Chestermere adopts mask bylaw

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Masks may not be mandatory in Strathmore, but if you are planning to visit Chestermere soon, you may want to have one ready.

On. Nov. 17, Chestermere city council passed a temporary mandatory mask bylaw.

“Council passed this bylaw after receiving an overwhelming number of emails and comments from residents asking for further action to protect our community from COVID-19,” said Mayor Marshall Chalmers. “This bylaw is temporary and will only be activated when the government of Alberta places the city under an enhanced status, as we have been for the past few weeks.”

The bylaw requires face coverings to be worn by residents and visitors at all times while in indoor public spaces, public workplaces or public vehicles where others are present. This will be in effect until the city no longer has a COVID-19 enhanced status.

The mask bylaw will be enforced by municipal enforcement and RCMP, and anyone found in contravention will be subject to a $100 fine.

The new bylaw does not apply to schools and other education facilities, hospitals and health care facilities, and childcare facilities, where mask policies are already in place. It also does not apply to areas where physical barriers or physical distancing practices have been implemented.

There are several exceptions to the requirement: it does not apply to children under two, or to people who cannot use a mask without assistance or because of physical or mental concerns. Masks are also not required when eating or drinking in a seating area or during a spiritual ceremony, during physical exercise, or while receiving certain services that require the temporary removal of a face covering.

“We are aware that mask use has become somewhat of a divisive issue, not only among our residents, but all around the world,” said Chalmers. “But ultimately, the evidence shows that masks can protect the wearer and those in proximity to that person. Therefore, as the safety, welfare and the health of our residents is the most important issue, we must do whatever we can to combat the rapidly increasing infection rates in our province and in our own community.”