In Today's Update
- Message from NOTO's Executive Director (Update on Lobbying Efforts)
- Federal Fall Economic Update - New Supports for Tourism
- Northern Ontario Border Working Group
- NOTO's Response to TC's Proposal to Repeal Boating Safety Checklists
- TIAO Calls Tuesday December 8th
- Thunder Bay Moves to Orange Zone
- Travel Restriction and Mandatory Quarantine Extension
- ADAPT 2020 Winter Series: Focus on Outdoor Recreation and Resorts and Accommodations
We will continue to strive to bring forward pertinent information to the tourism industry as it becomes available. We will also do our best to find answers to your questions. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.
NOTO Contact Emails:
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Message from NOTO's Executive Director
Laurie Marcil
Well, we've had another busy few weeks here at NOTO and I wanted to provide an update on some of the items we have been working on. We want you to know that we are continuing to work hard to ensure tourism operators have the supports they need to come out of this pandemic strong and ready to open their doors to the world again.
We have been working closely with our lobbyist firm KW Mitchell to amplify our messages to Government on financial support programs as well as a border re-opening.:
Financial Support
We are targeting our efforts on specific funding programs that have been made available and seeking change to make them more effective. We are actively pushing for changes to the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). We know that many of you have made use of this program to keep payrolls rolling in your business and we want to ensure that you are able to continue using this program during the off-season.
The Rural Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) program has just received an additional $500M across Canada. In Northern Ontario, this program is offered through FedNor and the CFDC's. The first phase of this program has been widely used by our sector. It offers 0% interest loans up to $40K with a $10K forgivable portion if paid back by Dec 31, 2022 (similar to the CEBA). Now that the Federal Government has finally identified the tourism industry as a hardest hit sector, we have approached FedNor about providing a larger forgivable portion and for the payback data to be push back at least one more year to Dec 31, 2023.
FedNor also offers larger loans for those who need it. These loans are up to $1M - 0% interest with a 5year payback. In our meeting this week we asked that the 5 year payback be extended to 10 years to better support recovery for our sector. We have asked for more details on this loan program and will share in the coming weeks.
We know that many of you have been holding back on applying for the loan programs and we completely understand that no one wants to take on more debt at a time like this but we are making every effort to ensure those loans programs offer manageable solutions. I encourage those of you who are really struggling to take a second look. If you are struggling with eligibility or have questions, please reach out and we will help find answers. We will keep you posted on any further successes with these programs. the need for funding programs that provide direct support to tourism operators. The focus of our efforts are on the
We are also looking for more details on the newly announced Highly Affected Sector Credit Availability Program (HASCAP). We have heard that the eligibility of this program maybe dependent on the size of business including how many employees you have. See the article below for the details we have so far and stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
Border
As vaccines become a reality, we are continuing to press Government to develop plans to safely re-open the border. In recent meetings, we have requested that proof of vaccination allow for international travelers to enter Canada. This is not a new experience for travelers around the world. There are countless countries that require proof of vaccination for different diseases before allowing entry. We do need to know if someone who is vaccinated is still able to carry the virus but starting this discussion is pointing us in the right direction.
We are continuing to ensure Government understands that our tourism operators are part of the overall solution. That the health and safety protocols we have put in place will help to protect staff, guests and our communities from spread once our guests arrive.
You will see below that NOTO, Destination Northern Ontario and TIAO are co-chairing a Northern Border Working Group. We held our first meeting this week. The work of this committee will help us coordinate efforts, conduct research and amplify our messages and recommendations to Government as well as help us prepare information to help our industry and their guests as things progress at the border. Please see more in the article below.
Insurance
We have also been sharing feedback that we have received from some of you with regard to your insurance premiums. I noted that TIAO is asking for more details on your experiences. We encourage you to reach out to TIAO or us to ensure that TIAO has the information from this sector of tourism in their discussions with the Provincial Government.
Transport Canada
As we have previously reported Transport Canada has proposed changes to pleasure craft regulations including the elimination of the rental boat safety checklist that many in our industry use. We are gathering background details, feedback from our members and working with our colleagues in the other provinces through the Canadian Federation of Outfitter Associations to push back on these changes. Next week you will see a brief survey to help our efforts. In the meantime, if you have thoughts you wish to share with me regarding these changes and the impacts they may have on your business, email me.
I encourage anyone who wants more detail on NOTO's advocacy work to call me. We are happy to share and appreciate hearing directly from you.
Be well,
Laurie
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Federal Fall Economic Update Highlights
On Monday November 30th, the Federal Government's Fall Economic Statement was presented by the Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The fiscal update entitled ‘Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19’ recognized and outlined hardships specific to the tourism sector, and proposed supports that will help the sector weather this storm.
The following commitments were presented for the tourism and hospitality sector:
- Creation of the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program; a 100% government-backed credit availability loan program at low-interest rates for the hardest-hit businesses. This will provide businesses with access to low-interest loans up to $1 million over extended terms (up to ten years).
- The Government is also proposing a top-up to $500 million to Regional Development Agencies and the Community Futures Network of Canada, with 25% earmarked specifically for tourism businesses to ensure more businesses can take advantage of this program.
- Increasing the maximum rate of the wage subsidy program to 75% for the next three periods or until March 13, 2021.
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CEBA will be expanded, allowing qualifying businesses to access an additional interest-free $20,000 loan in situations where there is need. Half of this additional amount ($10,000) will be forgivable if the loan is repaid by December 31st, 2022.
- Extend the current subsidy rates of the Government’s fixed cost relief program, Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to March 13, 2021, to provide greater certainty to businesses.
While it is encouraging to see the following proposed commitments, there is more work to be done to ensure seasonal operators can access the CEWS over the winter months and to ensure an effective roll out of these programs. NOTO will also work with other tourism partners to push to ensure a larger percentage of the loans become forgivable.
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Northern Ontario Border Working Group
A working group has been formed that is co-chaired by Destination Northern Ontario, NOTO and TIAO in a spirit of collaboration to document border issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic with the purpose of undertaking research, analyzing to better educate stakeholders of Northern Ontario’s tourism industry as well as provide advice and information to government and associated agencies.
The team will focus on how to and implement strategies to:
- Engage the broader tourism industry in Northern Ontario
- Collect information regarding the impacts of COVID-19 as it relates to borders (regional, interprovincial and international)
- Collect and analyze existing research and information
- Educate the broader tourism industry in Northern Ontario as to their findings
- Provide intelligence and advice to leading tourism organizations, government and respective agencies.
Current members of this working group team are:
Co-Chairs:
David MacLachlan, Stephanie Hopkin, and Mike Wozny - Destination Northern Ontario
Laurie Marcil and Kate Boissonneault - NOTO
Beth Potter and Chris Bloore - TIAO
Gerry Cariou - Ontario's Sunset Country
Heather Bot - Algoma's Region
Marnie Lapierre - Tourism Timmins
Stephen Burnet - Cruise Ontario
We wanted to ensure that we brought organizations together that have direct outreach to the tourism industry. If there are other individuals who wish to be part of this working group we recommend that you reach out to us.
Our first meeting was held this week to discuss the work done to date by the participating organizations, feedback we have received from tourism operators and to determine how to proceed with activities. Over the coming weeks we will be continuing to gather information on a range of items impacting a re-opening. We will also be reaching out to all of you to provide your feedback to this group through a roundtable discussion. We value your input and hope that you will participate and help us shape our work going forward.
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NOTO's Response to Transport Canada's Proposal to Repeal Boating Safety Checklists
NOTO is currently drafting a letter in response to this proposal. NOTO, along with it's colleagues at CFOA (Canadian Federation of Outfitters Associations) as well as the nation boating trade organizations completely disagree with this proposal. NOTO and CFOA are continuing to search for the true reason behind this proposal.
Here are a few comments that NOTO has made to date. We hope this helps operators with the development of their submissions as well.
- Boating safety checklists are used by tourist operators to provide a one-on-one dockside review of the boating safety rules, how to properly and safely operate the boat, as well as the opportunity to highlight any potential local water hazards and conditions with their guests.
- These checklists also double as a damages waiver for some of our operators.
- A large percentage of our US guests do not have a pleasure craft operator card for Canada or their home state, and changing the provisions under the act will lead to an additional cost for Americans looking to getaway and take advantage of Ontario’s great wilderness experiences. The border closure has also caused Americans to feel unwelcomed in Canada. Operators will need to work hard to repair relationships with their regular US clientele. The additional cost of having a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card will deter them further and hamper these efforts.
- Boating safety checklists can also act as proof of competency for Canadians looking at new experiences as they may not have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. A completed boating safety checklist also helps with these new clients.
- With the enhanced efforts on hyperlocal marketing initiatives, boating safety checklists will allow for operators to safely introduce domestic clients to the joys of boating and fishing.
- Anyone can go online to an accredited Canadian Course Provider’s website and complete the course to obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card, but not everyone will know how to properly operate a boat upon arriving at a lodge, or know the specifics about the waterbody they will be exploring.
If you have stories you would like to share or if you have any additional comments you would like us to include in our submission, please email laurie@noto.net.
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TIAO Calls Tuesday December 8
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Industry Update
Call Time: 10:00 am (EST)
Access Code: 527-719-493
Dial in: +1 (647) 497-9391
COVID-19 Tourism Industry Update Call
Time: 3:00 pm (EST)
Access Code: 543-046-365
Dial in: +1 (647) 497-9391
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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Thunder Bay Moves to Orange Zone
As of Monday, December 7, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. the following public health regions will move from their current level in the framework to the following levels:
- Orange-Restrict
- Middlesex-London Health Unit; and
- Thunder Bay District Health Unit
- Yellow-Protect
- Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
All other public health regions will remain at their current level. Another review will be conducted next week. Please visit Ontario.ca/covidresponse for the full list of public health region classifications.
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Travel Restrictions and Mandatory Quarantine Extension
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, announced that Canada will extend the Mandatory Isolation Order and temporary travel restrictions for all travelers seeking entry into Canada until January 21, 2021.
The Canada-US border remains closed until December 21, 2020, with possibility of extension.
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The Winter is Coming Series
This series will focus on popular winter tourism product groups:
snowmobiling, outdoor recreation and adventure, and resort/accommodations and attracting a Hyper-Local market.
Industry specialists and panels made up of Northern Ontario tourism business operators will share their best practices and how they are considering COVID-19 in their planning. The webinar series will provide resources, tools, action plans, strategies and connections for both today and the future.
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Focus on Outdoor Recreation and Adventure
December 8th, 2020 - 11:00 am EDT
This panel discussion is focused on outdoor recreation and adventure and how operators and industry associations are preparing for winter.
The panelists will share their experiences so far in 2020 and plans for the upcoming season, including innovative changes to the guest experience and what to expect beyond the pandemic.
Moderated by: Rebecca Godfrey, Director, CBRE Ltd.
Panelists:
- Kerry Lamarche, Executive Director, Kivi Park
- Paul Amano, Boreal Journeys Sled Dog Kennel
- Burton Penner, Borealis Sled Dog Adventures
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Alison Cameron, Loch Lomond Ski Area
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Focus on Resorts and Accommodations
December 10th, 2020 - 11:00 am EDT
This panel discussion is centered around resorts and accommodations.
With a focus on understanding the new current reality, panelists will discuss trends and best practices and will share their experiences and plans for the upcoming season.
Moderated by: Fran Hohol, Director, CBRE Ltd.
Panelists:
- Grace Sammut, Executive Director, Resorts of Ontario
- Andrea Whitmarsh, Spa Manager, Cedar Meadows Resorts & Spa
- Kelly McAree, GM, Killarney Mountain Lodge and Conference Centre
- Stephanie Brown, Totem Lodge
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NOTO's COVID-19 Page
This page was created to keep you informed on the latest developments that may impact/help your businesses. This page features links to our COVID-19 newsletters, Government resources, information that may be useful to tourism operators and links to supports for tourism operators as they become available. This page will be updated regularly during this pandemic.
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Federal & Provincial Government Information
The Ontario and Federal Governments are regularly updating COVID-19 information, travel information, Minister statements, Government initiatives and statistics on their websites. For additional information from the Ontario or Federal Government, please click on the buttons below.
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NOTO is a membership based organization that works hard to support the outdoor tourism industry through advocacy and information services. We do not receive Government funding for operating and rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners. For more information about membership with NOTO visit noto.ca
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