By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

enhanced response

City council on track to mandate face coverings in public spaces

Nov 16, 2020 | 10:09 PM

Red Deer city council took a big step Monday night toward passing a bylaw making face coverings mandatory in all public spaces.

Council unanimously gave first and second readings to the bylaw that would be in effect when there are more than 15 patrons inside a particular business or other space in Red Deer. It would also apply to cabs and ridesharing vehicles.

Council also gave all three readings and thus final approval to a bylaw making face coverings mandatory in all civic facilities. That bylaw takes effect immediately.

A bylaw passed in August making face coverings required while riding transit remains in effect.

The new bylaws were not recommended for approval by City administration, yet unanimous council votes kept them both alive to be amended and ultimately put on the road to implementation.

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Responding to a question from Councillor Dianne Wyntjes about waiting too long to take action and eventually regretting not having done more, City Manager Allan Seabrooke stated that he believes making face coverings mandatory would actually be counter-productive.

“If people cannot do what they want to do in the city, they will simply move to the surrounding area,” he suggested. “I believe educating people, enhancing communications, and promoting it will achieve exactly the same result, and I am of the opinion that by trying to force through a heavier-handed approach, it can have the reverse result.”

Seabrooke, who referred to some other mask bylaws around the province as “laughable,” said officials are doing all they can to keep the City moving, and that his opinions are based on hundreds of emails, voicemails, YouTube videos, podcasts and research articles residents have sent his way.

But Wyntjes, who expressed a desire for reopening the mask debate earlier this month, saved her most passionate argument for Monday.

“Citizens in Red Deer have expectations for orders of government to provide leadership…it’s important that we do not pass the buck,” she implored. “Tonight I ask council to take on our leadership.”

“One frustration I’ve had through this process is that city council and the City is not a medical authority. It’s an untenable situation for us to be in, being asked to make a health-related bylaw,” Mayor Tara Veer surmised. “I recognize municipalities occasionally weigh in on health and wellness matters, but this is a significant departure from the normal scope of municipal business.”

It was also noted by The City of Red Deer’s solicitor Michelle Baer that any constitutional challenges would likely be unsuccessful because the Municipal Government Act allows municipalities to regulate based on the health and wellness of citizens.

Councillor Ken Johnston highlighted a report last week about hundreds of Alberta doctors calling for intervention in the form of a short-term “circuit-breaker” lockdown.

“These are professionals who live by a sacred oath to protect us, and they are collectively saying ‘Wake up,’” he chimed. “If we had a bus accident with 20 deaths today, we’d declare a provincial day of mourning.”

Alberta did indeed report 20 new deaths caused by COVID-19 on Monday. Red Deer went from 94 to 116 active cases.

“In the past week, we’ve received 700 emails, said Councillor Vesna Higham. “I’m deeply disappointed by a number of incidents involving people clashing with retail workers. It’s shameful that anyone would stoop to the level of harassing these employees, many of whom are teenagers, over something as silly and simple as putting on a mask.”

Incidents took place last Friday at Chapters and Nutters in south Red Deer. Police responded to disperse agitators. A request to RCMP on Monday about whether charges were laid or tickets were issued was not answered.

Others on Monday lamented the general divisiveness in the community over this issue of face coverings. Seabrooke recounted how people have “nastily criticized” the City and council. Buchanan took exception to being called “dumb” and “redneck.”

“I’ve had to call the police because I’ve had people phoning me at home saying ‘You pissed me off and I’m going to put a stop to it,’” Councillor Michael Dawe confessed.

Councillor Tanya Handley supported the bylaw but said it won’t be a silver bullet to stop the spread of COVID-19. Lawrence Lee said it is vital to keep ICU admissions down. Frank Wong, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, urged citizens to ponder what it will be like to not have Christmas with our extended families this year.

“Local data has shifted and therefore our local response has to shift,” Veer added. “It is necessary to elevate our bylaw response.”

The approved civic facilities bylaw and the public spaces bylaw awaiting third reading have expiry dates of March 1, 2021.

Council also agreed that the City will advocate to the province for better communication about new restrictions, as well that the province should take a more regional approach to restrictions so that bordering municipalities aren’t facing different rules.

They also asked administration to bring forward monthly updates on the changing landscape of COVID-19 in the city and province, and it was agreed the City will step up its public education on why masks are important.

Karen Mann, the City of Red Deer’s emergency management co-ordinator, said bylaw enforcement will be done with an education-first approach by both community police officers and RCMP, with fines of $50 in place for both bylaws.

She also noted the City will not offer exemption cards for either bylaw, though schools, hospitals, and child care facilities would not be subject to the public spaces bylaw should it receive final approval on Nov. 23.