South Delta business leaders are applauding the work done thus far by the provincial government as businesses begin the task of re-opening to the public.
Delta Chamber of Commerce executive director Garry Shearer said it has been a trying time to be a business owner during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Thankfully we got the news last Wednesday that we are starting to open up our economy, which is great news,” said Shearer. “I think our health officials have done a great job to get us to this point and keeping the number of cases and deaths in British Columbia way below the national average, which is fantastic. I think we have a lot of confidence in our medical system with regards to handling any spike in the cases.
“So now it is time to shift the controls back to the politicians and our community leaders to bring our economy back to the ‘new normal’, which is going to be very interesting, but I’m very encouraged.”
He said many businesses that have been shut down have had the opportunity to reflect on their operations.
“They are finding different ways of doing business as a result – something that they wouldn’t have been able to do previously because they were working in the business versus working on the business,” he said. “So we have some companies that will come out of this in good shape and if not better shape than before because they have realized there are different ways to do business and engage with their customers.”
Tsawwassen Business Improvement Association (TBIA) executive director Michelle Barlow said a measured approach to re-opening is the best way businesses can adequately prepare to ensure their employees and customers feel safe.
She said the formation of the Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Support Team by the City of Delta was the step needed to provide businesses in Delta the resources to successfully reopen their businesses.
“This collaboration with the city and the other business groups (Ladner Business Association, Chamber, Tourism Delta and the North Delta Business Association) will allow us all to work towards a common goal in a more effective way,” she said. “The TBIA will continue its commitment to promoting our local businesses through our strong social media presence. We will also be on the frontline to help provide practical tools and resources to help them navigate their reopening. Our members can continue to reach out to myself or one of our board members at any time to discuss their questions or concerns during their reopening process.”
Members of the LBA board were meeting Wednesday to discuss the provinces’ plans, but LBA president Jill McKnight said initial feedback was positive.
“From what I have been hearing, merchants like the phased approach and not going too quickly is a good plan,” said McKnight. “There is a little consumer hesitancy…people want to get back to that old, normal life, which we know we are not going back too, but I also think there is hesitancy on the part of business. They want to make sure that they are doing it right and keeping people safe.
“This will take a bit of time, but with time, patience and trying things out, we will find a way to make this work effectively.”
Mayor George Harvie said cooperation from everyone will be key.
“We are going to do everything working together to support our businesses,” said Harvie. “They need our support. I was talking to an individual a week ago and it was a really moving conversation. He feels that if they don’t get into operation soon, he owns a restaurant, he will lose the restaurant. It’s just really tough for our business operators, so as mayor I want to make sure we are working together so we collectively do what is best for our businesses.”
