By rdnewsNOW staff

continued tough times expected

Chamber releases local COVID-19 business survey results

Jun 3, 2020 | 10:33 AM

Just how much local businesses have suffered over the past few months is being reflected in results from a pair of recent surveys.

The Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce circulated the surveys focusing on the fallout from the pandemic as well as the collapse of energy prices.

Results show 59 per cent of businesses have had to make layoffs as a result of the crisis and just eight per cent plan to fully rehire.

When asked about their ability to survive under current business conditions (prior to Stage 1 of Alberta’s relaunch), 33% per cent said they could remain open indefinitely and 66 per cent for less than six months.

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

Dec 14, 2025

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

Over the next 12 months, 44 per cent of respondents expect their business to contract, 46 per cent predict it to stay about the same, and 10 per cent expect their business to expand.

“This data will be essential in ensuring our decision makers are properly informed and understanding of the depth and degree of the challenges our businesses are facing in order to make the best possible policy choices to support the economic recovery of our region,” says Chamber CEO Rick More.

In evaluating the municipal response, 26 per cent found the City of Red Deer’s 90-day utility deferral to be ‘very or somewhat helpful’ to their business, 25 per cent for the property tax extension, 12 per cent for the downtown business levy extension, and 16 per cent for the free downtown parking. Respondents were also asked about the grant programs added to this year’s budget earlier this year. Depending on the particular grant, between two to six per cent think they are very or somewhat helpful to their business.

Chamber officials say participants were then asked a series of hypotheticals about potential actions the city could take. 80 per cent thought forgiving utility payments would be very or somewhat helpful, 78 per cent if there were no increase to property taxes in 2021, 82 per cent if the city reduced property taxes, 69 per cent for reductions in red-tape and regulations, and 63 per cent thought investments in infrastructure would be very or somewhat helpful to their business.

“We entered into the COVID pandemic with our economy already limping so we aren’t shocked by the results,” adds More. “Our local businesses are very concerned with their ability to recover given the strong headwinds they’re facing. This data will be invaluable as we work with our government leaders to promote sensible, broad-based policy solutions to facilitate the economic recovery.”