(Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Coaldale Council: no to mask bylaw, yes to COVID awareness campaign

Oct 28, 2020 | 11:24 AM

COALDALE, AB – At least for the time being, it will not be a requirement for people in Coaldale to wear face masks.

With COVID-19 cases rising in the area, the town’s emergency management team had drafted a temporary face-covering bylaw in case council decided that it was necessary to implement one.

The proposed bylaw would have functioned similarly to the one currently in effect in Lethbridge – people would be required to wear medical or non-medical masks at all times while in indoor, enclosed, publicly-accessible spaces. Those in violation could face a fine of $100.

Two recent pieces of consultation with the community showed strong opposition to a face mask bylaw being approved.

Councillor Brianne Simpson conducted a Facebook poll last week that garnered 352 responses. They were:

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• A: Create a mask bylaw similar to Lethbridge – 31
• B: Create an awareness campaign with posters given to businesses and public places – 17
• C: Remain how it is now – 304

The Coaldale Chamber of Commerce asked its members if they supported the implementation of a mandatory face mask bylaw. 77.4 per cent said no while 22.5 per cent said yes.

Councillor Roger Holm spoke in favour of having a mask bylaw. He said he understands that many do not like wearing masks, but felt the town should follow the advice of the provincial and federal medical officers of health who do recommend the use of face masks.

Several other members of council declared that they support the use of face masks but did not feel that requiring them through a bylaw would be the best path forward.

The motion was later amended to have two parts:

• That council decline the approval of a face mask bylaw
• That the town engage in a public awareness campaign to residents and businesses around public health guidelines such as physical distancing and the usage of face masks.

In the end, the motion was approved 6-1 with Councillor Holm voting in opposition.

During the council discussion, it was brought up by a few elected officials that many residents were frustrated that Alberta Health Services (AHS) does not provide COVID-19 numbers specifically for Coaldale, only for the larger region of Lethbridge County.

LNN attempted to get the numbers directly from AHS but a spokesperson declined.

We were given an update on the outbreak at Coaldale’s ROC Christian Ministries church. 18 cases have been linked to the facility, two of which are still active and 16 have recovered.

As of Tuesday afternoon’s COVID-19 report, there were 132 COVID cases in Lethbridge County and one death. 24 infections are active.