A clothing store in Belleville’s Downtown District, as previously reported, opened its doors this morning (Wednesday) and was doing a brisk business.
However, 15 minutes after Park Provisioners opened its doors, in walked a Belleville police officer and two staff members from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.
A customer makes a purchase at Park Provisioners in Downtown Belleville, after the shop’s owner opened in defiance of provincial regulations, on January 20, 2021. (Photo: John Spitters / Quinte News)
Owner of Park Provisioners Kyle Thomson was written a ticket for $750 for contravening lockdown orders by the police officer.
And Hastings Prince Edward Public Health ordered Thomson to temporarily close until given permission to open saying they would return later today if the store did not close and fines, court summons and other measures could follow.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health enforcement staff enter Park Provisioners in Downtown Belleville, after the store’s owner opened in defiance of provincial regulations, on January 20, 2021. (Photo: John Spitters / Quinte News)
Thomson doesn’t believe the fines and orders are legal and signalled his intention to remain open.
A small crowd had gathered outside the store for its opening and cheered as shoppers exited with their bagged purchases.
Thomson says the lockdown on small business is doing far more harm than good and is ruining people’s lives, adding he believes people aren’t getting accurate information from the government on the pandemic and is making the wrong decisions along the way.
Park Provisioners also features a barber shop however it is not in operation.
