NEWS RELEASE
ORO-MEDONTE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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On Monday, March 1, 2021, the Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce joined in support of those calling for immediate changes to the restrictions that have been imposed on small business in Simcoe-Muskoka.
The chamber sent the following letter to Premier Doug Ford, MPP Doug Downey, MPP Jill Dunlop and Dr. Gardner of the SMDHU:
Dear Premier Ford, MPPs D. Downey and Jill Dunlop and Dr. Gardner,
The Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce is requesting immediate changes to restrictions on business so that responsible businesses may open safely and responsibly.
We have always been supportive of safety protocols and the importance of public health, recognizing that the health of our community and the reduction in COVID 19’s spread is fundamental to our economic, cultural and social health.
We will continue to support public health measures, however we strongly feel that there are critical adjustments that can be made that will allow business to get through this difficult time in the best way possible, while still protecting the health of our community and capacity of our health care system.
There are elements within the grey framework that are sensible and responsible, however some of these restrictions are damaging and unnecessary. Small businesses such as restaurants, salons, personal services and gyms have shown that they can operate responsibly should be allowed to legally open with appropriate restrictions in place.
Additionally, the chamber would like to see greater consistency and predictability within COVID 19 safety protocols. Just two weeks ago many local businesses each spent thousands of dollars each on reopening. In addition, they rehired staff, ordered inventory and supplies and successfully and safely reopened. To have to reverse all these measures and return to total lockdown is costly, stressful and disheartening.
All of us here in the Simcoe Muskoka region need to continue to work together to get through this crisis. Doing so properly includes taking care of public health while also maintaining the economic, small business and social structures that make this such a great place to live.
On behalf of the Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce and our members,
Greg Groen, president
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