Information, News & Resources |
|
Economic Development Office |
|
|
|
- Open Patios Music 2021 Program
- Open Parks 2021
- Congratulations and Welcome to Wasaga Beach! - Ribbon Cuttings
- Wasaga Sundaes
- Call For Artists! - 140 Main Street Mural
- SGBT FREE Membership
- #Pledge to Support Local
- Plus more resources and news!
|
|
Open Patios Music 2021 Program 2021
Apply today!
The patio music program will feature artists on the patios of local establishments throughout the summer and will run between Mondays and Thursdays throughout the summer until Thanksgiving or until the maximum amount of funding has been allocated. The Open Patio Music Program will provide a grant for 100% up to $200 for eligible music artist costs and will be paid directly to the artist. Wasaga Beach businesses are eligible to apply to the program up to two times. The program is open to any business with a patio or seating space with the ability to accommodate an artist(s). Applications will be processed on a “first come, first served basis” from the now until October 11th or until the grant funds have been full allocated.
|
|
|
|
Open Parks 2021 Program
The Open Parks program provides new opportunities for businesses to maximize their capacity and introduce new avenues for revenue generation. Through this program, businesses can book time to use the outdoor space at the following municipal parks: Oakview Woods, Town Hall grounds, Library grounds, Stonebridge Park, Wasaga Sports Park, Deer Trail Park, William Arnill, and Beach Drive (participants have to pre-register to participate in the activity)
|
|
Congratulations and Welcome to Wasaga Beach!
In the past two months, Council attended four grand opening ribbon cuttings for new or relocated businesses here in Wasaga Beach. Congratulations to Georgian Bay Recreation, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, Cannabis Xpress and Crossfit Mozomo! See photos below.
If you would like to invite a member of the Wasaga Beach town council to attend an event, official openings, ribbon cutting ceremony, or if you would like to request congratulatory certificates, town pins or the raising of a community flag, contact the Executive Assistant to the mayor and council who will be happy to assist you.
|
|
Wasaga Sundaes!
Enjoy a sundae on Sunday in Wasaga Beach!
Wasaga Sundaes is every Sunday throughout the summer from July 11th to September 5th.This map shows a trail of the featured ice cream treats to explore every Sunday throughout the summer. We encourage you to complete the trail and taste them all!
After you purchase a sundae on a Sunday, enter to win great prizes with your receipt or a photo of the sundae purchased. Vote for your favorite sundae in Wasaga Beach and complete the survey below for a chance to win weekly prizes. Draws will be based on responses each week and will drawn on the following Tuesday.
Have you not signed your business up yet? Fill out the attached form linked here to sign up, then email your completed form to edo2@wasagabeach.com.
|
|
Call For Artists! - 140 Main Street Mural
The Corporation of the Town of Wasaga Beach is looking to commission an artist to paint a permanent mural located at the Town owned Wasaga Beach Archive building at 140 Main Street. We are accepting artists submissions (proposals) on or before 4:00 pm, Wednesday, August 25, 2021.
The goal of the artwork is to assist in the placemaking and beautification of Wasaga Beach. We are looking for positive and optimistic imagery that contributes to the “sense of place” that is unique Wasaga Beach. The concept of the artwork should embrace Wasaga Beach’s culture, history, and overall brand. The mural should foster connections among people and across cultures. The art should have an interactive element that encourages residents and visitors to be photographed in front the mural. It should not include advertising, branded tags, or promotion of contempt against anyone.
The site located at 140 Main Street. The 20.6’ X 46.7’ wall has not previously been painted and the artwork will be permanent.
Deadline to submit proposal: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 (4:00 pm)
Selection Begins: Thursday, August 26, 2021
On-site installation can begin as early as Monday August 30, 2021
|
|
South Georgian Bay Tourism Offers FREE Business Membership for Wasaga Beach Tourism Businesses
Have you registered for your FREE membership yet? The Town of Wasaga Beach has partnered with SGBT and the South Georgian Bay municipalities to offer complimentary business memberships for the entire South Georgian Bay tourism industry in 2021.
Register your tourism business to take advantage of this free unique marketing opportunity. This is your chance to be part of the South Georgian Bay Tourism Association. Register for free today using the following link.
|
|
|
#Pledge to Support Local
Spend your money where it matters the most. By supporting your local businesses you support your community.
Your dollars stay in the community and help local jobs, development, community culture and create more walkable and livable neighbourhoods. The pandemic has hit us all deeply and the effects continue to rattle our business community.
|
|
|
Business & Economic News Highlights |
|
Extending Business Support Measures Through the Pandemic
The wage subsidy, rent subsidy and Lockdown Support were set to expire in June 2021. Budget 2021 extended these measures until September 25, 2021 and provided the government with the authority to further extend the programs through regulations should the economic and public health situation warrant it.
The government is now proposing to use this authority to further extend these measures until October 23, 2021, and increase the wage and rent subsidy rates between August 29 and September 25, 2021.
|
|
Digital Main Street is back - Grants and FREE Support!
The Digital Transformation Grant from Digital Main Street is back. This $2,500 grant is available to eligible and qualifying small businesses to enable a digital transformation. The grants are now open to more businesses than ever before and you no longer have to be a “downtown” or "main street" business. If your business has a physical location you might be in the running!
Please note: previous DTG recipients are not eligible.
Connect with your Digital Service Squad for an initial 30 min consultation to learn more, confirm eligibility, and to get started on your application process!
|
|
Canadian Urban Institute and the Economic Development Council of Ontario partner to launch My Main Street
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced a $23.25- million investment today, to establish My Main Street — a two-year program to support the recovery and revitalization of main streets and local businesses in southern Ontario.
The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) are partnering to deliver My Main Street through two programs:
- EDCO will lead a program to support the revitalization of 65 main street communities and support 975 businesses with direct business grants, market research and business support programs.
- CUI will support 150 local community projects, including events, main street enhancements and activities designed to draw visitors and increase local vibrancy.
My Main Street will launch with a call for applications in fall 2021. Main streets play a major role in supporting the economic, cultural and social cohesion our communities rely on to thrive. They are the heart of communities, where people gather, socialize and connect with one another.
|
|
National Trail Youth Employment Funding Program
Funding is still available through the Trans Canada Trail’s National Trail Youth Employment Program, which provides a 50% wage subsidy (to a maximum of $3,500) to eligible groups looking to hire a youth employee (aged 15 to 30) for a job related to the trail sector - this does not have to be on the TCT. Note that this funding is retroactive to April 1, 2021, so even if you’ve already hired an eligible employee, you can still apply.
|
|
TIAO Seeks Input from Tourism Industry in Latest Survey
TIAO is conducting a survey to collect up-to-date information on the impact of Step 3, post-Step 3, and border reopening on tourism businesses. As the border reopens and public health restrictions are being eased, it is necessary to gather information to demonstrate the tourism industry’s continued need for government support even as tourism revenues rise.
The purpose of this survey is to understand to what extent tourism revenues have improved since key reopening dates were announced and business perspectives on staffing challenges, proof of vaccination (e.g., vaccine passports), commercial insurance rates, and challenges to recovery. They seek your assistance in providing this high-level reporting so that TIAO can advocate on your behalf.
|
|
Deloitte Looking for Input from Tourism & Hospitality Industry
Based on insights and opinions shared from key stakeholders within the sector, Deloitte will be developing a deep dive article exploring the viewpoints and attitudes on DE&I throughout the hospitality and tourism industry in this country. The objective is to open up a dialogue on how to improve DE&I outcomes moving forward. Their aim is to capture a range of diverse perspectives, covering staff, travellers, safety, new offerings, innovation, indigenous perspectives, accessibility, and more.
Deloitte invites tourism operators to participate in a short (five-minute) survey as part of our research into this important topic. Responses will remain anonymous.
|
|
Western Ontario Workforce Strategy Business Survey
The Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus represents 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario and includes a population of more than three million residents. Their purpose is to enhance the prosperity and overall well-being of rural and small urban communities across the region. Workforce development is a critical tool for creating regional prosperity.
The Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus is conducting a survey to gauge the workforce needs of employers and identify the opportunities and barriers to workforce development in Western Ontario.
The survey should take about 4 minutes to complete.
|
|
RTO 7 Partnership Programs
Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7) is accepting applications for the 2021/22 Partnership Program which reflects RTO7’s COVID-19 RECOVERY PLAN 2021/22. In the past, the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, & Culture Industries has provided the organization with additional funding, providing matching dollars can be raised from tourism partners. RTO7 will also contribute additional funds from its base funding towards these partnerships.
|
|
Tourism Relief Fund Launches
The Tourism Relief Fund, administered by Canada's regional development agencies and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), supports tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.
Eligible applicants include tourism entities that cater mainly to visitors, such as:
- businesses;
- not-for-profit organizations, such as tourism associations; and
- band councils or other Indigenous organizations and cooperatives.
To be considered eligible for this fund, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be a key supplier or operator in the visitor experience;
- Be part of a defined tourism cluster or a tourism dependent community, including supporting downtown cores; or
- Provide an anchor product or service in a tourism destination.
|
|
|
|
Ask An Expert: New Ways of Working: Key Considerations for Employers
On August 17th at 2 p.m. Town of Wasaga Beach businesses are invited to Ask An Expert: New Ways of Working: Key Considerations for Employers to learn about key considerations for employers if their employees are working remotely, returning the office, or a blend of both.
|
|
Safe Travels Stamp Administered By TIAO
Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) has been chosen by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to administer the Safe Travels Stamp in Canada. The Safe Travels Stamp is an international symbol designed to allow travelers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
|
|
Town of Wasaga Beach
BUSINESS RECOVERY PORTAL
|
|
Since the beginning of COVID-19, the Town of Wasaga Beach has been making every effort to support you and your business. As we now look towards careful re-opening and recovery, we have compiled over 150 special resources here to help your business source COVID-related information and funding. |
|
START AND GROW A BUSINESS PAGE |
|
Are you eager to launch a new business or expand your existing business in Wasaga Beach?
We have retail, commercial and industrial space, business supports, workshops, one-on-one counselling, and information about financial incentives to support your venture and help it thrive. On this page you will find local, regional, provincial and national resources to help you start or grow a business.
|
|
Reach out to Economic
Development today!
In addition to sourcing and sharing these resources for you, our Economic Development Team is always ready and available to assist you and your business. Help us to help you. We welcome and encourage you to contact us with your questions, comments or ideas - we will do our best to steer you in the best direction as you look to start, grow or support your business - for today and tomorrow.
|
|
|
*Disclaimer: The Town of Wasaga Beach is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
