Advertisement

COVID-19 rent relief for small businesses ‘essential’ to survival: Calgary restaurant

Click to play video: 'Federal rent relief for small businesses ‘essential’ to survival: Calgary restaurant'
Federal rent relief for small businesses ‘essential’ to survival: Calgary restaurant
The federal government has announced it will provide rent relief for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. As Christa Dao reports, it's news Calgary businesses have been asking for and call "essential" to their survival – Apr 24, 2020

For one Calgary business that’s been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government’s new rent relief program is “essential” to keep their doors open and food on peoples’ tables.

OEB Breakfast Company said it’s had to lay off about 200 people across its restaurants and has seen an 80 per cent drop in sales.

Story continues below advertisement

The once-bustling breakfast joint had to pivot to only takeout and delivery, and according to marketing director Teale Orban, the rent relief will make a huge different to the bottom line.

“Initial reaction is positive. We’re looking for any sort of relief,” Orban said.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“That’s one of the huge, biggest challenges right now right. No matter what we can do to move forward, our fixed costs don’t change.

“Relief of that rent is essential for the long-term success of our business and other restaurants.”

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus: Pandemic may lead to permanent closure for many small businesses'
Coronavirus: Pandemic may lead to permanent closure for many small businesses

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) said it’s pleased with the program, which will provide much-needed relief for small business owners.

Story continues below advertisement

According to the CFIB, the number one concern from its members was rent and according to a recent survey, more than half of small businesses could not have survived next month without help.

“This announcement is a good first step. Obviously, the announcement came out today but we did see some positives in the early details,” CFIB Alberta director Annie Dormuth said.

Anyone who enters into the program would also be protected from evictions. According to the CFIB, that needs to be expanded to include all businesses.

“A lot of provinces do have full-on commercial eviction protection whereas Alberta does not, and we have raised those concerns to the government,” Dormuth said.

The program is expected to lower rent for businesses by 75 per cent and applies to any small business that pays less than $50,000 per month in rent.

Eligibility also includes businesses that have had to temporarily close or see a 70 per cent drop in revenues.

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices