It appears as if it just a matter of time before Jonesy’s Barbershop in Cobourg closes.
Owner Lee Ann Jones has been a barber since 2005, owned the business for 10 years and has been at the location on Third Street location for eight years.
Due to COVID-19 Jonesy’s Barbershop which is approximately 400 square feet was closed from March 16, to June 15.
Jones said she took the precaution of closing a week prior than mandated by the government because of the fear for her clients.
“We have an elderly clientele and we having some people coming in that were away on holidays and we were concerned they were going to bring something back.”
But after a dispute with her landlord over $2,500 rent for two months (May/June), it looks like the writing is in the wall the barbershop will be closing.
“I was closed down. I had zero income. I’m a small business. I’m a sole proprietor. I have a mortgage at home and a hydro bill at home.”
Another barber, Joy Patriquin rents a chair on a month-to-month basis at Jonesy’s Barbershop.
“I just felt like that we needed to deal with something and everything was so unsure at the time.”
Jones said she informed the landlord of a program offered by the Federal government called the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses which provides relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
But was told Jones said they refused to apply for it.
An e-mail from the landlord’s agent to Jones stated, “I don’t want you to experience any more interruptions with your business but if this matter has to be escalated then this will result in a complete shutdown and you will not be able to enter the unit. Please do not take this lightly as currently 2 tenants have been shutdown and locked out of their units for payment issues.”
The payment was due on Monday, August 31, 2020 so Jones said it looks like the end of her business in Cobourg.
On Monday, Jones was taking walk-in clients, but wasn’t taking any bookings in case the locks on the door are changed.
“I understand they’re in business as I am. This is not something any of us chose to be living through.”
“I feel this is something we all have to share the burden. It shouldn’t be up to me to take the full onslaught of the situation.”
“It’s just sad that he won’t work with me.”
Looking back at her time at the location Jones said, “It’s been an awesome location. My business has grown exponentially since being down here.”
Jones said she will now concentrate on being a mobile service for her clients who have supported her throughout the years.
“I’m a positive person. When one door closes another one opens and I’ve survived a lot worse than this.”
“The biggest difficulty of making the decision was it feels like you’re letting your customers down. You fall in love with your customers and I love to see them walk though the door.”
“I have so many friends from what I’ve done – so many connections that I’ve made. It was a hard, hard decision to do this.”
“I have to get past the fact that I can’t make everybody happy – I have to do what’s right for me.”
Reaching out for comment from the landlord, Adam Saraus from KAM Investment Group sent the following statement:
“Regarding your comment about Ms. Jonesy’s Barber Shop in Cobourg and the possibility of going out of business, if Ms. Jonesy will be going out of business because of $2,500 back in rent then she has other issues that we have no privilege of knowing and we cannot comment on that. Nevertheless, this is an unfortunate situation for everyone. We as a landlord have tried our best to work things out with all of our tenants and to find common ground for a long term healthy business relationship. However, in Ms. Jonesy case here are sequences of events:
1- She sent an email on July 17/2020 stating that she has NO intention of paying rent for May and June. For some reasons, she believes that she has the right and entitlement for NOT paying her obligations! Furthermore, she went on to explain that it is KAM Corp. problem for not applying for CECRA without understanding the full extent of the program. Ms. Jonesy forgot that while she is eligible for a $40,000 interest free government program and other incentive programs. Unfortunately, KAM is NOT eligible for any assistance.
2- On July 17 at 2:17, KAM Corp. responded to Ms. Jonesy’s email and explained to her our point of view.
– We explained the legality behind her comment ” NO intention to pay rent for May and June”
– We explained to her why CECRA is NOT helping our cause. If anything, we get hit by 25%
– We explained to her that KAM must pay all financial obligations including, mortgages, property maintenance fee, property Tax, utilities in FULL to bank, property management and cities etc.
– We explained to her our frustration also, with the government by involving landlords and tenants in this matter. We encourage her to address such matters with local MPP as she stated in her email. We are also in search of a better meaningful program.
3- On several occasions, we tried to communicate with Ms. Jonesy to find common ground. She did agree to amortize her unpaid rent and her financial obligation for 12 months.
4- On July 21/2020, Ms. Jonesy changed her mind once again and rejected paying rent and her financial obligation. We tried our best to explain to her our point of view again but nonetheless, she made up her mind and stopped responding to our email requests on July 21 , July 24 and Aug 17.
5- Unfortunately, Ms. Jonesy makes it more difficult. Simply, she cannot understand that KAM Corp cannot treat one tenant differently than others or one property differently from the others. We like to work with all tenants in good faith. We are a law binding company and we ONLY follow the rules and regulations available to us.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
