Rollercoaster of open and closed business over pandemic could be changing everyday habits
For The Lakeview Restaurant, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announcing indoor dining can reopen at 50 per cent capacity Jan. 31 is like seeing a light a end of the tunnel.
“This is our 90th birthday this year, and what a way to start our 90th. We really feel hopeful people will come out and support the way they always have, the moment this ends,” General Manager Frances Bell told CTV News Toront on Thursday.
Bell said that before the Omicron variant came on the scene, people were returning to the restaurants, but the restrictions, along with the open and closed ups and downs, have had a real trickle down impact on the industry.
From employees out of work, paying vendors and landlords, to coping with leftover food and paying bills.
Inflation and the minimum wage increase also changing the dining landscape.
“Prices in every restaurant in Toronto are going to have to increase,” she said.
Over the coming months, the government plans to ease capacity limits at restaurants, theatres, gyms, and other indoor venues.
The rotating closures have Torontonians evaluating their habits.
“I did change it a little bit, I do dine out less but it would be nice to have social interactions again,” said a woman sipping on a coffee outside a coffee shop along Bloor St. W.
“I think I would definitely do movie theatres, and restaurants for indoor dining, but the gyms still kind of suss me out so I’ve been doing a lot more at home work outs,”said another woman.
“I noticed a few months ago my ability to save was completely wiped out,” a man said.
“I did go to the theatre just before the lockdown and we were like 10 people in the theatre, so I think some places are more risky then others,” another man said.
Bell believes people haven’t changed too much, and will want to get back to life and their community spaces.
“There’s kids out there who want to see their friends and have a milkshake, parents who need a break and want to have a drink,” Bell said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.