As some local businesses slowly reopen, the mayor of Kamloops says going forward the city will have to deal with a lack of a tourist economy.

Ken Christian says we will have to find ways to deal with that as a city.

He also says it may not make sense either to reopen with a drop in demand because of restrictions in place, like the 50-person limit to gathering sizes.

“Any business is at risk at any time, but those that have deeper pockets will be able to survive a longer period with lower volumes.”

Christian says many businesses have had to develop an online presence if they didn’t have one before COVID-19.

Meanwhile, speaking to NL News late last week, Christian says there was no formal plan yet to propose closing off vehicle traffic in part of downtown Kamloops.

Earlier this month, councillor Denis Walsh proposed doing that on Victoria Street between 2nd and 4th avenues, saying it could be a unique way to help get downtown businesses “back on their feet.” Other Interior cities like Kelowna have also proposed a similar idea of closing off parts of their downtown for vehicle traffic.

Christian says some businesses here see that as a solution, but some do not.

“All of those will come into play as we move forward, but there is no one silver bullet that is going to make this any easier. I think we want to look at all and every idea, but we have to take a measured response.”

Christian says Walsh is looking into small business issues, and says council will take advice from the Kamloops Chamber and the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association.

A report will also be going to Kamloops city council tomorrow about guidelines for temporary outdoor patios, sidewalk cafes and retail space.