What happens now that the City’s Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law expired?
The City’s decision not to extend its own Temporary Mandatory Mask By-law beyond its expiration date of August 26, 2021 does not mean the need or requirement for masking will be abandoned. Province-wide masking regulations continue to be in effect. After the by-law’s expiration date, the City is following provincial masking regulations and these continue to be enforced by Ottawa’s Bylaw Officers; this is why residents are told to continue to follow the masking requirements.
When the City of Ottawa enacted its by-law, a province-wide masking regulation was not in place.
So, don’t abandon your mask in your pocket, purse or car glove compartment yet. You will need to bring it with you to wear in stores, museums, malls, and the transit system – including OC Transpo buses, trains, stations, and on ParaTranspo minibuses and taxis. And not abiding by masking requirements will still carry fines.
In the future, the City can re-enact the by-law should the local situation or spread require a different approach from the rest of the province.
The Ontario government website has information on masking and other regulations for Step 3 and beyond the reopening plan.
