More financial support is needed for area tourist camps and businesses in order to stay afloat.
That’s the message from Gerry Cariou, the Executive Director of Ontario’s Sunset Country Travel Association.
Camps are now open to Canadians and boat rentals, guiding services and patio food and beverage services will be allowed on Friday.
Cariou says they will be doing what they can to help outfitters.
“We are going to do a domestic marketing plan to address as much as we can. But that just doesn’t cut it. 100% of your visitation is American in a lot of cases for lodges. You can get some back but only a small amount.”
Cariou stresses many of these businesses will go bankrupt if nothing else is done.
Cariou has previously stated that some federal support has helped cushion the blow but has been critical of the provincial response to the crisis.
He is hoping for the reopening of the Canada/U.S. border with safe protocols in place to salvage the season.
Meantime, there will be a peaceful protest on Saturday morning at 10:00 at Fort Vermilion in Vermilion Bay in support of the industry and camp owners.
