Brockton Business Newsletter
April 21, 2020
Local Businesses Rise to Challenge of COVID-19
Kudos to the Brockton businesses who are making a difference in the fight against COVID, through fundraising, community support, working in tandem with health care providers, donating essential supplies or offering other services. Here are some recent examples; we're sure there are others. If you know of any, please send us an email.

  • Larsen & Shaw Ltd. donated more than 3,000 N95 protective masks to the South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Walkerton to help protect our healthcare staff. The company is also now making components for several manufacturers in health-related fields to assist in the fight against COVID-19.
  • Freiburger Welding and Machine Shop Ltd. has designed and manufactured aluminum brackets for Bruce County Paramedic Services vehicles that allow first responders to dispose of used personal protective equipment and sanitize outside their cabs during COVID-19.

Jennifer Jacquot's "front porch" photographs are capturing life during COVID-19 in Brockton while raising over $5,000 to support the Walkerton Food Bank and local businesses (through the purchase of gift certificates). Jennifer has photographed nurses, doctors, emergency workers, Brockton's Mayor, Brucelea Haven staff and over 100 local families.
Victor Lair Jewellers has sold dozens of these hand-made bracelets with #InItTogether charms to raise money for the Walkerton Hospital Foundation.
Walkerton #InItTogether headbands from Joy's Source for Sports are supporting the Walkerton Hospital Foundation and boosting the morale of front-line workers.
Logo by kb designs of Walkerton.
Brockton Creates Special
Open for Business Portal
The Municipality of  Brockton and the Walkerton BIA have  la unched an Open for Business portal to promote companies that are still offering services during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Stay Home, Shop Local web page features over 75 Brockton businesses, with more being added each day!
If you are open for business and and not on the list, please email us. Include your business name, website, phone number, services currently offered, and contact info.

Municipal COVID-19 Business Survey Wraps Up
More than 80 Brockton businesses, representing a workforce of well over 530, responded to our COVID-19 business survey. Thank you to all who participated! Most respondents were from Walkerton, representing businesses in retail, professional services, healthcare and other sectors.
Here are some of the things you told us:
  • Most businesses said the impact of COVID-19 is significant and growing fast.
  • A large number are looking at shutting down their operations, laying off staff, reducing their hours or altering their production lines. About 15% said they may need emergency loans.
  • The majority of businesses said they will have difficulty making ends meet in a few month's time. Some need immediate financial aid.
  • Respondents said they want governments to make grants and assistance accessible to small business owners and entrepreneurs, to defer tax and utility payments where possible, and to provide specific, easy-to-access information and support.

What we're doing
The Municipality of Brockton has implemented the following measures to assist local businesses:
  • Waived penalties and interest for late payment of municipal taxes
  • Issued regular business updates outlining funding opportunities and assistance from governments, financial institutions and professional organizations
  • Created a Shop Local resource to support local business
  • Created a COVID-19 resource page for business
  • Partnered with the Grey-Bruce-Huron Strong app to promote local businesses
  • Issued regular video updates from Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody and made virtual Council meetings accessible through Zoom.
Current initiatives include:
  • Contributing to the Bruce County Economic Task Force, surveying businesses and developing recovery measures and support
  • Reaching out to business sectors, including tourism and agriculture, to keep apprised of issues and developments
  • Researching online gift certificate programs to assist local businesses
  • Considering future business recovery measures that we can undertake in Brockton.

Please let us know if you have other ideas on how we can help during COVID-19.
Bruce County Task Force Survey Under Way
Bruce County's Economic Task Force is surveying local businesses to understand the impact of COVID-19. Please participate! Complete the survey here. The task force was created to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and support economic stabilization, recovery and eventual growth.
The county is also expanding its support for businesses through:
  • new online business seminars
  • a resource database
  • free business consultations by phone, video chat or email.
Please visit Bruce County's Economic Task Force page for more information.
Mayor Praises Local Businesses
Brockton Mayor Chris Peabody's latest COVID-19 video features local businesses who have gone the extra mile to assist during the pandemic, and urges residents to shop local and support our economy.

Government Expands Loan Program, Plans Rent Relief
The federal government has expanded its assistance for businesses affected by COVID-19, including broader loan eligibility and help with commercial rent.
The loan program, which offers businesses up to $40,000 in an interest-free loan, will now be available to businesses with payrolls worth between $20,000 and $1.5 million. Up to $10,000 of the loan is forgivable. Learn more here.

The government also plans to help small businesses pay commercial rents for April, May and June. The program will be negotiated with the premiers, as rent issues fall under provincial jurisdiction.
Local Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
 The Brockton Municipal Office is closed to the public but staff are still available by phone or email to provide essential services to the public. Call 519-881-2223.

For business or economic development inquiries contact Paulette Peirol at 519-377-7384 or email ppeirol@brockton.ca .

The Walkerton BIA is closed to the public, but staff are working remotely to respond to emails and social media messages. The BIA can be contacted at manager@walkertonbia.ca or through Facebook or Instagram.  
Online Resources for Brockton Businesses

RTO7, the regional tourism organization for Bruce, Grey and Simcoe Counties, is publishing regular updates to assist businesses. You can sign up for the RTO7 newsletter here.
Municipality of Brockton | Brockton.ca