May 22, 2020

Dear Downtown Yonge BIA members,
 
The staff and board of the Downtown Yonge BIA are engaged and actively working to support the membership during this time, working closely with the City of Toronto, relevant agencies and other BIAs throughout the city to ensure the health and safety of all our community stakeholders.

We believe our primary role in this time of crisis it to ensure the Downtown Yonge community can access accurate, up-to-the-minute information from the appropriate, expert sources. As stewards of the Downtown Yonge neighbourhood, we are focused on making sure our members and stakeholders can navigate the current situation as quickly and effectively as possible.
 
Below is a round-up of critical links and resources:
NEW: Downtown Yonge At Home- Nature Lovers Guide
We've got another Downtown Yonge At Home guide, this time for the nature lovers out there!

TTC Subway Closure- Sunday May 24


Line 1: This Sunday only, there will be no subway service between Bloor-Yonge and St Andrew stations due to ATC signal upgrades. Shuttle buses will run.

Ontario Government announces new program that focuses on hospitality workers and apprentices
The province is investing in Ontario's first Virtual Action Centre, an online counselling and training portal, to support laid off and unemployed hospitality workers, and is helping apprentices by providing grants to purchase tools, protective equipment and clothing for their trade, along with forgiving previous loans to purchase tools.

The government is investing nearly $2 million to open a Virtual Action Centre in partnership with UNITE HERE Local 75. This virtual job training resource will provide up to 7,000 unemployed workers in the hospitality sector with access to a wide range of services and supports online and over the phone, including:
  • Stress management and mental health resources through video conferencing;
  • Immediate health and safety online training for workers who return to work at designated quarantined sites;
  • Technical skills online training;
  • Online training to upgrade English language and digital skills;
  • Peer group facilitation and employment preparation through videoconferencing.
ActiveTO road Closures for this weekend
The following three major road closures are planned this weekend from Saturday, May 23 at 6 a.m. until Sunday, May 24 at 11 p.m.:

•      Lake Shore Boulevard West (eastbound lanes only) from Windermere Avenue to Stadium Road. The eastbound Gardiner Expressway off ramp to Lake Shore Boulevard West (exit #146) will also be closed
•      Lake Shore Boulevard East (eastbound lanes only) from Coxwell Avenue to just south of Woodbine Avenue (Kew Beach Avenue)
•      Bayview Avenue from Mill Street to Rosedale Valley Road, and River Street from Gerrard Street East to Bayview Avenue.

NEW: Free Webinar for DYBIA Members- Mental Health Recognition and Response during COVID-19- June 3, 2020 9am-10:30am
This webinar is focused on developing your capacity to respond to individuals experiencing distress.

It is particularly helpful for groups working with the public or providing customer service.

In these particularly challenging times, stress levels are higher for everyone. In this webinar, we’ll explore using supportive communication and de-escalation skills in the era of COVID-19.


Government Updates
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program Applications begin May 25
Commercial property owners will be offered forgivable loans to cover 50 per cent of three-monthly rent payments. The loans will be forgiven if the property owner agrees to reduce eligible businesses’ rent by at least 75 per cent for the three months. 

Ontario Public Health Guidelines on Face Coverings and Masks
Now that the province is reopening, the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts are recommending that individuals wear a face covering where physical distancing is not possible, such as on public transit or in a small grocery store or pharmacy. In order to assist people and reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health released the following face covering recommendations:
  • Wear your face covering safely and snugly to cover your nose and mouth, without any gaps. Ensure your face covering is made of at least two layers of tightly woven material and can be cleaned multiple times without losing its shape;
  • Medical masks, such as surgical and N95 masks, should be reserved for use by health care workers, those providing direct care, first responders and individuals who are ill and must leave their home for essential reasons such as seeking medical care, picking up medication or groceries;
  • Face coverings should not be placed on or used by children under the age of two; anyone who has trouble breathing; and anyone who is unable to remove it without assistance.
Government of Ontario Survey on Economic Impact of COVID-19
The Government of Ontario has released a survey assessing the economic impact of COVID-19 on businesses and communities. We encourage all Toronto residents and businesses to fill it out.

Government of Canada announces open application for the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
Applications are now open for the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF). The loans will be offered for the next 12 months on a case-by-case basis dependent on individual needs. 

Government of Canada Announces Expansion of Eligibility for the Canada Emergency Business Account
The changes to the CEBA will allow more Canadian small businesses to access interest free loans that will help cover operating costs during a period when revenues have been reduced, due to the pandemic.

The program will now be available to a greater number of businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll.
To qualify under the expanded eligibility criteria, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 would need:
  • a business operating account at a participating financial institution
  • a Canada Revenue Agency business number, and to have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return.
  • eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million. Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance

Statistics Canada Perceptions of Safety during COVID-19 Survey
Statistics Canada is conducting a data collection on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadians.

The current questionnaire focuses on perceptions of safety. We highly encourage all members to complete the survey and share their thoughts. The survey closes May 25, 2020.

Government of Ontario Directory of PPE Suppliers for Workplaces
The Ontario Government has released a directory of PPE Suppliers that can help keep your employees and customers safe.

City of Toronto partners with Ritual to support Toronto restaurants and food services
Ritual ONE provides restaurants and food services, such as grocers, butchers and bakeries with an easy way to accept digital orders from their own website and social media accounts. Onsite contactless digital ordering is also available. Customers will be able to choose between pickup and delivery.

Businesses that sign up for Ritual ONE by June 1 will receive the service free for life and will not pay any commission or monthly subscription fees on Ritual ONE orders. Businesses will be provided with a dedicated expert to help support them during the onboarding process. This offer is also available to existing restaurants in the Ritual marketplace. Standard credit card processing rates would still need to be paid. Toronto businesses can sign up for Ritual ONE at  ritual.co/partners .

Businesses enrolled in the City's ShopHERE program will also be eligible for Ritual ONE and a lifetime exemption from commission and subscription fees. Toronto independent businesses and artists can sign up for their free online ShopHERE store at  digitalmainstreet.ca/shophere .

City of Toronto Guidelines for Businesses
The Emergency Operations Centre has worked with Toronto Public Health, the Toronto Office of Recovery and Rebuild, Transportation Services, and other City divisions to help draft guidelines for businesses to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and encourage physical distancing.

Examples of how business owners can help keep employees and customers safe include:
•      Actively managing entry into their stores by placing employees, signage and visual cues such as cones or tape
•      Encouraging employees and customers to wear face coverings, such as non-medical masks or scarves
•      Managing lines inside the store by placing tape every two metres (six feet)
•      Allowing for online or over the phone orders
•      Scheduling pickup times for customers
•      Defining a process for how employees interact with customers – especially related to loading vehicles and payments
•      Where possible, only accepting payments by credit card, debit or gift card

Resources you can find on the City of Toronto's website include staff screening questionnaires, tips for businesses offering curbside pickup, posters for retail entrances and more.


City of Toronto launches ShopHERE to help local businesses and artists open free online stores
ShopHERE will provide Toronto independent businesses and artists the opportunity to develop an online store, which will be built and launched for free in just a matter of days. Hands-on support will be provided throughout the entire process from volunteer website developers and marketing and business students.

The program will provide Toronto’s independent businesses and artists with:
• A template to develop an online store on Shopify, customized with their information, branding, logo, etc.
• Hands-on assistance setting up and launching their online store
• Training and support for digital marketing, shipping and operating an online store
• Access to free tools and online advertising credits to support the launch of their online store.

Participant Requirements:
The ShopHERE program is open to  any businesses or artist  that meets the following requirements:
  • Pays commercial property taxes in the City of Toronto
  • Have fewer than 10 employees, or fewer than 25 if they are a café, restaurant, or bar
  • Not be a corporate chain or franchise
  • OR must be an artist located within the City of Toronto.
Ontario Government Guidelines for Essential Businesses
The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and its health and safety association partners have now released over 80 sector-specific health and safety guidelines, including guidelines for curbside pickup and delivery services. The Ministry of Health has also released a guidance document for essential workplaces. Business owners should use these guidelines to develop reopening plans that work for their business and protect workers, customers and the general public as the province prepares for the gradual reopening of the economy.



Workshops and Webinars
Free Digital Workshops for Businesses
Digital Mainstreet is offering free online workshops for businesses to help them with the transition to e-commerce during this pandemic.

May 25, 9:30am-11am- Social Media for Small Business

Downtown Yonge Resources
New Contact details for Yonge Street Neighbourhood Community Police Officers
The contact details for the Yonge Street Neighbourhood Community Officers have changed.

Downtown Toronto Drop-In Resource- Updated Changes due to COVID-19- May 15, 2020
To keep up with constant changes in the social services sector, we have created a simplified version of the Drop-In Resource that lists the changes in drop-ins around Downtown Yonge during this pandemic. We will be updating this list regularly as changes arise. Please click here for the list.
Downtown Yonge Initiative: Yonge Locals
#YongeLocals is a campaign we have created to highlight the businesses operating in the Downtown Yonge community and the local Torontonians behind them. Fill out our quick form and have your business highlighted on our social media for free !


Crime Prevention Tips for Businesses
Toronto Police Service 52 Division has offered some tips for businesses that are having to close their physical stores due to COVID-19.

  1. Ensure locks, alarms and CCTV are operational 
  2. Track inventory and update insurance coverage 
  3. When checking your business, do so during the day. 
  4. Display empty cash drawer in window view 
  5. Leave lights on inside and out 
  6. Tell your business neighbours your plan 
  7. Post emergency contact keyholder information inside the store 
  8. Remove high-value items from window view 
  9. Back up all business documentation 
  10. Report suspicious activity by calling non-emergency line (416) 808-2222 
How to Report a Crime Infographic
A reminder that community safety is a shared responsibility for all. Without your reporting, the Toronto Police Service do not know what is going on in the community. If you see something, report it. To see the different ways to report a crime, click here for our How to Report a Crime infographic.
Bring Back Main Street
DYBIA is one of the nationwide members of the Main Street Action Network in the "Bring Back Main Street" campaign that was announced today by the Canadian Urban Institute. The research and advocacy campaign will look at support for businesses as we recover and emerge from the COVID crisis.

Other Links
More details announced on Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses.
The federal government has reached an agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to implement the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. This program will lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

  • The program will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50 per cent of three monthly rent payments that are payable by eligible small business tenants who are experiencing financial hardship during April, May, and June. 
  • The loans will be forgiven if the mortgaged property owner agrees to reduce the eligible small business tenants’ rent by at least 75 per cent for the three corresponding months under a rent forgiveness agreement, which will include a term not to evict the tenant while the agreement is in place. The small business tenant would cover the remainder, up to 25 per cent of the rent.
  • Impacted small business tenants are businesses paying less than $50,000 per month in rent and who have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70 per cent drop in pre-COVID-19 revenues. This support will also be available to non-profit and charitable organizations.
City of Toronto launches CurbTO
Over the last several weeks, Toronto Public Health, Transportation Services, and Toronto Police have been working with the Mayor's office and Councillors' offices on a common sense approach to pedestrian hot spots that will help further encourage physical distancing in areas where it is challenging due to lineups for essential businesses.

This initiative – which will expand to more than 100 locations across the city - is one more way the City government is working to protect public health and stop the spread of COVID-19.

CurbTO Program Initiatives

1. Curb Lane Pedestrian Zones will increase space for pedestrians trying to get around line-ups outside essential businesses and other pinch points as identified by Toronto Public Health and Transportation Services.

2. Temporary Parking Pick-Up Zones will provide an opportunity for drivers and delivery agents to expedite medicine and food pick-ups by allowing them to temporarily park for up to 10 minutes in close proximity to the desired essential business in otherwise restricted parking areas.

NEW: Support Retail- New platform for business promotion
Support Retail is a free online directory that helps GTA shoppers find local small businesses OPEN for walk-in, pickup or delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once you're listed on Support Retail, shoppers will be able to search for your store by name, industry, keyword, or location. No download necessary, works on any device.
This initiative – which will expand to more than 100 locations across the city - is one more way the City government is working to protect public health and stop the spread of COVID-19.

City of Toronto new BusinessTO Support Centre
The newly announced BusinessTO Support Centre provides one-on-one virtual support to help businesses complete applications for Government of Canada COVID-19 funding programs and get general business advice. They will also be hosting webinars.

How to be Productive Working from Home & Plan during COVID-19 Crisis
Friday, May 1, 10 a.m. 

City of Toronto DonateTO launched
The City of Toronto is working hard to support everyone impacted by COVID-19 and there are many ways the community can support the relief efforts, including donations of personal protective equipment, other goods and services, food and financial gifts. All donations help the City, in coordination with our community partners to enhance much needed services and supports, especially for the most vulnerable and those who support them. 

CAMH Mental Health Resources
To access virtual mental health resources provided by CAMH, please click here.
Downtown Yonge BIA Updates
A reminder to Downtown Yonge BIA members that the Community Engagement Team and the Clean Streets Team are off the street until further notice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For any issues or concerns in the public realm, or if you see someone who you believe needs assistance, call 311.

In case of an emergency, call 911.

For the most up-to-date information on the Downtown Yonge BIA, please follow us on social media @DowntownYonge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
We encourage members to reach out if they have any questions or concerns.
Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area
T: 416-597-0255