Several business owners in Simcoe-Muskoka are planning to protest against the region’s latest placement into lockdown.
According to posts on social media, some plan to defy the lockdown order and reopen, while others are planning protest events.
One meme being shared on Facebook Sunday said, “If you see someone open who shouldn’t be open, you have a choice: either go in and support them or mind your own business because they are trying to save theirs.”
An online petition created by a Barrie business owner is calling on the province to #ReverseTheLockdown and continues to gather thousands of signatures.
Meanwhile, a Barrie photographer and model has created an event for this Saturday, called End the lockdowns: A Peaceful Protest.
It is scheduled to take place at Meridian Place in downtown Barrie, starting at 11am.
The page states,”This is NOT an anti covid protest, nor is it an anti mask protest, this is going to be a NON violent protest. THIS IS A PEACEFUL PROTEST.”
SMDHU’s medical officer of health Charles Gardner posted a video on Facebook, defending his decision to move the area back into lockdown, but adding that he understands the victims of COVID-19 are not the only casualties of the pandemic.
He also had a message for anyone who is thinking about disobeying the rules.
Businesses and individuals can be fined for disobeying the rules under the province’s reopening framework.
If you haven't joined already, we are also organizing a peaceful maskless shopping protest to remove mask mandates….
Posted by Melanie Gibson on Sunday, February 28, 2021