In Today's Update
- Message from NOTO's President
- Canada-US Border Closure
- Province-Wide Shutdown & FAQs
- MNRF Seeks Public Input on Draft Wild Pig Strategy
- MNRF Webinar on Moose Management Changes
- Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway Update & FAQs
- SEO Industry Survey
- Safe Travels 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 President
Fellow NOTO Members,
The level of frustration is certainly reaching it’s peak as the details for the government programs that have been announced in both the Provincial and Federal Budgets have not yet been released.
The length of the pandemic and continued lockdowns have stressed us all to our personal limits. The prospect of a summer that is not much different than last year certainly troubles our industry. It seems some industries have been able to weather the pandemic without any major set backs. This is not the case for our tourism industry and it appears even after all of our collective efforts and many promises from politicians, we have gone unnoticed. We need Government to acknowledge the urgent need for support.
Here at NOTO we know and have taken every opportunity to pursue the much needed financial aid for our industry. The pursuit to get guests into our country is paramount to operations who have built their business on these customers. I feel we have exhibited protocols that ensure guests can be safely accommodated, regardless if they are from Southern Ontario or South of the border.
Our lack luster roll out of the vaccines has caused another factor that we must compensate for. The border issue is at the forefront of our collective recovery. The requirements to gain entry needs to be identified and adjusted to keep people safe and allow for tourism.
The goal of NOTO is to do what ever it takes to keep our members in business and be an effective part of the recovery from this pandemic. We will continue to focus on this goal.
Bob Garson, Garson's Fly-In Outposts
President of NOTO
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Canada-US Border Closure
The Federal Government has also extended all restrictions and requirements at land border crossings and hotel quarantine rules for international travelers until May 21st as well.
NOTO is following up with CBSA as well as the Public Health Agency of Canada to look for an exemption for our US camp owners. We know that you will need time to do your 14-day quarantine and prepare your camps to open for guests.
It is our understanding that this decision was made based on Premier Ford's request of the Federal Government to assist in Ontario's efforts to contain the spread of the virus here in Ontario. We will make every effort to get this overturned as soon as possible.
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Province-Wide Shutdown Update & FAQs
Earlier this week, the government released the official updated regulations for the province wide shutdown. You can view a quick overview of the restrictions here, or view the official regulations by clicking here. The State-of-Emergency, the Stay-at-Home Order, and all regulations under the Reopening Ontario Act will remain in effect until May 20th, with possibility of extension. The Government is strongly advising all individuals to avoid travel outside their respective public health regions at this time.
Please Note: Local medical officers of health also have the ability to issue Section 22 orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to target specific transmission risks in the community. All operators are encouraged to reach out to their local health units to make sure they comply with all regulations and restrictions in their respective districts.
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Can I Hire Staff for Maintenance?
Under the gathering restrictions, it does say that the gathering restrictions do not apply with respect to attendance at a business for the purpose related to providing services if the business is not required to close under this order. We highly recommend you follow public health guidance, enforce social distancing and mandatory mask wearing, encourage frequent hand washing, and continue to implement health and safety protocols.
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Are my cottages classified as a Short Term Rental, or am I classified under Hotels, Motels, Lodges, Resorts, Cottages, Cabins and Other Shared Accommodations?
For the purpose of these new regulations, NOTO recommends you look at the industry classification given to you by the CRA for tax purposes. Businesses that offer cottage/cabin rentals are sometimes classified under the same number as hotels/motels and lodges, while others will specifically be called short term rentals.
If your NAICS number begins in either 7211 or 7212, you would fit into the hotels, motels, lodges, cabin rentals, etc. for the purpose of this shutdown. However, you must ensure you comply with the seasonal campground regulations (if applicable to your business), as well as the stipulations highlighted for lodges in O. Reg 82/20 (under #25 and #26)
However, the gathering restrictions and stay-at-home order will make it tricky for the guests to comply with the current regulations. This is something to consider.
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MNRF Seeks Public Input Into Draft Wild Pig Strategy
The government is seeking feedback on two proposals listed on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. The first proposal outlines the new rules under the Invasive Species Act, 2015 that would regulate an additional 13 invasive species, including wild pigs. It also builds on existing recommendations and practices to prevent the introduction and further spread of aquatic invasive species into Ontario's lakes and rivers. You can view and comment in this proposal by clicking here.
The second posting is a draft strategy entitled Ontario's Strategy to Address the Threat of Invasive Wild Pigs. In jurisdictions where wild pigs have become established, they have had significant impacts on the environment and agricultural industry. The actions outlined in the draft strategy and the proposed new rules for wild pigs under the Invasive Species Act aim to prevent wild pigs from becoming established in Ontario.
In summary, the following rules would apply to pigs under the proposal:
- prohibit the release of any pig into the natural environment
- prohibit bringing a live pig into a provincial park or conservation reserve
- prohibit hunting wild pigs with exceptions for activities to protect property from damage caused by wild pigs
- over a two-year period, phase-out the import, possession, transport, propagation, buying, selling, leasing, or trading of live Eurasian wild boar and their hybrids
You can review MNRF's Strategy to Address the Threat of Invasive Wild Pigs and comment on the proposal by clicking here.
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Attention Moose Outfitters
Mark your Calendars!
MNRF Webinar About Moose Management Changes
The session will be delivered via Adobe Connect on
Friday, April 30th, 2021 from 10 am – noon, EST.
Ontario is implementing the most significant changes to moose management since the early 1980’s to support moose populations while making tag allocation fairer and more consistent.
This session will provide an opportunity for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to outline and explain the recent changes to moose management, particularly those that affect outfitters. Following a presentation by MNRF, outfitters will have an opportunity to ask questions of Ministry staff.
To attend, please copy and paste the following link directly into either your Chrome or Edge browser on Friday April 30th shortly before 10am. Do not use Internet Explorer as your browser.
Adobe Connect enables you to view and listen to the session on your tablet, cell phone, laptop or computer. To ensure you have an enjoyable experience, we offer the following Best Practices for using Adobe Connect:
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Download and use the Adobe Connect Application for best results. For first time use, download here: http://www.adobe.com/go/ConnectShell11 (No administrative privileges are required) - If you already have the app, but it’s been a while since you’ve used it, you will need to update it. Click here to install the update (version 2021.2.18.64, posted 19-Feb-2021), or follow the instructions provided.
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If you do not wish to download the app and simply wish to join using a web browser, use either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge NOT Internet Explorer. Just copy and paste the link above directly into one of these browsers.
- Join early to leave yourself sufficient time to work through any technical issues if needed. With the additional load on the internet due to Covid-19, connections are slower and take more time to update
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If you experience any technical difficulties ahead of time with the app, or connecting, please contact Mary Orpen at mary.orpen@ontario.ca
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GOGG Contest Update & FAQs
We have been hearing concerns from operators who are unsure if they will open for the 2021 season and they were wondering what this meant for the purpose of this contest. We would like to reassure you that all trips awarded through the Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway can be fulfilled in 2021 OR 2022.
We are also hearing from operators who are wondering when the business profiles will be up and running. Fish'N Canada has experienced a few issues in their website launch but rest assured they are working on getting these issues fixed and that the profiles will be up very soon!
If you haven't submitted an application yet, you can still do so. We've had a number of resource-based tourism businesses submit their packages for this program which highlight the great variety of unique experiences Northern Ontario has to offer! Remember, these trips can be housekeeping or American plan, drive-to, fly-in, boat-in, or even houseboat adventures!
We have received 57 applications so far:
- 48 applications have been approved
- 9 pending applications (pending safe travels stamp or review by committee)
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Do you own or operate a tourism-related business or initiative in Northern Ontario? Have your say!
NORDIK Institute and Algoma University, in partnership with SEO, are undertaking the Northern Ontario Tourism Development and Recovery Strategy in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic study to understand how tourism-based economies have grown under both normal circumstances and unanticipated crises (e.g., COVID-19 Pandemic) and identify strength and barriers to tourism industry in our region.
There are four components to the project: i) survey and/or focus group of visitors to collect demand-side data; ii) survey of tourism business operators to collect supply-side data; iii) analysis of survey results and contextualization within wider literature and social contexts; and iv) a final report for Northern Ontario tourism industry.
The resulting report and associated material are intended to be an informational and statistical base for future projects, programs, and advocacy for all involved.
We expect it will take between 15 and 20 minutes to complete the survey. The survey deadline is April 30, 2021.
For more information, please view the letter attached by clicking on the button below.
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Get Your Safe Travel 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’.
NOTO's health and safety protocols, which have been vetted by the Government of Ontario have been recognized as standardized protocols for this purpose.
If you've implemented our protocols, or any other Government approved protocols throughout your workplace, apply to receive your stamp!
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Renew Your Membership or Join NOTO!
Great news! The NOTO Board of Directors is extending 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 so much for your support!
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NOTO's COVID-19 Page
This page was created to keep you informed on the latest developments that may impact/help your businesses. This page features links to Government resources, information that may be useful to tourism operators and links to supports for tourism operators as they become available. This page will be updated regularly during this pandemic.
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Federal & Provincial Government Information
The Ontario and Federal Governments are regularly updating COVID-19 information, travel information, Minister statements, Government initiatives and statistics on their websites. For additional information from the Ontario or Federal Government, please click on the buttons below.
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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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