The Canadian Urban Institute has released the following report for Lawrence Ave/Wexford Heights
We conducted a survey of local businesses on this block to better understand the impacts of COVID on businesses and the street. Here is what we learned:
- 88% of businesses reported having decreased revenues
- 75% of businesses said supply chain issues have affected their business to some degree
- 25% of businesses said that the expect to have to permanently scale down operations in 3-4 months if there are increased restrictions as a result of a second wave. 38% said they expect to have scaled down operations with a plan to get back to normal
- 88% of businesses said they would like to see governments offer financial assistance and waive fees (e.g. utility costs, permits) to mitigate the costs of COVID
- 88% of businesses said they would like to see governments and others encourage shopping at local/independently owned Canadian businesses