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up to municipalities to pass them

Sylvan Lake looking at face coverings bylaw, Lacombe not yet

Nov 28, 2020 | 11:00 AM

Sylvan Lake town council will consider making face coverings mandatory in all civic facilities.

Council has asked administration to craft a bylaw. If ready, it could be back for debate at a special meeting ahead of the next regular meeting slated for Dec. 14.

“Part of the direction also includes an option for what we’re referring to as a ‘face coverings registration program,’ which would be for private businesses who have existing or future mask requirements to voluntarily participate in,” explains Joanne Bjornson, communications officer. “Details of that are to be announced.”

Bjornson notes that council’s request came after a very ‘comprehensive’ discussion during a special meeting on Nov. 25.

Elsewhere, locally:

Blackfalds

– A week prior, council made face coverings mandatory within all civic facilities, and they are mandatory on transit as of August 2020.
– The Town announced on Nov. 26 that the public is required to wear face coverings in all indoor public places and in civic facilities, effective Nov. 30.

Innisfail

– Council voted earlier this month to make masks mandatory for council members within Town Hall. However, they do not have to wear them at their council seats because barriers have been set up.
– Council will be asked to formalize a policy for Town staff to wear masks inside Town Hall at its next meeting.

Lacombe

– There is currently no bylaw making masks mandatory, though City staff are required to wear them in civic facilities when they cannot maintain a distance.

Lacombe County

– Masks are required in the municipal office building.
– County council received a presentation on masking on Nov. 26, and took no further action relative to adopting a masking bylaw.

Red Deer

– Face coverings will be mandatory in all indoor public places and vehicles, effective Nov. 30.

Red Deer County

No mandatory face covering measures at this time (outside of provincial measures currently in effect)

Rocky Mountain House

– No bylaw, voluntary for businesses, Town employees must wear masks at civic facilities
– Council agreed Nov. 25 to direct admin to work with regional partners such as Sunchild First Nation, and to create a report on which recreation services the Town is able to continue offering at this time.

Ponoka

– Residents are encouraged to wear face coverings in public, but they are not mandatory at this time.