Downtown BIA demanding fairness during lockdown
Petition calls for even playing field between small shops and+ big box stores
“We just want a level playing field. That's what we're looking for: fairness,” Brian Yeomans, chair of the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association, said on Wednesday.
For almost two weeks, the DWBIA has circulated an online petition asking the provincial government to amend its lockdown rules so small businesses have a chance to survive against big box corporations.
Now the petition has drawn more than 12,000 signatures, and the backing of Windsor city council.
“I'm not at all surprised,” Yeomans said. “We have a very supportive community. I'm thankful and appreciative of what they have stood behind.”
On Monday, Windsor city council unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the DWBIA'S request for the province to protect locally owned, independent businesses.
When it comes to business restrictions, the DWBIA petition calls on the province to take into account factors such as number of customers, physical space and the implementation of safety measures — rather than sweeping restrictions applied in an arbitrary manner.
The petition also asks for a narrower definition of “essential goods or services,” and for the rules to apply to all businesses — so that big box stores can't offer the same items that smaller stores are prevented from selling.
“If they're not going to let small businesses open, they should cordon off areas (in big box stores) that are selling non-essential items,” Yeomans said.
The petition has been sent to Premier Doug Ford, along with the letter of support from city council.
In an effort to contain soaring COVID-19 cases, Ontario moved Windsor-essex into lockdown on Dec. 14. Every region in the province will enter lockdown on Dec. 26.
The rules of “grey” status prohibit most in-person services, such as dine-in restaurants. Retail is restricted to pickup or delivery only — “with some exceptions,” according to the province.
Those exceptions include supermarkets, hardware stores and other large multi-department stores.
“Look at small businesses. Some of them have a capacity of three or four people, and they've been taking steps since this whole thing started to ensure the safety of customers,” Yeomans pointed out.
“All these big box stores are allowed to have 50 per cent capacity. Over 100 people in their stores. How is that safer than a small business who can limit the customers and can clean up after every visit?”
One of those stores being limited by the lockdown is DWBIA member Lowendco — a vintage streetwear boutique at 365 Pelissier St.
“Obviously, it sucks,” said Ian Lufitha, one of four co-owners of Lowendco. “But at the same time, we understand we're in a time where everyone is still learning how to adjust and find a solution for this.”
“We would love to be open during this time of year. But we do understand that we need to do our part.”
Lufitha said the store has about 1,200 square feet of space — enough to allow about six customers to browse while maintaining two metres of physical distancing.
“There is a level of unfairness,” Lufitha said when comparing Lowendco to the daily traffic at Walmart or Costco.
Lufitha said the first provincial lockdown on businesses was a difficult time for Lowendco. But the business has since pivoted well to online sales with curbside pickup. The store's offerings can be viewed and ordered online at lowendco.ca.
Lufitha said Lowendco is prepared for a long-term scenario.
“Thanks to our customers and the people that support us, we've been able to still be around and provide good quality service and products in Windsor.”