Calgary,
27
May
2021
|
15:27
America/Denver

City of Calgary update on collaborative COVID-19 enforcement measures

 

May 27, 2021 - CALGARY - 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. While the Government of Alberta reopening announcement is exciting, The City of Calgary would like to remind Calgarians that public health orders are still in place and will continue to be enforced until lifted, for the safety of all.

The Temporary COVID-19 Face Coverings Bylaw came into effect August 1, 2020. On December 11, 2020 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.

Currently, the Temporary COVID-19 Face Coverings Bylaw is in effect until the end of 2021 at the direction of City Council. The bylaw was created to be nimble in response to the ongoing pandemic, and The City of Calgary has the opportunity to make amendments or repeal the bylaw at the direction of Council. The repeal criteria to be considered by City Council is data-based and reflective of medical direction and expertise.

Enforcement of the temporary bylaw has resulted in:

  •  487 violation tickets for failure to wear a face covering where required since August 1, 2020
    • Of those, 21 violation tickets have been issued since May 20, 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 18, 2020.

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

  • 213 violation tickets since November 24, 2020.
    • Of those, none of the violation tickets were issued since May 20, 2021.

Corrective actions and protests

Although no additional PHA tickets were issued by The City of Calgary, corrective actions were taken. Edmonton Police Service made an arrest in relation to a breach of the Court of Queen’s Bench Order obtained by AHS by an individual who committed an offence in Calgary. The order states that all COVID-19 public health measures must be followed for gatherings including protests, demonstrations, rallies and illegal indoor events. It also contains an enforcement clause that once served, gives police the powers to arrest organizers and promotors of events that do not meet the health orders.

As with previous protest enforcement efforts, The City of Calgary’s priority is to ensure the safety of the public, attendees and our officers. Any planned rallies or demonstrations will continue to be enforced, in vehicles or otherwise.

InspectionsCity business licence inspectors, peace officers and partners from AHS, CPS, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis 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 will continue to conduct proactive inspections and respond to concerns jointly, to ensure businesses are following public health orders.

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.

The City of Calgary would like to thank citizens and businesses for their continued adherence to public health orders and for playing an important role in the health and safety of all 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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