Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says he empathizes with the region’s small businesses that have been closed for the two-month lockdown.
“I share their frustration. We are in a stay-at-home order and nobody likes that at all,” Fedeli said. “We know the health and wellbeing of our citizens is paramount, however, so we know why it’s important. But I sense a certain frustration in the business community. They’re really feeling it this time around.”
Last week, a letter sent on behalf of over 200 North Bay businesses to local and provincial levels of government demanded they be allowed to reopen during the lockdown. The letter also cited “inequitable treatment” of small businesses and big box stores.
“We feel that we have struck a balance with the big box stores,” commented Fedeli. “It would be virtually impossible for it to be done in a way that everyone is going to be happy.”
“The idea is to stop the flow of traffic from store to store,” Fedeli continued. “It’s not all about big box stores versus the little guy. It’s about centralizing people in one location, reducing it to 25 percent and making sure the one location that’s open is safe and compliant and to stop the traffic flow to all these other locations.”
Fedeli says because the smaller businesses have been forced to close or reduce operations, they should apply for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant to cover costs.
The program provides a non-repayable grant of between $10,000 and $20,000 to eligible small businesses until March 31.
Fedeli says about 100 North Bay businesses have already received support, but he would like to see more.
“I think there should be 10 times that number. I think every company in North Bay should apply,” he said.
Seniors Active Living Centre funding
Fedeli also announced Wednesday over $163,000 will be invested into four Seniors Active Living Centre programs in the Nipissing District.
The money will go toward creating virtual initiatives to keep seniors connected during the pandemic. This includes telephone-based group programming, online educational materials and live-streamed entertainment.
The programs include:
- $54,014.41 for The Municipality of East Ferris/Club Action 50+
- $54,014.41 for The North Bay Golden Age Club
- $44,637.79 for The Mattawa Seniors Citizen Club
- $10,600.00 for The Callander Royal Canadian Legion/Branch 445
“These challenging times have created obstacles for seniors in our area from having the quality of life they deserve,” stated Fedeli. “Local Seniors Active Living Centre programming will provide support for older adults and their well-being by keeping them active and socially connected within their own communities.”
