Lock down or crack down? York Region says 'no thanks' to provincially imposed COVID-19 lockdown

'Our businesses are dying,' health care is managing fine, region's politicians say

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 20, 2020
Kim Zarzour

York Region has a message for Ontario Premier Doug Ford: please do not lock us down

Mayors and regional councillors took advice from York's medical officer of health and sent a letter to Queen's Park Nov. 19 asking to be exempt from ramped-up restrictions that are expected to be announced for York, Peel and Toronto Nov. 20.

Ford warned earlier this week that these hot spots can expect tighter restrictions, "and they're gonna be tough", because the case counts are rising and hospitals are reaching capacity, he said.

York Region's top doctor, Dr. Karim Kurji, believes that's not necessary.

At a council meeting Nov. 19, Kurji said all three local hospitals are coping with their current COVID-19 workload, public health is contacting virtually 100 per cent of the cases within 24 hours, and the region has only been in the Red Zone since Nov. 16; it takes 10 to 12 days to see the effects of those extra measures.

Kurji suggested a "timely request" from York Region chair Wayne Emmerson may have a chance of preventing the region from going into lockdown.

It's not yet clear what a lockdown would entail, but Kurji said it would not likely include curfews, as was the case in Melbourne, Australia, and the province has already indicated schools will remain open.

At the same time, Kurji informed council there are issues with weddings and banquet halls that may require extra measures.

Currently in York Region, establishments are limited to a maximum of 10 patrons indoors.

However, when it comes to religious ceremonies, banquet halls and places of worship can fill up to 30 per cent capacity. With large banquet halls, that means there could be hundreds of people gathered together indoors, Kurji said, adding he is considering invoking an order to limit those numbers to 50.

Vaughan Regional Councillor Linda Jackson supported the move.

With Vaughan hosting "the lion's share" of banquet halls in the region, and with several outbreaks related to weddings in the municipality, Jackson said action is needed.

Concerns were raised that people are crossing the border from regions such as Peel, which closed such venues, to host weddings in York Region.

"Our businesses are dying," Jackson said. "Landlords are not being helpful. Even with provincial and federal funding, people can't stay afloat and they're closing up for good, but I think in particular cases like banquet halls and event spaces, we need to tighten up the rules, because they're finding loopholes and it's causing further spread."

Mayors and councillors also raised concerns about local entrepreneurs who struggle to follow protocols while larger big-box stores and grocers continue business as usual.

Small business owners are confused and frustrated, Georgina Regional Coun. Robert Grossi said.

"They don't see a level playing field," he said. "They have done everything asked of them, but they are seeing a clear double-standard when it comes to enforcement and following the rules.

"You can go into any big box store and trip over the number of people there and they're doing an astounding amount of business in the middle of a pandemic."

Most council members called again for greater enforcement.

"If we're going to support not having to shut down, then I think we need to be more aggressive with big box and banquet halls," Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said.

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti agreed, predicting further problems should Toronto and Peel lock down and residents of those cities hop the border into York.

"Warnings are not curbing behaviour," Markham Regional Coun. Jack Heath said. "A very expensive ticket curbs behaviour."

Emmerson said there has been an increase in enforcement, "but like when you go fishing, you don't get them all".

The letter sent to the premier said York Region has committed to increase enforcement activities where there are issues of overcrowding and lack of distancing, including malls, big box outlets, grocery stores and banquet halls.

"We want to work with your colleagues in the Ministry of Labour and the Ontario Provincial Police on enforcement," the letter said, adding, "As has been implemented for restaurants and bars, we support the province’s consideration of additional measures to ensure proper distancing and further measures are put in place to restrict the spread of COVID-19 in establishments such as malls, large outlets and banquet halls."

The region has established an enforcement task force that includes all York Region municipalities, police, provincial offences staff and public health.

As well, Kurji said, York public health was to meet Nov. 19 with the Ministry of Labour to look into "safety blitzes" at big box stores, banquet halls and malls to ensure rules are being followed.

"This is extra help the province has extended to health units, to assist with compliance checks and enforcement," he said.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario is also expected to announce measures to deal with protocols at shopping centres.

Council has scheduled a special meeting next Nov. 26 at 9 a.m. to discuss options for increased enforcement, closing or limiting banquet hall capacity and further limits in large-format retail stores.