Some relief for tourist camps Friday as guiding services and restaurant and bar patio service resumes.
Outfitters are also able to offer boat rentals,
However, most operators in the area stressing they are facing an uncertain future.
Jeff Moreau of Temple Bay Lodge says more government assistance is needed.
“Waive our taxes for a year or defer something for us. There are a lot of different hidden costs for all of us.”
Moreau notes American owners operating in the northwest aren’t eligible for Canadian or Provincial COVID-19 aid packages like CERB or tourism grants.
“We pay a lot of taxes up where we are out there at Temple Bay and not to have any help at all, for us, it’s going to be a serious hit for us.”
Moreau stresses the difficulty today is striking a balance between keeping the doors open and not overspend.
“If we want to do a sports show circuit next year to drive enough for 2021. Well a lot of people are spending through the dollars they had and are not going to have enough for advertising in 2021.”
He notes about 99% of their clients come from the United States and there are indications the border closure will be extended beyond June 21.
Temple Bay is now offering patio, camp and guiding services for Canadians.
Meantime, a tourism rally organized by regional camp owners is planned for Saturday, June 13 at 10:00am at Fort Vermilion in Vermilion Bay.
