Her request met with terse resistance from Ward 10 Clr. Maria Pearson who suggested that there would be security issues and noise issues if the owner was allowed to have the mini fridge in the salon. The owner of the Spa, a Ms. Lily Fuduric, remains miffed at why her request has been met with such resistance, which ultimately resulted in its denial.
According to a Spectator report, Ward 10 Clr. Maria Pearson was unavailable when contacted for comment, but The Spec quoted her statements as made last fall:
"I understand it’s a salon and spa … but I still have some concerns. I’ve never attended a spa or salon yet where I’ve heard anybody say ‘You know, I’d like to have a glass of wine or a beer."
It may be true that Pearson has not attended a spa or salon where a drink was part of the experience, but that's a far cry from justification for the objection. Nor is she necessarily a good gauge for the market, which is geared to men. Equally as tentative is the suggestion that security and noise is an issue; particularly in light of the fact that Fuduric is not operating a bar but a salon and spa.
What is certain, is that Hamilton has missed an opportunity to support a small business owner in doing something that appears reasonable, provided for by law and innovative (in Ontario at least). That wasn't the case in Barrie, where a Barrie hair salon got the go-ahead from Barrie City Council. “It was all clear sailing for us,” said Debbie Gibbs of Three Small Rooms, “People seem to like it … We haven’t had any real complaints.”
In contrast. Ms. Fuduric must take time out from running her business, and present her case Feb. 13 at a licence appeal tribunal pre-hearing, to identify — and possibly settle — outstanding issues with appellants in advance of a formal hearing.
It may be true that Pearson has not attended a spa or salon where a drink was part of the experience, but that's a far cry from justification for the objection. Nor is she necessarily a good gauge for the market, which is geared to men. Equally as tentative is the suggestion that security and noise is an issue; particularly in light of the fact that Fuduric is not operating a bar but a salon and spa.
What is certain, is that Hamilton has missed an opportunity to support a small business owner in doing something that appears reasonable, provided for by law and innovative (in Ontario at least). That wasn't the case in Barrie, where a Barrie hair salon got the go-ahead from Barrie City Council. “It was all clear sailing for us,” said Debbie Gibbs of Three Small Rooms, “People seem to like it … We haven’t had any real complaints.”
In contrast. Ms. Fuduric must take time out from running her business, and present her case Feb. 13 at a licence appeal tribunal pre-hearing, to identify — and possibly settle — outstanding issues with appellants in advance of a formal hearing.
Are you supportive of Ms. Fuderic's request. Should we reverse our decision on this?
Crazy backwards thinking, Something does not add up here. Yes , I say reverse this silly decision and save this lady the hassle of having to go to a hearing!
ReplyDeleteJust Sayin
As a small business owner, I am always under pressure to keep the doors open and sometimes you end up doing everything yourself because I cant always rely on staff showing up. I am not in the salon business, but I can relate. If I missed 2 or 3 days of work, I'd be close to shutting my doors. This lady should not be made to go through this. City Council should be more supportive of us small business owners. With the taxes, the insurance the regulations, we are hardly making it. Don't stand in the way when you dont have to please.
ReplyDeleteBuddy
I for one feel the Councillor for this ward absolutely missed the boat on this one. I am absolutely shocked that the Councillor did not support this, as she has made a living off of Developers and Business owners contributions over the years when it comes time for election contributions. Each and every election she is always either on top or second in campaign contributions buy developers and contractors.
ReplyDeleteI havent voted for Maria in the last two elections. All she seems to do is get on city committees and second motions. I don't ever hear her take a lead on much, and she doesn't engage with her community. No website, no communiuty meetings, nothing! I feel bad for this lady who owns the salon, the people who live on Kilbourne and the people who live on Fruitland St. This Councillor will never go to bat for you. I hope Mayor Bratina has the guts to get after her. One bad decision after another and I got to wonder who Maria is really working for.
ReplyDeleteOccupy Ward 10
It truly amazes me how serving alchol at a legitimate spa for men can create controversy especially from a city councillor such as Maria Pearson. If this was an erotic massage parlour "rub & tug" opening up would there be such resistance from some residence of Ward 10 including Maria Pearson. It's time for people to get there priorities straight.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm in support of the proprietor.
ReplyDeleteNo, I'm not in support of some of the issues and conversations and debates going on in this city as they indicate the inability to maturely deal with Life in Hamilton.
Oy vey.
I also feel badly for Ms. Fuderic. This is not right and Ms. Pearson should be made to explain herself. I google earthed this and there are many real bars around the area that don't seem to have any special security or noise provisions. Something is fishy here and it makes all of council look bad to support such poor judgment or whatever else might be causing such a bad decision.
ReplyDeleteSevern
I am not surprised at the reaction and at Maria's "judgment". It is not judgment. It's about agendas and spitefulness imho.
ReplyDeleteOccupy Ward 10
Time for Hamilton to "growup" methinks!
ReplyDeleteThe user "Buddy" said it best. I read the previous article on The Hamiltonian, the Spec stuff and the motion. All of Clr. Pearson's arguments are off and unconvincing. Sadly, I think Fuderic is about to lose some money by having to go through this process. Trust me, these Tribunal hjearings are uncertain and can be very trying.
ReplyDeleteI'm not impressed with Pearson in this instance, and this is not the first time I have heard people in her community complaint about her disengagement. Get out there and vote next time folks and don't let the army of sign pluggers throw you off. Newbies will not have the same "team" that a lifer like Pearson has. I think it is time for Ward 10 constituents to start talking amongst one another and change the representative in the next election. Start that talk now.
Sorce
We will never be taken seriously as a modern city, if we play these petty politics. I donm't know what the heck was going on through Pearson's mind, but it is never too late to do the right thing. Change the decision and save this small business person some grief please.
ReplyDeleteBTW- It can be done, look what happened in Ward 11 next door.
ReplyDeleteSorce
Just because one member of Council has not had the experience of an upscale Spa (that provides alcohol as an alternative beverage), does not mean that they do not exist!
ReplyDeletePossibly all of our Elected Officials should take the time to see what makes something different~succeed...
I, by no means, am a Spa regular, yet I have been privileged enough to visit the odd one and have a glass of wine offered either while I wait or during my manicure/pedicure...
Get with moving upwards and making our Tourists want to visit Hamilton!
Offer the best service with a relaxing atmosphere and their choice of beverage to boot.
Everyone knows that committees are where all the decisons really get made. Therefor anyone who gets most of her capaign contributions from developers and corps, must get on as many key committees as possible. Connect the dots from there. Your best defense is to vote these people out.
ReplyDeleteSounds odd, in that here in my Waterdown community I can think of at least 2 spas that already are licenced and offer wine to their clients....maybe us "Waterdown-onians" are better behaved than those who'd visit the spa in question?
ReplyDelete???
Jim
This conucillor does not even have a website and refuses to answer any questions on this site. She absolutely refuses to have contact with the Hamiltonian, and I forsee her to never be a part of this site. Her arrogance has caused herself to distance from the real issues in Ward 10.All she feels she has to do is sit on committies and pretend she actually cares.And she never actually responded about the park issues last year, regarding the boccee ball fenced in area.
ReplyDeleteThe Hamiltonian has contacted Clr. Pearson for her comments on this issue and to inquire as to whether she will reconsider her position. We will post her reply.
ReplyDeleteHamiltonian Admin
Give this Lady a break & reverse the decision,I agree with Danya, Buddy & so many others that have psted here. To the Hamiltonian...as far as getting a response from Pearson...don't hold your breath!!!
ReplyDeleteI came to the site this morning hoping to see some kind of explanation from Ms. Pearson as to why she is doing this. I am very dissapointed and I think it is extremely arrogant to not have the courtesy to engage here. Very bad example indeed.
ReplyDeleteSevern
I can't wait for the next municipal election...all of you regulars on here are brutal when it comes to your judgement of others....give it a rest already and find something constructive to do instead of bashing on every subject that comes up.
ReplyDeleteSince I moved back to Stoney Creek 5 years ago, I have been completely amazed at the way this councillor has treated the residents of Ward 10. She feels she does not need to have a website, or respond to the numerous issues that have a direct impact on the residents of her ward. She completely ignores the residents on Fruitland Road and will never help out when asked. I am not sure how she manages to stay in office, however the time has come for a new Councillor for this ward. A person that truly will listen to ALL the residents and will engage in the various websites that are part of Hamilton and the community. Regarding this Councillor responding to this website, I guarantee this will not happen.
ReplyDeleteBashing subjects? This is a repressive policy that is hurting a small business owner. Pearson has yet to provide a good reason aside from make believe issues that are suitable to bars maybe. If she had a good reason, she would be upfront about . She dodged The Speactator and The Hamiltonian. Does ah think she is beyond public accountability?
ReplyDeleteDid The Hamiltonian hear back from Maria Pearson or does she still think she doesn't have to answer to the people of Hamilton?
ReplyDelete