A local couple is receiving praise for their decision to temporarily shut down their tourism business while the provincial lockdown is in effect.
Shawn and Terra Degagne, owners of Bear Creek Cottages in Callander shared their decision to close down until January 23 on social media.
"Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Terra and I have decided to close our doors until the 28-day lockdown period is over," reads a Facebook post from Shawn, who also serves as the camp's fishing guide.
Degagne's post continues, "We feel it is too hard to obey all the rules in place in the business that we are in. We also feel it is unfair to our kids and our community to put their hockey teams and schools at risk."
In a separate post on the thread, Degagne explains to a potential customer the reasoning behind the decision.
It would "just be too hard," to make the cottage rental operation frequented by visitors looking to go ice fishing or snowmobiling work. Degagne advises "everyone has to be from the same house," and customers would have to "drive up separately — and a bunch of other rules."
Many commenters on the thread expressed words of support and thanks to the owners.
One commented, "Sorry that your business has to suffer to keep others safe. Thank you for making the health of your community such a priority!"
Another wrote, "I will have to say Shawn, hats off to you for making that decision. I hope others follow."
Degagne concluded the message by saying they hoped to reopen January 23, which coincides with the tentative lifting of the 28-day southern Ontario lockdown imposed by the Ontario government.
Degagne hopes "the effects of this virus will be somewhat behind us. Until then we will be in touch to rebook you for later in the year! Until then stay safe and please obey the rules! Let’s make 2021 a better year!"
