Without any assistance, there is a growing fear that many cancelled fairs will not be able to bounce back in 2021.
The Canadian Association of Amusement Operators is calling on the Government to provide assistance to ensure these fairs, which typically have deep roots in a community, can truly survive the impact of COVID-19.
That was Director of CAAO Andrew Gidaro.
It’s an industry that is often overlooked but has a supply chain representing an annual economic impact of $2.9 billion, with individual amusement operators employing a range of 7-100 employees. Every dollar amusement and fair organizations operate sees an average of $4.54 put into the local economy. Since the government-mandated shut-down in March, this industry has already lost almost 100% of its projected 2020 revenue – equal to a loss of $500,000-$1 million in revenue per operator. Despite being unable to operate, many expenses have continued regardless, including rent, insurance, storage, and equipment maintenance.
Fair closures are particularly damaging to small rural communities, agricultural societies, as well as seasonal Canadian businesses across the nation, and across Ontario. And while agricultural societies affected by the cancellation of fall fairs have received extended government support, the CAAO’s more than 110 member companies and individuals – 90% of which are located here in Ontario – have yet to receive the practical assistance needed to help them survive COVID-19 and re-open when normal business levels return. The industry is not seeking a handout, rather the opportunity to work with the Government on a bridge-financing solution to ensure it can remain alive during the pandemic and restore itself when recovery can begin.
