Grande Prairie City Council held a discussion on a bylaw that identifies a trigger point for required face coverings and masks in indoor spaces on Monday, Aug. 31.

The bylaw passed first reading and will be brought to City Council on Sept. 8 for second and third reading. If the bylaw passes third reading, Grande Prairie residents will be required to wear a face covering or mask if the trigger point is reached.

The bylaw proposed by administration received three amendments from Council:

  • Face coverings or masks required for indoor, enclosed or substantially enclosed public places.
  • The trigger point for requiring face coverings or masks changed to a combined total active case number of 100 within the City and County, or a provincial relaunch status of “enhanced” in either municipality.
  • The bylaw is effective until Jan. 1, 2021, unless otherwise directed by Council.

About the Bylaw

If the trigger point is reached between the City and County, members of the public would be required to wear a face covering or non-medical mask in indoor, enclosed, or substantially enclosed public places and public vehicles in Grande Prairie, unless a physical barrier is present.

The bylaw is not applicable in schools, hospitals, or other health care facilities as they fall under provincial authority. In addition, buildings only accessible to employees such as private offices and boardrooms, as well as public vehicle operator separated by physical barriers or physical distancing are not required to wear a face covering or mask.

According to the bylaw, face coverings or masks will no longer be required if the City and County fall below the trigger point for 14 calendar days. The bylaw also includes a list of people exempt from the bylaw.

Information for Businesses

If the bylaw is approved, businesses would be required to display a sign created by the City in a location that is visible to a person entering the public place or vehicle when the trigger point is reached. Signage will be made available at a future date.

The City of Grande Prairie thanks all residents for their resilience, understanding, and cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

If face coverings are required, City enforcement will take an education first approach to encourage compliance. If a resident or business remains uncompliant, the bylaw currently lists a penalty for failure to wear a face covering/mask when required is $100 and for failure to display prescribed signage is $200.

For information on proper face covering or mask use, visit masktogether.ca.