Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
At their July 21 meeting, council members talked about concerns they have with COVID-19 protocols not being followed in town.
Councillor Rico Damota said he is seeing a lot more mask-wearing by visitors but at the same time, said he is worried about outbreaks happening here, noting the increase of active COVID-19 cases in Banff and in Alberta, especially in urban communities.
There was discussion about the municipality's new public campaign that aims to help keep Jasper safe from COVID-19. The campaign strongly recommends wearing masks in public, but council discussed whether to make mask-wearing mandatory.
Councillor Scott Wilson said, "Let's make a call. There's no harm in making it mandatory."
He added the municipality needs to protect its visitors throughout the summer.
Deputy mayor Bert Journault said: “We have a responsibility to make sure numbers are down.” Especially with the province’s decision to open schools in September.
Councillor Helen Kelleher-Empey said, "Volunteer compliance is way better."
She said she would like to see how the situation goes for another week before making a decision on mandatory mask wearing
Mark Fercho, chief administrative officer for the municipality, confirmed it would take at least two weeks for a new bylaw to come into effect.
Mayor Richard Ireland said council has had an opportunity to make a motion about the subject already, and cautioned against creating requirements that cannot be enforced.
Like Ireland, councillor Jenna McGrath, said a decision about mandatory mask-wearing could have been made at an earlier meeting and reminded council members they agreed that promoting mask wearing is "strongly recommended" was the best route.
Damota said there is growing concern in the community about COVID-19 transmission, but he is not ready to make the decision about mandatory mask-wearing.
Centres reopening
Jasper Aquatic Centre is set to open in September.
Jasper Municipal Council passed a motion this week to approve an additional net deficit of $115,000 to reopen the aquatic centre starting September 21 with reduced hours, pending staff availability and training.
That date is also when the Fitness Centre and climbing wall is planned to reopen, but a confirming decision will be made at their meeting September 1.
Council deferred making a decision about the Activity Centre until their August 4 meeting.
Apology for Facebook post
Deputy mayor Bert Journault apologized to the mayor, council, municipal staff and members of the community for a recent Facebook post, calling it "offensive and completely inappropriate".
He said, "It does not reflect my values about minorities. I made an error in judgement." Journault said the incident will provide an opportunity of growth for him.
Ireland said, "I assure the community that the sentiments expressed and implied in the meme reposted by Councillor Journault do not reflect the values of council or of the Municipality of Jasper."
He added Journault's apology is appreciated and respected and that "he joins with us in denouncing racism, bigotry and discrimination in all its forms", and said that council will remain steadfast in its efforts to achieve their proclaimed commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.
The content of the Facebook post was not made public.
