The city of Calgary has announced The Temporary Face Coverings Bylaw beginning August 1, which states that face masks will be required in all indoor public spaces and public vehicles.

The new bylaw requires business operators and owners to display Face Covering Bylaw signage in entryways of the business or vehicle. 

The City of Calgary has made downloadable signs, with translated versions, for owners to post in the windows or doors. 

“In entering the temporary regulations this Saturday, we want to remind Calgarians to not only have a face covering at hand to wear when entering an indoor public space or public vehicle, but to exercise our kindness and compassion that Calgarians are known for,” said Kay Choi, Manager, Strategic Services, Calgary Community Standards, in a prepared release.

As part of the face coverings allotted by the province of Alberta, the city of Calgary will be making free disposable face coverings available at a number of locations. Roughly 500,000 masks will be offered across the city starting Aug. 1. 

Locations for Free Masks

“We recognize that cost and availability may be a barrier for some, so this may help ease the burden on those who don’t already have their own face coverings,” said Deputy Chief Susan Henry, Calgary Emergency Management Agency.

North West:

• Shane Homes YMCA

11300 Rocky Ridge Rd N.W.

Mon.-Fri. 5:30am- 10pm

Sat.-Sun. 7am- 8pm

• Melcor YMCA

8100 John Laurie Blvd. N.W.

Mon.-Fri. 6:30am- 8pm

Sat.-Sun. 7am-2pm

• University of Calgary – Olympic Volunteer Center

North End of McMahon Stadium

Mon.-Fri. 9am-3pm from August 4-31

North East:

• Livery Transportation Services

2116 27th Ave. N.E.

Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Saddletowne YMCA

7556 Falconridge Blvd. N.E.

Mon. – Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sat. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

South West:

• Gray Family Eau Claire YMCA

101 3 St. S.W.

Mon. – Fri. 5:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

South East:

• Portland Animal Services and Shelter

2201 Portland St. S.E.

• Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Brookfield Residential YMCA

4995 Market St. S.E.

• Mon. – Fri. 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Sat. & Sun. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Remington YMCA

108 Quarry Park Rd. S.E.

• Mon. – Fri. 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sat. & Sun. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Shawnessy YMCA

333 Shawville Blvd. S.E.

• Mon. – Fri. 6:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Sat. & Sun. 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Fines could apply

The City of Calgary said they’re more focused on educating citizens about the importance of wearing face masks in public rather than enforcement. 

However, failure to wear a face-covering where required or failure to provide proper signage could result in a fine of $50 to $200, respectively.