’50 percent is better than 0 percent’: Ottawa businesses relieved that COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted

Many local businesses are relieved that reopening plans are imminent, but some hoped it would happen sooner.

This is just step one of three phases in Ontario’s plans to ease the COVID-19 restrictions, spread over several weeks.

“Every day that no one is in the seats, there is a loss of revenue,” said Johny Bonney, general manager of King Eddy.

Restaurant staff are cautiously optimistic about reopening with a capacity of 50 percent from January 31.

“Right now we’re going to take what we can get,” he said. “50 percent is better than 0 percent.”

Gyms can also reopen on January 31 with the same capacity restrictions.

Meanwhile, sports venues and concerts can accommodate 500 people or 50 percent capacity, whichever 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 the arenas,” said Thomas Vanier, a sports fan.

Companies hope to catch up after the lockdown period.

January is their peak season for gyms.

“We’ve lost about half a month of revenue due to the lockdown,” said Ashley Mathieu, owner of Anytime Fitness in Kent Street.

“Only 27 percent have normal sales for this time of year,” said Julie Kwiecinski of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. “COVID-19 debt still exceeds $100,000 and an alarming 18 percent of Ontario small businesses are actively considering bankruptcy,” she added.

Those who survive, hoping to get closer to normal.

“The members are already super excited to come back on the 31st,” said Mathieu.