Photo credit: Fadi Didi
Goderich Mayor John Grace is calling the town’s second pandemic summer a success.
In the summer of 2021, Canada’s Prettiest Town saw a broader implementation of two new measures: expanded patios, and management of the town’s three beaches.
Grace says patio season was a strong success, with many businesses expanding outdoor dining to sidewalks and roadways in the town’s core.
“We’re going to zero in, in the next couple months, and really take a close snapshot of how we managed the beach, how we managed the patios, and the things we have changed,” Grace says.
While the pandemic cost many workers their jobs, the country’s restaurant industry continues to struggle in finding adequate staff to maintain service levels.
Grace points to a local housing shortage as a critical issue to address, to help maintain Goderich’s tourism industry.
“Affordable housing will be key to the growth of the restaurant industry in the Goderich area,” the Mayor says.
“There’s no housing, therefore you’re not able to attract employees.”