I’d like to respectfully submit my comments on the proposed Market Square Business Promotion Program.
As an avid downtown supporter and frequent customer of downtown shops and restaurants, I’m looking forward to the completion of the improvements. Meanwhile, I sympathize with the business owners who have endured extraordinary construction-related frustrations and hardships.
The proposed program is certainly a positive gesture, and it could be effective at increasing short-term revenue for downtown businesses, and attracting new customers.
However, I do have some concerns with this approach. Please consider the following during your deliberations:
1. Although the circumstances of the downtown construction are unique, an ad-hoc approach (in the absence of a supporting policy) could be seen by many as
– unfair to other businesses affected by construction, and
– setting a risky precedent for similar scenarios in the future.2. Some downtown business owners have behaved inappropriately, by publicly insulting City staff. These behaviours violate the City’s corporate Harassment and Discrimination Policy:
“The City will not tolerate, ignore or condone workplace harassment, discrimination or any pattern of inappropriate, disrespectful behaviour that a reasonable person would consider to be humiliating, demeaning, offensive or intimidating. The City considers such actions to be a serious offence, which may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.”I have also seen and documented what I consider to be a threatening window display in a downtown business, which may violate the City’s Workplace Violence Policy, according to which:
“Workplace Violence includes:
• verbal or written threats to physically attack a worker
• leaving threatening notes or sending threatening emails
Violence that occurs outside the normal workplace but which has an impact on the working environment, including working relationships, may also be considered violence in the workplace.”I’ve attached photos of this display, for your reference. The pictures are a bit unclear, but one shows a note attached to a toy gun that reads: “Which way to Council Chambers?”
There is absolutely no excuse for this conduct. It is hurtful, distressing, and contrary to the spirit of our community. I oppose rewarding any business owner who has contributed to City staff harassment or workplace violence.
I suggest establishing a City-wide policy to support programs like the one proposed, based on sound rationale and good value. It should include criteria for program beneficiaries such as respectful conduct, consistent with City policies. Development of such a policy should also include consideration of other approaches.JT