IN THE NEWS
Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate with QR Code and Verify Ontario App Available for Download

The Ontario government is making the enhanced vaccine certificate with an official QR code and the free, made-in Ontario verification app, Verify Ontario, available for download. Together, these tools will make it easier, more secure and convenient for individuals to provide proof of vaccination where required to do so and for businesses and organizations to verify vaccine certificates while protecting people’s privacy.
Ontario Cautiously Lifting Capacity Limits in Select Settings

Effective Saturday Oct 9, 12:01 am, Ontario Regulation (O.Reg) 698/21 made under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, amended O.Reg 364/20 Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step lifting capacity limits in select settings.  
 
In keeping with the government’s cautious approach, capacity limits will be lifted to allow 100 per cent capacity in the following settings: 
 
  • Concert venues, theatres and cinemas; 
  • Spectator areas of facilities for sports and recreational fitness (would not include gyms, personal training); 
  • Meeting and event spaces (indoor meeting and event spaces will still need to limit capacity to the number that can maintain physical distancing); 
  • Horseracing tracks, car racing tracks, and other similar venues; and 
  • Commercial film and television productions with studio audiences. 

Other businesses and places with previously prescribed capacity limits remain in effect as do vaccination requirements and all other regulations as prescribed by O.Reg 364/20.  
Ontario Chamber Calls for Evidence-Based Metrics & Transparency on Lifting Capacity Limited

Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, released the following statement in response to the Ontario government’s announcement to lift capacity limits for certain businesses.
Province Launches New Modern Ontario Business Registry
Ontario’s businesses and not-for-profit corporations are overdue for a new business registry that meets the needs of our modern economy and rapidly expanding digital world.

This modern online service will make it easier and more affordable for millions of businesses and not-for-profit corporations to access Ontario government services such as registering a business, incorporating a not-for-profit, and filing an annual return.
Accelerate Business Recovery: A Virtual Hub (the Hub)

Designed to support businesses as they emerge from the pandemic, in a flexible online format, the Hub will provide:
  • High quality skill development videos curated by York University in the areas of Digital Marketing, Strategic Planning and Financial Planning;
  • Short instructional videos created by local business leaders providing success tips in a variety of subject areas;
  • One-on-one Coaching and instruction available from experts in your industry. If you need a specialized consultant in the areas of Digital Marketing, Financial Planning and/or Strategic Planning consultants, we can provide access to the experts, all free of charge;
  • Mental Health Support is available if you've been struggling through the pandemic and could use some help, our Mental Health expert is waiting to help you, all free of charge.
  • An opportunity to enroll in the Foundations Certificate in Business Management, a $2,000 York University /Schulich School of Business course, absolutely free of charge to York Region businesses who have had a significant loss in revenue or who have had to close their doors during the pandemic. A significant number of seats will be reserved for Women and BIPOC business owners. 
The Hub is open to all York Region businesses free of charge, so be sure to share this initiative with your colleagues and other business owners in the Region.
Don’t delay, if you’re interested in learning new skills and getting answers to your business questions, check out the Hub today!
Send a message to our in-house Business Consultant if you're in need of support.

StaySafe COVID-19 Rapid Screening Program
Workplace Self-Screening Kits

  • Keep your employees safe with FREE COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Self Screening Kits!
  • Free for all businesses in Aurora with 150 employees or less
  • Asymptomatic employees test themselves twice per week
  • Results take 15-20 minutes
  • Once order is received, we will arrange a date & time for pick-up.
OEB Announces New Electricity Rates / Program Update
The OEB has announced further updates to the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which provides rebates for charities and small businesses. As of May 1st, small business/registered charity customers can receive up to $1,500—for electricity and natural gas bills, respectively.
Government Updates

Please click on the links below to read updates from the municipal, provincial and federal governments

Update from Mayor Mrakas, Town of Aurora, read here

Update from Christine Elliott, MPP Newmarket-Aurora, read here

Update from Michael Parsa, MPP Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, read here