Leamington, Kingsville ushered into Stage 2

By Mark Ribble

TORONTO — With one short, spoken paragraph, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that Leamington and Kingsville could join the rest of the province in advancing to Stage 2 in the province’s plan to reopen the economy.

Small business owners in this area rejoiced simultaneously, clinging to the words of the Premier as he announced that the change would take effect Tuesday at 12:01 am. He also promised to come to Leamington/Kingsville to get a haircut in the very near future. “I want to personally thank the people of that area for their patience and understanding,” he said. Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald’s immediate reaction was relief. “This is a sign of hope that one day we will return to a new normal, but a normal nonetheless,” she said.

MacDonald had spent some time on the phone with Premier Ford on Saturday morning and he indicated then that they were working on a plan to get the area re-opened as soon as possible.

The announcement still came as a welcomed surprise to area business people and residents. Donny Pacheco, owner of Jose’s Bar and Grill had three words, “Small town strong!” Melanie McCabe and Shelby Hunter at The Hair Café shed tears of joy.

Wendy Parsons, general manager of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce, was pleasantly surprised by the announcement. The chamber has members in both Leamington and Kingsville.

"We are overwhelmed by finally being able to move into Stage 2 to join with the rest of Ontario,” she said. “Please be safe, be positive and be kind.”

Heather Brown, co-owner of The Main Grill and Ale House in Kingsville, was equally happy. She was also a leading voice in last week’s media conference in Kingsville, where local businesses banded together to address the Stage 1 situation.

“We’ve been waiting for a long time and are happy to get moving forward,” she said.

“Like a bird who’s wings have been clipped, it’s longing to fly,” added Rob Makhlouf of Freddy’s. “We’re anxious to spread our wings.”

Chad Robinson at Crave Family Grill and Pub says he’s ready. “Moving to Stage 2 is the opportunity Crave has been waiting almost 4 months for,” he said. “We will be ready to serve our community safely.”

Kevin Renaud at Armandos Leamington added, “I am excited to finally serve our community on our patio. It is just a start, and we are looking forward to opening the dining room soon as well. “

Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos, added, “As we enter into Stage 2, please support our local businesses and help rebuild our local economy.”

“This represents the best way that we can celebrate this important announcement today,” he said. “Let’s support those that are invested in where we are in every sense of the word and in every definition of what community stands for.”