THUNDER BAY - Businesses across the northwest have faced unprecedented financial hardships as a result of lockdowns and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but provincial funding has helped more than 200 Thunder Bay businesses navigate these trying times and prepare for the future.
The Northern Ontario Recovery Program has provided more than $3.8 million to 215 businesses in the Thunder Bay region to help them adapt to COVID-19 restrictions through the procurement of personal protective equipment, safety equipment, and renovations.
“It was at the time and continues to be equally important that businesses have the necessary support to adapt their operations plan for the future,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.
“That’s why we consulted thoroughly with businesses in every region of Northern Ontario. We wanted to develop a program that would enable job creators and small businesses to tackle financial and operational challenges posed by COVID-19 and put them on a good footing moving forward.”
Applications for the Northern Ontario Recovery Program were accepted until Nov. 20, 2020 and to date, 1,384 businesses across Northwestern Ontario have received funding.
“We had originally earmarked $20 million,” RIckford said. “This wasn’t an arbitrary figure. It was based on our assessment and the number of businesses that would apply.”
Funding of up to $25,000 was available for individual businesses and toward the end of the application process, Rickford said it became clear that there would be opportunities for more businesses to apply based on demand and the province committed an additional $6 million to the program.
On Friday, several Thunder Bay businesses shared how the funding helped during the pandemic and allowed for expanded business practices going forward.
“When we had to pivot very quickly with the restrictions brought forth, we wanted to leave our doors open and welcome folks from around the country and Ontario and continue to do business,” said Roberta Sawchyn, general manager of the Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel and Conference Centre, which received $25,000.
“This allowed us to extend our patio and acquire new furnishing for our patio. We had to purchase another washing machine because of all the extra cleaning we had to do. And we wanted to be able to continue with essential meetings.”
Sean Murray, president and CEO of Canada West Maple Products, said when the pandemic hit in March and April of last year, it was during the peak period when maple syrup is harvested.
“We were able to continue, but what we found was restaurants, our farmers markets, our tourism potential to American clientele was gone overnight during that spring and summer period of 2020,” he said.
Canada West Maple Products in Thunder Bay received $23,130 through the Northern Ontario Recovery Program for safety equipment and develop a new online marketing strategy.
“We were able to make it through the summer and with the NORP funding, we were able to pivot to online sales and reach a wider audience across Canada for our products,” he said.
Murray added they were also able to move into a new facility and there are plans for further expansion in the future.
“These changes have allowed us to diversify our businesses and not only have we been able to survive the pandemic, we have been able to thrive because of these changes,” he said. “We are better for it as a result.”
“It will help his business function better as if the pandemic never existed,” Rickford added. “I know it left a searing impression in our minds, but what Sean and his company have now is an opportunity to move forward and a better opportunity to serve customers moving forward regardless of if the pandemic even existed.”
