March 2020
Your monthly news & updates
As we collectively work through this challenging period together, we would like to share resources that have been created. These resources are updated daily on our website
Wellington County approves
$1-million fund to help local small businesses
The Keep Well – Emergency Business Sustainability Fund will provide low-interest loans to Wellington County businesses to help support them during the economically challenging period brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perth County promoting '19 days and 19 ways' local business campaign
Perth County is promoting ways you can responsibly support the local business community through their 19 Days and 19 Ways to Support Local Business campaign through their social media.

Bruce County Economic Task Force to support local business
A new Bruce County Economic Task Force will work to help businesses across Bruce County cope with reduced hours, staffing challenges, and closed doors.

The task force is made up of economic development professionals, business owners, local stakeholders, and municipal staff to support businesses and guide Bruce County to a thriving economy once again.

Private, Public Partnerships Making a Big Impact
Here you will find a list of businesses that are providing gift cards to purchase for later use, as well as businesses that are offering local delivery or alternate accommodations due to closures amid Covid-19.

Expertly and quickly compiled by The Social Factory & Community Futures Oxford with help from Tourism Oxford .

Importance of Economic Development to Communities

Open letter from President Gord Knowles and CEO Heather LaLonde.

During this challenging time, the Economic Developers Council of Ontario wanted to reach out to you to underscore the importance of including economic development as part of your essential service team to manage the COVID-19 crisis. 


New Online Resource to Help Ontario Parents

AgScape is pleased to support Ontario parents with the launch of our Virtual Camp Experience! This new resource provides parents with e-newsletter updates featuring educational materials, videos, and games, as well as access to activity schedules that offer a structured day of fun and hands-on learning for kids ages
5 - 11 and 12 - 18 .

And features learning tools, such as identifying your County!


Ontario Energy Board
Time-of-use pricing

The Government of Ontario issued an Emergency Order starting on March 24, 2020, residential and small business customers on time-of-use (TOU) pricing will pay 10.1 ¢/kWh no matter what time of day the electricity is consumed.

The Government has indicated that it intends to keep the 10.1 ¢/kWh pricing in place for 45 days.


CFDCs Providing Additional Supports During COVID-19 Crisis
The Western Ontario Community Futures Development Corporation Association, the WOCFDCA, and its members have been providing a variety of supports to local businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.