In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- Early Bird Promotion for 2022 Memberships Now Available!
- TSNN Update for Seasonal Operator
- Regulation Changes Coming Into Effect January 31st, 2022
- Yamaha Motor Canada Introduces Special Co-Op Program to Encourage Preferred Supplier Memberships
- Proposal to Strengthen Guide Requirements for Non-Resident White-Tailed Deer Hunters in Northern Ontario
- Proposal to Amend Regulations to Allow Limited Personal Use Harvesting of Wood Without Ministry Authorization
- Province Investing in Upgrades to Turtle Portage Marine Railway on Lake of the Woods
- Ontario Announces Northern Transportation Task Force
- TIAO Calls Next Week
- Important Survey Reminders
- Forestry Notices
- Tourism SkillsNet North
- Safe Travel Stamp
We will continue to strive to bring forward pertinent information to the tourism industry as it becomes available. We will also do our best to find answers to your questions. Do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you.
NOTO Contact Emails:
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A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
As we predicted last week, this past week was an intense week of meetings and follow-ups with a range of government folks from both provincial and federal levels.
As a member of TIAO's tourism delegation at the Rural Ontario Municipality Association (ROMA) conference we were afforded the opportunity to participate in 14 meetings with senior level provincial officials to bring the specific needs of the resource-based tourism sector. We made every effort to take what you have told us to these leaders and policy makers to ensure that the path is being set for a stable recovery.
We also joined our Canadian Federation of Outfitters Association (CFOA) colleagues in a meeting with Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O'Toole. It was an opportunity to try to get a sense of what that party's plans are for recovery from the pandemic and to ensure that as they develop their plans they know what our sector needs are.
We are planning for meetings with other MPPs and MPs across the North and the country from all parties over the coming weeks.
This week we also submitted an extensive list of recommendations to the 2022 provincial pre-budget consultation process. See our budget submission HERE. Last week we shared a shortlist of recommendations on red tape reduction policy changes that would support recovery and growth in the RBT sector. To see our recommendations for red tape reduction click HERE. These documents have been developed with the feedback that we have received from members directly as well as through our surveys. We thank you for your continued engagement. If you believe we have missed something crucial in our recommendations, we have more opportunities coming up and encourage you to reach out and share with us your thoughts.
There is a great deal of information in this newsletter. There is a great deal going on these days. I hope you will take the time to read through the information and get involved where you are asked to.
In the meantime, we are looking forward to another busy week of meetings and preparations.
Be well,
Laurie
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Early Bird Promotion for 2022 Memberships Now Available!
Renew your membership or join NOTO before March 31st, 2022 to be entered for a chance to win the Early Bird Prize Draw! *Prize to be announced at a later date.
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Entry Level: $452.00
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Bronze:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Silver:
$734.50 NOW: $706.25
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Basic:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
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Bronze:
$779.70 NOW: $734.50
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Silver:
$1,367.30 NOW: $1,299.50
Prices listed above include HST. To renew your membership or to join NOTO, please click on the appropriate category link above to access the membership form. Completed forms can be printed and mailed to the NOTO office, or scanned and emailed to kate@noto.net or laurie@noto.net.
Thank you for your support!
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TSNN Update for Seasonal Operators
Attention Seasonal Operators - We are reaching out to you today to provide you with two updates on the Tourism SkillsNet North program:
Firstly, we would like to inform you about the following:
As you begin to hire staff for the 2022 season (with most jobs beginning in May), we have reached out to the Ministry to see how this would impact the wage subsidy portion of the program. The Tourism SkillsNet North program is currently set to end on March 31st, 2022, meaning that you would not be able to claim a wage subsidy for these positions. However, NOTO and Destination Northern Ontario are currently submitting an application for an extension to this program. If approved by the Ministry, we intend to move all applications from seasonal operators into the 2nd round of TSNN funding which will allow you to claim the wage subsidy for your 2022 hires. We will advise the industry on the Ministry's decision as soon as we receive an answer.
That being said, we can still help you find and train staff ahead of the 2022 season:
We've developed a Tourism SkillsNet North Indeed profile as well as a new comprehensive job board which helps us collect resumes, while also assisting with targeted measures to help fill your vacancies. Here's how this works:
- NOTO uses the job postings you've submitted to the TSNN program upon registration to create a job posting on Indeed as a "Talent Recruiter" for your business, as well as on the TSNN Job Board. This helps us target individuals within your regions or who are willing to travel/temporarily relocate for work.
- We collect all of the resumes and send them all your way.
- You can conduct interviews with each candidate you feel is fit for your business needs.
- If you hire an employee through this method, we will work together to get them registered to the Tourism SkillsNet North program, and get them trained.
- If our TSNN extension application is approved by the Ministry, we will reach out with instructions and details about the new wage subsidy.
If you have any questions about the Tourism Skills Net North program, please the NOTO staff. We'd be more than happy to help!
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Regulation Changes Coming Into Effect January 31st, 2022
Due to key indicators including a decline in positivity cases, declining number of outbreaks and plateauing or decreasing hospital and ICU admissions, Ontario will be re-entering Step 3 of the reopening plan effective January 31st, 2022.
General Regulations That Apply to All:
- All individuals must wear masks when indoors or when in line to enter a business
- Social distancing requirements (2m) continue to apply in most settings
- Active screening (COVID-19 questionnaire) required for workers
- Passive screening (signage in entrances of businesses) required for patrons. NOTE: some businesses need to ACTIVELY screen patrons as well. View requirements below.
- Businesses must post their capacity limits.
- Businesses must have a safety plan (their COVID-19 protocols & cleaning practices) posted in a conspicuous location and must be made available to any person upon request.
- Businesses may opt-into the proof of vaccination program.
- Businesses will no longer be required to record the name and contact information of patrons
Gathering Restrictions:
- 10 individuals indoors, 25 individuals outdoors with social distancing in place.
Hotels, Motels, Lodges, Resorts, Shared Accommodations and Short Term Accommodations:
- Open,
- Guests must show proof of vaccination to use indoor recreational amenities and fitness centers and must follow regulations (50% capacity limit, post capacity limit in obvious location, passive screening, must wear masks)
Restaurant, Bars, and Other Food & Drink Establishments:
- Proof of vaccination required for patrons eating on premises (Only the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code can be excepted, along with piece of ID)
- Must ACTIVELY screen patrons who are dining-in.
- 50% capacity limit - must post capacity limits in obvious location.
- No more than 10 individuals per table - patrons must remain seated
- Outdoor areas covered by roof, canopy, tent, awning or other must have at least two full sides opened to the outdoors that are not obstructed by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers. If the area is equipped with a retractable roof and the roof is open, at least one full side must be open to the outdoors and not substantially obstructed.
Tour & Guide Services:
- Open
- Cannot exceed 50% capacity if any part of the tour or guide service happens indoors
- Physical distancing applies
- Must ACTIVELY screen employees or those contracted as guides
Campgrounds:
- Open
- Guests must show proof of vaccination to use indoor recreational amenities and fitness centers and must follow regulations (50% capacity limit, post capacity limit in obvious location, passive screening, must wear masks)
Meeting and Event Spaces:
- Proof of vaccination required (Only the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code can be excepted, along with piece of ID)
- Must ACTIVELY screen all individuals attending the event
- 50% capacity limit - must post capacity limits in obvious location.
- No more than 10 individuals per table - patrons must remain seated
- No signing or dancing
- Rooms must be separated by a hard, non-porous divider
- Outdoor areas covered by roof, canopy, tent, awning or other must have at least two full sides opened to the outdoors that are not obstructed by any walls or other impermeable physical barriers. If the area is equipped with a retractable roof and the roof is open, at least one full side must be open to the outdoors and not substantially obstructed.
Marinas:
- Open,
- Guests must show proof of vaccination to use indoor recreational amenities and fitness centers and must follow regulations (50% capacity limit, post capacity limit in obvious location, passive screening, must wear masks)
- 50% capacity limit for all indoors amenities - must post capacity limit in obvious location
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Yamaha Motor Canada Introduces Special Co-Op Program to Encourage Preferred Supplier Memberships
As a proud Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) member for over 40 years, Yamaha Motor Canada wants to demonstrate our solidarity with and support for this industry association with a
special CO-OP program offer.
NOTO is dedicated to proactive planning, development and promotion of a strong nature and outdoor
tourism industry in Ontario. NOTO generates revenues to fund initiatives through its membership
(industry stakeholders and preferred suppliers) and, occasionally, through government funding when
available.
Yamaha has facilitated a special opportunity for dealers to support this valuable industry association
through membership. Not only will this reinforce our commitment to the industry at a time of great
need, but also will provide dealers with positive public relations exposure and marketing opportunities.
SPECIAL CO-OP PROGRAM DETAILS:
Pre-approval at Regular 50/50. Claim must be submitted by March 31, 2022.
• Any 2022 NOTO Preferred Supplier Membership – Basic, Bronze or Silver Level
Yamaha’s Ontario dealer network is as strong as ever. Let’s extend our support to Ontario’s outdoor
tourism industry, and by extension signal to camps, businesses and recreational customers across the
province that we’re here and ready to continue to provide an exceptional experience.
Thank you
Sales & Marketing
YAMAHA MOTOR CANADA
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THANK YOU YAMAHA MOTOR CANADA
NOTO would like to thank Yamaha for providing dealers with this very special co-op program to help build NOTO's Preferred Supplier membership and for their on-going support over the past 40+ years!
We encourage all operators to encourage their local dealers to take advantage of this offer and join NOTO this year.
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Proposal to Strengthen Guide Requirements for Non-Resident White-Tailed Deer Hunters in Northern Ontario
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry is seeking to engage the tourism industry and other interested parties on potential ideas and approaches to strengthen/expand guide requirements for non-resident white-tailed deer hunters in northern Ontario.
Currently, the only regulatory guide requirement for non-resident deer hunters in Ontario is that they must employ one licensed guide for each two hunters when hunting deer in the Territorial District of Rainy River (WMUs 9B, 10, 11A, and parts of 7B and 12B).
The Ministry invites you to complete the following survey to provide input on non-resident deer hunting and potential changes to guide requirements for non-resident white-tailed deer hunters in Northern Ontario. The survey closes on March 25, 2022.
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Proposal to Amend Regulations to Allow Limited Personal Use Harvesting of Wood Without Ministry Authorization
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) is proposing a new regulatory approach to governing personal use harvesting which would allow some limited personal use harvesting without any authorization from the Ministry.
The following personal use harvest of Crown forest resources activities are proposed to be allowed annually on a per household basis under rules set out in the regulation:
- collection of up to 10 cubic metres of downed wood (fallen trees and parts of trees)
- cutting of one Christmas tree, up to 2.5 metres in height, north of the French and Mattawa rivers
- cutting up to 5 small standing White Birch (Betula papyrifera) with a diameter of 10 cm or less at a height of 1.4 m
- transplanting of up to 5 trees that are no larger than 1.4 m in height
- cutting of branches of standing trees for creating decorative or artistic works
- collection of firewood (downed wood or cut standing dead wood) while Crown land camping or carrying out other recreational activities
All other harvesting activities for personal use would require authorization from MNDMNRF.
The proposed regulation would include a number of conditions on personal use harvest of Crown forest resources under either the rules in regulation or the authorization. These proposed restrictions would include:
- harvesting of Crown forest resources on Crown lands
- no harvest in provincial parks and conservation reserves
- no selling, trading or barter of harvested forest resources
- no harvest south of the managed forest (consisting of all designated management units)
- no use of heavy equipment
- no work in-water
- no harvesting in active forest operations, where forestry personnel or any equipment are present, or where any signs are posted indicating forest operations are scheduled to occur
- no building of new, extensions or enhancements to trails or roads to access forest resources
- no transporting of forest resources outside of Ontario
- no leaving of trees or other material in the road right-of-way, a road surface or in a ditch
As always, if you have any comments or concerns about this proposal, please e-mail the NOTO staff. To submit your own comments and to view the full proposal, please click on the button below.
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Province Investing in Upgrades to Turtle Portage Marine Railway on Lake of the Woods
The Ontario government is investing $800,000 to revitalize the Turtle Portage Marine Railway on Lake of the Woods. This marine railway provides a shortcut for users to move their boats between Whitefish Bay and Sabaskong Bay on Lake of the Woods instead of travelling 145 km by boat around the Aulneau Peninsula.
The Turtle Portage Marine Railway will be upgraded to improve its functionality, safety, and reliability, allowing for more recreational boating opportunities on the lake. Off-site assembly activities are already underway and on-site construction will begin as soon as conditions improve in the Spring.
It is anticipated that the crossing will be ready for boaters to use by Summer 2022.
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Ontario Announces Northern Transportation Task Force
The Ontario Government has launched their Northern Transportation Task Force. This advisory group will ensure that the transportation planning efforts and opportunities reflect the needs of Northern Ontario.
- Danny Whalen (Co-Chair): President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and Councillor, City of Temiskaming Shores
- Wendy Landry (Co-Chair): President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and Mayor, Municipality of Shuniah
- Mayor Brian Bigger: Mayor of Greater Sudbury
- Mayor Daniel Reynard: Mayor of Kenora
- Mayor Dave Plourde: Mayor of Kapuskasing
- Mayor Doug Lawrance: Mayor of Sioux Lookout
- Mayor Johanne Baril: Mayor of the Municipality of Val Rita-Harty and President of NorthEastern Ontario Municipal Association
- Grand Chief Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh: Grand Council Treaty #3
- Chief Melvin Hardy: Northern Superior Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief, Anishinabek Nation
- Kevin Eshkawkogan: CEO of Indigenous Tourism Ontario
- Alan Spacek: Chair of the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission
- Charles Cirtwill: President and CEO of the Northern Policy Institute
- Ron Bumstead: Owner, Bumstead Trucking
Additional members may be added at a later date.
NOTO is preparing to send our recommendations for changes and enhancements to transportation infrastructure that will support tourism to this task force in the coming weeks. We will continue to update readers as opportunities and information becomes available.
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TIAO Calls - Tuesday Feb. 1st
Please see below for information on how to join this week's Industry Update Calls. We will be joined by special guests from the Culinary Tourism Alliance who will present results from the 2020/2021 Great Taste of Ontario.
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Update Call
Tue, Feb 1, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EST)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 539-632-997
COVID-19 Ontario Tourism Update Call
Tue, Feb 1, 2022 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 778-666-205
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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Important Survey Reminders
We Can't Help Without YOUR Data
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TIAC's Tourism Relief Fund Survey
The Tourism Industry Association of Canada has been advocating for the faster roll out of Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) support to the industry. They have also asked the government to consider supporting projects under this Fund that help tourism operators recover and relaunch their businesses from the pandemic in addition to projects which i) create new or enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors; and ii) help the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors.
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2021 Northern Ontario Fixed Roof Accommodation Survey
Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), in partnership with Northeastern Ontario Tourism, Algoma Country, Sunset Country, Superior Country and NOTO, is conducting the annual Northern Ontario Fixed Roof Accommodation survey to benchmark the industry’s performance.
This 30-minute survey seeks to collect data on your operation’s performance in 2020 and 2021, including market segmentation and high-level financials, COVID-19 funding programs, and an outlook on 2022. We realize that you may be surveyed out, but as an industry stakeholder, DNO and its partners really need and appreciate your input.
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TIAO Survey on the Current Challenges Facing Ontario's Tourism Businesses in 2022
This survey will help to gather data on the tourism sector Provincially. We encourage every tourism operator to take a few minutes to respond to this survey. It is important that your information is included at that Provincial level to TIAO who has been a strong advocate and important partner to NOTO as we continue to work together to support tourism operators.
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Ontario Staycation Tax Credit Survey
In an effort to support tourism operators prepare for the opportunity to capitalize on the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit and support their guests, NOTO has created a quick survey that will take less than 5 minutes to complete.
We are hopeful that the information we gather in this survey will help others. We intend to share the summary of responses in one week. For more details and FAQs on the new tax credit click HERE.
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Forestry Notices
NOTO would like to take this opportunity to remind operators of the importance of staying up-to-date on the forestry activities happening in your region. We encourage all operators to take some time to review Forest Management Plans (FMP) and to participate in the consultations to ensure your business values are respected in the development of an FMP.
The NOTO office has received the following notices which remain open for comments:
- Abitibi, Gordon Cosens, Pineland, Romeo-Malette & Timiskaming Forests - Review of Pest Management Program (Aerial Spraying for Spruce Budworm) (closes February 9th)
- Black Spruce Forest - Forest Management Plan Amendment (closes April 1st)
- English River Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (closes March 31st)
- Kenora Forest - Inspection of Approved 2022-2032 Forest Management Plan (closes April 1st)
- Ogoki Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (closes April 1st)
- Trout Lake Forest - Inspection of Approved Burn Plan for Slash Piles (closes March 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (closes March 31st)
- Wabadowgang Noopming Forest - Review of Proposed Operations 2023-2033 FMP (closes Feb. 11)
- Whiskey Jack Forest - Review of Forest Management Plan Extension (closes December 14th)
To view these notices and to participate in the consultations, please click on the button below. To receive notices for your Forest Management Unit directly in your inbox, register an account on the Ministry's forestry website by clicking here.
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Tourism SkillsNet North
In need of staff? We can help!
Register your business to the Tourism SkillsNet North program. We have job seekers in various areas across Northern Ontario that we will train and match to your business in hopes of filling your vacancies! As the employer, you will be able to interview each candidate we send your way and decide if you would like to hire them.
If you hired staff outside of the program after June 1, 2021, you can still register them to the Tourism SkillsNet North program to have them trained and receive a wage subsidy! As long as your employees complete the mandatory training courses, you will receive a 30% wage subsidy (up to $3000) per employee! This could help you with recruitment for next season.
Register your business and/or your employees today by clicking on the button below.
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Safe Travels Stamp
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) created the Safe Travels Stamp which is an international symbol designed to allow travellers to recognize governments and companies around the world, which have adopted health and hygiene, standardized protocols – so consumers can experience ‘Safe Travels’.
In Ontario, the Safe Travels Stamp are administered by TIAO. NOTO's health and safety protocols, which have been vetted by the Government of Ontario have been recognized as standardized protocols for this purpose.
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NOTO is a membership based organization that works hard to support the outdoor tourism industry through advocacy and information services. We rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners to continue our work. For more information about membership with NOTO visit noto.ca
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