Be Nice Campaign Launched in Peterborough

The ‘Be Nice’ Campaign was launched on Thursday by Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha and Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement.

Photo courtesy of the Office of Dave Smith.

The initiative encourages customers in businesses where enhanced vaccine certificates are required to be patient and kind as they patronize these locations.

“Our frontline workers have faced considerable uncertainty over the last 18 months; from lockdowns to challenging experiences working in customer service,” Smith said. “This campaign is to remind everyone to take an extra moment in consideration of the staff working in difficult circumstances; understanding they really are trying to do their best.”

"We really wanted to be proactive with getting the message out that regardless of where you land on the debate about vaccination proof, please don't take it out on the staff and restaurants," said Terry Guiel, Executive Director, DBIA. "The staff and restaurants are already dealing with immense stresses caused by the pandemic". "This sign we hope catches peoples attention before they enter the establishment to remind us all that these staff and business owners are your neighbors, friends and family so please be nice.”

“We have been on a crazy roller coaster ride and not a fun one thanks to this COVID pandemic,” said Warden J. Murray Jones. “Our local businesses are doing the best they can to pivot and adapt to the ever-changing rules. This is stressful for them, when all they want to do is open up and serve their community. Be Nice, just makes sense, it’s who we are as a full community, let’s not let this pandemic get the better of us.”

The current vaccine receipt without a QR code remains valid and will continue to be accepted. Ontarians will need to continue to show a piece of identification with their name and date of birth along with their proof of vaccination to enter businesses.

Businesses and organizations can now download the free Verify Ontario app from the Apple App and Google Play stores. The app has been designed to help businesses by making it quicker and easier to confirm if a person is fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The app never stores personal information and only shows the minimum amount of information necessary to confirm vaccination.

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