(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard

special meeting wednesday

Sylvan Lake council to consider first reading for face covering bylaw

Nov 30, 2020 | 5:16 PM

Sylvan Lake town council is holding a special meeting this Wednesday (Dec. 2) to discuss a face coverings bylaw for the community.

Council held a special meeting last Wednesday where they asked town administration to create a bylaw for their consideration.

The bylaw administration is now proposing would mandate the wearing of face coverings in Town owned and operated facilities the public is permitted to enter, as well as in public vehicles (ie. taxi).

As well, private businesses would be able to register to be included in the bylaw and receive enforcement through the Municipal Enforcement officers.

Children under the age of two and persons unable to wear a face covering due to a mental or physical concern or limitation, or protected ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act, would be exempt from the bylaw. There are also proposed exemptions for persons who are unable to safely put on, use, or remove a face covering without assistance, persons who are seated at a table or bar at a Town Facility or registered private business that offers food or beverage services, and for persons providing care or assistance to a person with a disability where a face covering would hinder that caregiving or assistance.

funding boost

Red Deer Public Schools to add 11 classroom complexity teams

4h ago

Workers in demand

Skilled trades industry is on the rise in Alberta, according to Energy Job Shop

5h ago

Baragar’s District Intelligence

Red Deer Public enhances transparency with new platform

5h ago

Exemptions are also proposed for persons who have temporarily removed their face coverings for the purposes receiving or providing services that require removal of the face covering, are actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity (where the town facility or registered private business has expressly permitted the removal of face coverings for such purposes), or emergency or medical purposes.

The proposed face covering bylaw does not apply to schools, daycares and other childcare facilities, hospitals and health facilities covered under provincial jurisdiction, or areas exclusively accessed or used by the Town facility or registered private business’s employees, provided physical barriers or physical distancing practices are implemented between any persons not required to wear a face covering and any other person.

Proposed fines for those who violate the bylaw are $100 for a first offence and $250 for second and subsequent offences.

Wednesday’s meeting is slated to get underway at 4 p.m. Residents are encouraged to submit their input by 2 p.m. and can do so by email (vwiseman@sylvanlake.ca) or by phone (403-887-1185 Ext. 281). Town officials note that in order for comments to be formally accepted and reviewed, a full name, contact phone number or email, and a home address must be included.

The meeting will be live streamed (audio feed) through the Town of Sylvan Lake’s YouTube channel.