The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Special Meeting, Monday, July 6, 2020 Electronic Participation, 4:30 PM
This Special Meeting of Council will be held through Electronic Participation in accordance with Bill 187, the Municipal Emergency Act, which was passed by the Province of Ontario on March 19, 2020.
This Meeting may be viewed online at www.stcatharines.ca/youtube
Public Comments: The public may submit comments regarding agenda matters to the Office of the City Clerk by contacting [email protected] by Monday, July 6, 2020 before Noon. Comments submitted will be considered as public information and entered into public record.
His Worship Mayor Walter Sendzik takes the Chair and opens the meeting |
1. | Adoption of the Agendas |
2. | Declarations of Interest |
3. | Motions |
| 3.1 | Mandatory Face Masks and Coverings in St. Catharines Mayor Sendzik will present the following motion:
WHEREAS the spread of COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the City of St. Catharines declared a state of emergency, and the province remains under emergency orders due to the health risks to Ontario residents arising from COVID-19; and
WHEREAS COVID-19 continues to be present within the city, and is a disease that is readily communicable from person to person, even with minimal or no signs of symptoms or illness, and carrying a risk of serious complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure, and may result in death; and
WHEREAS there is a growing body of evidence on the effectiveness of masks and face coverings to act as a barrier to prevent the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS wearing masks and face coverings may act as a visual cue that public health measures, including maintaining a physical distance from others, are still required, that the COVID-19 Pandemic is ongoing and that resurgence of local disease activity remains an ongoing threat; and
WHEREAS the Province of Ontario has enacted O. Reg. 263/20 (STAGE 2 CLOSURES) under Subsection 7.0.2 (4) of Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to permit certain businesses to reopen for attendance by members of the public subject to conditions, including the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials; and
WHEREAS physical distancing is difficult to maintain in enclosed spaces open to the public;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that City Council enact a temporary by-law requiring individuals or organizations that are responsible for the operation of a facility or businesses which have enclosed spaces open to the public to ensure no member of the public is permitted entry unless wearing a mask or face covering to help limit the spread of COVID-19; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that masks or face coverings must be worn, unless it is reasonably required to temporarily remove the covering for services provided by the establishment or while actively engaging in an athletic or fitness activity during physical activity, and exemptions may be accommodated if: The person is under two years of age. The person has an underlying medical condition which inhibits their ability to wear a mask or face covering. Wearing a face covering would inhibit the person’s ability to breathe in any way. The person is unable to place or remove a mask or face covering without assistance. Employees and agents of the person responsible for the establishment are within an area designated for them and not for public access, or within or behind a physical barrier; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that employees working with members of the public in an enclosed space must also wear a mask or face covering, unless they are in an area not for public access or within or behind a physical barrier, or they meet one of the exemptions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the by-law also apply to City of St. Catharines facilities open to the public such as community centres, libraries and public transit; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the by-law be in force for a temporary period of time, beginning July 14, 2020 and expiring August 24, 2020, unless extended by City Council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Solicitor be directed to prepare the necessary by-law.
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[Addenda]
4. | By-laws |
| 4.1 | Reading of By-Law A By-law to confirm the proceedings of council at its special meeting held on the 6th day of July, 2020. (One reading - with respect to confirming the proceedings of the meeting held on July 6, 2020.)
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5. | Adjournment |