By Lyonel Doherty
A recent virtual round table co-hosted by the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce shows that local businesses are trying to survive the pandemic one day at a time.
Chamber manager Denise Blashko moderated a meeting attended by local politicians and entrepreneurs.
Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen said the Town has followed provincial guidelines by shutting down playgrounds and making sure social distancing protocols are adhered to at local businesses that remain open.
The mayor recently announced that council will reduce property taxes down to zero from nine per cent.
“We’re looking to economic recovery . . . the hardest hit is local independent business; they are the backbone of the community (and need economic stability).”
Ian Lobb, manager of the Oliver Tourism Association, said their facilities are shut down until further notice. He noted the biggest issue (challenge) right now is staying connected with members.
He said the focus now is sustainability and marketing, adding they plan to help businesses learn how to stay afloat, for example, through gift cards and rain checks.
Lobb said promotions like “Explore BC Later” or “Explore Oliver Later” will help after they come out of this pandemic.
Blashko said there has been concern expressed about migrant workers from Quebec potentially spreading the virus in the South Okanagan.
MP Richard Cannings mirrored those concerns, saying inter-provincial travel is an increasing worry, noting people don’t realize we may not have the medical capability if an outbreak occurs here.
Oliver councillor Aimee Grice said it is definitely a concern as we head into the fruit picking season.
Larry Olson, regional manager of operations for the Ministry of Forests, said the government is looking at supports for the tourism sector.
Cary Berger from WorkBC encouraged employers and job seekers to check out the South Okanagan job board. The agency remains open and provides virtual services.
“We have many clients looking for work,” she said.
WorkBC also offers a wage subsidy program that pays up to 50 per cent of an employee’s salary.
Licenced child care provider Diane Gludovatz said her two centres remain open for essential service workers.
Sara van der Hoeven from Watermark in Osoyoos said they are basically seeing essential service clients, road crews painting lines, etc. But no vacationers. She said truckers driving nine hours a day have to have somewhere to stay.
The Watermark restaurant is take-out only and not making any money during the pandemic.
“Making money is the last thing on our minds.”
Van der Hoeven said they are providing meals to care homes and nursing staff, and providing Easter service delivery.
Overall, the hotel has seen a 92 per cent cancellation rate and a significant loss in revenue, she pointed out.
Jamie Cox from Gallagher Lake Resort said there are many RV operators out there (nearly one million in Canada) who need a safe place to stay. He noted the resort has stringent health and safety protocols during the pandemic.
“People are keeping their distance and holding their own until this situation passes us by,” Cox said.
MLA Linda Larson expressed her worry about people coming to the Okanagan for the Easter long weekend.
She noted there is a real push to shut down borders to prevent inter-provincial travel. Her worry is people will become too comfortable and start gathering in groups again, resulting in more risk to the public.
Cannings said Yukon and NWT has stopped travel into their regions.
Blashko said some businesses are “booming” right now while others have shut down due to COVID-19. But she noted the chamber is here to support local business through virtual training and marketing programs.
Chamber member Eileen McGinn said she spoke to a big investor who is predicting a big surge in business once the pandemic is over.
“Think of how many people want to shop and go out,” she noted. “He said we will see a recovery like we’ve never seen before.”
