City vows larger fines, court injunctions against anti-mask protests

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“You’re not doing it to stand up for your rights, you’re doing it because, ‘look at me, I’m so cool, I’m standing up against the man’ — well, quit it.”

Nenshi said he can’t share other possible enforcement strategies being considered by city police and bylaw officers on “how they can be more effective in stopping these things.”

Pleckaitis noted the province has agreed to empower another 100 city bylaw officers to enforce the restrictions, a move that will take pressure off police and Alberta Health Services officials.

They’ll be needed to monitor and enforce a wide variety of scenarios throughout the city, he said.

“No doubt this is a daunting task but it’s one where we’re relying on collaboration and integration of our services. We have a great working relationship with the Calgary Police Service and Alberta Health Services,” said Pleckaitis.

Bylaw officers, he said, handed out two tickets over the past week for health order violations at Olympic Plaza and last Sunday, were alerted to a church service that had breached the provincial limit of one-third capacity.

“Members of that congregation were not wearing masks and this investigation is ongoing,” he added.

“Most faith-based organizations are in compliance…but if groups are not, you’re potentially holding super-spreader events and we’ll take enforcement action as necessary.”

Meanwhile, AHS inspectors have continued issuing closure orders against businesses it says were in violation of COVID-19 health orders.