Time is running out for camp owners in northwestern Ontario.
The dire warning of a total collapse was issued this week by a group of tourist outfitters demanding the reopening of the Canada/US border to fully vaccinated Americans.
President of the Kenora District Camp Owners Association, Ryan Runge, owns Slate Falls Outposts in Sioux Lookout.
He says the loss of May, June and July revenue is financially devastating.
He says they need clarity right now.
“Stay-cations are a great idea, but it’s 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,” says Runge.
Runge notes current government loan and grant programs not been helpful to keep tourism businesses afloat. He suggests more sector-specific support instead.
Jackie Duhamel is the Co-Owner of Anderson’s Lodge in Sioux Lookout. She 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,” says Duhamel.
Duhamel says the closure of the border has a ripple-down effect.
“Grocery stores, gas stations, floatplane services, baitfish 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,” notes Duhamel.
Duhamel says 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.
Duhamel warns they don’t have time left if the border doesn’t open soon.
