John Wladyczak brought in an unusual item to Newmarket’s ServiceOntario outlet on Yonge Street today.
Rather than any government-related forms or identification, he brought in a bouquet. After coming to the location for years, he wanted to wish one of the workers well in the dying hours of the location on Jan. 31.
“We’ve got to know these people over the years since we moved to Newmarket,” Wladycszak said. “One of the staff members … She’s very dear to us because she’s always helped us to do anything to do with stickers, licensing, health cards, she always had a smile, always was very welcoming.”
After years at the location, the ServiceOntario office at 17480 Yonge St. closed permanently at noon today. A sign on the door confirmed that it would reopen in the Staples at 17810 Yonge St. Feb. 1.
Newmarket is one of several locations making this change, which the government has said will lead to longer hours and save about $1 million over a three-year pilot. However, the opposition has criticized the deal for being sole-sourced, and without a publicly revealed business case.
However, some patrons of the facility expressed concern. Wladyczak said he heard from people working in the outlet that they would be losing their jobs.
“I have mixed feelings. I don’t really think it should close because it’s been of good service to us, and the people in here are great,” he said. “Sad to hear that they’re losing their jobs.”
A worker on the site said they were under a “gag order” and could not speak to the media.
Asked to confirm whether the current Newmarket ServiceOntario employees are losing their jobs, Ministry of Public Business Service Delivery spokesperson Praveen Senthinathan said the province gave employees the chance to connect with Staples about future employment.
“The government remains committed to protecting jobs for all Ontarians. Employees of impacted private service providers were provided opportunities to engage Staples to continue employment with Staples Canada,” she said.
Senthinathan added that the province assessed and selected locations based on expiring contracts, community analysis and opportunities for service improvements.
Newmarket resident Rita Machnik said she is sad to see the outlet closing after visiting it for 30 years. She said she hopes any new hires at Staples can handle the job as well.
“What I find is these people are very experienced, and they know what they’re doing,” she said. “I just hope (at) the new location, you get the same customer service.”
Lozanne Wamback said she is disappointed in the change, expressing concern about the contract going to an American-owned company.
The service at the current outlet “is incredible. We’ve never had a problem here,” she said. “I guess we’ll see, but it was just so easy and convenient here.”
“Hopefully, it’ll work out well,” Wladyczak said about the transition to Staples. “I know they’re pushing a bit better hours, but this (location) served us well.”
