(Wingham, North Huron) On Saturday, shortly before the Wingham Christmas Parade, a local business owner engaged in highly concerning and aggressive behaviour in downtown Wingham.
Witnesses report that the man was intentionally shovelling snow against a neighbour’s business doorway, completely blocking the door. When confronted about the dangerous and unlawful act (which could have prevented escape in an emergency), the individual reportedly continued shovelling, then raised his shovel in a threatening manner toward the person confronting him, screaming “What’s it to you!”
After the confrontation, the man crossed the street against the pedestrian signals (in full view of families and children waiting for the parade), while shouting profanities and repeatedly making obscene gestures. He then reportedly went to a nearby restaurant in the heart of Wingham and directed the same obscene gesture toward patrons inside.
The individual is said to be a “prominent” and long-standing member of the notorious Wingham Business Improvement Association (WBIA).
Blocking a fire exit or emergency exit with snow is a violation of the Ontario Fire Code and potentially the Criminal Code (mischief/endangering life). Threatening someone with a shovel can constitute assault with a weapon.
This type of aggressive, anti-social behaviour – especially in front of children and during a community holiday event – is completely unacceptable and has no place in Wingham or any Canadian community.
The victims are considering releasing video and police involvement if the “man” does not remove the snow he illegally dumped by the open of business on Monday.