The Listowel BIA
e-Newsletter
We wanted to send out a quick newsletter on a few Covid related announcements that impact businesses as well as other updates, a United Way campaign that has kicked off and our holiday season plans. Our Coordinator continues to primarily work from her home office but is available by appointment, via email at lschaefer@northperth.ca or by phone at 519-444-8233. Please reach out to us at anytime.
Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings

The Government of Ontario announced that proof of vaccination will be required for indoor dining, gyms, and entertainment as of September 22, 2021. Ontarians will need to be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) and provide their proof of vaccination receipt along with photo ID (drivers license or health card) to access certain public settings and facilities.
 
This approach focuses on higher-risk indoor public settings where face coverings cannot always be worn and includes:
·       Restaurants and bars (excluding outdoor patios, as well as delivery and takeout);
·       Nightclubs (including outdoor areas of the establishment);
·       Meeting and event spaces, such as banquet halls and conference/convention centres;
·       Facilities used for sports and fitness activities and personal fitness training, such as gyms, fitness and recreational facilities with the exception of youth recreational sport;
·       Sporting events;
·       Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments;
·       Concerts, music festivals, theatres and cinemas;
·       Strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs;
·       Racing venues (e.g., horse racing).
 
These mandatory requirements will not apply to settings such as:
·       Low-risk outdoor settings, including patios (apart from outdoor nightclub spaces given the risk associated with the setting)
·       Settings where people receive medical care, food from grocery stores, and medical supplies
 
Those who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical exemptions will be permitted entry with a doctor’s note until recognized medical exemptions can be integrated as part of a digital vaccine certificate. Children who are 11 years of age and younger and unable to be vaccinated will also be exempted from these requirements.
 
Beginning October 22, 2021, an enhanced vaccine certificate, as well as a verification app to allow businesses to read the QR code, will be available. Ontario will develop and implement an enhanced vaccine certificate with unique QR code and accompanying verification app that will allow users to verify their vaccination status securely and safely.

You can find the news release HERE.
You can find frequently asked questions HERE.
You can find the Ontario Government Reopen Plan website HERE.

Covid Screening Questionnaire Updates

Ontario has removed symptoms from their COVID-19 screening guidance as well as updated screening questions considering those vaccinated.

Ontario has trimmed down the COVID-19 symptoms that would require children to stay home from school or daycare, dropping runny noses, sore throats, muscle aches and headaches from the list. The province’s updated online screening tool lists five categories of symptoms “most commonly associated with COVID-19.” Those are fever and chills, cough or barking cough, shortness of breath, losing taste or smell and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Some symptoms were also removed for people over age 18 taking the questionnaire. Removed symptoms for that age group include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, runny nose, sore throat, congestion, headache, stomach pain, pink eye and falling down often.

You can find more information HERE.
You can find COVID-19 worker and employee screening HERE.
You can find a self assessment HERE.
You can find school and child care screening HERE.
Province Launches New Modern Ontario Business Registry
The new Ontario Business Registry will be launched on October 19, making it easier, simpler, and more affordable for millions of businesses and not-for-profit corporations to interact with the government.
Businesses will now be able to complete over 90 transactions through the new online registry, including registering a new business and dissolving an existing one. Registrations or filings that were previously submitted by mail or fax, taking four to six weeks to complete, can now be done instantly through the online registry. When online transactions are completed, users will receive automatic email notices with electronic attachments instead of paper documents. The migration of annual return filings that were previously completed through the Canada Revenue Agency will be available through the Ontario Business Registry, allowing businesses to keep all their important filings in one place.
Along with the launch of the Ontario Business Registry, the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010 will come into force on October 19, which will provide a modern legislative framework for Ontario’s not-for-profit corporations. The legislation will significantly reduce the bureaucratic burden on not-for-profit corporations, moving from paper-based filings to digital services and providing them with enhanced flexibility. For the first time ever, Ontario not-for-profit corporations will be able to access an online government system for registrations and filings, saving them time and reducing duplication of paperwork. Features like pre-defined text will help users move along error-free and reduce legal costs.

You can find more information about the new system at Ontario.ca/BusinessRegistry
Unite for a Bite United Way Kickoff!

The United Way Perth Huron celebrates its Campaign Kickoff with a great initiative that supports our community in tackling #UNIGNORABLE issues and our local restaurants!!

PRE-ORDER your meals for Friday September 17th from the following North Perth Participating Restaurants:
and the Atwood Cafe.

Purchase lunch for $20 and $5 donated to United Way. All the details and order form can be found at

Rapid Test Screening Available at the North Perth Chamber of Commerce!!!

The North Perth Chamber of Commerce continues to be a distributer of rapid test kits for our businesses.



Details include:
  • FREE for all businesses in North Perth with less than 150 employees!
  • Pick up kits (by appointment only) at the Chamber office
  • Asymptomatic employees test themselves twice per week
  • Get results in 15 minutes!
  • Those who test positive or inconclusive must go for a lab-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test at a local site

The Chamber launched this program on Monday, May 31, 2021. Visit their website to sign-up at  
Coming Up!

Although our flowers are still in full bloom we are already planning for what we hope is a busy holiday season! This includes:

  • Holiday decorations starting to go up November 12
  • A resident decorating contest
  • A business decorating contest
  • A selfie photo contest
  • A Deck the Halls Weekend (November 25 to 27)
  • A shop dollar promotion
  • Support to community events such as the North Perth Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade
  • Advertising on the radio, social media, the Chamber sign, the local paper, our website and more!

Have a great idea or want to discuss what we are doing? Reach out to us HERE.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions, comments, or require assistance. We will continue to promote supporting local during this time through various channels including social media, radio and print.

You can reach Lisa Schaefer, Coordinator, by email at lschaefer@northperth.ca or by phone at 519-444-8233.
©Municipality of North Perth, 330 Wallace Ave. N., Listowel ON N4W 1L3
P: 519-291-2950 | TF: 1-888-714-1993 | Website: www.northperth.ca