Kincardine business owners upset that they stay closed but schools can re-open

A number of business owners in Kincardine are upset that the Ontario government has allowed schools in Grey-Bruce to re-open, but the doors remain closed at many businesses in the area.

Back in December, the province declared a second state-of-emergency, putting Ontario into a shut-down, to stop the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). That was supposed to end Jan. 28, but it then became a lockdown with people told to stay at home unless their travel is essential, and only essential services remaining open, until Feb. 11.

Melanie Pyke, who owns Kincardine Home Hardware with her husband, Brad, says the hardware store can serve customers in the parking lot, only after they place an order by phone or on-line, and then come to pick it up.

“Meanwhile, people can walk into the Dollar Store, they can walk in and shop at Wal-Mart, and the kids can go back to school,” she said. “It’s absurd.”

Rachel Mackay of First Impressions Hair Salon and Day Spa in downtown Kincardine, echoes those sentiments.

“Our industry has been told that we are a non-essential service and we are being kept closed ‘so that people can comply with the stay-at-home order’,” she said. “We have been completely closed since 4 p.m. Dec. 24. We can’t do curbside haircuts; yet, the streets are busy, the random stores and offices that are allowed to be open have parking lots full of people, and now a teacher can be in a classroom with more people than the allowed amount in every other establishment - inside or outside."

Mackay said the number of students and teachers gathering inside or outside, conflicts with the stay-at-home order; the parents transporting kids to and from school, and possibly going back to the office, is a direct conflict.

“We are all getting mixed messages,” she said.

Harold Maurer who owns Dar-Lyn Pools and Spas, and Jean’s Family Restaurant, in Kincardine, said he does not understand why schools can re-open but he cannot open the doors of his store and restaurant.

Some businesses are allowed to remain open, including grocery stores, drug stores and beer and liquor stores, as well as some services, such as registered health professionals.

Many local businesses are taking phone or on-line orders and offering customers curbside pick-up or delivery. Most restaurants are offering take-out and delivery.

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson said she understands the concerns of local businesses as the second wave of COVID-19 impacts their ability to operate.

“However, we must never lose sight of the number of cases, the rate of community transmission and hospital capacity,” she said.

“The significance of COVID-19 impacts has led our government to introduce the Small Business Support Grant. I encourage all eligible businesses to apply. The grant will range between $10,000 and $20,000, based on eligibility criteria. This grant, which is available to small businesses throughout Ontario, is over and above the energy and tax rebates and Personal Protective Equipment grant introduced last fall.

“I encourage all small-business owners to visit: reliefwithinreach.ca/Huron-Bruce/. This site was developed for local businesses to give them easy access to provincial and federal COVID-19 support programs.”

Thompson said many experts have explained the reasons why students need to return to school.

“As schools re-open in Grey–Bruce this week, it is important to appreciate that schools and businesses have very different operating environments,” she said. “I thank our teachers, students and local school boards for all their efforts and co-operation.

“It is important to note that students are screened regularly throughout the school day, and they learn in a controlled environment, incorporating protocols that will be enhanced upon their return this week. Another aspect to keep in mind is that students go directly to school in the morning and return directly home at the end of the school day. One could suggest it is a closed loop that teachers, administrators, bus companies, and the school boards all work hard to maintain.

“I appreciate the business community and education professionals, alike, for working so diligently to keep community transmission low in Kincardine and area. Please continue to follow guidelines and protocols and we will successfully manage this second wave together. As a result, we can all look forward to recovering from the pandemic in a confident and safe manner.”