OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor. This letter, from Bill Ecklund, President of Orillia District Chamber of Commerce regarding the move to the Grey Zone, was issued to chamber members March 5. Send your letter to [email protected]
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As I'm sure you're all aware the Simcoe Muskoka District Health unit has placed us back into the Grey Zone of the provincial lockdown framework as of Monday March 1, 2021.
We understand the toll that this will place on some of our member businesses who had just recently been able to open as a result of the lifting of the Ontario-wide lockdown.
The Orillia and District Chamber of commerce would like to commend of all its members and local businesses who put in the effort to operate in safe manner to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within our community.
You have done a fantastic job and the lack of any measurable spread from small businesses in our area shows that you have done the right things to protect your staff, customers, and family.
Your Chamber of Commerce is here to support you and take your concerns to our elected officials, and in this particular instance Dr. Charles Gardner. We are stronger as one voice with one common message.
Please reach out to our office and our executive director, Allan Lafontaine, to express your concerns and we will make sure that they are heard by the entities that need to hear them.
You can send your letters and emails to [email protected]. Your Chamber has been in contact with public officials on the many calls and emails received to date. We are here to advocate on your behalf.
We can't argue that the measures put in place have protected many of those most vulnerable over the last year. It is time that we work on coming to a middle ground where businesses and communities can survive while doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
We have heard of plans to protest the new lockdown at MPP Jill Dunlop's office (later today). We ask that if you choose to participate that you do so in a socially distanced and safe manner. For our message to be heard loud and clear, it is imperative that we do not give any reasons for more stringent lockdowns.
Bill Ecklund, President
Orillia District Chamber of Commerce
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