‘50 per cent is better than 0 per cent’: Ottawa businesses relieved to see COVID-19 restrictions lifted
Many local businesses are relieved that reopening plans are around the corner, but some were hoping this would happen faster.
This is just step one of three stages in Ontario's plans to ease the COVID-19 restrictions, spread out over several weeks.
"Every day that you don’t have someone sitting in the seats, it’s lost revenue," said Johny Bonney, the King Eddy’s general manager.
The restaurant staff are cautiously optimistic about being allowed to reopen at 50 per cent capacity starting Jan. 31.
"At this point we are going to take what we can get," he said. "50 per cent is better than 0 per cent.”
Gyms can also reopen on Jan. 31 with the same capacity restrictions.
Meanwhile sports venues and concerts can host 500 people or 50 per cent capacity, depending on which is less.
“I think it’s a good start, but I think now that we have the vaccine it’s time to get over it and fill up the arenas,” said Thomas Vanier, a sports fan.
Businesses hoping to catch up after the lockdown period.
For gyms, January is their peak season.
"We have lost about a half month's worth of revenue due to the lockdown," said Ashley Mathieu, owner of Anytime Fitness on Kent Street.
"Only 27 per cent are at normal revenues for this time of year,” said Julie Kwiecinski of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. "COVID-19 debt is still over $100,000 and an alarming 18 per cent of Ontario small businesses are actively considering bankruptcy,” she added.
Those who survive, hoping to get closer to normal.
"Members are already super pumped to come back on the 31st," said Mathieu.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.