By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

City staff being asked to do preparation work on possible mask bylaw

Aug 10, 2020 | 9:12 PM

City Council is asking administration to develop a bylaw on mandatory face coverings in indoor public places for future discussion. Staff would also come up with public health triggers for when such a bylaw would actually be enacted or removed.

The United Nurses of Alberta had sent a letter to the city asking that the city adopt a mandatory mask policy as soon as possible.

Mayor Bill Given says this will allow the city to be prepared if it becomes necessary to mandate masks later.

“To be really clear, Council did not pass a mandatory mask bylaw. There has been a lot of misinformation suggesting Council would be considering whether or not to implement one and that is not how city government works.”

Given compares this to having an emergency evacuation plan for a building.

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“Here at City Hall, we have an evacuation plan that all of our staff understands. We practice it from time to time, but it’s known in case there ever is an emergency. Just because we have that plan and have it ready to go if it’s needed doesn’t mean we immediately enact it just because a building down the street is on fire.”

He thinks the novel coronavirus will be with us “for some time.”

“We may see flare-ups from time to time and I think Council acknowledged the fact that nobody wants to put in place an ongoing mandatory requirement. This may be something that we need to have in place and then remove that mandate for some period of time, or, we may never have to use it if Grande Prairie residents follow public health advice.”

Administration would also come up with a public information campaign on the proper use of face coverings.

Council heard from safety experts with local business Elkan Environmental Engineering, who brought up several concerns with masks. These include no standards as they are made of different materials, no training in their use, no fit testing, and no guidance on cleaning and maintenance.