Town Council Passes Mandatory Mask/Face Covering By-Law

HALTON HILLS, ON – In a unanimous decision today at a special meeting, Halton Hills Town Council mandated the wearing of masks or face coverings in certain enclosed public places/spaces. The decision comes as the municipality seeks to support efforts to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. “Our Council felt strongly that we needed to take decisive action on this issue and we felt that the Premier lent support in tackling this at the municipal level. Even though Dr. Meghani, Halton’s Medical Officer of Health did not feel an order was necessary, she is in support of the Town’s direction to pass a by-law,” said Mayor Rick Bonnette. While the municipality's by-law has come out ahead of any decision by Halton Regional Council who will address the issue of mandatory masks at its meeting on July 15, the Mayor noted that he would welcome a Regional by-law. “This is about the safety of our residents and supporting the local economy,” he said. “I want people to feel confident in shopping and patronizing establishments throughout Halton Region. I would prefer a uniform approach and that means a Regional by-law.” The Town’s by-law includes a list of establishments requiring compliance and notes circumstances of exception. Should Halton Regional Council pass a similar by-law, the Town’s by-law may be considered unnecessary. Learn more on the Town of Halton Hills COVID-19 page