Inglewood business owners counter-protest pandemic-related rally
Posted Oct 7, 2022 8:35 am.
Inglewood business owners say they are tired of ongoing pandemic-related protests in their Calgary neighbourhood.
Some business owners organized a counter-protest to send a message to protestors to leave.
Protestors have been waving signs in Inglewood throughout the pandemic, and have recently moved to a location in front of Spolumbo’s Fine Foods and Deli.
Tony Spoletini, co-owner of Spolumbo’s, says for people to protest in an area they don’t even live in is “selfish.”
“I do support the counter protest, because I think those are just businesses and residences of Inglewood just saying ‘hey, just leave us alone, we don’t need this’ you know, it’s pointless, what’s it going to change?” Spoletini said.
“You know, I don’t think these people are bad people, but it’s just very — it’s noise, its irritating, it can intimidate people coming into the community, it’s serves absolutely no purpose.”
READ MORE: Inglewood residents fed up with protestors
Sarah Elder-Chamanara, owner of Madame Premier, says her store is not located where the protests are taking place, but she is supportive of the counter protestors.
“It’s a time for people with other grievances — deep-rooted in terms of larger issues that are going on in the world — for them to come together, and they found community. I think what our job as a community is to say, ‘you know what, this is no longer welcome here. You’re welcome to have your views,'” she said.
The counter-protest has taken place once already, and another is taking place Thursday. Counter-protestors want the city to take action.
