Mayor Mike Bradley is disappointed and puzzled that Sarnia-Lambton is not included in Ontario's Stage 2 pandemic reopening.
Premier Doug Ford announced Monday afternoon that certain regions can move to the next stage as of Friday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m.
Sarnia-Lambton and Windsor-Essex are not included while neighbouring Chatham-Kent, London-Middlesex, and Huron-Perth are.
Mayor Bradley said if the criteria is based on caseload, the Sarnia area with 270 cases and 25 deaths, is better off than some of the areas being allowed to open.
"They've cherry-picked certain places and it's hard to figure out why," said Bradley. "London which has had 58 deaths would be allowed to open. There's other puzzling parts to this, for example, every church can have up to 30 per cent of their capacity right across the province, which then begs the question why can't restaurants and other places like that do the same thing?"
Also effective Friday across the province, the limit on social gatherings will increase from five to 10 people, regardless of whether a region has moved to Stage 2.
Mayor Bradley said there's also going to be issues with enforcement in areas that aren't being allowed to enter the second stage of the pandemic reopening.
"This is all being determined by the public health officials advising the premier and it seems to me it's turning into a bit of a game show where every Friday we'll find out who else gets to open depending on what public health says."
Mayor Bradley, who said proximity to the border is probably a factor, has already spoken to a number of local businesses who are trying to figure out exactly how the rules have come about.
Karen Callies, the owner of About Face & Body, Laser & Wellness Clinic on London Road, is frustrated and worried she'll lose business to other communities.
"I'm not happy, because to me our numbers have been low here in Sarnia-Lambton and I think it's unfair," said Callies. "I've got all my PPE (personal protective equipment) and my staff is all ready. I think we're all chomping at the bit to get back to work."
For further information on the province's announcement Monday click here.
-With files from Josh Boyce and Melanie Irwin