Community Support Hub

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The Community Social Development (CSD) service area is leading the human and social component of the municipal response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Through Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Family Resource Network (FRN), CSD has adapted its services to focus on eight core areas of community support: food, housing, social-emotional, family, affordability, seniors and vulnerable residents, and community organizations.

These are hard times for our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual lives. The Town of Canmore is here to support you through these challenging days.

Call 403.609.3743 for appointments for social or family supports. You can also submit a request for an appointment by using our online form here.

For non-Covid related questions, such as bill payments, permitting, or services you normally receive in-person at the Civic Centre, please call the Town of Canmore's general phone line 403.678.1500

Click here for additional resources and programming for families with children ages 0 - 5

Click here for additional resources from the Family and Community Support Services

FAQs

Financial Supports

What financial supports are available for individuals?

Government of Canada Financial Support

Click here for more information on Federal financial relief, including Employment Insurance.

Province of Alberta Financial Support

Click here for more information on provincial financial relief, including utility deferrals.

Town of Canmore Financial Support

Property Tax and Utility Deferral

Please be aware that Alberta Health Services will never ask for your SIN or banking information via email, call or text.

Can I delay my federal income taxes?

In order to provide greater flexibility to Canadians who may be experiencing hardships during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Canada Revenue Agency will defer the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals, including certain trusts. Click here for more information.

I need to get my taxes done or I will lose certain benefits that I depend on to live. Because of social distancing, I am unable to meet with a tax preparer. Do you have any suggestions for this?

The deadline for filing taxes has been extended to June 1, 2020. FCSS operates a Volunteer Income Tax Program for low-income earners ($33, 045/individual or $66,090/family) and they are making tax arrangements by telephone. Call FCSS for more details about the program 403.678.7129.

Housing

I need help finding affordable housing

Alberta Works can provide financial support and emergency accommodation to Citizens of Canada and Permanent Residents of Canada.
Alberta Works Canmore Office: 403-678-2363, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Alberta Works Emergency Income Support: 1-866-644-5135 after 4:30 p.m.
Click here for more information.

Short Term Emergency Shelter Option at Banff YWCA (limited spaces)
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Canmore Downtown Hostel
Residents of the Bow Valley accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Discounted weekly prices. Shared rooms enforced at 50% capacity.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Canmore Hotel Hostel
Discounted daily ($15), weekly ($170) and monthly rates ($325).
Shared rooms enforced at 50% capacity. Not a family-friendly location, only adults 18+

I just got laid off and have been unfairly evicted. What can I do?

If you are unsure of your rights or responsibilities, feel you have been unfairly evicted, or have any landlord/tenant issues, refer to the Residential Tenancies Act. If you would like to make a claim, you can do so with Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Services.

I can't afford to pay my rent or utilities, and I am worried that I may get evicted. What should I do?

There are new protections are in place for residential and mobile homes site tenants facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Tenants cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent and/or utilities before May 1, 2020. Rents on residential properties or mobile home sites will not increase while Alberta’s State of Public Health Emergency remains in effect. Late fees cannot be applied to late rent payments until June 30 and cannot be collected retroactively for this time. Landlords and tenants need to work together to develop payment plans while COVID-19 is being managed.

Landlords can still file applications and receive orders for possession if the reason for the eviction is unrelated to rent and/or utility payments, or if a tenant refused to negotiate or comply with a payment plan.

Click here for more information.

Food

I need assistance finding affordable food. Where can I go?

Bow Valley Food Bank
Need a hamper? Call the Bow Valley Food Bank 403.678.9488 on Monday or Wednesday
Pickup days are Tuesday and Thursday 12-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.
If you’d like a friend or neighbour to pick up your hamper for you, let the Food Bank know their name when you call. If you have an urgent need you can contact Family and Community Support Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to access an emergency food hamper.

Banff YWCA
Limited Food Hampers
Call 403.762.3560

Stone Soup Canmore
A Facebook-based community network to connect volunteers with those in need in the community.
Join the group on Facebook @Stone Soup Canmore.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Food and Friends
Now operating pick-up meals to reheat out of the Iron Goat on Mondays and Thursdays.
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to place orders or to volunteer.

Good Food Box

20-25 lbs of (non-organic) fresh fruit and vegetables offered once per month to a centralized pick up location. $25 for low income individuals and those financially affected by Covid, or $30 for all other recipients. Open to all residents. Click here for more information. Join the Facebook group here.

Don’t have $25 but in need of fresh fruit & vegetables? Contact Randi to learn about the ‘pay what you can’ option. 403-675-3000 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mountain Fire Foods
Meal delivery on Mondays, for free or by donation. If you or anyone you know could use a meal this Monday please send a message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with name, address, phone number, and the number of meals needed.

Canmore Food Recovery

Open Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:30 pm
Located at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (near Hospital), 1205 - 1st Ave

https://canmorefoodrecoverybarn.weebly.com/

I am in isolation and need food delivered. Where can I go?

Bow Valley Food Bank
Need a hamper? Call the Bow Valley Food Bank 403.678.9488 on Monday or Wednesday.
Pickup days are Tuesday and Thursday 12-1 p..m and 6-7 p.m.
If you’d like a friend or neighbour to pick up your hamper for you, let the Food Bank know their name when you call.

Stone Soup Canmore
A Facebook-based community network to connect volunteers with those in need in the community.
Join the group on Facebook @Stone Soup Canmore.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Various Canmore restaurants offer free delivery

Save-on-Foods
Offering delivery service ONLY to: Quarantined individuals, seniors 80 and over, and high needs individuals in social isolation (physically unable to get to the store/immune compromised/urgent need/etc).

To order: Email grocery request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (it must be less than $200). Delivery will be filled as soon as they can.

Rusticana
Offering free delivery to those affected by self-isolation, quarantine, or seniors.
Call 403.678.4465

Organic Box
theorganicbox.ca

To Go Canada
togocanada.ca

Canmore Soup for the Soul
The Malcolm and Spring Creek are offering “Canmore Soup for the Soul”.
Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the soup runs out.⁠
To pick up your soup, please proceed to the hotel’s main entrance. Soup flavours will be announced the night before, so keep an eye out on our social media (@malcolmhotel).
⁠If you are self-isolating or unable to leave your home, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., limited quantities available.⁠

Should I take any precautions when I order take-out or have it delivered?

You should take the food out of the packaging it came in, transfer it to a plate and throw the packaging away. Then wash your hands for 20 seconds before eating the food.

Do I need to take steps to disinfect purchased goods (particularly stuff like fruit and vegetables)?

The virus is primarily transmitted through person-to-person spread by larger droplets, like from a cough or sneeze. It can also be passed by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

While the virus can live under ideal circumstances (such as on stainless steel) for several days, it is generally only live on surfaces like paper or plastic for a few hours. There is no evidence of the virus being spread by packaging mail, grocery goods or other items. The best steps to prevent transmission are to wash your hands and to regularly clean surfaces.

Childcare and Family Supports

Where can I access childcare services?

Davar Child Care Society

Dayhomes are not part of the child care centre closures. They are still open so long as the dayhome provider decides to remain open (they are contracted through Davar but designated as self-employed). There are spots available but the exact numbers are unknown and changing daily as some dayhome provides go offline and some come back online as well as based on availability by age. If you would like to inquire about becoming a regulated dayhome contact Shelley Gregorash at 403.609.7392 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mountain Munchkin Day Care

Mountain Munchkin Day Care is now providing childcare for essential service workers with children ages 0-5. Those who are interested in this childcare opportunity are encouraged to contact Mountain Munchkin Day Care directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Join the Bow Valley Family Hub as a member or visit Stone Soup Canmore Facebook pages to request child care supports or offer child care supports on those platforms

Can my child play with other children?

It is important to stay away from other people as much as possible. Have playtime with other children outdoors and keep 2 meters away from each other. Use Facetime or Skype to have “virtual playdates.”

Can I take my child to the grocery store or other public spaces?

It is important to practice physical distancing. Stay away from other people whenever possible. Try to plan trips to the grocery store or run errands when someone can care for your child at home.

What should I do if I am pregnant or have a newborn?

If you are expecting a child or caring for an infant and have questions or concerns, contact Alberta Health Services https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/parents.aspx, call Health Link at 8-1-1 or your family doctor.

What do I do if I am concerned about the safety of a child?

If you are concerned about the safety of a child due to child abuse or neglect, call 403-297-2995 to report your concerns.

How do I talk to children about COVID-19?

There are resources to help with this. Talking with Children about COVID-19 (CDC) This book is an invitation for families to discuss the full range of emotions arising from the current situation.

What are some things I can do for personal and family wellness?

Get Creative
-mountainfm.com/latest has a collection of activity resources for kids and adults
-Free online art content for kids and adults, and a live stream dance party every weekday at artsplacecanmore.com
-Learn a new song or a musical instrument
-Learn a new language, or a few new words each day

Get Outside
-Refresh with a walk in the fresh air (please keep social distancing in mind).
-Get kids sliding, building snow forts, doing a nature treasure hunt or bingo, or creating a mud/snow kitchen.

Get Moving
-Keep a routine with at-home workouts or yoga online
-Dance!

Get Cooking
-Spend time with your family by cooking together.
-Take a free online cooking class at instructables.com

Meditation
Apps such as Headspace and Calm have prepared a variety of free meditation options to manage stress, sleep, and anxiety during the pandemic.

Put down your phone
-Pick up a book
-Grab a deck of cards, puzzle, or play a board game
-Write in a journal or draw in a sketchbook

Mental Health

I need mental health support. Where can I go?

Remember, you are not alone.

YWCA Banff
Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Support 403.760.3200.
YWCA has an emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic violence.
Monday to Saturday 9:30 am - 9 pm or call 403.762-3560 for after-hours shelter access

Bow Valley Victim Services Association
Contact regarding conversations relating to any trauma, crime, domestic violence, or abuse situation. Need shelter option? Call the YWCA.
(403) 760-0197.
https://www.bowvalleyvictimservices.org/

Community Addictions and Mental Health Services
New clients are being taken; however, all appointments will be online or over the phone
403-678-4696

Urgent Mental Health Walk-In Services
Banff & Canmore Hospitals 7 days/week, 2 – 9 p.m.

Non-Local Help Lines
Mental Health Help Line - 1-877-303-2642
CCASA/Sexual Assault Crisis – 24 hours, 1.877.237.5888
Distress Line – 24 hours, 1.888.787.2880
Family Violence Helpline – 24 hours, 403. 234.7233
Kids Help Phone – 24 hours, 1.800.668.6868
Suicide Crisis Line - 1.800.SUICIDE
Addiction 24 hours HelpLine -1.866.332.2322

Centre for Online Mental Health Support
For live interactive mental health support online.
http://www.comhs.health/

Seniors

I am no longer using the bus. Is there another option for me?

FCSS coordinates a Taxi Pass Program for seniors aged 65 and over who are low-income (income threshold of $33,045.00). Eight, one-way taxi vouchers are provided each month for qualifying individuals. Call FCSS to arrange this program 403.678.7129.

I have specialist medical appointments in Calgary that I cannot miss. My neighbour usually drives me but they are ill now and cannot drive me. Is there another option for me?

FCSS coordinates a Volunteer Driver Program to get individuals to their specialist medical appointments in Calgary. This service is for appointments that are vital to the ongoing good health of the individual. Call FCSS to discuss this program 403.678.7129.

I am a senior living alone and I need help with my medications and bathing. Is there a resource for this?

Home Care operates from the Canmore Hospital and is available by self-referral. Call 403.678.7200 to connect with Home Care and they will do an assessment of your needs to determine how much care they can provide.

I have Home Care but I would like more help and am willing to pay for the service. How do I find out who does this kind of work in the Canmore community?

There is a list of resources available in Canmore through the FCSS office. Call 403.609.3743.

I have limited mobility and need assistance for affordable food delivery. Who can help me?

Meals on Wheels
Available to seniors and people with disabilities or limited mobility.
Hot meals are delivered by volunteers Monday - Friday between 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
You can choose which days you would like to receive meals. Meals cost $6.00 each and are invoiced monthly. Call FCSS for more information or to sign up 403.678.7136

Bow Valley Food Bank
Need a hamper? Call the Bow Valley Food Bank 403-678-9488 on Monday or Wednesday.
Pickup days are Tuesday and Thursday 12-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.
If you’d like a friend or neighbour to pick up your hamper for you, let the Food Bank know their name when you call.

Stone Soup Canmore
Facebook-based community network to connect volunteers with those in need in the community.
Join the group on Facebook @Stone Soup Canmore, or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I am worried about the impact the economy will have on my retirement savings.

The Government of Canada announced they are reducing required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020, in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on many seniors’ retirement savings.

What can I do to help seniors who may be struggling with social isolation or feelings of loneliness?

One of the most meaningful actions we can take is simply picking up the phone. Even spending just a few minutes on the phone, or other technology, with a senior, is a small action that can have a big impact. It can go a long way toward reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. This is especially important for seniors who are living alone. Regular phone calls with our elder loved ones can become part of our “new normal”.

What can seniors do to protect their personal health and wellbeing?

During this difficult time, seniors can protect their mental health and feel more connected by taking the following steps:
-Call a friend or family member
-Exercise in their home
-Go for a walk, while remembering to practice social distancing
-Get fresh air by opening a window or going outside for a few minutes each day

Where can seniors find support in the community?

If you need to find support in your community, reach out to 211 or Alberta Supports. 211 is a comprehensive informational referral system accessible for all Albertans. Call or text 2-1-1 or visit ab.211.ca. Alberta Supports can help you access more than 30 programs and 120 services available through the Government of Alberta. Call 1-877-644-9992 toll-free province-wide.

What can be done to protect seniors from scam artists trying to take advantage of the pandemic?

In emergencies like this, vulnerable individuals, especially seniors, are often targeted by unscrupulous con artists trying to take advantage of people’s fear and uncertainty. They can pose as door-to-door salespeople, telemarketers, collection agents and sometimes even distant relatives asking for help. If you have a parent, grandparent, vulnerable family friend or neighbour, you are encouraged to watch out for them. Offer to be their buddy, someone they can check in with before responding to matters involving money. Be that calm, informed person who can advise them about when a caller or salesperson is legitimate or a scammer.

Can I still go and visit my family members in long-term care facilities?

Expectations for visiting have changed. These changes will ensure we continue to protect at-risk Albertans while helping them remain socially and emotionally connected.

The changes include the expectation that operators develop a safe visiting policy and process in collaboration with residents and families. Other changes include:

Each resident or alternate decision maker may identify up to 2 designated family/support persons who are essential to maintaining resident mental and physical health.
Multiple residents may have the same designated family/support persons.
Non-designated family/support persons may be allowed to visit.
- This will be determined by resident health and circumstance and the risk tolerance assessment of the site.
Designated family/support persons are not required to be present for visits from others.

Any visiting person with symptoms of COVID-19 or known recent exposure to COVID-19 will not be permitted entry. All visiting persons should know their risk of unknown exposure to COVID-19 and take steps to protect residents and staff including consistent hand hygiene practices, physical distancing and wearing a mask indoors.

For up-to-date information, fact sheets, and support, please click here

Settlement

I am a temporary foreign worker. Where can I go for more information?

For information, FAQs, and resources: http://www.bvipartnership.com/covid19

The Settlement Services team also has updated information and is an important resource for foreign-born residents, temporary foreign workers, and refugees: (403) 762-1144, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Unemployment

I am newly unemployed. How do I apply for EI?

Click here to apply for EI Sickness Benefits.

Don’t qualify for EI?
Can’t go to work, don’t have paid sick leave, self-employed, quarantined, caregiving, parents staying home etc.?

For Canadians without paid sick leave who are sick, quarantined or forced to stay home to care for children, the Government of Canada is waiving the one-week waiting period for those individuals in imposed quarantine that claim Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits and introducing the Emergency Care Benefit providing up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks. This flat-payment Benefit would be administered through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Click here to apply for the Emergency Care Benefit, available in April.

How is the Town of Canmore supporting unemployed residents?

Canmore Community Housing Corporation
CCHC is working with their property management provider to ensure that they are cognizant of tenants' potential situations, which vary on a case by case basis, recognizing the current environment. Our focus is to keep CCHC rental tenants housed.
The emergency housing resources available through the FCSS teams in the Bow Valley are currently at capacity.

Medical and Pharmaceutical Assistance

I am in isolation, but I need my medication. Do pharmacies deliver?

Rexall
-Operating at regular business hours; open doors, but limited staff.
-No delivery service during regular business hours. During business hours, customers have the option to pay a cab driver to deliver pharmacy orders.
-Delivery service available after business hours (staff delivering).
-Voicemail option has been added specifically for individuals who are experiencing fever/dry cough/ suspected COVID-19 symptoms.
-Customers are being asked to phone the pharmacy ahead of time to fill prescriptions. Once orders are ready for pick up, pharmacists are phoning customers to come in (they are trying to avoid people waiting/lingering in the store to pick up, to limit interaction).
-For seniors: One hour from 9-10 a.m. is 20% off, also Senior Tuesdays (offer discounts).

Shoppers Drug Mart
-Doors open; operating at regular business hours.
-COVID-specific voicemail option has been added.
-Pharmacists are available to answer questions via phone.
-Offering free delivery service.

Gourlay’s Clinic Pharmacy
-Doors closed; operating at regular business hours.
-Filling prescriptions and taking payments over the phone.
-Offering delivery service.

Three Sisters Pharmacy + Travel Clinic
-Doors open; operating at regular business hours.
-Offering free deliveries to Banff, Cochrane, and Canmore.
-Receiving prescriptions from doctors directly.

Save On Foods Pharmacy
COVID-specific voicemail option has been added
-For seniors: filling prescriptions with customer credit cards.
-Have a number of volunteer drivers who are delivering orders to customer homes. Volunteers are not pharmacists and are signing confidentiality agreements.

Safeway Pharmacy
-Regular business hours, no delivery service.

Domestic Violence

I am experiencing domestic violence. Who do I call?

YWCA Banff Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Support
(403) 760-3200
YWCA has an emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic violence.
Monday to Saturday 9:30 am - 9 pm or call 403.762-3560 for after-hours shelter access

Bow Valley Victim Services Association
Contact regarding conversations relating to any trauma, crime, domestic violence, or abuse situation.
Need shelter option? Call the YWCA 403.760.0197
https://www.bowvalleyvictimservices.org/

Urgent Mental Health Walk-In Services
Banff & Canmore Hospitals | 7 days/week | 2 – 9 p.m.

Family Violence Info Line
Trained staff can provide advice and support, and information on supports and services available in your area.
Call 310-1818 | 24/7 | 170+ languages
Chat online alberta.ca/SafetyChat | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily

Non-Local Help Lines
CCASA/Sexual Assault Crisis – 24 hours 1-877-237-5888 (Calgary)
Distress Line – 24 hours 1-888-787-2880
Family Violence Helpline – 24 hours (403) 234-7233
Kids Help Phone – 24 hours 1-800-668-6868
Suicide Crisis Line 1-800-SUICIDE
Addiction 24 hours Help Line 1-866-332-2322

I am in isolation and worried that I may be at greater risk of domestic violence. What can I do?

Isolation is a risk factor for family violence, so during this time of physical social distancing, we encourage everyone to stay socially connected. Consider staying connected with family, friends, colleagues, and community however you can: through phone, text, video chat or social media.

You can always call the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 | 24/7.
Trained staff can provide advice and support, and information on supports and services available in your area. You can also chat online alberta.ca/SafetyChat, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.

Pet Care and Supplies

I am in isolation but need someone to walk my dog. Who can help me?

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and they will connect you with a volunteer. Or you can post on the Stone Soup Canmore Facebook group.

Town of Canmore

Town of Canmore Website

Elevation Place

Program & Recreation Online Booking

Online Services

Community Support Hub

FAQs

Financial Supports

Housing

Food

Childcare and Family Supports

Mental Health

Seniors

Settlement

Unemployment

Medical and Pharmaceutical Assistance

Domestic Violence

Pet Care and Supplies

Contact us

Community Calendars

Canmore Network

Town of Canmore

Town of Canmore Website

Elevation Place

Program & Recreation Online Booking

Online Services

FAQs

Financial Supports

Housing

Food

Childcare and Family Supports

Mental Health

Seniors

Settlement

Unemployment

Medical and Pharmaceutical Assistance

Domestic Violence

Pet Care and Supplies

Contact us

Community Calendars

Canmore Network

Where to find us