Winnipeg barber's plan to offer 'yard calls' cut short by province
A Winnipeg barber who was planning to offer haircuts in people's yards says his plan was cut short by the province.
Less than a day after announcing plans to make 'yard calls' when Manitoba's new health orders take effect on the weekend, Winnipeg barber Jeremy Regen said he got a call from a public health officer.
"They said it is illegal for me to do what I'm doing," Regan, the owner of the Hunter and Gunn Barbershop, told CTV News on Thursday.
With the province slightly easing public health orders as of Saturday to allow up to five visitors on private property—Regan had hoped to offer haircuts outdoors in clients' yards.
A provincial spokesperson told CTV News, personal services, including haircuts, are not allowed under the public health orders due to the proximity required for the service.
"I find it a little bit laughable," Regan said.
"My intention was true—that I am suffering a little bit financially and I was trying to literally make my mortgage payment."
Regan said the community has been very supportive—offering to pay the money they would have for a hair cut. While he appreciates the gesture, Regan is asking people to donate that money to non-profits and specifically the Mama Bear Clan Patrol.
"Our barbershop donates a dollar from every service and a dollar from every product sold," he said.
"Hopefully, these people who have offered me money will donate it to Mama Bear Clan and they can kind of catch up, because with the lockdown we certainly are not going to be able to donate to them what we hoped to donate to them this year."
Regan said in the past 14 months, his barbershop has been closed for seven. For the months it was open, its capacity was limited.
He told CTV News even with some provincial financial assistance—the lockdown has taken a hit on the businesses.
"I feel the provincial government has made mistakes along the way and the people bearing those mistakes are the people they say they are supporting," he said.
"You don't have to talk to too many small business owners to realize that we haven't been supported how we need to be supported."
While his business will remain shuttered, Regan said he hopes the health orders may be eased in the near future.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.