More than 70 per cent of businesses and organizations in the Temiskaming area of northeastern Ontario report COVID-19 could close them up for good or deliver a significant financial hit.
Those were the indications of a survey conducted in early to mid-April to take the temperature of employers on their prospects during and beyond the pandemic.
A total of 156 companies and organizations responded to the Temiskaming Shores COVID-19 Business Impact Survey conducted by the Far Northeast Training Board, the Temiskaming Shores and Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Temiskaming Shores Economic Development, South Temiskaming Community Futures Development Corp. and some small business support organizations.
Want to read more stories about business in the North? Subscribe to our newsletter.
The respondents were made up of private companies (61 per cent), public sector (24 per cent), and not-for-profit groups (15 per cent).
They consisted predominately of those in the retail trade, agriculture, forestry, adventure tourism, arts and entertainment, manufacturing, construction and professional services. Most reported a workforce of 1-18 employees.
• 27 per cent of respondents indicated this could put them out business
• 45 per cent said this is going to significantly impact their finances
• 24 per cent felt confident they could weather the storm, although it may impact them financially
• 4 per cent said the pandemic had no impact
Layoffs were reported from 60 of the 157 respondents since the government’s essential services list came out March 26.
Those reductions amount to 239 full-timers, 120 in part-time positions, 19 contract and 27 seasonal workers. A follow-up survey is planned for May 11.
Most report decreased sales or donations, cancelled contracts, interrupted supply chains, and restricted spending but increased cleaning and sanitation.
The City of Temiskaming Shores has created a Recovery Task Force to provide information to business and plan recovery strategies to help them get back on their feet.
