The next few days will be busy ones for businesses allowed to open up under Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Stage 3 regional approach to slowly reopening the province.
Starting this Friday, July 17, the list of permitted openings for businesses and public spaces includes indoor dining, reopening of movie theatres, gyms and playgrounds.
See related: WATCH: Most of the province to enter Phase 3 on Friday
See related: North Bay Mayor reacts to Stage 3 reopening
The owner of Partners Billiards and Bowling in North Bay says she has been preparing for this day.
“We’re ready to roll. We knew this day was coming and we had to be ready for it. So, Friday we will be open at 11 a.m. ready to go. Smiles on our faces, masks on. We’re just excited to see all of our friends and all our players back and the regular public. I’m sure people are anxious to have something to do and we’ll be ready,” said Bonnie Zufelt owner of Partners Billiards and Bowling.
“I actually was surprised by the announcement. I didn’t think it would happen this quickly. I was thinking it was more going to be in August sometime, maybe into stage four, but I’m quite pleased that it is happening this soon.”
Zufelt says the size of her building makes it easy to follow social distancing guidelines.
“Right off the hop we started making our plans as to how we were going to do the pool and the bowling. We decided with the bowling we would do every second lane. Same with the pool tables. It is a big enough facility that we are able to social distance when groups come in. We started doing it prior to the pandemic having us close our doors,” said Zufelt who said there are posters and floor decals reminding people about social distancing throughout the building.
“We have associations that we belong to that fought very, very hard to help make this opening happen. And we had talked to some people in Saskatchewan and Edmonton who are in the business. because they opened ahead of us. We got a little bit of a heads up from them. It helped our cause in preparing for this. It is a big facility and there is no doubt and there is going to be an awful lot of responsibility for us, but we’re up for the challenge.”
Zufelt says customers also have a responsibility to do their bit by following the rules.
“We expect them to stay in their areas. For bowling we will have hostesses lead them directly down to the lane, get their shoes for them, get anything from the snack bar they want so they’re not walking around and heading into different areas. The same with the pool area,” explain Zufelt.
“Whatever area they’re going to be in, everything is going to be sanitized. And again, we don’t want them walking through the building. We expect them to stay in their area. And we’ll be bringing drinks and food to them. And the bathrooms will be sanitized on a regular basis. It is going to be a big job but having the wage subsidy is certainly going to be a huge help as far as having some extra staff there to help us making sure we’re keeping everything sanitized as people are coming and going.”
Zufelt would like to see league play return in September.
“That is the big one that I’m worried about because in the pool leagues, we’ve got about 450 to 500 players. The bowling league is another 150 or so. And that is what keeps the business going. It is important to have that back,” said Zufelt.
“I’ve already got things going on in my mind as to how to work it if there is going to be some changes. Again, it is trying to stay one step ahead.”
Health fitness and lifestyle coach Monique Cormier, says she is beyond excited to get back to work.
“You anticipate this day and you don’t see it ever coming and it finally comes,” said Cormier who works out of World Gym in the North Bay Mall.
Staff and management there will be sitting down over the next few days to lay out the ground rules for delivery of services.
“It is the same protocol. You have to wash your hands. You have to wear your mask coverings. I still don’t have all the details about what exactly we have to do, what our restrictions are. That is all going to come out in the next 24 to 48 hours,” explained Cormier.
“We’ll follow whatever government and health officials say we have to do, and then we’ll amend our regular policies to make those policies work.”
And that includes cutting some of the services provided pre-COVID.
“We’re not going to be able to have the tanning and the massage. There are just some things we won’t be able to reopen. And we are going to have member restrictions. They’re saying 50 for indoors. So, will we have to be appointment based? We’ll have more information on that shortly.”
Measures have been taken to ensure clients maintain the minimum two metres distancing.
“We’ve already been in the gym. We’ve measured all the equipment. There is red tape on the floor. You can’t move anything. It is going to be strict for the safety of everybody. And we’re going to have a lot of pride in that.,” said Cormier.
“And sanitizing, we’ve always sanitized. It is nothing new to us, but we are going to double sanitize to make sure.”
Cormier says people have missed going to the gym and working out, getting the physical and mental benefits exercise brings.
“Especially when you are in a health crisis and the prevention of disease means taking care of one’s self. It is very unfortunate that the gyms have been closed for so long. I’m really looking forward to helping people get back into their fitness routine and having that stress releaser because none of us know what is next. I’m really just looking forward to having a place where people can go and take care of themselves. It means so much to me that we are reopening.”
The Stage 3 opening which includes indoor restaurant service also means a great deal to restaurant owners and staff.
Shawn Carr owner of 1886 Lake House Bistro in Callander says it is a good news announcement.
“We’re extremely happy and we’re prepared to offer a safe environment for everybody to come and enjoy a great meal. Now that we can open even on rainy days obviously our staff is happy that they have more hours available to them.”
