Minto Communities Calgary
COVID-19 UPDATES
Communications by Minto Communities Calgary on developments regarding COVID-19. Periodic updates will be accessible here.
As a community builder, local employer and as construction professionals, the health and safety of our customers, employees and trade partners is of the utmost importance to us. This is something we prioritize on a daily basis – and will continue to – through this situation. The wellbeing of the community and the lives we impact speaks to the very heart of Minto’s vision – building better places to live, work and play.
Minto Communities is committed to providing open timely communication relevant to our Alberta operations regarding COVID-19 throughout the duration of the situation. As part of our civic responsibility, we are committed to following the guidance of Canadian and World public health experts by taking recommended precautions. In light of this, we have amplified health and safety measures for our staff and customers. Please read the latest information provided below:
For our Prospects & Customers
Presentation Centre: To ensure social distancing, our Presentation Centre is closed to the public at this time. Our Sales team remains available by phone at 403-351-0235 or email at [email protected].
Q. Some companies have closed entirely, is Minto Communities remaining open?
Apr 2 | At this point in time, our office team is working remotely. While some services have been temporarily suspended, we are maintaining construction activities and other critical tasks that support home building, albeit at a slower pace in order to accommodate enhanced health and safety measures and social distancing.
Q. Is Minto Communities continuing to have staff work on site during this situation?
Apr 2 | Minto Communities is committed to doing our part to prevent the spread of illness by prioritizing the health of our employees, customers and Trade partners above all else.
In situations where it is safe and our Trade partner PCL is comfortable with the measures and social distancing they have undertaken, we are maintaining some construction on site. Our Minto employees are working from home to continue to support our customers and our business.
Q. What specific measures have you taken to keep your workforce safe?
Apr 2 | All of our staff are working remotely from home, including our customer-facing and support teams. No one should have to choose between their job and doing what is right for their health and that of the community.
Other provisions are in place that apply to our Trade partner, PCL. Most importantly, no one is permitted onto a Minto construction site if they have recently travelled, have close contact with someone showing symptoms or have symptoms of any illness themselves. While these measures will significantly slow production, we stand by this decision to prioritize our Trades health and safety.
Q. I am interested in buying a new home. How are releases and home purchases being handled right now?
Apr 2 | At this time, you can contact our Sales team by phone or email to discuss availability and if you choose, move forward with a sale.
For our Annex Homeowners
With the onset of COVID-19 we understand your concern regarding possible project delays. At this time, we continue to work towards building completion near the end of 2020. That said, these are unprecedented times and the fluidity of the situation may require that we change the decisions we are making today.
Please know that our priority is and will always be to meet the needs of communities who depend on us. This means following the guidance of local health authorities, our Trade partner PCL and the global community in taking recommended precautions.
In alignment with the social distancing recommendations made by health authorities, we have limited or altered several of our processes to help safeguard staff, trades and homeowners. At this time, our commitment is to focus on activities that are critical to construction progress and are required for homeowners who are anxious to take possession of their new home at the end of this year.
We will continue to provide relevant updates to homeowners as we progress. Please ensure we have your current contact information. If you have not received any updates or have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Q. Government and many companies are trying to help Canadians out financially at this time. Are you changing the deposit structure or deferring deposits at times?
Apr 2 | At this stage of the pandemic, we are not making any changes to the deposit structure. Deposits help us proceed with the permits and secure the materials that are ordered to build your home. While the pace of construction is expected to be reduced during this situation, construction may still take place.
We will continue to work with and adhere to any government provisions made to help ease Albertans through this situation, which continues to evolve.
Q. Do you anticipate a change to my closing date as a result of the COVID-19 situation?
Apr 2 | The health measures we have already taken (detailed in the “For Prospects and Customers” section of this page) to ensure our employees and Trade partners feel safe at work will likely result in a reduction to construction progress. In turn, this will mean a likely change to most occupancy/closing dates.
We know many homeowners are counting on us to complete their homes and by continuing to work where we can, it puts us in the best position to revise any closing dates with more accuracy once the effects of the pandemic begin to resolve.
We understand this is a lot of uncertainty, but are committed to keeping communication open and will keep you up to date on our progress.
For our Trade Partners
We have been in communication with our Trade Partner PCL with specific information to facilitate their health and safety. Our Annex site has its own health and safety supervisor who is keeping a close watch on the health of everyone in the office and on the job site. Internally, PCL has formed a committee of executives and subject matter experts to closely monitor the ever-changing situation. They regularly convene to discuss any potential updates to COVID-19 strategies.
Q. How is Minto Communities keeping staff and trades personnel safe on site?
- Slowing the spread of the virus - We are encouraging all trades to take preventative action, increase disinfecting practices and stay home if they don't feel well or have been in contact with anyone who has travelled.
- Limited travel & cancelling events - To reduce the risk exposure to the virus and bringing it back to one of our job sites, we are restricting all nonessential travel.
- Monitoring the health of the site office and project - The site office and project has its own health and safety supervisor who is keeping a close watch on the health of everyone in the office and on the job sites.
- Staying informed - The Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization and Health Canada are continuously providing updates on COVID-19. We are adjusting our strategies to align with the latest recommendations.
- Utilizing PCL's Pandemic Response Group - Internally, PCL has formed a committee of executives and subject matter experts to closely monitor the ever-changing situation. Social Distancing will be maintained at all times including staying at least 6-8 feet apart at all times.
Doing our Part
No one should have to choose between their job and doing what is right for their health and that of the community. All of our staff are working remotely from home, including our customer-facing and support teams.
Other provisions are in place that apply to our Trade Partner, PCL as they continue construction where they can on The Annex.
Q. Are your employees coming into work?
Apr 2 | Currently, all of our employees are working remotely and using digital means to collaborate and communicate with colleagues and homeowners. Our commitment is to prioritize the health and safety of our staff.
Q. Do you require your employees to self-isolate if they have recently travelled or are feeling unwell?
Apr 2 | We ask our employees to keep us informed if they have travelled or have been in close contact with someone who has been ill or are feeling unwell themselves. Employees meeting those conditions self-isolate for the recommended period to ensure no symptoms are developing before returning to work. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms is required to stay home. That being said, all of our team is currently working from home and the above will be implemented if that changes.
Letters from our Leaders
A Message from Our CEO | March 18 - Michael Waters, CEO, shares an update for supporting our customers and tenants during this challenging time
A Message from Our CEO | March 31 - Michael Waters, CEO, shares our plans for helping our people and communities during this challenging time
Keeping our communities healthy and safe while maintaining our commitment to servicing our customers, remains our top priority at Minto Communities.
We understand this is an uncertain time for everyone. Through our more than 65 year history, our commitment to resilience, our deep ties to the community and our adaptability have become essential to building a thriving organization. This experience enables us to provide the much needed support to our homeowners, employees, trade partners and communities during this challenging time.
We wish you and your loved ones good health.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
