Masks will soon be required in most enclosed public spaces within Chatham-Kent.
During Monday night's council meeting, Councillor Brock McGregor put forward a successful motion to waive the notice requirement and allow a motion regarding a mask bylaw to be voted on during the meeting, citing a significant amount of interest and feedback on the topic from residents.
That led to McGregor putting forward a motion that council vote on a bylaw that would mandate masks in certain indoor public spaces.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby has been steadfast in his opinion that physical distancing, hand washing, and maintaining small social circles are far better preventive measures than wearing cloth face masks.
McGregor said that he sees masks, not as a way to replace social distancing and other preventative measures but to complement it. He also commented that the bylaw is in no way meant to override Colby's viewpoint.
"The regional reality is, along with Lambton County, we remain the only locale in Ontario without a mandatory mask order," said McGregor.
McGregor also noted that masks were already required in several public establishments across the municipality.
"I think it's reasonable that if we're asked to wear masks to our doctor's offices, to get a haircut, to visit a massage therapist, we can wear a mask when grabbing some groceries or visiting a local retail shop," he said.
According to Community Human Services Manager Dr. April Rietdyk, bylaws can be enforced by public health inspectors, bylaw officers and police officers.
Many councillors commented that the topic of masks has been polarizing, which has led to a continuous stream of comments, messages, and feedback from citizens.
"I've tried to weigh all the information that I have heard and have read... I told myself, even before I was elected, that I would always try to do what's right... tonight I believe the right thing to do and to enhance the safety of our residents is to make masks mandatory across Chatham-Kent," said Councillor Aaron Hall.
However, not all councillors agreed with the idea. Councillor John Wright said it wasn't something he would support, adding that the issue was becoming politicized.
"I feel that at this time we're second-guessing Dr. Colby's decision," said Wright.
Mayor Darrin Canniff, who had previously said he would support Colby's position, ultimately supported the motion. However, the mayor echoed McGregor's and Colby's statements that masks can't replace other preventative measures.
"We need to make sure we get education out there on what proper masking is... if we're going to start wearing masks we need to make sure we're doing it properly," said Canniff.
The mandatory mask bylaw will come into effect as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 14.
McGregor's motion was approved 63 per cent to 38 per cent. Because the meeting is electronic, it is not immediately made available which councillors voted for and against the motion.
The motion also asked that a report comes back to council during the September 14 meeting that addresses other preventative measures including physical distancing and the provision of hand sanitizer in public spaces.