THUNDER BAY — COVID-19 has dealt a heavy financial blow to the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition.
President Al Law says that as of the end of October, the CLE has lost $1.4 million in gross revenue this year.
It's why the exhibition board of directors is looking into the details of a provincial government program announced this week.
The government said it's set aside $5 million in one-time funding to help offset revenue losses suffered by agricultural societies and horticultural societies during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Vince Brennan, manager of the body that represents Ontario's agricultural societies, welcomed the announcement, but Law said he needs more information.
The government's eligibility requirements include a demonstration of financial hardship.
Law attributed approximately $900,000 of this year's revenue decline to the cancellation of the annual summer fair.
The popular Spring Home and Garden Show, held annually at the CLE, was among other events that had to be cancelled.
The exhibition board forgave the rent it charges the Thunder Bay Gymnastics Association and the Boulder Bear Climbing Centre for several months because their operations were curtailed by the pandemic.
Law said they are currently paying rent at a reduced rate.
Organizers of RibFest received a break on rent, as well, when that event was held in August.
The CLE also rents space to the Thunder Bay Country Market, which Law said has been doing well since it reopened under COVID-19 guidelines at the end of May.
Law said the market is paying its normal rent.
The exhibition's fourth ongoing business relationship is with the owners of the Silver City building which is located on leased property.
Law said the exhibition is taking in "some revenue" despite the impact of the pandemic.
That includes frequent rentals of the Cardinal Room, which he said remains "a very active room....as long as they meet the COVID requirements."
But Law speculated that if the Thunder Bay area continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, authorities will reimpose tighter restrictions on public gatherings, resulting in the shutdown of these kinds of facilities.
