Less than half of Hamilton stores in COVID blitz met province’s pandemic rules

A weekend enforcement blitz of Hamilton retail outlets revealed 48 per cent were in compliance with provincial pandemic rules.

That's not the level that we would hope for," Paul Johnson, who leads Hamilton's coronavirus response effort, told councillors Wednesday.

It points again to the need for us to continue to be vigilant around those restrictions."

During the weekend blitz, 30 provincial officers and seven local bylaw officers inspected 162 businesses, including large stores and convenience stores, said city bylaw director Ken Leendertse.

They laid 19 charges, issued 18 orders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and gave 41 warnings. Most related to customer and employee screening, inadequate safety plans and capacity limits, Leendertse said.

In mid-January, inspections of 549 businesses - including big-box stores and other retailers allowed to be open - found 73 per cent were compliant.

Since late December, non-essential businesses across Ontario have been ordered closed to customers in an effort to lower skyrocketing COVID-19 case counts.

Other businesses deemed essential, including grocery stores, pharmacies and big-box outlets, have been subject to restrictions, including in-store capacity limits.

Meanwhile, dog groomers in Waterdown are upset about remaining shuttered while counterparts in municipalities that have ceased enforcement" remain open, Coun. Judi Partridge said.

Matted fur and long nails remain important issues" for some dogs and their owners, Partridge said. So they're taking their business elsewhere."

Johnson said city staff have examined the provincial orders and find no inconsistency or grey area" in their intent with dog groomers.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie has said the city won't take enforcement action against pet grooming businesses that use curbside pickup.

If Hamilton were to follow suit, local groomers could still land provincial charges, Leendertse noted.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said he was not a fan" of Mississauga's approach, calling it the thin edge of the wedge" amid pressure to keep all businesses open. I think it is the wrong thing to do at this point. We need to stay united."

- With files from The Canadian Press

Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com