Niagara Regional Council has passed a bylaw relating to mandatory face coverings in enclosed spaces to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
Council started speaking about the bylaw at their special meeting on July 8th, which lasted more than four hours, however the final decision was deferred to today's meeting so more information could be gathered and the bylaw amended to match similar bylaws in other regions..
Tonight, the bylaw passed with all in favour except for West Lincoln Mayor Dave Bylsma, and Niagara on the Lake Regional Councillor Gary Zalepa, who attempted to 'abstain' from voting.
Regional Clerk Ann-Marie Norio said it counted as a 'no' vote.
The bylaw requires every person in Niagara within an enclosed public place to wear a face covering.
This includes malls, grocery stores, churches, commercial buildings, municipal buildings, and public transit.
Exceptions to the bylaw include people with medical conditions, and children under five.
It goes into affect on July 31st, and will stay in affect until October 1st unless otherwise decided by council.
Niagara enters Stage Three of reopening tomorrow.
Read the full bylaw below.