Local businesses struggling after decision to place Caledon into provincial ‘Red’ zone

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

As Peel Region remains in the provincial government's ‘Red' zone, local businesses worry daily over whether they will be able to keep their doors open. 

The new framework, which includes five levels introduced by the provincial government earlier this month, is aimed to identify what regions are more severe than others when it comes to COVID-19-related concerns.

On Nov 7, Peel Region was put into the ‘Red' level to control transmission in a modified Stage 2 due to the constant increase of rising confirmed cases. The province reported there were over 450 new cases in the region in one day this past weekend. 

Ontario is stating that if the number of cases continue to rise at the current rate, the province could see up to “6,500 new cases per day by mid-December.” 

“Our number one priority right now is getting the numbers down and keeping people safe,” said Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams. 

Additionally, Medical Officer of Health of Peel Region Dr. Lawrence Loh introduced further restrictions to prevent transmission amid rapidly rising numbers. 

These included cancellations for wedding receptions, prohibiting residents visiting other households, discouraging gyms and fitness centres, as well a religious services, rites or ceremonies. 

With these new restrictions set in place possibly until January, local businesses in Caledon are struggling to keep up. 

Caesars Centre in Bolton stated with being closed for the next few months, will greatly have an impact on their business by forcing them to cancel events. 

“My business is completely shut down right now aside from a few take-outs. Banquet halls thrive on events and parties, not take-outs. That has always represented only about 10 per cent of our business however since people can no longer do large gatherings at home our takeout orders have also plunged,” said President, Nick Carnovale. “This absolutely decimated any plans we had put in place for the holiday season and the parties that come along with it.”

Carnovale is remaining hopeful during these difficult times but can't help but feel some unfairness on the measures that are being inflicted upon them and think there could be other solutions.

“Personally, I think that there are other ways to restrict the flow of the virus without sending us into these very strict measures. It has been already proven that restaurants and bars are not the main spreader areas of COVID-19 so I don't know why we're being restricted the most,” he explained. “It's hard to understand some of our provincial and regional politicians' logic when I can only have 10 people in my 10,000 square feet building but the grocery store down the street has a couple hundred inside.”

The team as Caesars are continuing to do what they can to encourage take-outs and keep their business ongoing while coping being closed. 

“Caesar's has been a pillar of the Bolton and Caledon community for about 25 years and we have no plans of ending that anytime soon,” said Carnovale. “We will weather these bad times and be ready to open up to celebrate the good times with all our customers!”

For more information please visit Ontario.ca, or visit caesarscentre.com to learn what is available.