With most of Ontario now in stage three of the province’s re-opening plan, many businesses have either re-opened or are in the process of doing so, but there are also quite a few that aren’t apart of that group.
Chair of the Bancroft BIA Jody Didier says there are some businesses that aren’t able to meet requirements set by Hastings-Prince Edward Public Health as well as the provincial and federal governments. Didier cited a recent meeting with Nepean MPP Lisa MacLeod where they spoke about how consumers are still a little anxious about the virus. “Minister McLeod was giving us figures from a recent survey that was conducted and what we’re seeing that there’s only 20 percent of the public that are ready to embrace the new requirements,” Didier says about the need for people to stay six feet apart and wear masks. “Another 20 percent say they are almost ready. You’re talking about less than 50 percent of the public.”
For businesses that are open, they have higher costs because of the need to redo their restaurant or store to ensure it fits the requirements set by Public Health and – in some cases – have to re-train employees to ensure they’re up-to-date on their responsibilities. “Even if you’re doors are open, it doesn’t mean someone will walk through,” Didier adds.
The Bancroft Brew Pub opened its patio on June 12th during phase two of the province’s re-opening plan. Co-owner of the Pub Ray Krupa explains that as of July 17th when phase three got underway they are able to open up the inside of the restaurant, but chose not to. “We’ve taken a wait and see attitude,” Krupa says. He adds that they do hope to open up inside in the fall, but it will depend on how customers and staff feel. Krupa says they may not want to sit inside a crowded space and eat dinner. “That’s the big uncertainty going into the fall,” he says.
When the Pub did re-open, Krupa explains from making sure all tables are six feet apart to reworking the kitchen to make sure staff are following Public Health guidelines, a lot of effort went into making sure the restaurant was Public Health approved. Since opening, the patio at the Pub has been busy and they’ve also opened a second patio space in front of the Bancroft Brewery a few doors down from the restaurant.
Sandra Nicholson owns West Wind Gallery & Gifts in Bancroft and says they had a lot to do to prepare their shop before they opened after the May long weekend. “People have really been supportive,” she says about what they’ve heard from locals and people coming in from out-of-town. “Everyone has been really good with the safety measures.” She says that some of the people coming from out-of-town have been surprised to see that a small town like Bancroft was taking so many steps to protect people. “They were happy to see it though and to see it’s working,” Nicholson adds.
Alice’s Pantry was deemed essential so they never closed their doors, but owner Alice Martin says she did consider the possibility. “When everything started happening, I was trying to decide what the best path forward is,” she tells the MyBancroftNow.com newsroom. “It was new territory. I felt like I was out in the dark.” Martin says she kept in touch with the Bancroft Family Health Team and their health inspector with both of them helping her and the staff at Alice’s along as they stayed open. “I remember thinking ‘man, it would be so much easier to shut everything down.”
“Some people are taking things in stride,” she says on what she’s heard from customers. “Others are a little scared.”
Didier mentions that there’s a possibility things could “tighten up” again. With that hanging over business’ heads, she says there are a lot of unknowns ahead.