Hi Everyone,
We are doing everything we can to get Garden Centres open under the same rules as grocery stores. We have spoken to key MPPs and the Premier’s office. We have a government relations company engaged. Mark Cullen, Frank Ferragine and many other garden communicators have been amazing. We have received positive press on CTV, Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, CBC and on social media. We are considering taking out a full page in the Toronto Star.
It is important to realize that the biggest concern the government has is worker and customer safety. Your primary focus should be on answering the safety question.
Here are some points from a safety perspective:
- It is much easier to social-distance in outdoor and greenhouse space.
- You will limit the numbers of customers.
- Your aisles are much wider.
- You have access to safety protocols from Landscape Ontario.
- You are learning from garden centres in the rest of Canada. All other Provinces have allowed Garden Centres to operate.
- We believe that opening our businesses will have the systemic effect of reducing unhealthy crowding in the big box stores, thus spreading the demand for these essential products more responsibly throughout our communities, and creating a positive public health outcome – reduced risk of contact/exposure.
Here are some points from a public perspective:
- The public needs Garden Centres more than ever from mental and physical health perspectives.
- Food security has become an important issue. Garden Centres sell vegetables and fruit plants and show people how they can grow their own food.
- The public wants to be able to browse in Garden Centres.
Here are some points from an economic perspective:
- 80% of business is done in a 12 week period. May is the most important month.
- There is over $450 million dollars' worth of product already grown by farmers waiting to be sold. If growers and retailers can’t sell their product within the 6 to 8 week period, there will be serious economic challenges that could lead to bankruptcies.
- Only 20- to 30% of sales can be accommodated through curbside operations.
- Grocery stores and mass merchant garden centres are allowed to open. Independent Garden Centres have the ability to match and exceed the safety protocols of large retailers who are currently allowed to sell plants and garden products.
