Make masks mandatory in apartment common areas, mayor urges landlords

Thestar.com
July 21, 2020
Jennifer Pagliaro

Mayor John Tory is urging landlords to make masks mandatory in the public areas of their apartment buildings to protect tenants and help stop the spread of the deadly virus.

In a letter sent Monday, Tory asked the Greater Toronto Apartment Association (GTAA), which represents 240 property management companies that own and operate more than 160,000 units in the region, to “strongly encourage” their members to adopt a policy -- similar to the city’s new mask bylaw for businesses -- that would see tenants wear masks in common areas including lobbies, elevators and laundry rooms.

“While I understand some buildings may have already done so, many have not and this has led to communication to my office by concerned tenants and questions I am repeatedly asked in the media,” Tory’s letter read. “I believe such a policy, if enacted by the majority of your members, would further assist us in defeating COVID-19, would allow all of us to get back to a more normal life faster and that in turn will be good for everyone, including landlords.”

The letter said he had consulted the city’s medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, and that she “believes this will help in the city’s work to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

City council recently approved a bylaw that requires apartment buildings to have enhanced cleaning and provide hand sanitizer or handwashing stations at entrances.

Tory, in his letter, noted some condo corporations have already implemented a mask policy and are posting city signage.

Tory offered assistance with signage to the GTAA, saying the city has generic signage available online explaining the requirement to wear a mask.

Coun. Josh Matlow pushed for the mandatory apartment building cleaning and sanitation bylaw after concerns from tenants and advocates that landlords were not adhering to public health guidelines.

Those guidelines say “buildings not covered by the bylaw such as apartment buildings and condos can develop a policy for mask usage in common areas.” Masks are not part of those rules.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Tory said it’s not clear whether the city has firm legal authority to make the use of masks in apartment common areas mandatory.

The GTAA’s Daryl Chong said it’s taking the mayor’s letter seriously and will be speaking to its members.

“The mayor’s obviously informed by the chief medial officer of health and the public health authority,” Chong said. “If they think it’s a good idea then we’ll do it.”