Pembroke's tourism sector is hard at work, preparing to reopen with the hope it will be given the green light for at least part of the summer.
Like many places, Pembroke has grown weary of the lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions, and is eager to see the end of the pandemic.
"People in our community are tired and they're frustrated," said Mayor Michael LeMay. "But they also know the dangers of the pandemic and really do care about one another."
Pembroke was the scene of a weekend anti-lockdown protest. About 150 people demonstrated, but LeMay figured most of them came from out of town.
Pembroke's tourism sector has been deeply affected by the pandemic, and LeMay said many businesses are planning for a best-case scenario in the hopes that they'll be allowed by health officials and government to reopen for at least part of this summer.
"So everybody right now is like, 'Okay, let's plan as if we are going to be able to open, so we'll be ready when the government says,'" LeMay told CityNews Ottawa.
LeMay pointed to things like whitewater rafting, camping, and going on a tour of his city's heritage murals on downtown buildings among the fun, outdoor activities that his local tourism sector hopes will attract visitors to return.
