Tourism-dependent seasonal businesses in New Brunswick are feeling the pinch amid COVID-19 restrictions and concerns. While owners and operators try to remain optimistic, the next few months can paint a gloomy — or at least uncertain — picture.
For Shediac Bay Cruises, the losses are already piling up after having to cancel all June reservations. “We had about 30-plus motor coach buses coming in and we’ve had a few private groups that booked already that had to be cancelled,” says Denise LeBlanc, who co-owns the business with her husband. “For the rest of the summer months, we don’t know what it will mean.” For the month of June alone, “we’ll be losing, gross, about close to $90,000,” she says.