‘Mask peace’ at stake as city will debate bylaw next month

“The only thing I am confused about is the mandatory mask mandate,” said Clugston. “We fully expected as a city council that – we were actually almost positive – it would be a blanket for the province considering that all the other provinces have done it.”

Making the issue confusing is the fact the only areas in which the province did announce mask measures – the Calgary and Edmonton regions – already had municipal bylaws in place, making it a moot regulation.

Clugston says the city has maintained a period of relative, “mask peace,” despite there being two camps on the issue as to whether Medicine Hat should pass a bylaw requiring their use.

And it’s an open question whether that situation will continue with Clugston saying the city will now debate its mask bylaw during its Dec. 7 council meeting.

“If we pass one it won’t be a re-creation of the wheel. It’ll be similar to the other municipalities. There is no need to cause more confusion by having different ones in different municipalities,” said Clugston. “But stay tuned. It’s going both ways right now – that’s about all I can say – on council and we will have a fulsome debate.”

A requirement for city staff to wear masks while at work and not at their desks is currently in effect.

Red Deer is the latest Alberta city to pass a mask bylaw, on Nov. 23, which will take effect Nov. 30.

That bylaw requires individuals who are indoors and can not social distance to wear a mask or risk a $50 fine.

by Alex McCuaig

‘Mask peace’ at stake as city will debate bylaw next month

Our Community