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Snapshot 9ea2ef7b658b · verified 2026-06-07 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
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Inclement Weather or Other Short-term Potentially Hazardous Conditions Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a clear, consistent, and defensible
framework for managing municipal operations, service delivery, and employee
attendance during inclement weather events or other short-term potentially
hazardous conditions. The policy prioritizes employee and public safety while
ensuring continuity of essential municipal services wherever reasonably possible.
2. Scope and Application
This policy applies to all employees of the Municipality of Fundy Albert, including
full-time, part-time, casual, seasonal, and contract employees, unless otherwise
specified by individual employment agreements or collective arrangements.
3. Guiding Principles
Decisions made under this policy shall be guided by the following principles:
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Protection of employee and public health and safety;
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Compliance with occupational health and safety obligations;
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Continuity of essential municipal services;
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Fair, consistent, and transparent decision-making;
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Clear and timely communication;
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Risk mitigation for the Municipality, Council, and staff.
4. Authority
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is the sole authority responsible for
determining municipal office closures, delayed openings, early closures, remote
work authorization, or continuation of operations during inclement weather or
other short-term hazardous conditions.
The CAO may consult with Department Heads, Public Works, Emergency
Measures Organization (EMO), provincial agencies, or weather and emergency
advisories as deemed appropriate. In the absence of the CAO, the designated
Acting CAO shall exercise this authority.
5. Conditions That May Trigger Closure, Delay, or Modified Operations
Municipal facilities may be closed, operations delayed, reduced, or modified when
one or more of the following conditions are present or reasonably anticipated:
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5.1 Weather-Related Conditions
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Severe winter storms, including heavy snowfall, blizzards, freezing rain, ice
storms, or whiteout conditions;
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Extreme cold or wind chill posing a risk of frostbite or hypothermia;
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Severe rainfall resulting in flooding, flash flooding, or unsafe road
conditions;
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High winds capable of causing power outages, falling trees, or structural
hazards;
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Coastal storm surges or weather events posing localized risk to municipal
infrastructure.
5.2 Transportation and Access Risks
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Widespread road closures, travel bans, or advisories issued by provincial or
emergency authorities;
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Poor road conditions that materially increase the risk of travel-related
injury to employees or the public;
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Inability to safely access municipal buildings due to snow accumulation, ice,
flooding, or debris;
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Suspension or disruption of essential transportation services.
5.3 Infrastructure and Facility Risks
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Power outages affecting municipal facilities;
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Failure or risk of failure of heating, ventilation, water, wastewater, or other
critical building systems;
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Structural damage or safety concerns within municipal buildings;
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Inaccessibility of facilities due to emergency response activity or unsafe
conditions.
5.4 Public Health or Safety Hazards
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Short-term public health emergencies or advisories that pose immediate
risk;
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Hazardous material incidents or environmental conditions affecting
municipal operations;
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Any other unforeseen event that creates a reasonable risk to employee or
public safety.
6. Levels of Operational Response
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Depending on the severity and duration of conditions, the CAO may implement
one or more of the following measures:
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Delayed opening of municipal offices;
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Early closure of municipal offices;
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Full closure of municipal offices;
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Reduced staffing levels;
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Authorization of remote work where operationally feasible;
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Continuation of essential services only.
7. Essential Services
Certain services may be designated as essential and required to continue during
closures or hazardous conditions, including but not limited to:
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Public Works emergency response and infrastructure protection;
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Water and wastewater operations;
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Emergency management functions;
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Any other service deemed essential by the CAO.
Employees assigned to essential services may be required to report to work
unless conditions make it unsafe to do so. Reasonable accommodations and
safety considerations will apply.
8. Employee Attendance and Compensation
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Employees not required to report to work due to an authorized closure will
be compensated in accordance with applicable HR policies;
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Employees required to work during closures may be compensated in
accordance with overtime or standby provisions, where applicable;
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Employees unable to report to work due to personal travel constraints
when offices remain open must notify their supervisor and may be
required to use leave or unpaid time, subject to policy and managerial
discretion.
9. Communication
The Municipality will communicate closures, delays, or modified operations
through official channels, including the municipal website, social media platforms,
internal email, and other appropriate means.
Employees are responsible for monitoring official communications and confirming
their work status during inclement weather events.
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10. Compliance
Failure to comply with this policy or associated directions may result in corrective
action in accordance with municipal HR policies.
11. Review
This policy shall be reviewed periodically by Administration and updated as
required to reflect operational, legal, or best-practice changes.
12. Effective Date
This policy shall take effect upon approval by Council.
Approval and Signatures
Mayor: ____________________________
Clerk: _____________________________
Date: February 3, 2026