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By Dylana Kneeshaw

BC RESTRICTIONS

Kamloops businesses, tourism sector cautiously optimistic for summer operations

Mar 10, 2021 | 5:13 PM

KAMLOOPS — Many businesses who have financially struggled this past year are looking toward the summer with cautious optimism, as health officials say some restrictions could be lifted.

Recently B.C’s provincial health officer hinted at revising current restrictions in the coming weeks — provided variant spread doesn’t grow out of control and the vaccine roll out continues to pick up the pace.

Kamloops Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Acacia Pangilinan says local businesses who have spent the last year fighting to stay open are waiting with bated breath.

“It’s tough because I don’t think that businesses would be as successful if we were in it for another two years.”

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It’s been a mix of business success stories, and permanently closed doors throughout the pandemic. Pangilinan says the business sector is watching for any easement of restrictions to adjust how they operate and bring in consumers.

“Having said that, our business community has really experienced the last year, and they know not to get their hopes up and we’re going to have to move forward in the safest way possible,” she explains. “Our business community right now is addressing their safety plans so make sure that they will be able to handle the demand in the safest way possible.”

Pangilinan says after hearing of difficulties applying for the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant Program, the Chamber was glad to see the province expand the eligibility. The organization makes sure businesses are kept up to date with resource options, but grants and federal wage subsidies aren’t sustainable for the long term.

“At one point our data had shown 55 per cent of Kamloops businesses were on some sort of government support,” notes Pangilinan.

Without the green light for inter-provincial travel, many tourism operators have been in a holding pattern, or trying to keep afloat with their own regional markets. Tourism Kamloops CEO Beverly DeSantis says the industry is eager to resume in some capacity.

“We’re geared up. We have been geared up. Our team is ready to go and launch the minute we get the orders from the provincial health office that we can start marketing within our province — so we’re really looking forward to that.”

DeSantis says some attractions in Kamloops are using the downtime to upgrade and be ready for visitation. Wineries, breweries, and distilleries are preparing, golf courses are taking summer tee-time bookings and the B.C Wildlife Park will be using new funding for accessibility improvements.

“We’re not going to see international traffic to any extent this year,” she says. “So it will depend upon our B.C residents once we’re able to do to move and support local. So we’re really looking forward to that and welcoming the rest of Canada back into British Columbia again real soon.”

Until the province announces adjusted restrictions, businesses will be drafting up safety protocols and summer plans to be ready for whatever comes next.