The Prince Albert Wildlife Federation Hall has not been able to host events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Facebook/Prince Albert Wildlife Federation)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Social distancing effects

Pandemic cancellations proving costly for venues

May 14, 2020 | 3:18 PM

The COVID-19 virus has put an end to large sized events.

It’s led to a lack of funds for those who own and operate facilities like social halls. This includes a number of service clubs and non-profit organizations, which need to rent out these facilities to cover expenses.

Doug Erickson, president and facility manager for the P.A. Wildlife Federation, which operates a large hall, said they have not been able to host events for quite some time now.

“Everything basically going back from the middle of March, so far through most of September has cancelled,” he said.

With no bookings in sight, there are no revenues coming in to pay expenses, including utilities and insurance. Erickson said they are looking at ways to bring down expenses in the short term, specifically how to cut utility costs. There were also plans to make upgrades to the building, which have now been put off.

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Erickson added there is simply not enough money brought in through membership fees to cover costs.

“The building has to support itself and right now it can’t,” he said.

Erickson said they have spoken with provincial health authorities and were told it’s unlikely large events will take place for a long period.

“We could very conceivably be into 2021 before we can operate again,” he said.

Local service club feeling the impact

The P.A. Elks Lodge No. 58 also operates a building which includes a bar and a hall, which for financial purposes exist as two separate units.

The club rents out the hall to people regularly for events. Dave Jorgensen, chairman of the management committee, said being able to host events is an important source of revenue for the facility.

“Our fundraising on the lodge side of things, Elks Lodge, actually pays for the majority of our expenses,” he said.

Since being forced to shut down, Jorgensen said they have cut some costs. He explained they have been able to secure financial support from both the provincial and federal governments which has helped.

“Any money that we do have in the bank is going toward paying the bills,” he said.

Besides not being able to operate their building, the club’s charitable work, which is separate from the facility, took a big hit. Grant Ursaki, the organization’s secretary treasurer said their biggest fundraisers are large events like bingos.

“We’re cut off at the knees,” he said.

In the past the club has supported a range of causes from cancer research to STARS Air Ambulance. He added the shutdowns came early in the club’s fundraising year. Ursaki said they have not disappeared and are hoping they will be able to make some contributions.

“If we can get a chance to raise some money, we’ll make donations with it. We have to raise the money first though,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn