Survey: G20 losses extend beyond downtown T.O.

July 14, 2010, TORONTO – The effects of the G20 Summit were felt well outside the downtown core, according to a survey of Toronto restaurant owners conducted by the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA).

Ninety-three per cent of downtown respondents and 73 per cent in the rest of the city reported a “significant decrease” in sales between June 21 and June 30, compared to the same period in 2009.

“The impact of the G20 Summit on Toronto restaurants was far deeper and more widespread than many people expected,” says CRFA president Garth Whyte. “Our focus now is on ensuring that our members are fairly compensated for their business losses.”

Survey respondents indicated:

• Sales at downtown restaurants dropped by an average of 55 per cent during the summit week (June 21–June 30) compared to the same period in 2009;
• 51 per cent closed their businesses during the summit due to concerns about the safety of their staff and customers;
• 42 per cent reported that staff were unable to get to work due to summit disruptions.
• One third of downtown respondents were not aware of the federal government’s compensation program for losses related to the G20 Summit.
• Only 1 per cent reported a significant increase in sales during the G20 Summit.

According to the government guidelines for compensation, only businesses that remained open during the summit are eligible. Ottawa has not yet indicated which areas of the city will be eligible for compensation, and what period of time will be eligible for claims.

“The summit drove customers away and made it dangerous for many restaurants to stay open,” says Whyte. “These businesses deserve fair compensation for their losses.”

CRFA members can register to receive updates and support in navigating the government compensation process by contacting the CRFA G20 hotline (416-649-4214 or G20@crfa.ca).

The CRFA survey was conducted online between July 5 and 9. The findings represent 234 Toronto restaurants, the majority of which are in the downtown core.