The Renfrew County District Health Unit rescinded the fine placed on Olmstead’s Home Hardware Building Center in Cobden for violation of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions within its store in a release published on May 31st.
On May 27th, the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is informed the public that it has issued a Section 22 Order to Olmstead’s Home Hardware in Cobden, for not adhering to requirements set out in Regulation 82/20 under the Reopening Ontario Act.
“After several attempts by RCDHU to rectify non-compliance, Olmstead’s Home Hardware must immediately close the business to indoor traffic, allowing curbside pick-up, delivery or online services only.” a release from the RCDHU read. “The Section 22 Order was issued to ensure that community transmission of COVID-19 is minimized or eliminated.”
“We have come this far,and it us up to all of us to do our part to ensure the safety of our community as a whole,” said Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health for the RCDHU in the release. “We take no pleasure in monetary fines, but it is our duty to enforce all public health measures set by the province to ensure the safety of RCD residents,”
“It is imperative that businesses follow the COVID-19 Workplace Safety guidelines to ensure the safety of their employees, customers and the public, while also reducing the risk of workplace outbreaks.”
Store clerks said that the store would be moving to curbside pickup only at the time of May 27th.
The store is currently open, with yellow tape and warning signs blocking off aisles with non-essential items.
“The Province of Ontario has determined these items to be non-essential.” the signs read. “Please ask for assistance from staff in obtaining items.”
Permission was not granted to take pictures at that time.
Owner and City Councillor Chris Olmstead was not available for comment, but during the June 2 Council meeting, said during announcements that “After a very eventful week, I’m going to keep my mouth shut this time.”
Edit: David Tantalo Manager of Healthy Environments at RCDHU, got in touch with us the morning of June 3 about the rescinded order, saying that they had worked with Home Hardware to ensure it met the compliance.
“The inspector was there on Monday, and the idea really is that essential items really are available for sale.” he said. “We had a walk-through with [Chris Olmstead], an with his cooperation, we just ensured that none-essential items were blocked off.”
He said that there’s only “a handful of times” that they’ve needed to issue a letter to a business.
“We understand the hardship that are put on people and businesses during COVID-19.” Tantalo said. “Usually the first thing we do, is try to address the noncompliance with education.”
“We will do an inspection and then leave information with the business. If there’s still noncompliance, then we can issue further action such as a Section 22 order.”
“We don’t take it lightly, we try to work with people out there.”
