CORNER BROOK - The owner of the Green Highlander Fly Shop has reached a low point in his life and doesn't know where to turn.
Ed Myers has been operating his small fly-tying business in the city for seven years, three of which have been out of 301 O'Connell Dr. He has also been living at the same location. In September, his landlord notified him and other tenants a sale of the building was imminent.
Around that time, he claims he was told all tenants would stay, however in December, he was asked to leave and, only upon requesting more time, was given a 30-day notice.
Unfortunately, the businessman hasn't been able to find another location, the 30 days have passed, and he has landed on the street.
He now has no home, no business and, perhaps worst of all, no options.
"I haven't been open in two months, I have no money, I am here starving, and I have nowhere to go and nobody will help me," Myers told The Western Star Friday morning.
"If I am not out (Friday) they are going to run me out. I have nowhere to live, I will be on the street in another four or five hours. I don't know what I am going to do, I have never been on the street in my life. I've never been in this situation."
He said the only advice he was offered was to go on Social Services, something the long-time businessman doesn't want to do.
Other than wishing they had a little more compassion for him, Myers doesn't blame the new landlord for wanting the space where he operated his business.
Having it hanging over his head throughout the holidays was difficult for him and the poor weather in January didn't help in his search for a new location.
Nonetheless, he said there is just nothing available to accommodate him in the city.
As down as he is personally, Myers wanted to tell his story to help other small business owners. He had no lease arrangement signed and has nothing to fall back on.
"I am not crying or anything, but I am trying to make young Newfoundlanders and young business people aware of these things," he said. "Don't go into a building without a lease. They shouldn't have to end up like me. I am losing my job, I am losing my business, and I have nowhere to live. I can't get any help anywhere."
On Friday, he was waiting for the movers to get his stuff and the only plan he seemed to have was leaving the province.
"Nobody really gives a shit about us, so I am moving out of Newfoundland and never coming back here," he said. "I am never coming back to my own home."
Myers has concerns about the city he is leaving behind. He suggests the money being spent on things like a new city hall would be better invested in the business community - for one, providing space to house small businesses.
He said the uncertainty of the paper mill leaves a big cloud over the economy and the future.
Meanwhile Keith Watten, chair of the Downtown Business Association, identified a number of needs to encourage and support small business growth and retention here.
"I think there is a need for these people who need to rent a spot and don't have the capital to do up a multi-tenant dwelling," he said. "I think in the downtown area, especially on Broadway (the vacant lots) and Brook Street/Commercial Street, there is opportunity for developers ...I think there are a lot of little businesses out there looking for space. What we need is a larger investor willing to develop a property for multiple businesses to do their business in."
He cited the former Canadian Tire building as an example.
As for the issue of support and assistance for small businesses in the city, Watton feels the real thing lacking is an awareness of what is out there. Between the DBA office, real estate agents, and the City's Business Resource Manager Trina Burden, he believes a person would receive the help required.
"I think the challenge is not a lot of people know exactly who to turn to in these situations," he said. "Maybe there is a lack of advertising of these services, but I think a person making a few calls would have been put in touch with the right people."
Meanwhile, Myers said business was good in the city while it lasted and is sad to have to go.
"I just want to say goodbye," he said, tearing up as he tried to compose himself to speak. "Thank you to the people for coming to my shop."
