'I'm hoping the government will give us more time': Pandemic subsidies vital to Barrie businesses
Despite its brightly coloured jungle gym and blocks, there have been some dark days at Barrie's Kaleidoscope Play Centre since the pandemic began.
"It was really hard. Sometimes we'd just almost give up," says owner Sergei Asseyev.
He credits federal wage and rent subsidy programs for seeing him through the pandemic.
More than 200,000 business owners have tapped into the rent subsidy, while 400,000 have received wage help.
But after several extensions, both programs are set to expire this weekend, leaving some business owners in a bind.
"I'm really hoping the government will still give us a little bit more time," Asseyev says. "Just to go back to normal operations because it's still about 60 to 70 per cent down."
Capacity restrictions on after-school programs and children's birthday parties are complicating things for Kaleidoscope.
Asseyev says being without the financial aid will be challenging, and he'll have to figure out new ways to draw in families.
Downtown, the proprietor of Groovy Tuesdays Bistro, says wage and rent programs help make all the difference after a series of forced closures.
"I had to pay my rent. I had to pay bills that were still outstanding and people that I pay throughout the year and contracts that we have," says Melanie Barrett.
"Without (subsidies), I would be out of business," she adds.
Running the bistro remains difficult with limitations on the number of people she can welcome inside to eat, along with some staffing shortages.
But Barrett says she's feeling encouraged heading into what is typically the bistro's busiest time of year.
While Barrett is grateful for the help she has received, she's reluctant to take another round if it were offered.
"As long as we continue to get busier and get back to where we were, absolutely not would I use them anymore. 'Because other businesses may need them more," she concludes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.