(Image Credit: Mel Rothenburger)

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER – Behind every ‘temporarily closed’ sign is someone’s fragile dream

Mar 21, 2020 | 6:47 AM

VICTORIA STREET AT 11 A.M. should be bustling with activity — busy sidewalks, stores and coffee shops, crowded, slow-moving traffic.

But not this week, not on this day. At least half the parking stalls are empty. About every second or third store is locked up. Each has a notice taped to the front door explaining that, due to the COVID-19 virus, it will remain closed until further notice.

“Effective immediately, we have decided to temporarily close the Commodore Grand Café & Lounge,” reads one.

“Although this will cause a tremendous financial burden, we feel it is the best course of action, due to the nature of our business. The safety of our employees, patrons, and the general public is the most important aspect of this entire situation.”

(Since my main street stroll, B.C. medical health officer Bonnie Henry has ordered all restaurants closed to sit-down service — take-out and delivery only.)

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A couple of shoppers beckon to me on the sidewalk. One says the situation is being overblown, that people need to get outside and carry on as usual. I tell her it’s good to be outside but the strategy is to avoid people congregating, and that’s why stores are being so careful.

Across the street at 4Cats, a message says, “In light of our current situation, the studio is temporarily closed. We are committed to contributing to community efforts to ‘flatten the curve’ regarding the spread of the Covid 19 virus. It has been a very difficult decision for us, but with ongoing consultations and recommendations, we feel it is best to align with the government in their recommendations regarding school, day care, and camp closures.”

“We will be re-opening once the need for social distancing has passed,” reads another message, nicely framed and placed in the window of Instinct Adornment.

And on it goes. Another begins, “Dear wonderful people of Kamloops.” A notice in the window of Viva Bridal Boutique announcing the store’s closure finishes with, “Stay safe. Surround yourself with the ones you love.”

(Image Credit: Mel Rothenburger)

Normally, I’d stop by the CBC radio studio for a chat with my former colleagues but there’s a notice there that says, “Access is currently Restricted.” If you’ve been sick, been exposed to someone who’s been sick or have travelled to an at-risk area in the past 14 days, “You will not be allowed to enter.” Otherwise, it advises, phone or ring the doorbell.

I decide to keep going and let the crew inside carry on their work uninterrupted.

Stores that are still open have warnings on their front doors about social distancing, hygiene or reduced hours. “Please do not enter if you are sick,” says a notice at one of the banks.

“… we ask that if you are feeling sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms, please consider contacting local public health, your local health provider and limiting contact with others,” says the sign on another, adding a reminder about online banking.

Coffee shops are open but, at The Vic, several tables have been removed, and all orders are being filled in disposable cups. (Alas, a call to proprietor Denis Walsh on Friday afternoon finds him uncertain whether coffee shops are included in Dr. Henry’s new order closing restaurants, but he says it’s likely a “Temporarily Closed” notice will be posted at The Vic by today, anyway, for the safety of staff and customers.)

Staffers inside a couple of stores that are still open, and one that’s closed, come out to the sidewalk for some conversation, asking me what I think.

“Sad situation,” I say.

“Maybe it will result in something good,” one says.

“How’s that?” I ask.

She pauses for a moment, then offers, “Healthier lifestyles?”

Two sales clerks stand just inside the door of a clothing store looking out at the near-empty street, so I stop to ask how they’re doing.

“It’s terrible,” says one. “Looks like we’ll be closing soon.”

A solitary panhandler stands at the corner of Victoria Street and Third Avenue. He acknowledges that business is slow. “Not enough people,” he says, stating the obvious.

Small businesses are the backbone of this community. It’s heartbreaking to see them suffer. When they shut down or curtail hours even for a little while, their owners, employees and customers pay a heavy price.

Behind every one of those notices posted on a front door, there’s a story of a fragile dream and sometimes an investment of life savings. These are people who give back to the community in countless ways. They give jobs to our sons and daughters, husbands and wives. They’re there for every charity, silent auction and worthy cause that comes along.

There will be a strong temptation to shop online or go to the big-box stores. We shouldn’t be in a hurry to do that. The small stores that are struggling to stay open need us. The ones that are already closed but will hopefully re-open weeks or months from now will need us then.

They’re doing the right and necessary thing right now. They deserve our loyalty.

Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He writes five commentaries a week for CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.