Staff photo
Time is running out for camp owners in northwestern Ontario.
The dire warning of total collapse was issued Tuesday by a group of tourist outfitters demanding for the reopening of the Canada/US border to fully vaccinated Americans.
Ryan Runge is President of the Kenora District Camp Owners Association and says the loss of May, June and July revenue is financially devastating.
He stresses they need clarity right now.
“Stay-cations are a great idea but its just not possible in our area to keep these businesses alive. We need a plan to fully reopen the border so these businesses can survive. For long and new time guests, they rely on us for information and we just don’t have it so their lost.”
Runge notes current government loan and grant programs have been no way helpful to keep tourism businesses afloat and is calling for sector specific support immediately.
He owns Slate Falls Outposts in Sioux Lookout and says if it weren’t for the help of the previous owner and his lender, he would be long gone.
To hear more from Ryan Runge, visit the Audio link below:
Jackie Duhamel is the Co-Owner of Anderson’s Lodge in Sioux Lookout and agrees the idea of a stay-cation is good but it just doesn’t fit their market given pre-pandemic numbers.
“After over 15 years of marketing to Canadians, 95% of our customers were American. Some of them returning for 25-30 years as most resorts in Northwestern Ontario experience. Only 5% were Canadian.”
Duhamel stresses the closure of the border has a ripple down effect.
“Grocery stores, gas stations, float plane services, bait fish dealers, fuel and propane businesses, hardware stores, marine dealers, food suppliers, and other equipment. The list goes on. They are our neighbours and our friends.”
Duhamel notes if fully vaccinated Canadians can start moving around, why can’t Americans be allowed to visit and help restart the provincial economy.
Anderson’s has been in existence for more than 75 years and Duhamel warns they don’t have time left, they need the border open.
To hear more from Jackie Duhamel, visit the Audio link below:
Others on the call stressed the wait is exhausting and camp owners are dying a slow death.
