One of the posters produced by the City of Grande Prairie, ifnorming the public of the Temporary Mandatory face Covering (Mask) Bylaw (Photo: City of Grande Prairie)

By Shaun Penner

More diligence needed

Mayor says mandatory mask bylaw triggering a “wake up call” to community

Oct 26, 2020 | 5:35 PM

With the triggering of the Temporary Mandatory Face Covering (Mask) Bylaw in the City of Grande Prairie, Mayor Bill Given says it serves as a reminder that the community must remain vigilant in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bylaw, which was passed back on September 8 by City Council, makes it mandatory for residents to wear a mask, or face covering, in all indoor, enclosed, or substantially enclosed public spaces and public vehicles, unless the person is separated from others by an installed screen, shield or other barrier, when both the City and County combine to have 100 active cases.

FULL DETAILS: Mandatory Face Covering (Mask) Bylaw triggered in City of Grande Prairie

Over the weekend, the City of Grande Prairie reported 39 new cases of COVID-19, while the County added four new cases. Factoring in recoveries, the City of Grande Prairie has 91 active cases as of the end of day Sunday, October 25, while the County has 15, bringing the active case total between the two communities to 106.

“I’m expecting that Grande Prairie residents, and residents of the region, will take this as a wake-up call. That although we have done very well over the past number of months, we are not immune to coronavirus in this area,” said Given.

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“All of us have to be more diligent.”

The City of Grande Prairie has seen a quick rise in cases through the month of October. Back on September 30, the City sat with six active cases of COVID-19, with a total of 101 since March. That number of total cases has grown by 141 in the Swan City over the last 25 days.

Given stresses that the virus is a serious public health risk and taking precautions like wearing a mask and maintaining physical distancing are a necessary step, though some in the community and across Alberta, and Canada, may feel otherwise.

“I also believe that the vast majority of Grande Prairie residents understand that there is a real health risk and that we all need to work together to make sure that we are slowing the spread of COVID-19 in the community.”

Enforcement Services in the City will have the authority to issues fines of $100 per individual found to be in contravention of the Bylaw, while businesses found to not have adequate signage posted within their businesses informing the public of the Bylaw could be fined up to $200.

Given says the main objective for any enforcement personnel will be to inform and educate when dealing with the public on the matter, but they will issue fines where necessary to those not following the Bylaw.

“I fully expect that the vast majority of Grande Prairie and area residents will comply with the requirements of the Bylaw, without having to be asked,” said Given. “I really have faith in our community and in our residents.”

“Should there be a situation where someone willfully chooses not to comply, without meeting any of the requirements for an exception, then we do have the ability to levy a fine.”

A full list of exemptions to the Bylaw, as well as a full break down on the Bylaw, can be found here. Businesses requiring signage to post can print them off from the City’s Non-Medical Face Masks section on its website. Signs can also be picked up at City Hall, Centre 2000, the Downtown Association office and the City Service Centre, beginning October 29.

The Bylaw will now be in force until a 14-day, uninterrupted period of being below the 100 active case threshold has passed. The Bylaw will also be reviewed by City Council by January 31, 2021.

Given says that the City and its residents are still in control of the spread of the virus, but to avoid a “runaway train” in cases, everyone has to do their part to slow the spread.

“I have full faith that Grande Prairie residents can commit themselves to it, because I know that we all care deeply for one another, and we all want to protect the most vulnerable.”