A couple of weeks into a mandatory mask usage and so far, CAO Darryl Drohomerski says for the most part, residents are complying.
The Town of Drumheller passed its own mask bylaw at its November 23 council meeting. A day later, the Province of Alberta declared a State of Public Health Emergency, adding new measures.
“We have done some warnings, and we haven’t had to ticket anyone yet,” said Drohomerski, “because after the second or third warning, they comply.”
He explains the Province’s measures usurp the local bylaw, and local Bylaw enforcement was not able to enforce the provincial orders. On November 17, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu temporarily increased the number of peace officers to enforce the orders.
“Currently, enforcement of Public Health legislation is handled by police, health inspectors, and level one Alberta Peace Officers. Now on top of this, I am temporarily extending this authority to about 700 more of these officers,” said Madu.
Drohomerski says now the town’s Bylaw Enforcement Officers can enforce these orders, but so far, they have not had to. He said they have spoken to individuals and a couple of businesses to make sure they are complying with the orders.
“We have been busy, the first few days were a challenge getting some people to accept they have to wear a mask, but it is has been much better this week,” It has been interesting because our cases have dropped, which is positive. I don’t think it is necessarily because of the mask bylaw, but in our case, it has helped us around here.”
