May 2020
Although I don’t own a cottage, nor know anyone who does, I’m going to throw my two-cents in to the discussion.
While the permanent residents of our cottage regions are entitled to their opinions, I’m not buying a lot of the arguments they are putting forth. They are concerned that the local businesses, like grocery stores, won’t be able to accommodate the increased demand if cottage owners come to their region. You mean the increased demand that happens every summer; that increased demand?
Unless small town grocery stores have been suffering from supply troubles, why would there be a concern. Grocery stores in cities don’t seem to have a problem re-stocking their shelves (except for hand sanitizer and Lysol products!). Just increase your orders from suppliers like you do every May to September. Most of these businesses, especially the smaller, independent and boutique stores, rely on the summer residents and visitors for the bulk of their income.
The permanent residents are acting like everyone coming to their privately-owned cottage, the ones they pay taxes and utilities on, are suddenly going to forget all the social distancing and hygiene practices we’ve been utilizing to help defeat this pandemic. While rental cottages and those listed on Airbnb should and probably be restricted, as long as they follow distancing and hygiene rules too, what’s the problem?
This is besides the fact that a simple solution to most of their concerns is if the seasonal residents brought their own supplies with them from the city, stayed isolated at their cottages, and promptly returned to the city if they have any health concerns. By returning to the hospitals in their home city, the same hospitals that cottage country permanent residents use for more complicated medical treatments, that will alleviate over-crowding concerns for the small-town hospitals.
Besides, I’d rather be in a hospital closer to my permanent residence for the convenience of family members.
