Calgary has issued over 250 mask bylaw violation tickets

The City of Calgary put a Temporary COVID-19 Face Coverings Bylaw into effect on August 1; since then, 258 violation tickets have been handed out for failure to wear a face covering where required.

A release from the City notes that, of those, 36 tickets have been issued since February 25.

In December, Calgary City Council extended the temporary bylaw until December 2021. Council also increased the penalties for failing to wear a face covering and for repeat violations within a 12-month period.

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Last week, the City of Calgary was informed that the Ministerial Order that enabled community peace officers to respond to violations under the CMOH had expired.

“Today, we are pleased to share that the Minister of Justice issued a new Ministerial Order, enabling all peace officers to enforce violations of CMOH public health orders once again,” the City of Calgary said in a statement on Friday morning.

This order is the same as the previous authorization, which allows the enforcement of any physical distancing requirements, restrictions on businesses, or gathering limitations.

City business licence inspectors and partners from Alberta Health Services, Calgary Police Service, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, and Occupational Health and Safety have formed a Public Health Compliance (PHC) Team.

The PHC acts to monitor compliance, address concerns, and support measures that help protect Calgarians.

This team conducts regular inspections. Any non-essential business operating outside of current PHA guidelines face the possibility of suspension or revocation of their business licence, in addition to multiple fines.

One ticket has been issued since August for a business’ failure to display the required signage in an entryway of a public indoor space.