Halifax businesses optimistic as COVID-19 restrictions get set to end

‘It’s definitely busier than it was and there’s a lot of optimism’ said Paul MacKinnon

CITYnews halifax \ Chris Halef

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The head of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission says there is plenty of optimism among business owners as the province eases COVID-19 protocols.

Effective March 21, all pandemic restrictions will be lifted, including gathering limits and mask mandates.

This is welcomed news for Paul MacKinnon who told CityNews Halifax businesses are excited to see restrictions end.

“There is much more of a sense of optimism that we’re hearing from businesses,” he said. “Even though things aren’t necessarily great and super busy downtown, it’s definitely busier than it was and there’s a lot of optimism about spring and especially summer.”

MacKinnon said businesses have taken a hit during the pandemic, but adds the city has also been fortunate to see many new businesses open up in the last two years.

“Entrepreneurs will always find a way and we’ve actually had more businesses open then close,” said MacKinnon. “That in itself is a sense of optimism as people are still investing in downtown. But we also need the people back so we’re hoping that March 21 and beyond, we’ll see a much different downtown than we’ve seen in the last while.”

MacKinnon believes the province still will have a role to play after that date, encouraging people to go out and support businesses.

“We really feel that downtown’s small businesses have really borne the brunt of the restrictions that we had in place,” he said. “So we think it’s only fair that the province change their messaging to say it is safe to get back out and in fact, there is a bit of responsibility to go out of your way and be more intentional in helping support these businesses that have really suffered.”