HALTON HILLS, ON – The Province’s announcement that retail operations with street entrances may commence and offer curbside pick up prompted a teleconference amongst the Town and local business organizations. Halton Hills’ Chief Administrative Officer called the meeting which included municipal staff from the divisions of Clerks and Economic Development, and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Acton and Georgetown BIAs to discuss the impacts of the Province’s decision.
Issues that have been identified include:
Lack of clarity in interpreting the announcement
Lack of availability of wireless payment units
Profitability of opening in this manner
Securing employees to return to work
The meeting resulted in arriving at a common understanding for retailers seeking to operate, in turn, supporting the business organizations’ messaging to their respective memberships and providing guidance for municipal enforcement.
“I want to thank the Chamber and the Business Improvement Areas for their swift response and working with us,” said Brent Marshall, CAO. “It’s important for our community to work together and reach consensus on issues that have broad reaching impacts.”
The following text reflects the agreed upon interpretation of the Provincial announcement regarding the opening of retail operations:
It is agreed that the opening of retail stores with a street entrance to provide curbside pickup and delivery applies only to self-contained businesses. That is, businesses that have their own individual entrance and exit, either to a public road or a parking lot.
Businesses must also have their own washroom facilities for staff.
Retail businesses located within enclosed shopping malls or plazas without their own entrance and exit access to a public road or parking lot are not permitted to offer curbside pick-up under current regulations.
A set of FAQs have been developed and are available on the Town’s websites: haltonhills.ca/COVID19 and investhalton.ca.
“The one thing I want to really emphasize, said Mayor Rick Bonnette, “…is to be kind to one another. I am hearing stories of people who, out of concern for their own health, are being disrespectful to others. The people working in retail are serving the needs of this community and we should all recognize their efforts and come together, particularly during this difficult time.”
A “Retail Recovery Playbook” prepared by The Retail Council of Canada has been identified as a helpful guide. Retailers interested in opening are subject to several provisions and should consult Ministry guidelines.
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