“Almost as good as winning the lottery:” Region of Waterloo enters stage 2

KITCHENER – The Waterloo region is joining the rest of Ontario in Stage 2 of the province’s plan to reopen on Monday, and many businesses have been busy getting ready.

Taline Kazazian says she doesn’t expect to get much sleep Sunday night in anticipation of her salon and spa reopening on Monday.

“Honestly, it’s almost as good as winning the lottery,” said the owner of Ku’r Salon & Spa. “Even better at this point.”

The region enters stage 2 at 12:01 am Monday and will allow personal care services to operate at 25% of capacity, with masks to be worn at all times.

“I called more than 400 people [this weekend], and no one told me that I’m sorry we went elsewhere, ”Kazazian said. “My biggest worry was when Toronto opened two weeks ago and we were still closed because I was going to lose everyone.”

Greg Rogalla, owner of Azure Aqua Spa, opened his business two months before the pandemic hit and has been on a roller coaster ride during ongoing closures.

“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “We definitely have a waiting list and that will keep the beautician busy, we will be open seven days a week.”

As businesses prepare for the easing of restrictions on Monday, more could arrive on Friday when the Waterloo region moves to Stage 3 with the rest of the province.

For this to happen, regional officials say vaccination is key.

“We are partnering again with GRT to set up a vaccine bus where we can make our vaccine more mobile and get it to people who need it,” said Vickie Murray of Waterloo Region. “Admission forms for businesses are being offered, clinics are trying to do more to reach out, more drive-through clinics will also be offered.”

The goal for the region is to vaccinate at least 80% of residents.