Ottawa businesses hit hard by COVID-19 eager to reopen

Idil Mussa | CBC News | Posted: May 15, 2020 8:00 AM | Last Updated: May 15, 2020

Premier Ford unveiled Ontario's first stage of economic recovery Thursday

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Caption: Starting next week, pet groomers will be allowed to operate in Ontario as part of Ontario's first stage of reopening. (Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press)

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Many Ottawa businesses that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic are looking forward to getting back to work.

On Thursday, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the launch of the province's first phase of reopening the economy.

What will Ontario's 1st stage of reopening look like? Premier Ford unveils details

It comes after the province ordered all non-essential stores and services to close in March, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The first phase — one of three — will see businesses like marinas, golf courses, pet groomers and private campgrounds begin to open this weekend.

Last month, the government said each phase will last at least two to four weeks.

Media Video | CBC News Ottawa : Ontario golf courses prepare for late opening as province eases restrictions

Caption: Mike Copeland, general manager of Pine View Golf Course, says physical distancing is “almost built into the sport,” so staff will be focused on avoiding lineups during check-in and organizing online payment.

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Local businesses ready

Mike Copeland, general manager and co-owner of Pine View Golf Course, said his business is down hundreds of thousands of dollars because of COVID-19 closures.

While it won't be a great year financially, Copeland said he's happy to be finally be opening.

Media Video | CBC News Ottawa : Dunrobin marina celebrates reopening as pandemic restrictions ease

Caption: Mike Cox, manager of the Port of Call Marina, says the last few years have been tough for the business and staff were looking forward to a better year in 2020. But with the pandemic, they haven’t been able to make the comeback they had planned.

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Jayme Montero owns Purrdy Paws Pet Grooming Spa on Bank Street. She said her phone has been ringing off the hook since the premier made his announcement Thursday afternoon.

Montero said she's glad the province is allowing groomers to reopen since so many pet owners depend on her services.

"It was the animals that really suffered during these last two months," she said.

"We were unable to to reach a lot of our clients in the community that are especially vulnerable: seniors that don't drive [and] people with disabilities people that don't have a vehicle."

Mike Cox, who manages the Port of Call Marina in Dunrobin, said there were high hopes his business would do better this year.

Flooding and a tornado have caused both the marina and the local economy to suffer greatly.

WATCH: How the pandemic has affected a rural west Ottawa marina

Phase 1: What's resuming — and when

Saturday, May 16

Marinas and boat clubs.
Golf driving ranges.
Private parks and campgrounds.
Businesses that board animals.

Tuesday, May 19

Retail stores that aren't in malls (with strict physical distancing measures in place).
Outdoor sports fields, tennis courts and off-leash dog parks.
Pet care, including grooming and training.
Certain medical services such as scheduled surgeries and in-person counselling.
Construction projects.
Libraries (pickup only).
Domestic services like housecleaning and cooking.