Alderville First Nation Chief and Council have said it’s “unacceptable” after three retail stores defied the order of Council made on Friday, April 3, 2020.
Chief Dave Mowat and Council stated all retail stores would be closing at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2020 as a result of COVID-19.
But less than 24-hours later on Saturday, April 4, 2020 three stores were violating the order and were open.
At 1:15 Chief and Council and members of the community attended to one of the businesses to block its entrance if it was determined to be violating the no retail order.
The other businesses closed shortly after.
Rental signs were then posted along County Road 45 at the north and south end of Alderville First Nation stating, “Aldervile Closed To The Public – No Retail Sales Allowed By Order of Chief and Council.”
In a letter from Chief and Council they stated, “If these storefronts do not comply with the Order they will be forced to shut down by any means necessary. We need Alderville’s business to be responsible corporate partners during this time. All actions will be taken against those individuals who continue to defy our COVID-19 mitigation measures.”
“It is highly recommended that these stores close immediately before further actions are taken against them.”
“We are very disappointed that any business owner would choose to put our community in danger during this unprecedented pandemic. We expect immediate cooperation and compliance with our existing Council Order.”
Mowat added on Facebook, “Chief and Council will not lie down!! And now community members at large will not lie down!! We are serious. Any business that attempts to defy this critically important order will have their entrance blocked and the OPP can keep the peace while we do it.”
Chief David Mowat said he and Council are aware of the imposition up businesses, “but these difficult decisions are necessary at this time.”
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
