HELD BACK: Toronto businesses frustrated as neighbouring cities get OK to reopen.
As Stage 2 of reopening moves forward, some regions feel they’re being held back
Normally, Ron Keefe would be wandering the sunny patio at Granite Brewery, greeting customers as they sipped one of his daughter, Mary Beth’s, housebrewed ales.
Instead, Keefe will have to wait at least another week after the provincial government announced Monday that Toronto, Peel Region and Windsor will still be stuck in Stage 1 of reopening from COVID-related restrictions until further notice.
“It’s really unfortunate, but I can’t really say that I’m surprised. Lately it feels like every time you stand up, you get knocked back down again,” Keefe said.
Last week, the government let restaurant patios and hair salons open up across the province, with the notable exceptions of the entire Golden Horseshoe and Windsor. This week, Hamilton, Niagara, Durham Region and York Region got the green light. As of Friday, Toronto, Peel and Windsor will be the only standouts.
Premier Doug Ford said Toronto would probably get the go-ahead “very, very soon.” He also asked anyone tempted to head out of town for a pint or a haircut to reconsider — and to stay safe if they do chance it.
“Don’t let your guard down … We’re not out of this by any means. Practice
social distancing,” Ford said.
Restaurant, bar and salon owners in Toronto were frustrated by Monday’s announcement, but still hopeful they’ll be back in action soon.
“If this goes on another month, I’ll probably have to close,” said Janet Campbell, owner of Nanni’s Natural Hair Studio in Downsview.
Campbell, who says customers have been pleading with her to cut their hair, worries that some of the 75 people on her waiting list might drive five minutes north instead and get their hair cut in Vaughan.
“We’ve got some very loyal customers, so I’m hoping they don’t do that, but I don’t know,” said Campbell, who can’t ever remember a struggle like this during her 25 years in business.
“We’re really feeling it,” said Campbell. “Health is the most important thing, though.”
Since mid-March, when bars and restaurants closed, Keefe has been bringing some revenue in by selling beer out of the Granite’s retail shop, along with baker’s yeast, flour and takeout food.
“I guess this gives us a bit more time to get our plans in order, but it’s still frustrating,” said Keefe, who estimated he’s been pulling in about 40 per cent of his normal revenue.
“The retail shop has been busier than usual, and we’ve been delivering, which has really helped. But it’s still not the same,” said Keefe.
The Ontario regional director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said small businesses who have been struggling since COVIDrelated shutdowns began in mid-March need any help they can get right now.
The most recent stage of reopening makes it particularly unfair for businesses right on the border of Toronto or Peel.
“With the first set of reopenings, people would have to drive a pretty long distance to get a haircut or go sit on a patio. Now they don’t have to,” said Ryan Mallough.
“When it’s happening across the country, it’s frustrating. When it’s happening across the street, it’s way beyond frustrating.”
The most recent stage of reopening makes it particularly unfair for businesses right on the border of Toronto or Peel