In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- A Notice from CBSA on Bait
- Bait Management Zone (BMZ) FAQs Answered
- Staycation Tax Credit FAQs
- Federal Government Budget Consultations
- Applications for Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Now Open
- Canada Announces its Intention to Extend Local Lockdown Program and Worker Lockdown Benefit
- Destination Ontario Presents: Know Your Target Audiences by Tourism Product Webinars
- TIAO Calls Next Week
- 2021 Ontario Wildland Fire Season After-Action Review
- Seeking feedback: Proposal regarding a Conservation Agreement for Boreal Caribou in Ontario
- Proposal to Strengthen Guide Requirements for Non-Resident White-Tailed Deer Hunters in Northern Ontario
- Early Bird Membership Pricing Now Available
- 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
Greetings Everyone,
Well another heavy week of meetings and responding to opportunities has come and gone. I wanted to share some of the heavy thinking with some of you today and welcome your thoughts and input.
Over the years, I have had had countless opportunities to look at the hunting and angling sectors in other Provinces, states and countries and how they are supported through policies driven by the sectors and set by their governments. As you can imagine there are a number of different approaches across these regions but what is common is their focus on creating standards that set the bar for businesses to be included in a professional industry and the credibility and success of those industries.
As we consider how we can help to set our resource-based tourism sector up for a successful and lengthy future, I can't help consider how well positioned industries similar to ours in other regions are, and wonder how we can get there too. It is big thinking that will get us there if this is what our sector wants. I know that our RBT sector in Ontario is vast and extremely diverse in its product offerings and experiences; that is what makes us so great! We have something for everyone. BUT, do we want to put forth a set of minimum standards and training to set the bar for certain products and services that are offered through our sector?
We have an opportunity right now to consider this for deer hunting and guiding. As we work with the ministry to develop a new formal policy that may require non-resident deer hunters to use the services of a "registered/licenced" guide and accommodator, we are considering the benefits of a proper certification/licencing system for hunting guides for Ontario.
Things to consider:
- Would a proper certification/licensing system for guides be useful?
- Will this help to elevate our hunting product?
- Will it help weed out an underground market or legitimize experienced guides?
- A certification system must acknowledge existing experience, other certified training already acquired, should include customer service, conflict management, overview of applicable regulations and policies, CPR/first aid etc.
- Is there an opportunity to build partnerships between hunting guides and tourism business?
- Is there an opportunity to build a partnership with OFAH and NOTO to develop the guiding standards and find a qualified third party to deliver the training?
I know, lots to consider and deer hunting may not be of interest to some of you however, think about these same questions for our angling product or other areas where standards may be helpful. With the struggles we are having filling jobs, could a guide certification program help to elevate the importance of these positions as well as the quality of workers and ultimately the benefit to consumers? Will it help to retain staff and enhance our overall product offerings? Will it help guides that feel they are not being recognized as part of the tourism sector?
I know I have asked a great number of questions today but these are the ones that have been rolling around in my head this week. I welcome your thoughts on these questions and others that you may have. I truly believe we have numerous opportunities to set the stage for a successful future and I want to work with all of you to take advantage of those opportunities.
To help facilitate some discussion between members, we will be post a discussion piece on our NOTO Facebook Group page. We encourage you to join in.
We will post a discussion piece on our NOTO Facebook Group next week where operators can share comments and have a discussion.
Looking forward to taking a bit of a break today to enjoy some time with family and friends and watch Super Bowl 2022 before the busy week ahead.
Be well,
Laurie
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A Notice from CBSA on Bait
NOTO has been notified by CBSA that they will not allow any bait (worms, minnows-live or dead, and obviously no leeches) into Canada like last year. Currently, the only people permitted to import any of these would be commercial bait dealers who may be able to satisfy the CFIA or MNRF in order to import them legally.
Please share this information with your guests to ensure they are prepared.
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Bait Management Zone FAQs Answered
We've received a few questions with regards to baitfish and how the most recent regulation changes will impact tourist operators. Here are two of the most frequently asked questions:
Q. My guests typically put bait on a "tab" which they pay at the end of their trip. With the new receipt requirement, will they be required to purchase the bait upfront or is there a way we can continue with our tab system?
A. Any angler that is using bait outside of their home Bait Management Zone (BMZ) would be required to purchase their bait from within the BMZ they are fishing in and retain the receipt. The bait must be used within two weeks from the date it was purchased. We recognize that, in some cases, tourist operators with commercial bait licences provide their guests with bait as part of the vacation package or add it to their tab at the end of their stay.
In situations such as this, the tourist operator should still be providing a receipt to the client that has the required information (business name, licence number, location of sale, date and amount of bait obtained). The regulations don’t specify how a ‘receipt’ should look, just that it needs to have the required information - so a ‘note’ with required information would be acceptable. If the angler’s stay was longer than 2 weeks they would need to have another receipt issued. It should also be noted that anglers are permitted to share bait as long as they are fishing together (e.g. three anglers fishing together in one boat would only require one receipt).
Q. I typically tell my guests to purchase bait at a local shop on their way to the camp. How do these new regulations come into play with regards to tourism operations?
A. Any angler that is using bait outside of their home Bait Management Zone (BMZ) would be required to purchase their bait from within the BMZ they are fishing in and retain the receipt. The bait must be used within two weeks from the date it was purchased. In the case of an angler arriving at a tourist camp that doesn’t supply bait to their guests, anglers would need to ensure they have legally acquired their bait (e.g. purchased bait if their home is not within the BMZ they are fishing and have the required receipt, or documentation to verify that their primary residence is in the BMZ they are fishing).
As always, if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the NOTO staff and we will do our best to find an answer.
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Staycation Tax Credit FAQs
The NOTO Staff have been working hard to try and find answers with regards to some of your questions about the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. Unfortunately, the answers we've received to date with regards to campgrounds and fly-in operations have not been entirely clear:
The Ministry of Finance has advised us that only expenses for "short-term accommodations" and "camping accommodations" as defined under the Federal Excise Tax Act would be considered as eligible expenses for the tax credit.
The definitions under the Excise Tax Act are as follows:
Camping accommodation means a campsite at a recreational trailer park or campground that is supplied by way of lease, licence or similar arrangement for the purpose of its occupancy by an individual as a place of residence or lodging, if the period throughout which the individual is given continuous occupancy of the campsite is less than one month. It includes water, electricity and waste disposal services, or the right to their use, if they are accessed by means of an outlet or hook-up at the campsite and are supplied with the campsite.
Short-term accommodation means a residential complex or a residential unit that is supplied to a recipient by way of lease, licence or similar arrangement for the purpose of its occupancy by an individual as a place of residence or lodging, if the period throughout which the individual is given continuous occupancy of the complex or unit is less than one month.
We have confirmed that short-term accommodations include hotels, motels, lodges, resorts, cabins, cottage rentals, bed and breakfasts and campgrounds that meet the definition above.
We have not yet received a confirmation as to whether or not transportation to a fly-in or train-in lodge are included in the eligible costs. We can confirm that the portion of the expense that is necessary to have access to the accommodation IS listed under Eligible Expense on the ontario.ca website, however, we are seeking clarification that this includes flight and train costs to remote lodges specifically.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will deliver the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit and will make its own determinations on eligibility for the credit on a case by case basis when reviewing 2022 personal Income Tax and Benefit Returns.
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The Government of Canada has launched their pre-budget consultations. This is an opportunity for Canadians and businesses across the country to share ideas and input about how Budget 2022 can support a strong economic recovery for everyone.
NOTO as always will be making a submission with recommendations. We encourage operators to take this opportunity to encourage changes and extensions of tourism specific financial support programs like wage subsidies and forgiveness of loans etc. or any other programs that you feel will help your business move into recovery.
Click on the button below to submit your comments.
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Applications for Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Now Open
Small businesses that were required to close on January 5th, 2022 due to public health restrictions are now able to apply for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant. Eligible businesses can apply for the program until March 11, 2022, to receive a grant of $10,000.
Note: If a portion of your business like your dining room/restaurant, your ice hut accommodations, NOTO recommends that you apply for this grant.
To receive the grant, a small business must:
- be required to close due to public health orders that took effect 12:01 a.m. on January 5, 2022
- have fewer than 100 employees as of December 31, 2021
- be an active business as of January 14, 2022
Eligible Small Businesses include:
- restaurants and bars
- facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities (including fitness centres and gyms)
- racing venues, casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments
- museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
- performing arts venues and cinemas, museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
- meeting or event spaces
- tour and guide services
- conference centres and convention centres
- driving instruction for individuals
- before- and after- school programs
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Canada Announces its Intention to Extend Local Lockdown Program and Worker Lockdown Benefit
Local Lockdown Program: Eligibility would continue to include employers subject to capacity-limiting restrictions of 50% or more; and the current-month revenue decline threshold requirement would remain at 25%. Eligible employers would receive wage and rent subsidies from 25% up to a maximum of 75%, depending on their revenue loss. The 12-month revenue decline test continues to not be required in order to access this support.
Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit: Eligibility would continue to include workers in regions where capacity-limiting restrictions of 50% or more are in place. This benefit provides $300 a week in income support to eligible workers affected by a COVID-19-related public health lockdown order, and who are either unable to work or have lost 50% or more of their income as a result.
NOTO will advise the industry as soon as we hear of an update on this announcement.
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Destination Ontario Presents: Know Your Target Audiences by Tourism Product - Webinar Sessions
Destination Ontario and Environics Analytics analyzed 16 Ontario tourism product categories to understand the types of domestic (Ontario) consumers that frequent these different experiences across the province. Over two sessions, they will share these findings to better equip tourism businesses/operators to plan and target current and potential new, local and non-local audiences.
Join one or both sessions as Larry Filler, Senior Vice President and Practice Leader, Environics Analytics, delivers the results. Due to the depth of content, each session will focus on eight (8) product categories.
Learn how to:
- Target the right audience with the right tourism products and experiences
- Identify the right platforms and advertising channels to reach that audience
- Understand the unique attributes of potential high-value audiences
Session 1: Thursday, February 24, 2022 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., including Q&A
Products and experiences covered:
- ATVing
- Angling
- Major & Minor League Sports
- Indigenous Experiences
- Francophone Experiences
- Attractions & Theme Parks
- Resorts
- Spas & Retreats
Session 2: Thursday, March 3, 2022 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., including Q&A
Products and experiences covered:
- Theatre & Film
- Museums & Heritage Sites, Science & Education
- Art Galleries
- Opera, Ballet & Symphony
- Foodie Destinations, Food Trails & Food Festivals
- Wine Regions
- Breweries, Cideries & Distilleries
- Farmers’ Markets
Please note: To attend both sessions, you MUST register for both Session 1 AND Session 2.
Each event will be recorded and shared, along with a copy of the presentation, to all registrants. We hope you can join us for one, or both, of these sessions. Please direct any questions to DO.Partnerships@ontario.ca.
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TIAO Calls - Tuesday February 15th
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Update Call
Tue, Feb 15, 2022 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EST)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 671-108-109
COVID-19 Ontario Tourism Update Call
Tue, Feb 15, 2022 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EST)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 964-153-805
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REMINDERS
Opportunities to Provide Feedback to MNDMNRF
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2021 Ontario Wildland Fire Season After-Action Review
Ontario faced one of it’s most challenging fire seasons in recent history with severe drought and dry weather conditions that began in July, which led to a record of 1,198 fires, including a 200,000-hectare fire – one of the largest in Ontario’s history.
Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) is conducting a thorough review of the 2021 wildland fire season for continuous improvement. We want to hear from stakeholders from the tourism sector in Northwestern Ontario about their experiences.
Please take a few minutes to provide us with some feedback on the following:
- What issues did you experience through the 2021 wildfire season?
- How would you like to see the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) change or improve their operations?
- Are there opportunities you can identify where the tourism sector and AFFES can work together to achieve common goals associated with wildland fire?
Northern Ontario Operators - If you were impacted by wildfires over the last several seasons and would like to contribute feedback for the Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services on the discussion points listed above, please click on the button below.
NOTO will be collecting all of the feedback and share the comments with the AFFES. All feedback will remain anonymous.
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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.
NOTO is also keenly interested in hearing directly from operators regarding their thoughts in order to prepare for upcoming discussions. Please share with us by emailing laurie@noto.net.
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Seeking Feedback on a Conservation Agreement for Boreal Caribou in Ontario
On Friday, February 4th, 2022, NOTO received a letter from Susan Ecclestone, Director, Species at Risk Branch from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks regarding an opportunity to provide feedback on a proposed conservation agreement for boreal caribou.
Please see the content of the letter below. We encourage you to review the ERO posting and attend the workshops if you have interest in the development of this conservation agreement between the Federal and Ontario Provincial governments.
The NOTO Team
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Greetings,
Ontario and Canada have been working together on a bilateral conservation agreement for boreal caribou under section 11 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA).
It’s important that Indigenous communities, stakeholder organizations and other members of the public have an opportunity to provide their input into this important process. Today I am writing to share our proposal regarding the conservation agreement for boreal caribou, which has been posted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario for public consultation that includes commitments being considered by Ontario and Canada. This posting also appears on the federal SAR Registry. The proposal is viewable on Ontario’s Environmental Registry as of February 4, 2022 for a 45-day commenting period.
During this 45-day period, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks along with our colleagues at the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry and the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs invite feedback and input from the public, Indigenous communities and organizations, and stakeholders on this proposal.
Please provide any comments you have on this proposal by March 21, 2022.
Additionally, Ontario would like to invite you to attend one of our workshops scheduled for February 15, 2022 or February 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM EST to discuss this proposal and seek direct feedback from you and other invited stakeholders. This session will be approximately 1.5 hours long. If interested, please email borealcaribouconservation@ontario.ca to register. We will then send you information on how to join.
Thank you for your interest in conservation of caribou in Ontario.
Sincerely,
Susan Ecclestone
Director, Species at Risk Branch
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
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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:
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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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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