Despite pleas from customers and the owners a Cobourg dog grooming business can’t open because of Provincial rules.
Or maybe a better way to put it, Bri Crossen is afraid to open because of a possible fine.
Crossen has owned Grooming by Bri on Covert for nearly six years but because of the Provincial lockdown, the business has been closed since December 26.
Crossen sent a letter to Cobourg’s Municipal Clerk Brent Larmer stating, “I can go to the LCBO multiple times a week, Costco multiple times a day/week, Walmart, dollar store etc multiple times a day if you want to…
Typically dogs get groomed ONCE every four to six weeks. ONE TRIP in a 6 week lockdown vs multiple trips to every other business.”
In a e-mail to Today’s Northumberland, Cobourg Municipal Clerk, Brent Larmer stated, “as you are aware the Town of Cobourg By-law Enforcement have been given the authority along with the Cobourg Police to enforce the provisions of the Provincial Emergency orders and the Reopening of Ontario Framework Act that has been put into place by the Province of Ontario. At this current stage, Animal Grooming Businesses are not permitted to be open under current stage of the Provincial Lockdown Rules and are not identified with the Regulations.”
Larmer sent the section under the Ontario Re-Opening Act which states:
22. (1) Veterinary services that are,
(a) necessary for the immediate health and welfare of the animal; or
(b) provided through curbside pickup and drop-off of the animal.
(2) Other businesses that provide services to animals that are necessary for their health and welfare, including farms, boarding kennels, stables, animal shelters and research facilities.
In other areas of the province it seems as long as the groomer is acting for the health and welfare of the animal they have no issue with it.
“But here in Cobourg, our town hall is instructing us through by-law that we are not allowed to open,” said her husband Randy Crossen.
Grooming by Bri’s entrance has been modified that at no time do customers come remotely in contact with staff.
A series of gates allows the animal to be placed in an area, then the owner walks out of the area and staff then retrieve the animal and take it into the business for grooming.
Having over 2,600 clients, it also adds undue stress on veterinarians.
“My clients are coming to me and asking what they can do for a simple thing like a nail trim, I instruct them to go to a vet. But it’s my understanding, at least here vets aren’t doing nails,” said Bri.
The Crossen’s have been going above and beyond in taking every precaution and more to protect themselves and their family from COVID-19 including home schooling their children since September.
“From the beginning of last year when we did reopen, we continued curbside even when we were allowed to have people in – we just felt safer.”
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini said he’s been contacted by the Crossen’s regarding their situation.
“I think this needs to be re-examined because there are many types of dogs where grooming is essential to their health and well-being.”
“Part of the confusion stems from the fact that Cobourg initially was ok with dog grooming until further clarification was provided by the province to the health unit. I will be bringing their concerns to my colleagues in the legislature.”
Crossen stated she has always loved her job.
The animals and her customers are like family and wants to keep working for the benefit of all of them.
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
