Many local business owners are facing criticism and backlash after implementing a proof of vaccination policy at their establishment.
It's been one week since the provincial restrictions exemption program went into effect in Alberta, allowing participating businesses to operate without limitations.
Owner of Mehtab East Indian Cuisine, Jag Thind says that he's feeling like he's hit rock bottom after an extremely tough and draining week. He says that while it may seem like business owners have a choice in the matter -- simply put, they don't.
"[We've been] opening and closing again and again and once you close down you lose your staff," explains Thind. "It doesn't matter if you open the whole thing or half or you're just open for take-out and delivery. I have a 95 seat capacity and whether I use it or not, I still have to pay the rent. So, if I want to keep the doors open I have to follow that."
He says that many residents feel like their freedom of choice has been infringed upon, and while he can understand their frustrations, his priority needs to be the livelihood of his staff and his family.
Thind says that over the past week he's received a steady stream of emails and phone calls from disgruntled Cochrane residents questioning his morals and loyalty to the community.
"I've gotten lots of comments, messages and emails from people who keep saying - you used to support the community and now you're not supporting us."
Thind continues to say that some residents are mad that he's not willing to 'bend the rules' which he says could cost him up to $100,000 in fines.
Despite the challenges the past 19 months have presented for his own business, Thind has continued to give back to the Cochrane community.
In May he donated over $500 to the local Boys and Girls Club, funds which he raised from a Mother's Day weekend initiative. He ran a similar initiative for Valentine's Day and in turn handed over a cheque for $500 to the Activettes food Bank, and he spent Christmas Eve personally delivering free holiday meals to Cochranites spending the holidays alone.
Throughout the course of the pandemic, Thind has been offering free meals to residents in need, and he says he'll continue to do that whether they're vaccinated or not.
"You can't sit in the restaurant without proof of vaccination," explains Thind. "But you can still take [a meal] home."
The restrictions exemption program went into effect on September 20.