The Timmins Chamber of Commerce shared this letter addressed to Dr. Lianne Catton, calling for a clear, concise and timely directive for the region as the province moves to the next step of the Roadmap to Reopen. The full letter follows.
On behalf of The Chamber and our members, we appreciate your most recent effort in supporting business as we move to Step One of the Roadmap to Reopening framework.
We are concerned with the high level of uncertainty surrounding the next steps; more specifically, how and when the Porcupine Health Unit will transition to them. The province has stated that all regions move to Stage 2 on June 30th except Waterloo and The Chamber feels we will now be combatting a provincial marketing campaign as the Ontario Government seeks to celebrate their pandemic milestones should our region not be included in that next step.
We appreciate and acknowledge that case numbers and the delta B.1.617.2 variant, as well as vaccination rates, will serve to indicate our ability to move in tandem with the Province. However, we urge the Health Unit to consider further establishing metrics that will provide guidance to our businesses and our community.
At present, The Chamber has received numerous inquiries as a subsequent byproduct of mixed messaging from the Province and the local Health Unit. Establishing clear metrics will provide broader, more concise comprehension of the current health restrictions and save businesses from any undue hardship or contravention—further protecting the health and safety of our community.
We would be happy to discuss this issue further on Monday, June 28, and look forward to continuing to work with the Porcupine Health Unit on solutions that support the health of the region and our economy.
Sincerely,
Keitha Robson, Timmins Chamber of Commerce chief administrative officer
Melanie Verreault, Timmins Chamber of Commerce president
