Two St. Catharines councillors are calling on the government to let Niagara enter stage two of the province's reopening of the economy.
St. Patrick’s Ward City Councillors Karrie Porter and Mat Siscoe, who represent the downtown core, say that businesses in downtown have been holding on and finances have been stretched almost to the breaking point.
“Businesses in downtown St. Catharines have been holding on, hoping against hope that some form of reopening was on the horizon” said Councillor Porter. “For many in our downtown, finances have been stretched almost to the breaking point, and holding on for some unknown amount of additional time just isn’t an option. “The simple reality is that the programs offered by the upper levels of government have been of some help, but aren’t enough for small businesses whose only hope of surviving is some return to normalcy.”
St. Catharines City Council recently gave City staff the ability to close streets to allow for greater spacing of patrons if and when a return to business was allowed.
The motion specifically named St. Paul St. and the downtown as an area to consider, recognizing that any return to business would include decreased capacities for both dining establishments and traditional retail.
The reopening announced on Monday by the Province limits food establishments in particular to only serving on outdoor patios, something the motion was designed specifically to allow and enhance.
Niagara will remain in stage one of the reopening plan, while some other communities are allowed to reopen patios, beaches, malls, etc.
“We have a duty to bring these concerns, and frankly, the anger of our downtown merchants and business owners forward to the Province. While no one doubts the need for continued vigilance in keeping infection rates low in the fight against COVID-19, large portions of Ontario will be moving forward with cautious economic recovery and St. Catharines and Niagara should have been on that list” added Councillor Siscoe.
“St. Catharines residents have done their part in flattening the curve. There have been 3 new cases in the last 4 days; the Province needs to recognize that Toronto’s problems are not the same as the rest of the province. Niagara businesses can’t wait much longer - downtown St. Catharines needs to be moved to Phase 2 immediately.”