The province’s approach to easing COVID-19 restrictions isn’t sitting well with Mayor Don Scott.

Speaking on Fort McMurray Matters, he shared his frustration over the tough measures hindering local businesses despite the region seeing a massive drop in active cases.

Back in early January, the RMWB was closing in on 300 active cases, however, the current total is now under 40.

Scott says he’s concerned the GoA is making the region wait for other areas to get their numbers under control.

“They have a provincial approach and it seems like that’s going to continue, but I certainly believe that if your numbers are down then you should be treated differently.”

The province is currently undertaking a stepped approach to easing restrictions.

Earlier this month, restaurants, cafes, and pubs were able to return to in-person service, while gyms and fitness centres could conduct one-on-one training sessions.

The GoA is waiting at least three weeks between each step, while hospitalizations must hit a certain threshold to move forward.

Scott says he agrees with the need to protect public health, but this plan is just harming local businesses.

“We need to get things back to normal as soon as we can.”

This same frustration is being shared by local gym owners.

Judy Dredge, Owner of 9 Round Fitness, spoke to Mix News where she said she believed fitness spaces were being treated unfairly.

“When you look at my club alone, from June to November I’ve had 8,000 check-ins with my members and we had no transmission and the same with all the gyms in Fort McMurray.”

According to Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, the earliest measures could be eased for a second time is March 1.