A special meeting of Collingwood Council is being held today.
Mayor Brian Saunderson says it is regarding the Grey Lockdown zone in Simcoe-Muskoka, while Blue Mountain operates under a Green designation.
He says we need a level playing field for all South Georgian Bay business operators.
“It is extremely unfortunate and unfair to local businesses that Blue Mountain retail outlets, restaurants, coffee shops and bars can operate under a relaxed Green Zone designation while five minutes away Collingwood’s businesses are forced to severely cut back operations or close in accordance with strict Grey-Lockdown regulations.”
Saunderson says he is struggling to understand the rationale for the decision in light of the numbers and infection rates published by the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit.
Council will meet later this afternoon to discuss actions to support community-based businesses having to comply with the stricter regulations surrounding the Grey-Lockdown designation.
“We will consider all options including asking the Province to reconsider this decision, to divide the Health Unit into sub-regions, and lobby the Provincial Government for additional financial assistance along with working with our local businesses and residents to expand the Support Local campaign.”
Saunderson says more effective supports from the Provincial and Federal levels of government are needed.
“Wherever possible, please continue to support our local businesses in these difficult COVID-19 times.”
The meeting will commence immediately following the Corporate & Community Services meeting, which begins at 5 p.m..
To review the agenda, please click here.
SPECIAL MEETING of Collingwood Council today, Monday March 1st, regarding Grey Lockdown zone designation here while Blue Mountain operates under a Green designation. We need a level playing field for all South Georgian Bay business operators.
— Brian Saunderson (@BrianSaunderson) March 1, 2021
I am struggling to understand the rationale for the "grey" lockdown decision in light of the numbers and infection rates published by the Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit. Council will meet Monday March 1st to discuss. https://t.co/tKDGTVMfJ6
— Brian Saunderson (@BrianSaunderson) February 28, 2021
A Special Meeting of Council has been called for today re: The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's move back into Grey-'lockdown'. The meeting will commence immediately following the Corporate & Community Services meeting. View today's agendas here: https://t.co/a1SonZstBq pic.twitter.com/bBnkmKTpjb
— Town of Collingwood (@TownCollingwood) March 1, 2021
The Strategic Initiatives Standing Committee and Corporate and Community Services Standing Committee meetings are today at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. respectively. To review the agendas, please visit: https://t.co/WjjbxubM79 pic.twitter.com/dfNMh7gLEA
— Town of Collingwood (@TownCollingwood) March 1, 2021