With the Province’s list of essential services receiving continuous review and revisions, many businesses are wondering where they fit into the reopening plan.

Some of the services listed may not explicitly state parameters in which businesses are to operate, while others are much clearer. If you are a business owner and are wondering if you can open your shop’s doors or starting booking appointments, call the Town of Pelham’s bylaw services department.

“We want to help, not hinder,” said Fire Chief Bob Lymburner. “When businesses open, we want them to do it safely and according to the public health guidelines in place. If you have questions about your business opening and whether you can resume operations, give us a call and we can help walk you through it.”

Earlier this month, the Province recently released its updated essential services list, and beginning the week of May 11, some retail sales were permitted to resume under the guidelines of:

• they use an alternative method of sale, such as curbside pick-up or delivery
• they have a public entrance that opens onto a street or exterior sidewalk
• members of the public are not permitted to access the place of business, except in exceptional circumstances

This list has already prompted several calls to the Town’s bylaw services department inquiring about reopening.

“With the announcement about the reopening plan by the Province on May 14, I expect the calls to increase,” said Lymburner. “That’s a good thing; we appreciate businesses reaching out to us for clarification before opening because it allows everyone to start on the same page and ensure greater rates of safety.”

If you have questions about businesses reopening, please call 905-892-2607 x201.

To learn more about the Town of Pelham’s response to COVID-19, visit: www.pelham.ca/covid19