Our collective action will protect our family, friends and neighbours.
Dr. Deena Hinshaw Chief Medical Officer of Health, Government of Alberta
The actions we are taking are tough but necessary to protect public health. But the more that we comply with rules like these being recommended by our public health experts, the faster we can get through all of this and restart our economy.
Jason Kenney Premier of Alberta
I know that this pandemic has been incredibly challenging for people right across the country, but we’re also seeing the best of what it means to be Canadian.
Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada