THUNDER BAY – A recent survey found nearly half of Thunder Bay businesses had closed their doors by the end of April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And while some of those are now reopening as the province eases restrictions, city leaders fear local businesses face a difficult path to recovery.
The newly-launched Economic Recover Task Team (ERTT) is looking to find ways the city can support that recovery. Led by the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC), the team also includes members of the city’s senior staff, who will solicit and review feedback from a wide cross-section of businesses.
Eric Zakrewski, the CEDC’s CEO, acknowledged many of the financial and legislative tools needed to support businesses rest with the provincial and federal governments, but said there are still plenty of steps municipalities can take to ease the path to recovery.
“In terms of financial ability, municipalities are obviously very strapped for cash right now,” he said. “The financial tools are not necessarily there to develop new funding or granting programs.”
“I think the municipal toolbox is quite different. It’s finding ways to perhaps waive permit or application fees, or maybe reduce red tape.”
He pointed to the recent move to expand the city’s pop-up patio program, in which the city will consider eliminating fees and easing some restrictions, as an example.
“We need to be engaging business owners for ideas like that across all the other sectors and industries,” he said. “We’re finding the city is open to creative thinking.”
The CEDC’s five economic development officers will be reaching out to business owners in sectors like retail, food and beverage, industry, and tourism with roundtables and one-on-one interviews. Suggestions will be heard at the ERTT and could make their way to city council for approval.
Zakrewski encouraged businesses to reach out to the CEDC with suggestions, adding they can also find support in navigating government restrictions and support programs.
