HomeSense hullabaloo: York Region sheds light on viral Vaughan video

Anger over crowded store prompts calls for bigger fines

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 26, 2021
Kim Zarzour

The viral video of shoppers crowding into a Thornhill HomeSense this week sent alarm bells ringing among many who worry that York Region opened the doors to business too soon.

Some local politicians called for a bigger stick to enforce safety protocols.

"We were all very disappointed ... what we saw was completely unacceptable," said Stouffville Mayor Ian Lovatt at the Feb. 25 regional council meeting.

Lovatt asked for more to be done to ensure it doesn't happen again.

"As I understand it, a $750 fine really won't be motivation for a big box store. I think we need to look at adding a couple of zeroes on the end of that and actually make a statement ... I think it needs to hurt."

Dr. Karim Kurji, the region's medical officer of health, said inspectors have been vigilant to ensure Red Zone rules are followed and visited the location promptly.

"Apparently there were a lot of customers with multiple buggies causing a lot of delays and traffic issues on Feb. 22, which was the date of the complaint," he said.

The region checked to ensure their capacity of 150 patrons was being followed, but there was overcrowding in the cashier area that was quickly corrected.

All employees are screened, capacity was posted in all rooms, masks provided and outside lines were controlled by four dedicated staff who monitored flow in and out.

"HomeSense has taken all the actions that we would have expected them to be taking," he said. "We can expect lineups at these places and s long as they are appropriately physically distanced, they are OK.

"Every picture does not necessarily tell a story and Dr. Kurji has put some meat on those bones," said regional solicitor Dan Kuzmyk. "It was a transitory issue. Inspection was made very close in time after the allegations became public ... This store was actually in high compliance with most of the rules.

"There was a momentary glut in that area and people whipped out their phones and started taking pictures and it went viral. It doesn't necessarily reflect on overall systemic problems either with enforcement or compliance."

Kuznyk said there is general widespread compliance among businesses and the $750 fines can, for more serious compliance issues, extend up to $100,000 for individuals or $10 million for businesses.

"This was an unfortunate, I don't want to call it a one-off, but it was addressed and if these things continue, there will be enforcement action and it will be heavy where appropriate."