Calgary issues 25 mask bylaw tickets in less than 10 days

The City of Calgary has issued 25 violation tickets under the mandatory face covering bylaw since December 30.

In a release, the city said that a total of 98 tickets have been given out since the temporary mask bylaw came into effect on August 1, 2020.

To date, only one ticket has been issued to a business for failing to display the necessary entryway signage alerting patrons that a face covering is mandatory in indoor public space.

A total of 111 violation tickets have been issued since the state of local emergency was declared at the end of November. Nineteen of those tickets have been issued since December 30.

Those found to be violating the mask bylaw can be fined $100 for a first offence, $200 for a second offence, and $300 for a third offence over a 12-month period. The bylaw will be in place until December 2021.

The release notes that anyone using the city’s outdoor parks and skating rinks must continue to follow the provincial health orders.

“Maintain two metres of distance from anyone outside of your household and wear a face covering if distancing is not possible,” the city said. “Face coverings or masks are now recommended when tying skates in bench areas or using fire pits.”

“The City of Calgary’s top priority remains the health and safety of Calgarians.”