Mayor Al McDonald and Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli both addressed a letter sent to them on behalf of over 200 North Bay businesses.
The letter, dated February 22, was sent by the Downtown North Bay and Waterfront board of directors, asking municipal and provincial dignitaries to reconsider lockdown restrictions on local businesses.
Mayor Al McDonald says he and his council support local businesses the best they can.
“We’re doing everything we can to support the local businesses, but we cannot ignore the medical officer’s recommendation and advice to keep everyone safe,” he said.
Vic Fedeli acknowledged the letter he was copied on, saying medical officers Dr. Jim Chirico and Dr. David Williams will provide clarification for small businesses.
“I’m fairly certain both doctors will describe the seriousness of the variant of concern,” Fedeli said. “I would think that the doctors are staying on the side of science.”
Fedeli adds he urges small businesses in the area to tap into the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which can give eligible businesses up to $20,000 for pandemic-related costs.
Michelle Trudeau, who wrote the letter, says some businesses have not been able to access government supports.
Peter Chirico, president and CEO of the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce says those cases have been “one-offs” where a business may have missed a deadline.
Another concern brought up in the letter was the “inequitable” treatment of larger stores and smaller businesses.
“We’re doing basically the same thing but in a smaller capacity,” Trudeau said in reference to stores like Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart being allowed to remain open.
Chirico echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the decision is made at the provincial level.
“We have expressed our dissatisfaction with that. We feel like it does not make it a level playing field for our small businesses. If one is allowed to open, then why aren’t the others?” he questioned.
Mayor McDonald also empathized with the small businesses.
“It does seem unfair, to be honest,” he said. “As a business, you always want a level playing field.”
Wednesday morning, Dr. Jim Chirico also referenced the struggles of small businesses, saying it’s up to the customers to keep them afloat.
His brother, Peter, along with Mayor McDonald both reiterated the importance of shopping local.
