The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, one member of the Lethbridge Region Economic Recovery Task Force. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge-area businesses share continued struggles during COVID-19 pandemic

Jun 5, 2020 | 10:38 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Companies across Lethbridge have weighed in on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted them.

202 business owners were consulted between May 14-26, 2020 by the Lethbridge Region Economic Recovery Task Force.

Of those, 36 per cent said they will be unable to pay their property taxes by the extended deadline of September 30 or were unsure if they would be able to.

Just over one quarter anticipated having a cash shortfall of at least $10,000 over the next 30 days.

52 per cent reported that they would need to make at least 76 per cent of their typical sales to make it worth staying open over the summer.

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“As businesses look to reopen and plan for the short and long term viability of their operation, surveys like these help the task force and other organizations focus on what needs to be done now and into the foreseeable future,” says Cyndi Vos, Executive Officer of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and a member of the task force.

“It’s not going to be easy, but if we can work together with government and industry we can try and chart a path to economic recovery for our region.”

Other findings from the survey include:

• 25 per cent said they can survive just one-to-three months in the current context without additional support
• 33 per cent did not meet the requirements to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• 62 per cent believe the loss of revenue requirement to access the Rental Assistance program is too high
• 78 per cent of respondents were small businesses, meaning they had fewer than 20 employees
• Biggest concerns as the economy continues to reopen:
  • 54 per cent: making customers feel comfortable
  • 53 per cent: managing social distancing for staff and customers
  • 39 per cent: accessing PPE for staff

“This information is a vital piece in helping businesses recover, reopen and relaunch under the new normal of COVID-19,” commented Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge and a member of the task force.

“Some places will need to look at different business models. That can mean different delivery or staffing systems, or ways to streamline operations. With the opening of our physical storefront for business owners in the near future, we can help them navigate these difficult decisions by providing advice from professionals willing to volunteer their expertise in a variety of categories,” adds Lewington.

Businesses can access information on supports and statistics about the city on the Lethbridge Region Economic Recovery Task Force’s website here.

Findings from the May 2020 business survey. (Supplied by Lethbridge Region Economic Recovery Task Force)