As of Monday, masks will be mandatory in Lambton Shores.
Council passed a motion during its regular meeting Tuesday night by a vote of 7-2.
Councillor Dan Sageman said if mandatory masks help save one life or mitigate one case, it's worthwhile.
"You can look at both sides of the coin: we have people from our community now that are uncomfortable in the first place without people wearing masks that are now shopping in our neighbouring communities that have mask mandates, and have said that they won't come back here until we do have a mask mandate," said Sageman. "The question you have to ask yourself is 'if it saves even one life, it's worthwhile, if it mitigates even one case, it's worthwhile.'"
Councillor Ronn E Dodge also supported the motion.
"I'm an old man. I have a son. I have grandchildren. I am trying to protect them and care about them and I have to care about my neighbours. That's what this is about."
Councillor Jeff Wilcox voted against the bylaw.
"You should listen to the experts, and let's just look at that: the county experts, the provincial experts and the national government experts have not told us that we need to wear a mandatory mask, they put it over to us," said Wilcox. "I guess it's our decision because they didn't see that it was necessary."
Deputy Mayor Doug Cook also voted against the bylaw, which kicks in on Monday, August 24 and applies to anyone who is nine-years-old and up.
"It's kind of like closing the door after the horse has left. Why are we doing it now? The cases are dropping, when the seniors' homes were at risk we didn't do anything. Now all of a sudden it's a big issue in the community. Is it political or is it science? I just don't know exactly where we're coming from," he said.
The temporary order is currently set to expire on November 24. Those who fail to comply could face a fine of up to $1,000.
Only two other lower-tier municipalities in Lambton County — the City of Sarnia, and the Town of Petrolia — have legislation in place requiring masks in all indoor public spaces.
St. Clair Township and Plympton-Wyoming councils voted against a temporary bylaw.
Point Edward council will meet in a special session on Thursday to consider enacting a temporary mandatory mask bylaw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zftFGN8gmb4&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3lu-HSwYW1KmOvwanQkn6SQ46dVl4UGIkq-6vJJN4WpXZkNzEnQJWGWvc
