Port Moody businesses would like to see more active support from the city if they’re to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s one of several findings from a survey of more than 730 local independent businesses conducted by the city earlier in the summer to determine the impacts of the public health crisis and to help plan for their recovery efforts.
Of the 94 completed questionnaires that were returned to the city, 63% said they weren’t expecting to return to normal operations in the near future, while 59% said physical distancing requirements would have to ease for their businesses to remain viable.
While more than half (55%) said they were able to stay open during the peak of the pandemic last spring, they had to employ multiple strategies like temporary layoffs, reduced business hours and remote work to weather the downturn.
Many also participated in government programs like the Canada Emergency Business Account that provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to cover operating costs for small businesses and non-profit organizations. Only 17% of respondents said they were able to get rent relief through the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program.
Restaurants, cafés, fitness and wellness businesses were identified as most vulnerable to a second wave of COVID infections.
To reduce the odds of further closures, businesses said they’d like to see the city take an advocacy role for rental assistance programs as well as help ensure they can still operate if a second wave of the virus hits this fall and public health authorities implement more restrictions.
The businesses said they’d also like to see the city facilitate collaborative programs like a “buy local” campaign, as well as help them access mental wellness resources and a stable supply of personal protective equipment.
Detailed results of the survey are being presented to council at its meeting tonight.
