Taber, AB - Official Website

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Engineering & Public Works

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1. Where do I report a problem with my road or sidewalk?: To report a problem with your road or sidewalk, please contact Public Services at 403-223-5500 ext. 5461.

2. Who do I call if I have a problem with water, wastewater (sewer), or stormwater service (not including utility account setup or billing information)?: For problems with water, wastewater, or stormwater, please contact EPCOR at 403-223-0618. For utility account setup or utility bill questions, call the Town of Taber at 403-223-5500 ext. 5558.

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Fire Code & Bylaw FAQs

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1. Do I need to get a fire permit to burn?: Yes. If you live in the MD of Taber you must call the MD of Taber Agricultural Service Board at 403.223.8735 for all burn permits. You will be invoiced if Taber Emergency Services is called out to a fire without a valid permit or if the conditions of the permit are not followed. In Town, commercial burn permits are issued at the discretion of the Fire Chief. Application must be made in person at the fire hall at 6201 54th Avenue. Recreational fire pits are allowed without a permit number in the Town of Taber and must follow bylaw requirements.

2. I live in Town and would like a backyard fire pit. What do I do?: Fire pits are classified as recreational fires. Permissible fire pits under the Bylaw have the following characteristics;
• Supervised by a person 18 years of age or older, burning only clean dry wood
• 10’ (3.048 m) away from any property line or structure
• Constructed of noncombustible material on a noncombustible base
• Covered with a ¼” (6mm) max. metal mesh grate

3. How do I buy/sell/set off fireworks?: Fireworks are restricted by the Alberta Fire Code. Fire department permission is required for all fireworks transactions and displays.

4. I moved into a basement suite, the windows are too small and there are no smoke alarms. Is this right?: Secondary suites existing prior to December 31, 2006 must conform to Alberta Fire Code requirements. Adequate bedroom window sizes are required, smoke alarms must be hard wired and interconnected in suites, and exits must be protected. There is no “grandfather clause,” suites not meeting these requirements must be upgraded.

5. I heard houses must be placed further apart in Taber, may not have any windows in the side yard, or must be sprinklered. Why is this a problem now?: In 2007 the Alberta Government investigated an increasing concern over fires which were difficult to control and spanned multiple properties. Identified factors included the rapid heat release rates of modern materials in houses, and the diminished capacity of exterior finish materials on houses to heat from adjacent properties. In 2009 legislation was introduced to address these factors. The response time for Taber Emergency Services exceeds the allowable specified for minimum sideyard setbacks for typical residential construction. Due to this, future Taber subdivisions may look “roomier” than subdivisions in Calgary or Lethbridge, and/or the houses may have additional features.

6. Does Taber do regular fire inspections of all places?: As part of Taber’s accreditation under the Safety Codes Act, fire inspections are performed upon complaint or by request. Typically this is done for liquor licenses or daycare providers. Where there is a public safety issue or obvious violation the inspector may initiate the inspection.

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Fire Safety FAQs

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1. How long are smoke alarms good for?: Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

2. Does my smoke alarm require any maintenance?: Yes. Every month your smoke alarm should be tested by pressing and holding the test button until the alarm sounds. It should also be cleaned every six months by gently vacuuming the exterior of the alarm. For battery operated alarms the batteries should be replaced once a year; a good time is when you change your clocks in either the spring or fall. Batteries should also be replaced when the alarm makes a chirping sound.

3. Where should I install my smoke alarm?: Follow the manufacturer's instructions, but some key points are: on the ceiling; away from windows, doors, or registers where drafts could prevent smoke from reaching the alarm; and outside of each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

4. Does it matter what type of smoke alarm I get?: Both ionization alarms and photoelectric alarms are acceptable for residential use; just ensure that the alarm has been tested to the CAN / ULC S531-M standard.

5. What is carbon monoxide (CO)?: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that cannot be heard, seen, smelt, or tasted. This has led to it being given the nickname of "silent killer."

6. Where does carbon monoxide come from?: Carbon monoxide is a by-product of incomplete combustion and can be given off by malfunctioning appliances that burn fossil fuels and do not have adequate ventilation to remove the carbon monoxide.

7. What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?: Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are flu-like symptoms including nausea, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, confusion, burning eyes, and loss of muscle control. Carbon monoxide poisoning often causes a victim's blood pressure to rise, turning the victim's skin a pink or red cast.

8. How can I avoid carbon monoxide poisoning?: You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by having a qualified service professional inspect your fuel-burning appliances yearly, and by installing a ULC / CSA approved carbon monoxide alarm near all fuel-burning appliances. Also avoid using charcoal or propane grills in a home, tent, trailer, or unventilated garage. Do no run vehicles inside an attached garage even with the door open, and ensure all fuel-burning appliances are properly ventilated.

9. Is it better to install my carbon monoxide alarm near the floor or on the ceiling?: Carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air and will mix evenly throughout a room so an alarm can be installed at any height in a room.

10. How long is a carbon monoxide alarm good for?: Carbon monoxide alarms are good for anywhere from 2 to 10 years so consult your owner's manual to see when your alarm will need to be replaced.

11. What do the A, B, and C mean on a fire extinguisher?: The A, B, and C indicate the type of fire that the fire extinguisher is capable of fighting. Class A fires are fires involving ordinary combustibles (i.e. wood, paper, plastic, or cloth). Class B fires are fires involving flammable or combustible liquids. Class C fires are fires involving energized electrical equipment. the number in front of the fire class refers to the size of the fire, in square or cubic feet that the extinguisher should extinguish. For example, a 1-A extinguisher should extinguish a 1 cubic foot Class A fire, and a 1-B extinguisher should extinguish a 1 square foot Class B fire. Class C fire extinguishers are not assigned a rating.

12. What type of fire extinguisher should I get for my home?: The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends a minimum of one extinguisher per floor with a rating of 2-A-B:C or higher.

13. How do I care for my fire extinguisher?: Fire extinguishers should be inspected each month and maintained in accordance with the owner's manual that came with the fire extinguisher.

14. What do I do if I have a cooking fire?: 1. Using a pot holder or oven mitt carefully place a lid over the pot or pan. Turn off the element. Do not move the pot from the stove until it it cool. If the fire does not go out immediately, leave your home and call 911.
2. If the fire starts in your oven, keep the oven door closed and turn the heat source off.
3. For a microwave fire, keep the microwave door closed and turn it off.

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Mayor and Councillors

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1. How do I address the mayor and councillors?: In formal correspondence to Town Council or during an introduction of the mayor to a group or event, you would address the mayor as "His Worship the Mayor."

After using the formal address once, it is then appropriate to use more general terms. In a personal introduction, you would address the mayor as "Mr. Mayor" or "Your Worship," and councillors as "Councillor."

2. Will the mayor speak at my event?: Mayor Bryant will make every effort to attend - if his schedule permits. If unable to attend, Mayor Bryant may ask the deputy or acting mayor to represent the town at some functions. Please email the Town Administration Office with the information and event requested or call 403-223-5500 ext. 5519.

3. Will the mayor send a congratulatory message for a milestone birthday or anniversary?: Please email the Town Administration Office with the details of the special event in which a congratulatory message is being requested or call 403-223-5500 ext. 5519.

4. I have a complaint. Who do I talk to about my concerns?

Council is responsible for developing and evaluating the policies and programs while setting the direction for the Town of Taber. The chief administrative officer is responsible to the Council of the Town of Taber for the overall administration of municipal operations of the town in accordance with objectives, policies and plans approved by the Council.

If you have a complaint about how the municipal operations of the town are done, contact the chief administrative officer at 403-223-5500 about your concerns.

If you have a complaint about the actions of Town Council, please contact the members of Town Council.

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Police

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1. How do I apply for employment?: The police service is mandated to prescribe to the Alberta Policing Standards. Potential recruits must meet all basic requirements that can be found on the Alberta C.O.P.S. website. A letter of intent and a resume is sufficient to commence the process. Alberta C.O.P.S.

2. What community programs does Taber Police operate?: The Taber Police Service, in partnership with the local school district, provides a full-time school resource officer. We also sponsor and cooperate with Citizens on Patrol (an auxiliary officer program), Victim Services, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, and we are also active members of Taber Community Action and Preventions Society.

3. Where can I learn more about the work of the Taber Police Service?: To learn more, review our annual report.

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Recreation / Community Services

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1. How do I register for programs or swim lessons?: View details on how to register for programs and swim lessons.

2. How do I book a facility?: To book a facility, please contact the Aquafun Centre at 403-223-5544 or refer to the specific facility link within the Recreation section on the website.

3. What are your hours of operation?: To view hours of operation, please refer to the specific facility link within the Recreation section that you are wanting to attend or contact the Aquafun Centre at 403-223-5544.