Calgary,
14
January
2021
|
17:14
America/Denver

City of Calgary update on collaborative COVID-19 enforcement and safety measures

City of Calgary Community Peace Officers and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) continue to work together, along with Alberta Health Services (AHS), to ensure enforcement of all bylaws and public health orders.

The Temporary COVID-19 Face Coverings Bylaw came into effect August 1, 2020. On Monday, December 11 Calgary City Council extended the temporary bylaw through December 2021 and increased penalties for failure to wear a face covering and for repeat violations within a 12-month period.

Enforcement of the temporary bylaw has resulted in:

  • 113 violation tickets for failure to wear a face covering where required since August 1, 2020
    • Of those, 15 violation tickets have been issued since January 6, 2021.
  • One ticket has been issued for failure to display prescribed signage in an entryway of a public indoor space. This is the only ticket issued of this nature since August 1, 2020.

The total number of tickets issued under the Public Health Act (PHA) since the State of Local Emergency was declared is:

  • 167 violation tickets since November 24, 2020
    • 56 of those violation tickets were issued since January 6, 2021.

The significant increase in PHA tickets is due to a large number of tickets issued by CPS following protests in December that have now been collated. Bylaw issued one PHA ticket related to a protest, while 19 concerns remain under investigation. In addition, five warnings regarding mass gatherings were given.

City business licence inspectors and partners from AHS, CPS, Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission, and Occupational Health and Safety have formed a Public Health Compliance (PHC) Team to monitor compliance, address concerns and support measures that help protect Calgarians.

This team is conducting regular inspections. Any non-essential business found operating in contravention of the PHA could face multiple fines and the possibility of suspension or revocation of their business licence coupled with the charges.

Business Licence issued three PHA tickets, while 12 concerns are currently under investigation. Business licence inspectors attended True You Salon & Spa over the weekend. They were found to be in compliance with the PHA. The business is open to sell retail products and are not providing any personal services.

One ticket was issued to Fairview Church under the PHA for failure to comply with an order of the Medical Officer of Health number 42-2020, S. 23 A person must wear a face mask at all times while attending an indoor public place. Other fines are pending for the church and the PHC team is working to ensure there is ongoing compliance.

Last weekend The City received reports of up to 70 people using the Glenmore Reservoir for recreating. We would like to remind citizens that all winter recreation, including walking, skating, skiing, biking and snowshoeing, is prohibited on the Glenmore Reservoir as well as storm ponds as per City of Calgary Bylaws. (Glenmore Park Bylaw 9018, Water Safety Bylaw 9018, Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 23M2006, Water Utility Bylaw 40M2006). Nearly half of Calgary’s water supply is drawn from the Glenmore Reservoir. Protecting our source water by limiting summer and winter recreational use is critical to ensuring high quality drinking water for Calgarians. As well, the water flowing into the reservoir and storm ponds is constantly changing. This makes the ice unpredictable and dangerous.

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

Where violations are suspected, Calgarians or businesses can submit questions, concerns or report complaints to Alberta Health Services online or by calling 1-833-415-9179, or to The City by contacting 311 or the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.

More information is available on Calgary.ca/covid19.

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