On Tuesday, Toronto City Councillor Josh Matlow will be calling on the city to introduce new enforcement measures on mask-wearing in multi-residential buildings.
The City of Toronto has to date received over 2,000 complaints from apartment building and condo residents who are unhappy with their neighbours not wearing masks in their buildings’ common areas.
“Over 2,000 complaints of neighbours not wearing masks have been filed through 311 to the City. That is in addition to the many complaints Councillors have received directly,” wrote Matlow in his motion which was seconded by City Councillor Joe Cressey.
“That’s why this Motion requests City Staff to develop a strategy to promote, and possibly enforce, individual responsibility for wearing a mask to protect their neighbours.”
According to a Campaign Research poll on support for coronavirus enforcement, research shows that Liberal voters were the most likely to support drastic measures like police entering homes without warrants, jailing those who spread disinformation and breaking up families in the name of public health.
True North reached out to Councillor Matlow for comment on what the proposed enforcement might look like but had not heard back in time for publication.
“From August 5, 2020 to January 28, 2021, the City received 2757 residential complaints about mask wearing in condos and apartments,” City of Toronto spokesperson Jasmine Patrick told True North.
“We are not providing addresses for the buildings at this time.”
Last week, Toronto Mayor John Tory dispatched city staff to 12 residential buildings in the city due to the high volume of complaints.
“Each and every one of us has a responsibility to protect our own communities. Wearing masks or face coverings in all indoor public spaces in Toronto and in common areas in apartments and condominiums is one way of keeping everyone safe.” said Tory in a statement on the matter.
“These efforts will make sure landlords of buildings where we are receiving multiple mask complaints have the necessary tools to come into compliance with public health and safety measures.”
Tory himself has admitted to breaking coronavirus health measures after he was photographed mingling with a Toronto crowd while improperly wearing his mask.
“I want to apologize for my personal behaviour yesterday,” he said on the May 2020 incident.
“I fully intended to properly physically distance, but it was very difficult to do. I wore a mask into the park, but I failed to use it properly, another thing I’m disappointed about. These were mistakes that I made and as a leader in this city, I know that I must set a better example going forward.”
