Strathmore may consider mask bylaw

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore is looking for feedback regarding a mandatory mask bylaw.

The town has provided residents with an online poll, available online (https://forms.strathmore.ca/Face-Mask-Poll) to share their opinion on the matter.

Town administration stated a bylaw on mandatory face mask use in Strathmore has been prepared and that it would be brought to council “if a need arises.” It was not clear at the time of writing whether the bylaw was to be brought to council for first reading during its Sept. 16 regular meeting.

Across Alberta, mandatory mask bylaws applicable to all indoor public spaces are active in Banff, Beaumont, Calgary, Canmore, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Jasper and St. Albert. The mask bylaw of Banff and Jasper applies to outdoor sections of the town as well. For some municipalities, such as Strathcona County, the mask bylaw applies to transit or municipal buildings only.

Other municipalities, including Airdrie and Cochrane, have passed bylaws that would become active if local case numbers reach a certain threshold. In Chestermere, masks are required for patrons and employees in businesses where two metres of separation cannot be maintained.