For those reading our Newsletter on COVID-19 and the ongoing efforts by the Chamber to participate with TIAO, TIAC and the Canadian Chamber to secure greater relief and enhance existing programs, we want you to know that our work won’t be possible without the support of the Chamber Members and its Board of Directors.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber membership reflects a cross section of all sectors of our tourism economy. The Chamber and Tourism NOTL Team continues to monitor and provide updates on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, including the steps governments are taking to address the situation. We are working hard to make sure the NOTL businesses voice is heard, and that you have the information you need to keep your business going in these uncertain times.
From next week we’ll be including a special Retailer section with specifics of the sector and links to the RCC, Retail Council of Canada.
Please find in our newsletter the latest updates on official announcements and other relevant news.
Stay healthy,
The Team at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce and Tourism NOTL
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Calculator Now Available
Ahead of the Wage Subsidy application process, which will be available in the coming days, additional details and a calculator are now available for businesses.
KPMG Webinar: Navigating Federal & Provincial Programs
There is an impressive array of federal, provincial and territorial government programs that offer subsidies, loans and other measures to meet the urgent needs of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Join professionals from KPMG for a live interactive discussion on April 28 at 2:00 p.m. ET to help you better understand these programs and how they can help your operations.
Let's make some noise to honour front-line workers! Invite your neighbours to participate with you (from their own properties) and make it a street-wide initiative.
On April 25, go outside at 6:30 PM and raise your voice, honk your horn and MAKE SOME NOISE!
One community. One sound.
Check out our website for an updated list of restaurants offering takeout, curbside pickup or delivery. As well as a full list of wineries offering curbside pickup and delivery.
Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Details Announced
The Government of Canada announced it has reached an agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to provide rent relief for small businesses. The program will see tenants receive a 75% reduction in their rent payments for April, May and June.
The program is for small businesses, non-profits and charities that:
Pay less than $50,000 per month in rent.
Have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70% drop versus pre-COVID-19 revenues.
The program will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50% of the eligible rent payments. The loans will be forgiven if the property owner agrees to reduce the eligible small business tenants’ rent by at least 75% and agrees not to evict the tenant.
PRIVATE COMPANY RESILIENCE AND COVID-19: SUPPORT FOR SMALL- AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES
KPMG in Canada, through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce has shared their insights on COVID-19 in order to help Canadian businesses persevere and remain resilient throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
“We love organically grown events and this series is a prime example of that. In January of 2019, we started this series when local jazz pianist Doug Mundy asked us if we could store his Steinway grand piano at our Shady Acres Studio. We knew how our jazz fans LOVE the intimate concerts so we thought why not do one ‘In our own back yard’.
The first 4-part piano series was a huge success so we then decided to add another 4 shows and then another 2! 10 shows in total for 2019 and when the piano was removed we decided to continue with a guitar series. Part 4 of the guitar series came during the COVID-19 pandemic so we decided to adapt to the times. Our NEW live-streamed events are now in YOUR own backyard. ‘From our back yard to yours’
We do look forward to having our guests gather in our backyard again soon (when it is safe to do so) but until then we are thrilled to be able to live-stream our events and to keep the music alive in Niagara and beyond”
'In Your Own Backyard' Series - featuring pianist/vocalist Lance Anderson
Enjoy these live streamed performances with our compliments. Donations in support of our Festival and our artists are gratefully accepted. Follow the link to our Charity Page: (Registered Charity # 801077033 - RR0001)
