Regional council extends mask bylaw
Now includes common areas in apartments, condominiums
Regional council has amended Niagara’s face-covering bylaw to include common areas of apartments and condominiums.
In addition to enclosed public places, the bylaw now also mandates masks be worn in common areas of residential apartment buildings and condominiums, including lobbies, elevators and other common-use facilities.
“We are talking about places like elevators, laundry rooms and stairways,” said Niagara Falls Coun. Peter Nicholson, who put forward the motion. “It helps keep people safe who live in apartment buildings and condominiums.
“We have heard a lot at regional council about the safety benefits of wearing masks. There are several other communities in Ontario that require face coverings in common areas.
“I would suggest it is just as important in Niagara. We have one of the highest percentages of seniors in all of Ontario, perhaps even all of Canada. We do know that older adults are especially vulnerable.”
Niagara’s temporary face-covering bylaw requires residents to wear them in all enclosed public places and on regional and municipal transit. The bylaw was passed July 31 but
didn’t address common areas.
In September, the bylaw was extended to remain in effect until April 1, 2021, but still didn’t address those common areas.
Thorold Coun. Tim Whalen called for a vote after Nicholson finished introducing the bylaw amendment, ending the debate before it could begin.
“This council has debated this issue for many hours,” Whalen said. “I am confident we are in a position to make an educated decision. Therefore I would like to put the motion on the floor for a vote, please.”
A press release from the Region reminded residents the bylaw includes exemptions for people who can’t wear a mask. There’s no requirement for those people to prove they are exempt.
St. Catharines resident Danielle Romanuk addressed council, calling the decision “invasive and a step in the wrong direction.” She urged councillors to vote against the amendment.
Romanuk told councillors she can’t wear a mask, for health reasons, and said she had been discriminated against by “people are under the impression that it is up to them to enforce a bylaw.”
“When I am out in public, people tell me to use pickup or delivery, but that is no solution when I get my mail, do my laundry or exit the building,” Romanuk said.
“By bringing this bylaw into common areas, people who cannot mask may now be dealing with harassment on their doorstep by people who know exactly where they live and have access to their building.”