Prince Edward County sees a major return to business under Step 3
Many Prince Edward County businesses say they’re getting back in the swing of things after a difficult year.
The region is one that relies on tourism, but COVID-19 measures meant keeping business at bay during the start of the season.
Helen Morris has worked at Rosehall Run Vineyards on Greer Road for four years in the tasting room.
Morris says she’s happy to be popping the cork for customers once again.
“This is pure joy. People are happy to be here when they arrive in the parking lot, they’re happy to taste the wine,” she says.
Businesses like this were allowed to reopen under Step 2 of Ontario’s reopening for patio visitors only. Co-owner Lynn Sullivan says it was a slow start but now, under Step 3, customers are returning.
“It’s always busiest on the weekends,” she said. “But now that it’s July, it’s starting to build up through the week as well.”
The winery has limited spaces so they’ve turned to reservations for tastings, advising interested connoisseurs to call ahead. The method, so far, a success.
“For the time being we’re just trying to keep it slow,” says Sullivan. “And keep it to the point where not everyone is rushed and not everyone is crowded.”
Other vineyards, like The Grange of Prince Edward Winery on Clossen Road, are using wide acreages to their advantage.
President Maggie Granger says it was important the vineyard welcome walk-ins.
“We knew from previous years the foot traffic in this area was really high,” she said. “So we needed to make sure we weren’t turning away the vast majority of those turning up on our door step.”
So far, crowds haven’t been an issue, says Granger.
“This way everyone has their fair chance,” she says. “There’s lots of room, and it made it feel really nice and an even playing field for everyone.”
Last summer, the region proved to be a popular destination and officials have taken steps this year to prevent overcrowding.
That includes at Sandbanks Provincial Park, which now requires pre-booked passes to visit the beach up to five days in advance. Those have sold out for this weekend.
Visitors flocking also means some hotels and bed and breakfasts are also seeing a boom.
Nancy Pavan, owner of The Wilfrid Boutique Farmhouse on Royal Road, says weekends are booked up until the end of October.
“Our visitors, 90 per cent are coming from Toronto, and the rest is split between Ottawa and Quebec,” she says.
For an industry built on relaxation, Pavan says that’s a relief, after a difficult year.
“We can’t complain. People are leaving and wanting to buy things and encourage local, so it’s been a lot of love given back,” she says. “It’s great.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
This Toronto restaurant is no longer accepting tips. Here's how it's going
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff – tipping is no longer accepted.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.
What new auto insurance reforms will mean for Ontarians, if they get introduced
Ontario has among the highest rates for auto insurance premiums in Canada -- just below Alberta and Nova Scotia -- however, the introduction of an insurance reform in the provincial budget could soon lower prices.