City might go it alone

Emergency council meeting to discuss possible local vax mandate

An urgent meeting of city council has been called for Wednesday afternoon to discuss the possibility of a bylaw mandating that certain businesses and indoor public spaces check patrons for proof of vaccination.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said Tuesday that the provincial government “botched” the implementation of its so-called restrictions exemption program, putting much of the onus on businesses and municipalities to decide whether or not to adopt the policy. He said the city should step in to clarify rules and close loopholes:

“I am recalling city council tomorrow even though we're supposed to be done for the term, I'm recalling city council tomorrow to consider a city bylaw to bring clarity to the issue, to get rid of all of these loopholes so that every single person knows exactly what they're doing,” Nenshi said.

“Let's just do this correctly and do it right and stop trying to tie ourselves in knots.”

Nenshi said he spoke Tuesday with a “very upset and very nervous” group of Calgarians representing live music venues and small businesses in the city.

He said they weren't opposed to vaccine passports but would prefer a simple program that would allow customers to feel comfortable knowing that the patron at the next table was also vaccinated.

“It's exactly the right thing to do,” said Nenshi. “It's just, as always, the Government of Alberta botched the implementation of it and so we're hoping to fix the implementation using the city's own abilities to do that.”

The special meeting comes amid rising COVID-19 hospitalizations and in the wake of a formal request by Alberta Public Safety Minister Ric Mciver to the federal government for assistance in responding to the crisis.

The city also launched a mobile vaccine outreach program Monday.

The city deployed a vaccination van to federal polling stations in time for Monday's vote, a city spokesperson confirmed. The van visited Western Canada High School and Marlborough Community Association.

The launch comes just days after the mayor and some council members urged city staff to proceed with a city-led vaccination program in a bid to counter a rising tide of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

The program will target key age groups and geographic areas where vaccination is low, to make immunization as easy as possible, Nenshi said Tuesday.

“We invite Calgarians to come on board and get their shots,” the city said.

The service is available to anyone who wants their first or second vaccinations, as well as those eligible under Alberta Health Services criteria for a third shot.

Both Pfizer/biontech and Moderna vaccinations are available.

The city says it will release more details later this week.