What will pandemic Step two look like in Saugeen Shores?
When pent-up pandemic demands are met, Then what?  Thats the kind of concerning question that Steven Harris, president of the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce, is hearing in Saugeen Shores, and beyond. (Harris owns Ristorante Rosina in Port Elgin and is a principal of Harris Management Group.) A recent Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB) survey found 46 percent of responding businesses were worried about surviving with the debt they took on during the pandemic, and its also a local concern, Harris said in a June 21 telephone interview. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser. Back to video There a lot of activity on the streets- thered lots of tourists, lots of people patiently waiting in lines to shop or dine and retail sales have been pretty strong, from what Ive heard, Harris said, adding theres also lots of frustration with those in the self-care field  hair and beauty salons who are quite anxious to get those doors re-open.  Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Harris said a lot of Chamber members are  trying to survive until that next step happens and things are much better and they are thankful that people seem to want to get out of the house and not order on-line from the couch. Harris noted that there are a number of people walking around who do dot look unkempt and shaggy, and that makes him really hope a lot of them are not going underground and doing things they should not be doing Harris said, quickly adding he does not personally known of any pandemic scofflaws, but understands at the end of the day they have to survive. Ontario could move into Step two July 2, when personal care facilities may open at 25 percent capacity to maximum of five people, by appointment only. Services that require the removal of a face covering not permitted. Capacity at essential retail stores would double to 50 percent, and to 25 percent from 15 for non-essential retail, which would allow a maximum of 25 people for outdoor gatherings, a maximum of five people indoors. Outdoor dining with six  up from four people per table and other restrictions, and karaoke is permitted outdoors only in Step two. Harris said hes hearing locally that staffing continues to be big concerns for local employers as the economy continues to re-open. I know ourselves, we want to hire some people but we dont know exactly when the position will be open, he said, adding they issues of affordable housing and lack of transportation reduce the potential employee pool. Harris said in an effort to find a balance, he knows of at least one business owner with multiple stores in Saugeen Shores and Sauble Beach that reduced staff to allow more customers in the store, as employees are included in the capacity count. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Finding trained employees is also an issue for Cathy Fenton, owner of Cathys Flowers N Treasures in Port Elgin whose store remain closed. I seem to be busier now than I was when I was open, but unfortunately, I just dont have the staff at the moment to help customers coming into the shop, Fenton said in a June 21 telephone interview, adding online ordering and curbside pickup, popular with customers, continues. Asked about the future, Harris said he remains optimistic because June was busier than normal, and the number of COVID infections is decreasing overall and the number of fully-vaccinated people is increasing. Looking to continued economic recovery, Harris wants the governments to pull back on pandemic restrictions rather than go back to another lockdown, or implement other harsh restrictions that would affect the economy. A lot of businesses have survived, but not a lot have been profitable even with the grants and subsidies, many of which will have to be repaid, so the concern is keeping a balance and continuing to adapt.  Share this article in your social network        Latest National Stories Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. News Near Port Elgin