Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
"We have to protect our own residents," said mayor of Jasper, Richard Ireland, reflecting on the town’s new mandatory masking bylaw.
"We want to safeguard our visitors and let them know that Jasper is safe."
Face coverings are now mandatory in Jasper in all public indoor spaces and on most municipal sidewalks downtown, and in all outdoor public places where a two metre distance cannot be maintained.
The town's new Temporary Compulsory Face Covering Bylaw, passed at the August 4 council meeting, was put into effect to protect residents and visitors from COVID-19 transmission.
Face coverings must fully cover the nose, mouth and chin. Exceptions apply in indoor public places, specifically for people separated from others by physical barriers or shields (plexiglass), children under the age of two, people with medical conditions, and people who are eating or drinking at assigned seating within the indoor public space.
Protecting the local economy and staying safe is a balancing act.
"In addition to people and their health, you want to save their job. That part of the equation can't be forgotten," Ireland said. "We can't afford another complete shut down."
About the mandatory requirements outdoors, Ireland said, "We restricted it to sidewalks, that's where it gets congested."
The bylaw is in place to discourage people from walking up and down sidewalks with a drink, or a snack.
"Sit on a bench, enjoy your ice cream," Ireland encouraged.
At the same time wearing face coverings in Jasper is mandatory, Ireland is hoping people realize their individual responsibility in protecting themselves and others.
"Government certainly has a role to play," he said, "but it's not a stand-alone [measure]. We're part of one team fighting one disease."
People need to recognize they have a part to play in their own safety and the safety of others, he emphasized.
"Be respectful, be kind," Ireland said. "Take a step back, don't crowd anybody."
Not following the new bylaw - not wearing a mask in indoor public places, or a business failing to display signage - comes with a fine of $250.
There's also a fine from $150 to $500 for not wearing a face covering on public sidewalks on the west side of Connaught Drive between Hazel Avenue and Aspen Avenue, on Patricia Street between Hazel Avenue and Pyramid Lake Road, on all connecting public sidewalks between those streets and on all connecting public sidewalks where a two-metre distance can't be maintained.
Ireland said he hopes people choose to wear face coverings, but, "if fines are necessary, we will go where we have to".
He reiterated what he's been saying for quite some time though: "We're all in this together."
From the Chamber
Justin Melnyk, Jasper Chamber of Commerce vice president, said, "Masks help. If everyone does their part, it'll help."
He noted a number of communities have adopted similar legislation, including Edmonton and Calgary.
"This is the world we live in now," he said. "I think people understand. There's no sense fighting it. It is what it is."
Melnyk is also the general manager at Jasper Brewing Company and said the restaurant has been offering masks at Jasper Brewing since July 31 - adding they have gone through a lot of masks.
"Everybody has to do their part," he said.
