COVID-19 - Changes to City services and facilities
Page updated: May 7, 2021
See what City of Calgary services and facilities are open or closed. This includes services like Calgary Transit, pet adoptions and licensing, and planning and development approvals.
The following City of Calgary service changes are in place due to the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic:
COVID-19 Face Coverings Bylaw
Face coverings must be worn in City of Calgary facilities includng recreation centres, City Hall and other City of Calgary buildings.
City services and facilities on this page
Animal services
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Service: Cat trap program | Status update: Temporarily suspended |
Status information: If the stray cat appears unhealthy and you are able to handle it, please take it to the closest vet clinic. |
| Service: Lost or impounded cats and dogs | Status update: Open with restrictions |
Status information: The Animal Services Centre remains open to the public with restrictions on who can visit in-person. |
| Service: No Cost Spay/Neuter program | Status update: Temporarily suspended |
Status information: All previously scheduled appointments are now canceled and indefinitely postponed. |
| Service: Pet licensing |
Status update: Open (online only) |
Status information: Pet licence renewals or purchases can be completed online. |
| Service: Pet adoptions |
Status update: Open |
Status information: On March 1, 2021, Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) began a three-month pilot managing adoption services for The City of Calgary. Adopt pets from AARCS |
Calgary Transit
Calgary Transit is temporarily reducing the frequency for some routes. Get the latest updates on changes to Calgary Transit service.
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Service: Bus services | Status update: Open with restrictions |
Status information: Bus routes will have fewer trips throughout the day and you may experience longer wait times. Some routes have been temporarily suspended. |
| Service: C-Train | Status update: Open with restrictions |
Status information: C-Trains are running with reduced frequency and you may experience longer wait times. Keep two metres away from your fellow passengers. |
Fair Entry
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Service: Fair Entry | Status update: Open with restrictions |
The Fair Entry counter at the Village Square Leisure Centre is closed and the counter at the Municipal Building has reduced hours 8:00-4:30 M-F. If you would like to apply for Fair Entry, you can apply online, mail-in/fax-in, using a drop-box or by visiting the Municipal Building location (800 Macleod Tr. S.E.). Call 311 or email FairEntry@calgary.ca for inquiries.
|
Festivals and events
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Festivals/Events permits | Status: Closed with exceptions |
All permits for mass gatherings, City of Calgary-supported events and permits for third party events on City land have been cancelled. New permit applications for some exceptions are being accepted. COVID-19 updates are available for Festivals and Events. |
Municipal Building services
There is limited access to the Municipal Building. Visitors will be directed to one of two doors where security staff will help direct them.
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Service: Tax questions desk | Status update: Open |
Status information: |
| Service: Enmax desk | Status update: Open |
Status information: |
| Service: Fair Entry counter | Status update: Open |
Status information: |
| Service: Cashiers | Status update: Open |
Status information: |
| Service: Planning and Development Drop-off | Status update: Open |
Status information: |
| Service: Council meetings | Status update: Open (online and phone only) |
Status information: You can participate in public meetings and hearings by:
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| Service: Corporate Records and Archives | Status update: Open (online and phone only) |
Status information: We've temporaily closed the Archives and Records front counter. Researchers can submit archival research requests via email, phone 403-368-8180 or regular mail. |
| Service: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) | Status update: Open (online only) |
Status information: We've temporarily closed the FOIP front counter. Applicants can download forms online and submit online or by mail. |
Parks and outdoor spaces
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Devonian Gardens | Status update: Open with restrictions |
Status information: The gardens are open, with physical distancing and face coverings required. Playground is closed per provincial restrictions. |
| Ralph Klein Park | Status update: Open with restrictions |
The building is closed but the park is open with physical distancing. |
| Service: Free activities and programs | Status update: Open |
Status information: Free programs are being offered at locations across Calgary. Registration may be required. |
| Playgrounds | Status: Open |
Status information: Playgrounds are open. Current Alberta Health Orders and Guidelines must be followed, and you’re strongly encouraged to practice proper hand hygiene before and after use. |
| Playfields | Status update: Permits Suspended |
Based on initial interpretation of the Provincial announcement of updated public health measures on May 4, beginning May 10, 2021, The City will suspend playfield permits for organized group sport activities until further notice. |
| Service: Cemeteries | Status update: Open with restrictions |
Status information: Cemeteries are open with physical distancing. Users are expected to adhere to current provincial guidelines. The Administration Office at Queen’s Park Cemetery is closed to walk-in inquiries, but open to essential services by appointment only. Please call the Administration Office for inquiries.
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| Parks and Pathways | Status: Open |
Status information: |
| Parks bookings | Status update: Open with restrictions |
Status information: Bookings are allowed for those from same household only.
|
| Picnic sites | Status update: Closed |
Status information: Picnic season opens May long weekend.
|
| Inglewood Bird Sanctuary | Status update: Open with restrictions |
Status information: The Nature Centre, the building on site that houses the washrooms interpretive displays and drinking fountains, is currently closed but the sanctuary is open with physical distancing. |
| Fire pits | Status: Open |
Status information: SSelect parks have temporary free-to-use fire pits. |
Planning and Development services
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Service: Development Applications Review | Status update: Open (online only) |
Status information: Stay informed about the developments in your neighbourhood and across The City by accessing the online Development Map. You can request an online appointment to review application documentation by emailing propertyresearch@calgary.ca. |
| Service: Planning and Development Counter | Status update: Open (online and by mail) |
Status information: We've temporarily closed the Planning and Development counter. We're accepting applications by drop-off or online. We also have a new digital intake process for large scale development permits, land use amendment applications and outline plans. |
| Service: Permits and business licenses | Status update: Open (online only) |
Status information: You can apply online for development permits, building permits or business licenses. We're also deferring and waiving some fee payments in 2020. |
| Service: Construction and inspections | Status update: Open with restrictions |
Status information: We're continuing inspections. We may conduct the inspection through video or by an in-person visit (using physical distancing). |
| Service: Development appeals | Status update: Open (online, by mail, and dropoff) |
Status information: The SDAB office is closed but appeals can be filed online. Please note that the deadline for filing an appeal still applies. Hardcopies of appeals can be mailed or submitted by using our secure dropbox located on the 1st floor, in the back hallway (past the elevators), near the postal mailboxes. Please ensure your name, contact information and, if possible, date deposited are included on your materials. Please visit our website for more information. |
| Service: Property research | Status update: Open (phone or by appointment) |
Status information: You can call 311 to make a property research request or call 403-268-2608 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are not accepted at this time.
|
Plus 15 network
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Plus 15 network | Status update: Partially open |
Effective Feb. 8, 2021, the Plus 15 will be partially opened to coincide with the easing of provincial COVID restrictions. Please refer to the Plus 15 map to see which sections will be open to the public. |
Property Assessment
Assessment has complete information about changes during COVID-19 at Preparing 2021 Property Assessments during COVID-19.
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Roll Consultation Period (Pre-Roll) | Status update: Time extended |
Status information: Extended by 3 weeks. October 1, 2020 - November 27, 2020 |
| Assessment notices | Status update: Time extended |
Annual assessment notices will be mailed on January 14 , 2021 |
| Customer Review Period | Status update: Time extended |
Running from January 14, 2021 - March 23, 2021 |
Recreation facilities and bookings
Some services and facilities have reduced capacity. For more information on why some things remain closed, visit Recreation facility status.
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Arenas | Status update: Closed |
Status information:
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| Arts Centres | Status update: Closed |
Status information:
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| Service: Registered programs | Status update: Closed |
Registered programs are currently unavailable. New programs will be open as restrictions ease. |
| Athletic parks | Status update: Select openings |
Select athletic parks are open for household bookings. |
| Service: Pools, weight rooms and cardio | Status update: Closed |
|
| Calgary Soccer Centre | Status update: Select openings |
Status information: Indoor fields are currently closed. Outdoor fields are open for household bookings. Drop-in soccer, games and walking track are not available. |
| City-owned, partner-operated recreation facilities (e.g. YMCAs) | Status update: Check with partners |
Status information: Please visit the websites for partner-operated facilities for details on their opening dates and health and safety information.
|
| Golf | Status update: Open |
Golf courses and driving ranges are open. Golf tee times will be limited to members of the same household or an individual living alone plus one close contact. Golf lessons and league play are currently unavailable. |
| Disc golf courses | Status update: Open |
Status information: Disc golf courses are open. Players must live in the same household.
|
| Skateparks | Status update: Open |
Status information: Skateparks are open with physical distancing in place.
|
| Calgary AfterSchool | Status update: Closed |
Status information: Will resume as restrictions ease. |
Surplus store
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Surplus store | Status update: Closed |
The store is closed. |
Transportation and road services
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptative Roadways / lane closures program | Status update: Open |
The Adaptive Roadways Program (ARP) is being implemented again in 2021 to increase the spaces available for Calgarians to safely walk, run, skateboard and cycle as the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing restrictions continue. |
| Snow and Ice Control | Status update: Open |
Snow clearing services run from October 2020 to April 2021. See services provided by the Seven-Day Snow Plan. |
| Service: Roads and traffic permit counter | Status update: Open (online or by phone) |
Status information: You can apply for permits online or by phone. |
Waste and recycling
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Service: Blue cart pickup | Status update: Open |
Status information: Blue carts are collected weekly |
| Service: Green cart pickup | Status update: Open |
Green carts are collected weekly. |
| Service: Black cart pickup | Status update: Open |
Status information: Black carts are collected once every other week. |
| Service: Electronics recycling | Status update: Open (at select locations) |
Status information: Some electronics recycling depots may have reduced hours or be closed until further notice. Contact the location directly to confirm hours of operation prior to dropping off your electronics.
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| Service: Donation bins and charities | Status update:
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Status information: Some charities may not be accepting donations right now. Before donating your items:
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Compost giveaways |
Status update: By appointment only |
Compost will be available for pickup, by online appointment only, from May 10 to June 26 at Shepard and Spyhill landfills during operating hours. Book your appointment |
Water services
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Service: Erosion and Sediment Control applications | Status update: Open (online or by mail) |
Status information?: We are temporarily accepting Erosion and Sediment Control applications digitally or by mail. |
Youth Employment Centre
| Service | Status update | Status information |
|---|---|---|
| Service: Youth Employment Services | Status update: Open with restrictions |
Online and phone appointments are still available by calling 403-268-2490 or visiting Calgary.ca/YEC. |
Provincial COVID-19 related information
Government of Alberta
Information on public health orders, COVID-19 cases, updates from the Chief Medical Officer and financial support.
Alberta.ca/covid19
Information on the vaccine program
Alberta.ca/vaccine
Government of Canada
Information on travel advisories, Canadian borders, economic and financial support.
Canada.ca/covid19
Learn more about what The City's COVID-19 task forces are doing to help us get through the crisis.