Clarification on Essential Businesses During the Lockdown
We have received quite a few e-mails surrounding what is and isn't permitted during the second lockdown as it relates to lodge, resort and campground operations. The complete list of regulations can be seen here.

NOTE: These regulations come into effect for 14-days in Northern Ontario and 28 days for Southern Ontario as of December 26th, 2020 at 12:01am.

Here is some clarification:

  • Lodges, cabin rentals, campgrounds, resorts can only be open to those in need of housing (i.e. essential workers, those in need of a place to self-isolate, snowbirds who's trailer or cottage is their Canadian permanent address).

  • Seasonal campgrounds specifics: only trailers and recreational vehicles used by individuals in need of housing or are permitted to be there by seasonal contract. Only campsites with electricity, water service and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided for use. All recreational and other shared facilities, excluding washrooms and showers must be closed. Other areas of the seasonal campground must be closed to the general public.

  • Lodges, resorts, etc. can honour bookings made prior to November 22nd, 2020. However, you must comply to the regulations listed below:

  • No indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Outdoor organized public events (i.e. events taking place at a business) may take place with 10 individuals as long as physical distancing is maintained. NOTO recommends that operators who are honouring bookings made prior to November 22nd, if at all possible, place individuals from different households or at minimum those that were not part of the same social bubble in separate accommodations.

  • Masks must be worn by all individuals and employees inside the place of business.

  • Physical distancing must be enforced.

  • Restaurants and bars, and all other types of dining establishments can not open. They can provide take-out, delivery or drive-through services only.

  • Pools, spas, fitness centers, common areas, meeting spaces, and any other indoor recreational facilities must be closed.

  • Tour and guide services are not permitted.

  • Outdoor recreation such as ice rinks, snowmobile, cross country, dogsledding, ice-skating and snow-shoe trails, tobogganing hills and skating trails are permitted to be open as long as social distancing can be maintained. Ski hills must be closed.

  • Businesses must record the name and contact information of each patron, as well as screen each patron upon arrival (i.e. questionnaire about COVID-19 symptoms, if they've been identified as a close contact of someone who tested positive, and recent travel).

  • Businesses or places that are open shall ensure that equipment, washrooms, locker rooms, change rooms, showers that are accessible to the public are cleaned and disinfected as frequently as is necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.

  • Requirement for all open businesses to prepare and make available a COVID-19 safety plan (your workplace health and safety protocols). A copy of the plan shall be made available to any person for review upon request, and be posted where it would come to the attention of individuals working in or attending the business. This plan includes the screening of employees and patrons, contact tracing, what to do in the event someone gets sick, physical distancing, masks, and other health and safety protocols you've put into place. You are more than welcome to implement and share NOTO's health and safety protocols.

We hope this helps!
Programs that May Assist You

As a result of the lockdown, some of you may qualify for Ontario's energy bill and property tax rebate program. You will need to submit proof of costs which includes a copy of your property tax bill and a copy of the first energy bill you receive on or following the start date of the lockdown. This includes bills if your business is heated by propane or heating oil.

Yesterday, the Government announced the Ontario Small Business Support Grant that will provide a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 for qualifying businesses who expect a decrease in revenue as a result of this second lockdown. As it currently stands, businesses must demonstrate that they experienced a revenue decline of at least 20% when comparing monthly revenue in April 2019 and April 2020.

NOTO has submitted comments to multiple Government officials on how comparing monthly revenue in April will not capture seasonal businesses who will once again be impacted by lockdowns.

Further details about the grant, including how to apply and eligibility will be available in January.
NOTO | noto.ca