Development West Coast, with support from the Glacier Country Tourism Group, conducted a survey of Glacier Country businesses to gain a better understanding of the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey was conducted online, with emails sent to businesses in the Glacier Country. The survey received 41 responses (24% of all businesses in the area) between 29 September to 15 October 2021. It was a follow up to a survey conducted between 5 to 12 February 2021.
Key takeaways.
Economic impact:
- 9% of all businesses are no longer operating from the two surveys.
- At least 16 businesses have closed due to COVID-19 (13 reported in the previous survey, and an additional 3 in this survey).
- Businesses are operating at 10% capacity compared to normal years.
- 77% of businesses have reduced their staff because of COVID-19.
- 216 jobs have been reported lost in this survey (161 full-time, 48 part-time, 7 casual).
- 41% of businesses indicated they will not survive the next 6 months without additional support, another 36 jobs lost from 15 businesses.
Social impact:
- 10 students potentially lost from local schools, as their caregivers are no longer employed in the community.
- 29 volunteers potentially lost to the community, as they are no longer employed in the community.
- 152 people have already left the community, as they are no longer employed.
Mental Health and Wellbeing:
- 90% of businesses rated their mental health as neutral to very negative.
- 48% of businesses would be interested in having access to mental health and wellbeing resources/services.