Mandatory face covering by‑law

• Common areas of apartments, condominiums, hotels and short-term accommodations such as lobbies, elevators and parking areas
• Buildings operated by a municipality
• Businesses that primarily sell food including supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries and convenience stores
• Businesses providing personal care services
• Churches, mosques and other places of worship: Provincial law requires that masks remain on in places of worship
• Libraries and other similar facilities
• Meeting or rental event spaces
• Other businesses, organizations and places that are permitted to operate under Provincial Regulations
• Premises used for an open house, presentation centre, or other facility for real estate purposes
• Retail stores where goods and services are sold to customers
• When waiting in line/or waiting outside a retail store or a food establishment either to order or pick up food
• Shopping malls or similar structures that contain multiple places of business
• Transit terminals and MiWay buses
• Taxis and private vehicles for hire such as Uber and Lyft

You can wear a mask, bandana, scarf, or other face covering made from cloth, linen, or a similar fabric. Your face covering or face mask should:

• Be easy to breathe through
• Be at least two layers of tightly woven cotton or linen
• Cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping
• Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops
• Maintain its shape after washing and drying

Transparent masks are allowed if they cover your mouth and nose with no gaps.

Face shields

A face shield is not an effective alternative to wearing a face covering, as it does not contain your respiratory droplets. If a face shield is used, it should be used with a face covering.

Face shields are not included in the definition of face covering in the by-law. Individuals could receive a ticket if they are not exempt from the by-law and are wearing a face shield rather than a face covering in an indoor public establishment.

Face coverings are not required for:

• Children two years of age or younger
• People who have trouble breathing or are otherwise unable to wear a face covering for medical reasons or disability, or people who are unable to remove a face mask without assistance. You do not have to provide proof that an exemption applies to you.
• Employees within an area designated for them and not for public access
• Individuals receiving services involving the face that require the removal of a face covering, not including personal care services, provided the services are permitted to operate according to provincial regulations and provided a two-metre/six feet distance is maintained from all other people other than the person providing the service
• Police, fire or paramedics while responding to an emergency call
• Individuals while testifying, examining or making submissions at a court, tribunal, arbitration or other quasi-judicial proceeding

Can you be refused service if you can’t wear a mask for medical reasons?

The owners and occupiers of public establishments have the right to set terms for service in their own premises and to deny people entry to their establishments, but must comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code and, in some cases, the Charter.

Both the City of Mississauga By-law and the provincial regulations include an exemption for persons who cannot wear masks for medical reasons or reason of disability and does not require the owner/operator of a public establishment to deny service to someone who is not wearing a mask for medical reasons.

• You must create a face covering policy to ensure that everyone entering and visiting your business wears a face covering (with some exceptions)
• You must provide copy of your policy for inspection by an Enforcement Officer upon request
• You must prominently post and display signage advising of the By-law and requirements.
• Business owners and operators are not required to provide face coverings to customers under the by-law

Printable resources

• Mandatory face covering by-law poster
• Mandatory face coverings by-law exemptions information sheet
• Proper care information sheet
• Region of Peel core four poster

These businesses are exempt from this by-law:

• Hospitals and portions of buildings used by regulated health professionals
• Buildings or services operated by the Government of Ontario or the Government of Canada
• Portions of community centres, arenas or other buildings that are being used to provide day camps for children or for training amateur or professional athletes
• Portions of community centres, arenas or other buildings operated by a municipality used for the purpose of providing community services or programs for which registration is required
• School transportation vehicles