Resilient small businesses

Small businesses proving themselves resilient despite pandemic challenges

RODERICK BENNS Publisher

When everything ground to a halt on March 15 in Ontario in an attempt to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, most predicted small business would be devastated.

There were early signs here to back up that prediction. Castle Keep, a personal support workerfocused business, closed April 17. Acu Total Health, a local acupuncturist, closed soon after. In Fenelon Falls, Dolce and Kawartha Shortbread bakeries closed due to financial pressures from the pandemic.

And yet as Kawartha Lakes has begun opening for shopping, dining and other services, it seems we’re making it through without the level of business loss that was expected.

The Advocate contacted the Lindsay downtown BIA, the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce and the Fenelon Falls Chamber of Commerce to see how things are going in the three largest local centres.

The BIA general manager credits a combination of targeted, quick-response federal programs and the fact that many businesses had already changed their business operations, expecting a slower year anyway due to downtown reconstruction.

The portrait, so far at least, is one of resilience.

Melissa McFarland, general manager of the Lindsay downtown BIA, says although three other businesses — Buck or Two Dollar Store, Hair Care Salon on William St. N. and the shoe repair shop on William St. S. — have closed since the pandemic, “none of them were COVID-19 related and would have closed this spring regardless,” as leases were up or businesses were sold for personal reasons.

The BIA general manager credits a combination of targeted, quick-response federal programs and the fact that many businesses had already changed their business operations, expecting a slower year anyway due to downtown reconstruction.

“But the most important element was the tenacity of the businesses, many of whom started online stores, kept active on social media, were doing takeout or curbside pickups and using the opportunity to give excellent service to their customers — it was all enough for them to hang on,” says McFarland.

She also credits the community for showing “incredible support,” with people going out of their way to support local businesses.

Denise Benning-Reid, manager of the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce, says she didn’t know of any outright closures in the village from the pandemic as of press time.

The only storefront that has officially closed is the Kawartha Mediums Zen Den and that is because it went online during the pandemic “and it has worked out very well,” says Bennett-Reid.

Zen Den co-owner, Emalee Kidman, says the store is now a “thriving online empire.”

Benning-Reid says retail and restaurant sales are “not at traditional levels, but the town seems busy now that the summer cottage and boating season has arrived and there are people out and about.”

However, she cautions, “Given that many of our businesses count on the high summer season to make up for the quieter winter, we may not know the full effect of the pandemic until we get through this season.”

The Bobcaygeon chamber manager also feels that the combination of the resilience and creativity of local

business owners and federal government programs combined to give local businesses a chance.

“Many businesses came up with new ways to do business, from takeout services, curbside pick up, e-commerce, creative patios,” and more, she says.

Marylee Boston, manager of the Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, says the past few months “have been challenging” but says local chamber advocacy has been a big help.

She says at this point local business owners must face each day with “creativity, flexibility and perseverance.”

Boston agrees government programs have provided support for some businesses, “but it is the business owners who’ve worked so hard to transition to continue to serve their customers,” such as new e-commerce solutions. “There has also been great collaboration between businesses as they share resources and knowledge,” Boston says.

All three business leaders say they’re optimistic about the remainder of the year — provided there are no more major outbreaks that cause wide-scale shutdowns. In Lindsay, “the reconstruction looks great at the east end of Kent Street,” says McFarland, and “we’re happy about what that’s bringing to the downtown and preparing for next year.” “While nobody has a crystal ball for the future, things are looking good and everyone is optimistic,” she says.

MARYLEE BOSTON, MANAGER FENELON FALLS & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Benning-Reid points out that marketing programs are being developed nationally and locally “and there is a great amount of support in the community for local business.”

“I am hopeful that we will all come out of this year with new perspectives on how business can be done and how amazing and supportive our community can be.”

Boston, too, feels hopeful. “Fenelon Falls is a community where we rally together to support our friends, neighbours and local businesses, so there is always reason to be optimistic.”

For more on how businesses around Kawartha Lakes are coping with new pandemic-related requirements such as wearing masks inside businesses, see “Policing the wearing of masks just the latest challenge for local businesses” on pg. 17.

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New project in downtown Lindsay supports healthy tree canopy

Downtown Lindsay’s reconstruction project will include a healthy tree canopy, thanks to better growing conditions.

The project uses something called silva cells — rigid frames that are able to support hard surfaces such as asphalt parking lots or sidewalks, but also keep soil loose and provide space for irrigation systems and utilities, according to a media release from Kawartha Conservation.

“Trees are most healthy when they are planted in uncompacted soil,” explains Kristie Virgoe, Kawartha Conservation director, stewardship and conservation lands. Loose soil “allows water, air and nutrients to reach their roots, promoting healthy growth and healthy trees.”

The challenge with urban development is that pavement and sidewalks compact the soil underneath.

This will be the first time the silva cells will be used in a municipal project in Kawartha Lakes. The initiative is a partnership with financial support from RBC, Kawartha Conservation and the city.

“This was a great opportunity … we have been able to successfully integrate healthy environmental options that will benefit the municipality and the entire community,” Virgoe says.

Juan Rojas, director of engineering and assets for Kawartha Lakes, says the silva cells are being used in one area on the north side of Kent Street at Lindsay Street, with trees being planted without the silva cells opposite them on the south side of the street.

“This will provide a great opportunity to see and measure effectiveness,” he says.

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This will be the first time the silva cells will be used in a municipal project in Kawartha Lakes. Photos courtesy of Kawartha Lakes Conservation.

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