SURVEY OFFERS “SNAPSHOT” OF PANDEMIC IMPACT ON BUSINESSES B U S I N E S S
GREGG CHAMBERLAIN gregg.chamberlain@eap.on.ca
When the survey began, the construction industry and the tourism and recreation sec- tor were the ones hit hardest by pandemic restrictions on non-essential businesses. Most farmers found the situation “mana- geable” while food service industry operators were affected only a little or not at all. At the time of the survey, the federal government was just starting to roll out its series of aid programs for various groups, ranging from senior citizens and families to large and small businesses and the agri- cultural sector. One question in the survey asked local business owners what kind of government aid, both local and provincial or federal, could provide to help them weather the crisis. Most of the answers given, from financial aid to deferment of property taxes and other business fees, were in the process of becoming reality soon after the survey period ended. Berthiaume noted that a follow-up survey would be worth doing to see how local busi- nesses have fared after the aid programs took effect. A second survey could also show whether more businesses were able to adapt to the pandemic situation, including taking more of their operation online, and also how some of them “bounced back” after the provincial government started to lift some of its restrictions on non-essential service businesses. What now? UCPR staff are forwarding results of the survey to their counterparts in the economic development departments of all eight mem- ber municipalities, and also to provincial and federal officials.
Results of a survey in early May of local businesses offers a “snapshot view” of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected them. Staff with the economic development and tourism department of the United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR) conducted a week-long survey of businesses throughout the region to determine the effect of the COVID-19 situation, including the provincial and federal government’s pandemic control measures, on their operations. About 1000 copies of the survey went out with close to 500 responses coming back. The survey’s conclusions are that the pandemic situation had a strong impact on local businesses but many were able to adapt and continue operating, though a few had to shut down temporarily, while others felt little or no effect on their operations “It’s like being in a storm,” said Olivier Berthiaume, survey project leader. “First they are hit by the surge. Now they are in the eye of the storm, when it’s calm and they can prepare for a second surge if it comes. They’ll be more prepared now to face a crisis.” Snapshot view Berthiaume cautioned that the survey results provide a “snapshot view” of the situation during the period of time when the business owners were asked to respond. The problem is to avoid making too broad an assumption about what the survey results mean.
The United Counties of Prescott-Russell surveyed businesses during the first week of May on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their operations. Results indicate that just a few businesses had to shut down for the duration while many were able to adapt their operations to the changing situation. Many business operators expressed a need for government aid. At the time of the survey, the federal government was just starting to launch its series of financial aid programs for workers and businesses and other groups affected by the pandemic. —stock photo
This graphic shows the percentage of businesses that responded from each municipality to the United Counties of Prescott-Russell survey on the COVID-19 impact on their operations. —supplied graphic “Our own recommendation,” said Carole Lavigne, UCPR economic development and tourism director, “would be to keep alert. Be open-minded and able to adapt to change.” “They’ve all said that the document will be useful to them,” said Berthiaume, adding the information will assist local and senior governments with evaluating the success of aid programs for business during the pande- mic and what revisions might be needed for these programs should a similar situation arise in the future.
CALYPSO LOBBIES FOR EARLY REOPENING
GREGG CHAMBERLAIN gregg.chamberlain@eap.on.ca
attractions that would create a higher risk of COVID-19 contagion. That would include the wave machine and also some of the park “rivers” where the water flow may be too fast for people on tubes to avoid bumping into each other. The plan also hinges on the fact that the chlorinated water in the pools and other park attractions should also act as a disinfectant, reducing the risk of COVID-19 contagion for visitors. There would also be restrictions on the food concessions setup to prevent close contact. The plan also includes increased daily sanitization of park facilities and having all staff equipped with personal protection gear. “People will have to do their part too,” said Nadeau, adding that family groups would stick together and avoid interaction with others, while individuals would be urged to maintain social distancing during their stays. “We are confident that we can do it,” said Nadeau. Sylvain Lauzon, Calypso Valcartier presi- dent, has presented the company’s proposal to both the Ontario and Qu Δ bec provincial governments. The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) has also received a copy of the proposal, which EOHU chief medical health officer Dr. Paul Roumeliotis described as “a very good document” during one of his daily regional teleconferences but noted that the provincial government would have to decide on it.
The gates to the Calypso water park in Limoges are shut and locked right now but the company that owns the aquatic theme park has a plan to let Calypso open for the summer season if the provincial government approves. “We are crossing our fingers, for the time is tight,” said Sandra Nadeau, Calypso senior director for marketing and communications, during a May 22 phone interview. Calypso Valcartier Group, the Québec- based company that owns both Calypso and another aquatic theme park in Québec, has approached both provincial governments with a proposal to allow its parks to open for the summer tourism season despite the current restrictions in both provinces against large gatherings of people. The company argues that it can ensure the public health and safety of both park visitors and park staff through a combination of reduced numbers of people allowed in the park during day-to-day operations. “We are trying to show that we are able to apply the physical distancing,” said Nadeau, adding that the main point of the plan involves reducing to one third the day-to-day gate admission at the park. “At 30 per cent daily occupancy,” Nadeau said, “the park will look like it is almost empty.” The company’s plan also involves shutting down some of the water park
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Canadian Navigable Waters Act Marina Fassett Inc. hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans. Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of the said Act, Marina Fassett Inc. has deposited with the Minister of Transport, on the on-line Navigable Waters Registry (http:// cps.canada.ca/) and under registry number 1372, or, under the NPP File Number 2015-300231a description of the following work, its site and plans: • Marina (floating docks and anchors systems), on Ottawa River (rivière des Outaouais) at Fassett in front of lots numbers 5 361 288 and 5 362 499, cadastre of Quebec, province of Quebec. Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation can be sent through the Common Project Search site mentioned above under the Comment section (search by the above referenced number) or if you do not have access to
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