In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- Government Declines Request to Waive 2022 Fees
- NOTO Board of Directors Update
- Federal Government Re-Introduces Travel Restrictions and Requirements for International Travellers
- ITO's COVID-19 Impact Assessment on the Indigenous Tourism Industry in Ontario
- TIAO Calls
- 2022 Spring Training Week Planning Survey
- Individual Public Health Unit Restriction Updates
- Tourism SkillsNet North
- Safe Travel Stamp
- Renew or Join NOTO! - Early Bird Rates Extended!
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
Laurie Marcil
As we listen to the news and legislative discussions at the provincial and federal levels, it is obvious that we are not out of the grips of this pandemic, it is critical that we continue to press for meaningful programs and support that will see this industry through to recovery.
We had all hoped by now that we would be well on our way to recovery but with the restrictions on travel, the overwhelming increases in debt, insurance premiums and other operating costs, and the continued uncertainty, recovery for most in the tourism sector is a long way off. Now is not the time for our Governments to wash their hands of supporting small businesses. Now is the time to dig deeper and work with those sectors who are still facing major challenges. Now is not the time to stop investing in the sectors that if cared for have a real opportunity to help the economy get back on its feet.
In addition to subsidies and non-repayable financial support we must continue our work to ensure that barriers to growth and recovery are removed within policies and regulations. We have already seen some great interest here from a variety of ministries and we are looking forward to continuing our discussions.
As we work hard to ensure our government's get these messages and we advocate for continued supports for those subsectors that truly need it, we will be calling on our small business owners to help us gather the data that supports our recommendations. I know many of you have been feeling survey fatigue. We are very conscious of that and take that into account when creating our surveys. We will continue to make them relevant and brief. We can't do our job without this information.
As I have said before, we have much work to do but we are up to the task and are here to work with those small business owners, organizations and government partners who want to see the resource-based tourism industry emerge from this brutal pandemic stronger than ever.
Be well,
Laurie
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Government Declines Request to Waive Crown Resource Fees for 2022
Yesterday, NOTO was notified that the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry has made the decision to not waive the Crown Land Resource Fees for 2022.
NOTO is standing strong and is urging the Government to reconsider their decision.
To support our request, we would like LUP holders and bear management area holders to share with us the impact of having to pay these 2022 fees for their business. We are also interested in learning more about your ability to qualify and/or obtain support through the Provincial programs targeted at tourism businesses.
Please help us by taking a couple of minutes to answer a brief survey. This will go a long way in helping us make the case for reconsideration.
Thank you for your time and feedback.
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NOTO's Board of Directors Update
This week, the Board of Directors elected the executive and also appointed two NOTO members to fill vacancies. Here are the results:
NOTO President: Bob Garson (Garson's Fly-in Outposts) - North Central
Vice President: Sue Crane (Crane's Lochaven Wilderness Lodge) - South
Secretary/Treasurer: Jean-Luc Brousseau (Good Time Outfitters) - Northeast
Past President: Hilary Chambers (Pine Grove Cottage Resort) - South
Newly Appointed Directors (each of these members will sit for a 1-year term:
- Joel Theriault (Air Ivanhoe) - Northeast
- Ted Putnam (Hawk Lake Lodge) - Northwest
- There remains one vacancy in the Northeast and one vacancy in the South region. If you are interested in filling one of these positions, please contact the NOTO staff or a NOTO board member.
Directors:
- Mal Tygesson (Evergreen Lodge) - Northwest
- Lucas Adams (Gateway North Outfitters) - Northwest
- Kyle Polesky (Brace Lake Outfitters) - North Central
- John Moffat (Buck Lake Wilderness Lodges & Outposts) - North Central
- Brett MacDonald (Birchwood Cottages) - South
Preferred Supplier Directors:
- Les Sparks (Mercury Marine)
- Jeff McGirr (Yamaha Motor Canada)
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Federal Government Re-Introduces Travel Restrictions and Requirements for International Travellers
Americans Currently Exempt From New Border Measures
Due to the discovery of the Omicron variant, the Federal Government announced additional border measures to reduce the risk of the importation and transmission of COVID-19 and its variants. Any foreign nationals who have been in any of the following countries within the previous 14 days will not be permitted entry into Canada:
- Botswana
- Egypt;
- Eswatini;
- Lesotho;
- Malawi;
- Mozambique;
- Namibia;
- Nigeria;
- South Africa; and
- Zimbabwe.
Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status, who have been in any of these 10 countries in the previous 14 days, will be subject to enhanced pre-entry and arrival testing, screening, and quarantine measures.
All fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air from departure points other than the United States will be subject to arrival testing. Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine while they await the results of their arrival test. Unvaccinated travellers, with right of entry to Canada, will continue to be tested on arrival and day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. Those arriving by air will be required to stay in a designated quarantine facility or other suitable location while they await the result of their on-arrival test.
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ITO Releases Indigenous Tourism COVID-19 Impact Assessment
Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) has released new data revealing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Indigenous tourism industry in Ontario.
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TIAO Calls
Please see below for information on how to join this week's Industry Update Calls.
Tuesday December 7
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Update Call
Tue, Dec 7, 2021 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EST)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 267-971-245
Tuesday December 7
COVID-19 Ontario Tourism Update Call
Tue, Dec 7, 2021 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EST)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 486-052-773
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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2022 Spring Training Week Survey
Destination Northern Ontario (DNO) and Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) are in the planning stages for the 2022 Spring Training Week.
The purpose of this survey is to collect feedback on dates and potential session topics.
We have once again decided to hold the Training Week virtually. Given the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and because attending virtually can be a cost effective and efficient use of your time – especially during the Spring season – we feel that a virtual delivery is preferable at this time. We do hope to once again gather in person!
Thank you in advance for providing us feedback in this brief survey!
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Individual Public Health Unit Restriction Updates |
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Algoma Public Health:
In addition to the re-establishment of several COVID-19 measures for businesses and sports, Algoma Public Health has introduced even more COVID-19 restrictions effective Nov. 29th to December 28th, 2021 due to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases which include:
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Public Health Sudbury and Districts:
- Reestablishment of the "Work from Home" mandate, unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace.
- Implementing voluntary antigen tests in schools, and requiring students involved in extracurricular sports to take a rapid antigen test or be fully vaccinated
- Having certain individuals self-isolate if identified as a close contact, regardless of vaccination status.
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Timiskaming Public Health:
The re-introduction of capacity limits for businesses and new requirements for sports remain in effect. |
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Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health:
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Southwestern Public Health Unit
This region is re-instating capacity limits of 50% with physical distancing or barrier in place between patrons in most business settings effective December 2 for the next 6 weeks. Click here for more details.
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Others on Watch:
Medical Officers of Health in Thunder Bay and Simcoe-Muskoka both have stated that if case numbers don't slow down, they too will see additional restrictions come into play. |
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As a reminder, local medical officers of health have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to target specific transmission risks in the community. The introduction of new measures can happen in any health unit district at anytime. It is very important for businesses that remain open to keep a close eye on your public health unit's website to stay on top of regulatory changes. |
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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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Renew Your Membership or Join NOTO!
NOTO has extended the early bird membership pricing for the remainder of 2021!
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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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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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