- Message from our President
- Message from our Executive Director
- TIAO Survey 6.0 NOW OPEN
- Further Clarification on Phase 2 Announcements
- RRRF eligibility update
- Covering all the Bases - Example of a waiver
- Transport Canada update
- DNO Business Re-opening Toolkit
- Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Survey
- REMINDER: NW Ontario Rally
- Adapt 2020 webinars next week
- WSPS webinars, videos and links!
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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A Message from Our President
Bob Garson - Garson's Fly-In Outposts
Fellow Outfitters,
We are still making gains in the gradual re-opening of our industry to domestic guests as we can now accommodate up to ten guests with the proper protocols in place. More details on the gathering restrictions can be found in this newsletter.
We continue to press the Government for the dire financial aid required to sustain our operators. Although we can now open, many operators continue to suffer the consequences of this pandemic. Several have lost over 50% of their annual revenue, and many who rely on US customers continue to struggle. Operators need true financial support that won't lead to additional debt.
We support all members who are able to attend the rally in Northwest Ontario this weekend and I would like to thank all who have presented to the Standing Finance Committees as this is the largest number for any sector to reinforce our situation.
At NOTO, we realize our efforts must continue!
Stay safe and please open responsibly.
Bob Garson
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A Message from Our Executive Director
Laurie Marcil
This has been another busy week as we continue to support operators through the development and implementation of their safe re-opening plans. We have had many compliments on our
COVID-19 Best Practices document that we released last Friday and provided a webinar on this Tuesday. Compliments have come from industry, Government and numerous agencies and organizations. We are glad that our operators are finding it useful. Thank you to Destination Northern Ontario for their support in its development and to Karen Peacock from Tourism Excellence North for organizing the webinar. The recording of the webinar will be made available soon through
Tourism Excellence North
.
NOTO is continuing to take your messages forward to Government to seek financial support. We are ensuring that they know that while we may be able to open our doors to host the domestic market, the need for meaningful financial support remains dire. The fact the we are operating for a shortened season, mostly at half capacity and some not at all, with increased operating costs due to COVID-19 protocols and no US guests for what may be longer than any of us had hoped must be relayed to Government repeatedly. Your letters to Government that you have shared with us will help us with this task. As will the rally in Vermilion Bay this weekend. We wish them much success. NOTO will have current and past Board members there as well as a number of Past Presidents for support.
As an example of some of the messaging we are taking to Government, I wanted to share with you the presentation I made last Friday to the Provincial Standing Finance Committee as part of their hearings on impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism sector. You can view the written presentation
here.
We encourage any of your who have not yet shared your business stories with the Premier, Minister MacLeod and your MPP, by email to do so. Please be sure to cc us on your letters using
feedback@noto.net
Here are the email addresses:
We will keep pressing. Remember to contact Kate or I with any questions about the protocols. We are here for you.
Be well,
Laurie
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TIAO SURVEY 6.0 RELEASED
A MESSAGE FROM ALEX RODGERS
Survey 6.0 is now open until Friday June 19th at 8 am.
As many tourism businesses are beginning to prepare for reopening we remind you that data on the impact of COVID-19 to your operations is more critical than ever. The data we collect here will be used to let all levels of government know which tourism businesses are at risk and what kinds of economic supports must be continued into the next stages of reopening.
TIAO will use this data in official written submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, and in our direct meetings with provincial Ministers in August.
Please help us best represent you and your interests, and take a few minutes to fill out our survey. Thank you for your time and dedication.
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Further Clarification on Phase 2 Announcement
Regional Reopening and Stage 2 begins Friday June 12th at 12:01am!
The Government of Ontario is now officially moving forward with the regional reopening of the province as well as implementing Stage 2 starting Friday June 12th at 12:01am. All the public health units who can proceed with Stage 2
have been listed here
.
Seasonal campgrounds and trailer parks may now open but must adhere to the Province's Emergency Orders. The gathering restrictions will move from 5 to 10 with social distancing on Friday as well. The Government is currently trying to figure out how they will allow individuals from various households to gather without social distancing requirements but nothing has been announced on this matter to date.
In the health unit districts permitted to move to phase 2, the following businesses and restrictions will now will be able to reopen with proper health and safety measures in place:
- Outdoor dine-in services at restaurants, bars and other establishments, including patios, curbside, parking lots and adjacent properties;
- Tour and guide services, such as bike and walking, bus and boat tours
- Water recreational facilities such as outdoor splash pads and wading pools, and all swimming pools;
- Beach access;
- Camping at seasonal campgrounds and trailer parks;
- Weddings and funerals, with limits on social gatherings to 10 people.
The complete list of the businesses which are permitted to open as of Friday
can be seen here.
Here are some additional details with regards to some frequently asked questions we've received:
Gathering of 10 individuals:
Individuals from different households may gather as long as social distancing is in place. Any individuals who are not from the same household must remain 2m or 6ft apart from others. In areas where social distancing can not be maintained, non-medical grade masks must be worn.
Here is the link to the social gathering restrictions emergency order regulation:
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200052
. It will be updated Friday June 12th.
Here are a few items we've heard that operators have implemented in their businesses: ensuring any individual from different households have their own bedrooms. Encouraging the use of face masks in cabins. Providing individuals from different households with their own cabins.
Outdoor dining
:
As the current emergency order stands, restaurants and bars can only offer takeout or delivery services. For camp operators, this means you would need to close any restaurants or dining halls and implement some sort of pick-up options for guests or offer something similar to "room service". Starting Friday, restaurants and bars will be permitted to open their
outdoor patios
for dine-in purposes as long as social distancing requirements can be maintained between clients (i.e. 2m between tables, allow adequate space for serving staff to walk by between tables, limiting the number of people on the patio at any one time).
Guides:
This applies to hunting and fishing guides and similar services (i.e. sightseeing). If your guide and your clients are in the same company registered enclosed vehicle all occupants need to wear a mask as per
Transport Canada's COVID-19 guidelines.
In boats, if social distancing a cannot be maintained then guests and guides must wear masks. It is recommended that all wear masks while the boat is in transit.
Businesses should consider operating by appointment and record each person's name and contact information for the purpose of contact tracing. Gathering restrictions of 10 applies (ex: 9 people + 1 guide) and social distancing must be maintained to the best of your abilities. Equipment must be properly cleaned and sanitized between use.
Beaches:
Private beaches may open as long as social distancing is enforced.
Water Recreational Facilities:
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools and splash pads may open. Waterparks, wave pools and water slides must remain closed. People must practice social distancing. Operators should reduce resting areas (i.e. beach chairs) and consider reducing pool capacity. Steam room and saunas must remain closed. Hot tubs and floating pools must also remain closed.
Washrooms, Change Rooms and Showers:
Change rooms, public washrooms and showers can be available to the public if operators can adequately sanitize and disinfect the facilities, ideally between use. Before opening these facilities to the public, operators should determine if they have enough staff to implement a frequent cleaning schedule. If cleaning can not be done between use, operators should implement a strict cleaning schedule and ensure staff sign a sheet indicating when the facilities were last cleaned and post signage warning individuals that the facilities may not have been disinfect prior to their use.
Outdoor Recreational Amenities:
Playgrounds, play structures, water parks, water slides, and outdoor fitness equipment must remain closed.
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Regional Relief and Recovery Fund Update from FedNor
To meet the evolving needs of Northern Ontario businesses and organizations, we have adjusted the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF). Eligible businesses and not-for-profit organizations can now qualify even if they have applied for, or have even received, other federal COVID-19 funding.
For tourism businesses based in Northern Ontario, the RRRF is available for those applicants who are:
- Based in Northern Ontario and/or offer support to businesses located in Northern Ontario;
- A Canadian or provincially incorporated business, Indigenous organizations such as Indigenous/First Nation/Métis Settlement owned businesses;
- Not-for profit organizations, such as Chambers of Commerce, Industry or Sector Associations, and Tourism organizations;
- Carrying out commercial activities, and that are positioned to support SMEs regarding COVID-19;
- Facing funding pressures with operational costs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
- Have applied to other Government of Canada COVID-19 emergency relief measures, for which they are ineligible or declined; and
- Planning to continue to operate its business or resume operations.
For small businesses and entrepreneurs, including sole proprietorships or partnerships not covered under the Regional economy stream, contact your local CFDC. You can find the CFDC that covers your community by consulting this CFDC directory (
https://www.cfontario.ca/member-office-maps ).
Details for businesses:
- Covers a wide range of costs, including rent, utilities, insurance and much more
- Funding up to $250,000
- Program offers 0% interest
- Payment moratorium is available up to December 31, 2022
- Repayments to be made in installments over a maximum term of five years from the date the first payment was issued
- Recipients of contributions up to $40,000 who repay 75 percent of their contribution before December 31, 2022, will be granted 25 percent funding forgiveness up to a maximum of $10,000
Visit the
Regional Economy Stream section
of the RRRF on the FedNor website for all the details.
Applications are being assessed quickly on a first-come, first-served basis until all RRRF Program funds have been exhausted, so it is important that you and your members submit your applications as quickly as possible.
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Covering all the Bases - Example of a Waiver
As a result of this week's
Resource-Based Tourism: How to Provide a Safe Environment Amidst COVID webinar, several operators have requested to see an example of a waiver. Lynn Cox, Economic Development Officer for the Township of Pickle Lake was very kind and allowed us to share this waiver which operators can use as a guide to develop their own. By sharing this document with you all, Lynn and the Township of Pickle Lake accept no responsibility for its completeness or accuracy.
Operators are highly encouraged to send their version of the waiver to their insurance provider and their law firm to ensure they have their own bases covered, and to inform these offices of the measures being taken with regard to liability protection.
All other questions received during the webinar will be answered and featured in one of next week's newsletters.
Thank you Lynn for allowing NOTO to share this information! It is greatly appreciated!
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Transport Canada Update
A new update for aviation from Transport Canada is available.
In this latest update, all passengers must wear masks while boarding, during the flight, and while un-boarding. Crews must wear masks at all times while boarding. If a distance of 2m can not be held at all times during the flight, crews must wear a mask during the flight. Exemptions apply to persons on the flight deck, ie pilots, flight engineers, and TC inspectors. However, if the pilot is not 2m away from another individual who isn't part of the flight deck exemptions, they must also wear a mask.
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Destination Northern Ontario Launches a Business Reopening Toolkit!
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As Northern Ontario begins to reopen the economy, we encourage all businesses to review the information in the Business Reopening Toolkit!
This toolkit includes several resources to support your business through the next phase of COVID-19. As this is a phased approached, business owners need to be flexible and prepared to close if cases of COVID-19 spike in the future.
COVID-19 is changing the way businesses operate. We will continue to have your back and will support you in re-opening your business keeping employees and customers safe.
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New: Business Resilience Service
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Government of Canada have launched a new
Business Resilience Service
that provides businesses with access to customized financial advice including help to navigate government programs.
This initiative will help entrepreneurs and small business owners, including not-for-profit and charities navigate through these difficult times and provide free customized financial guidance to these individuals. To learn more you can call 1-866-989-1080 or visit their website:
https://www.canadianbusinessresiliencenetwork.ca/brs/
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REMINDER: Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines Survey
To support the work of Ontario’s Jobs and Recovery Committee and, more specifically, response and recovery efforts of the Northern Ontario economy, we have developed a feedback form to better understand COVID-19 related challenges and opportunities with respect to Northern businesses and industries.
We kindly requested that the Business Survey be distributed to your business on behalf of our Ministry. Please
return the survey using the following email:
We are requesting that these surveys be returned
no later than June 22, 2020
to allow for feedback to be incorporated into the work of Ontario’s Jobs and Recovery Committee.
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Tourist Operators in Ontario hold Rally
Seeking Government Support for Losses
June 13 at Fort Vermilion in Vermilion Bay, ON
10am-1pm
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Has Your Business Been Featured in the News?
If you have participated in interviews with media, we want to share your stories on our
Facebook page
as well as on our
COVID-19 Impacts
page on our website.
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Service Canada & Canada Revenue Agency: COVID-19 Special
Presented by: Tracy Carson, Citizen Service Specialist, Service Canada and Debbie Landry, Liaison Officer, Canada Revenue Agency
June 16th, 2020 - 11:00 am EDT
Join this informative webinar for an overview of programs, services and temporary special measures put in place for employers and employees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Fishing in Different Ponds - A look at various Ontario markets that could fit your business
Presented by: Eva Gutsche, Owner, STEM Consulting
June 18th, 2020 - 11:00 am EDT
- Capitalizing on local demand
- What is the Ontario market looking for?
- A look at markets in addition to fishing
- The great outdoors - creating experiences for the outdoor and soft adventure market
- Diverse Ontario - attracting various Ontario based ethnic markets
- Investing to attract new markets - product & marketing - anticipated ROI
- Fish where the fish are - targeted marketing
- Action plan - Summer 2020
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Presenting - Partners in Prevention, Health & Safety Webinar Services
Ontario is lifting more restrictions, allowing businesses to prepare to re-open. Do you have all the information you need to operate during COVID-19? Secure your spot to attend one, or all of the FREE live webinars hosted by the WSPS. Registration to each webinar is required.
June 23 at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT - LIMITED SPACE - Register
here
Becoming Agents of Change: Building a Health and Safety Mentor Mindset
June 24 at 10:30 am - 12:00 pm EDT - LIMITED SPACE - Register
here
Adapting to a New COVID-19 Reality: The Use of Masks and Eye Protection and the Implications for Heat Stress and Other Concerns
June 25 at 10:30 am - 12:00 pm EDT - Register
here
Safety Insights & Safe Work Practices for Restaurants During COVID-19
June 26 at 10:30 am - 12:00 pm EDT - Register
here
Safety Makes Good Business $ense: Earn From Your Hard Work
More Resources From WSPS
When provincial restrictions are lifted, WSPS wants Ontario employers and workers to get back to work, safely. To help educate customers and friends on how to do this and how we can help, WSPS has created a series of
Get Back to Work, Safely
videos. Conversational and upbeat to signal a future focused return to “normal”, these videos provide advice to a diverse audience.
1.
“Smart, Safe and Supportive”:
A two-minute animated video targeting employers. The video focuses on five key considerations for returning to work:
- Preparing the physical space (e.g. physical distancing, sanitization/cleaning)
- Adjusting work practices (e.g. smart scheduling, handwashing/hygiene practices)
- Addressing employee needs (e.g. flexible work schedules)
- Protecting/supporting employee mental health
- Providing re-entry training on the new “normal”
2.
“Mask Safety Basics”
:
A 1-minute animated video educating people on the World Health Organization’s protocol for donning, wearing and doffing non-medical face masks.
3.
“Food Processing”:
A 3-4 minute video using industry footage, which focuses on compliance solutions for the meat processing industry; reinforcing different ways they can protect their workers and other contacts, from COVID-19.
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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.There are FAQ's with answers and tips from NOTO. FAQs will be regularly updated as well.
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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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