GVHA receives funding for commercial customers through Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program

33 commercial customers across five properties to receive Federal funding

Sept. 2, 2020, Victoria, BC, Canada – The not-for-profit Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has received funding for 33 commercial customers through the Government of Canada’s Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program.

The CECRA funding for all five of GVHA’s major properties is approximately $358,000 for the five-month period. The financial aid provides a lifeline to the organization’s customers, the majority of whom are small, family-owned businesses. CECRA allows for landlords – in this case GVHA – to reduce rent by 75% for the months of April to August for their small business customers. CECRA will cover 50% of the rent, with the customer paying 25%, and the property owner forgiving 25%.

“To say the impact of the pandemic has been significant is an understatement,” said Ian Robertson, CEO, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. “The support provided by the Government of Canada is much-needed for our customers to remain solvent into the coming fall and winter months.”

To assist commercial customers, GVHA staff also explored how rental fees could be evaluated on a month to month basis based on service levels aligned with each customer’s business plan; instituted a rent deferral program for all commercial customers with signed agreements for April, May, and June 2020 until June 2021; and applied for CECRA.

“We are thankful to GVHA for applying and being approved for the CECRA Program,” said Nathan Bird, General Manager, Eagle Wing Tours. “In a year filled with bad news, Eagle Wing Tours is pleased to receive this good news. The relief supplied to us through this program and GVHA’s efforts to secure the savings for its customers will assist us in navigating a terrible year and set us up for recovery in the upcoming years.”

GVHA staff have proactively worked to ensure that facilities such as Fisherman’s Wharf remained open during the pandemic and implemented steps to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. This included COVID-19 specific signage, physically distanced set up of seating areas, and collaboration with commercial customers on their Worksafe BC return to work plans.

This year, GVHA had projected 300 cruise ship calls and more than 770,000 passengers throughout the seven-month season. When Transport Canada suspended cruise visitation until at least Oct. 31, 2020, the organization lost 70% of its revenues, or more than $12 million, for the fiscal year. The not-for-profit organization has laid off several staff members, reduced expenses by close to half, deferred major capital projects, and increased its focus on additional business development opportunities at The Breakwater District at Ogden Point.

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