The effects of COVID-19 are the worst scenario imaginable. In Lowertown, where we pride ourselves on living in a ten-minute community, the carnage that the virus is wreaking on the many small businesses is evident. Walking down Dalhousie Street or around the ByWard Market is like walking through a ghost town. Shop windows carry the familiar signs “Sorry we’re closed.” Some end on a hopeful note, “until April 15” while others are not so sure, “until further notice.”
For many small-business owners, the shops represent not merely an investment of their life savings, but also the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, something they always wanted to do – open their own salon, shop, restaurant, bar — whatever. Does this mean the end of that dream?
One thing we can all be thankful for is the vigour and determination of the various levels of government in confronting this challenge. It takes considerable courage to take the monumental decisions with all the risks these entail. Our governments could have gambled and let the virus run its course. We need only look to Italy, Spain, and New York to see how that would have worked out for us.
When the decision to essentially shut down the economy was taken, the politicians entered into the ultimate paradox. The more successful their actions were in curbing the spread of the sometimes deadly virus the more likely it was that they would be accused of over-reacting, of destroying the economy for the sake of saving a few lives. If you have followed the news and commentary over these past few weeks, you have probably already heard this criticism from some quarters.
Winning the battle to contain COVID-19 will be the easiest part. Winning the war of economic recovery represents a much greater challenge. While the health sciences can tell us what needs to be done to contain the virus and limit its damage, we do not have the same scientific certainty on how to bring the Canadian economy back to life afterwards. Nor, in this interdependent world, will the recovery it depend solely on actions taken here at home.
It doesn’t promise to be easy, and everyone will have a part to play in bringing us back to normal, whatever that may be, in the days ahead. If we in Lowertown want to maintain the benefits of our ten-minute city, we will need to go out and support our local merchants. Some of you may be in a position to do that right now, and you will see ways to do that in the stories and ads in this edition of the paper.
The Echo is most grateful for the help provided by our elected representatives and local BIAs. They all stepped up and bought extra ad space to help defray the costs of printing and distributing so that we could bring these stories to you. Some of our regular advertisers also insisted on carrying part of the load and to them we owe a special thank you.
During January and February, the Echo conducted a special blitz in an effort to attract new advertisers. There were some successes, but when the Ides of March came along, most had to back out of their commitments. Those that had ads already prepared will see them in this edition. It is our small way of helping and hoping we will see you when this is all over.
Some of our restaurants are attempting to stay in business by introducing or expanding take-out options. You will find a list of these on page x, along with a story. Remember to contact the restaurant before ordering, as conditions have been changing rapidly.
These businesses are the lifeblood of our community. They provide support to our community in numerous ways, backing for community events, donations to our social agencies and advertising revenue to support the Echo.
The Lowertown Community Association–Association communautaire de la Basseville (LCA-ACB) and the Lowertown Echo de la Basseville Écho will be posting information and notices of services that members in our community are providing. Check our website for updates. If you wish to use the services of the LCA-ACB to notify the community or notify residents of who to contact or where to obtain or provide services, send this information to info@lowertown-basseville.ca