In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's President
- Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week - Registration & Session Highlights
- Ontario Staycation Tax Credit
- Industry Border Survey
- TIAO Calls Tuesday November 16th
- Sudbury Health Unit Re-introduces COVID-19 Measures
- Ontario Pausing the Lifting of Capacity Limits in Remaining Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required
- REMINDER: NOTO AGM and Elections
- 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 President
Bob Garson - Garson's Fly-in Outposts
To all of the NOTO Members,
Well another year has come and we conquered at least some of the challenges. Here are some of those wins.
The border is open, the government has provided some supports, crown resource fees were waived for the last two years, Fish'n Canada graciously supported members with the Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway, NOTO has received some support and has been recognized for the efforts during the pandemic like the Border Working Group and the Protocols we created.
Another important achievement is that Laurie was named Tourism Champion at TIAO's Summit and she is in our corner. She continues to work on your behalf and has an excellent relationships with all of our partners and the government. Most of NOTO’s members have stepped up and continue to renew their memberships. We all know membership support is the financial backbone of our organization. We also feel when finances improve, others will be able to do their part and help carry the load.
I again would like to acknowledge the efforts of the staff and Board Members. When the going got tough, these are the people who represented the members in their area. At board meetings, they challenged decisions and the direction we would take. This made for great discussion and sound decisions which represented all of the members of NOTO. I will add that this made for a healthy and productive Board of Directors. I cannot thank them enough for their honest and knowledgeable input. The staff did get recognized at the TIAO Awards, but I would just like to share my gratitude and appreciation to Laurie and Kate. These two certainly make my job a dream job and they never stop in their efforts to help our industry. So, thanks again to the staff and board and I know that some members need to take a year off but I welcome them back next year.
To all the organizations that we work with, I extend our gratitude and respect. So thanks Destination Northern Ontario, TIAO, TIAC, KDCA, Sunset Country, Algoma Country, Superior Country, Northeastern Tourism Association, Indigenous Tourism Ontario and the Canadian Federation of Outfitter Associations (CFOA). We look forward to all future endeavors and projects that we can continue to work together on.
Thank you to all of the government agencies and staff that have recognized our hardships over the past 18 months and have helped to support us in our time of need. We appreciate your efforts and hope you will continue to fight on our behalf to allow us to return to being the strong economic driver we were prior to the pandemic.
We can succeed beyond all expectations as we have only become stronger in our resolve and determination.
NOTO President Bob Garson
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Join us virtually this year for our
Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week!
Registration is free to all industry partners, so you can focus on
operations, saving money, and staying safe!
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How do I register for each
Training Session?
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STEP 1
REGISTER for Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week!
STEP 2
Once registered, open your registration confirmation email and
start building your schedule!
STEP 3
Click on ‘Agenda’ in the left-hand side menu.
Register for each session individually by clicking on the ‘Register Now’ button.
Note: Clicking ’Add to Schedule’ does not register you for the session,
only the ‘Register Now’ button does.
STEP 4
Once you have registered for an individual session, you will receive
an email from GoToWebinar with a link to that session.
If you have registered for multiple sessions, you will receive
multiple GoToWebinar emails.
STEP 5
Click the link in each GoToWebinar email to join that session,
at the specified time and date.
STEP 06
Enjoy your training session!
Joining From A Mobile Device?
STEP 1
Download the EventMobi app from the iPhone or Android app store.
STEP 2
Launch the app and enter the unique event code:
"nottw2021"
STEP 3
Use the app to access event information and build your schedule!
Remember: Clicking ’Add to Schedule’ does not register
you for the session, only the ‘Register Now’ button does.
Don't have a phone? The app can also be found on the web using this URL:
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Weekly Workshop Highlights
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Keynote Speaker: Dr. Karyn Gordon
Leadership and Relationship Expert | Maximizing Performance
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021
Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Dr. Karyn Gordon’s purpose is to develop great leaders who drive success both at home and work. A bestselling author and media personality, Gordon has delivered over 1000 keynotes to more than 500 million people across 17 countries — including Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and government agencies. She draws on her extensive research into leadership, relationships, and emotional intelligence to help audiences foster the skills needed to lead in the 21st century.
Gordon is currently the founder and CEO of DK Leadership, a global leadership coaching company specializing in emotional intelligence skills for organizations and families. Known for her expertise, Gordon is often featured in national media outlets and is currently the leadership and relationship expert on Canada’s #1 daytime show Cityline. She has previously worked with Good Morning America, Forbes, and The New York Times. Her upcoming book, titled The Three Chairs: How Great Leaders Drive Their Teams’ Communication, Productivity, and Engagement, will be released in 2021.
Gordon has a bachelor’s in psychology, a master’s in counseling, and a doctorate in marriage and family. She has also completed several specialty leadership certifications with extensive research into generational differences, leadership, and emotional intelligence.
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Welcome Remarks from Ministers Lisa MacLeod and Greg Rickford
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Join the Honourable Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries and the Honourable Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry for welcoming remarks during this week's Industry Update session.
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Tourism Industry Update
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Join DNO, TIAO and NOTO, Northern Ontario's three leading tourism organizations for an Industry Update.
The discussion will include the sector's top three challenges as they are now and what we could expect moving into 2022.
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Indigenous Tourism in Ontario
Date: Thursday, Nov. 18, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m.
ITO (Indigenous Tourism Ontario) President & CEO Kevin Eshkawkogan will give an update about the state of the Indigenous tourism sector in the province, including the lasting impacts of the pandemic and ITO’s exciting plans for the future.
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Changes to Moose Harvest Planning & Tag Allocation
Date: Friday, Nov. 19, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Earlier this year, NOTO hosted a meeting with outfitters where staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (now Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry) outlined significant changes being implemented to moose harvest planning and tag allocation for residents in Ontario.
In this session, Ministry staff will provide further information on the rationale for these changes, how the changes are being implemented and explain the objectives.
Some related topics on moose management and the moose tourism industry program will be discussed.
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The Road from Today to Tomorrow – Northern Operators Share Their Path
Date: Friday, Nov. 19, 2020
Time: 11:00 a.m.
This panel discussion will continue our conversations around the COVID-19 crisis. Including how tourism businesses across the North are managing today, how they’re planning for the future, and how they have been dealing with workforce issues now that tourism is slowly opening up.
Join Mike Jacobs, CEO of The New Business as he has a conversation with our experienced panelists from a wide range of tourism business types and regions to hear how they are managing through this pandemic and draws from them insights that may help others.
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Tourism SkillsNet North Presentation
Date: Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021
Time: 3:00 p.m.
What is Tourism SkillsNet North?
Who are the partners in tourism SkillsNet North?
Who is Eligible?
Training Overview, Program Dates.
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Ontario Staycation Tax Credit
The Ontario government announced its plan for a staycation tax credit in their Fall Economic Statement. Ontarians would get a 20 per cent personal income tax credit on eligible accommodation expenses between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2022, up to a maximum of $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a family, for a maximum credit of $200 or $400 respectively. Ontario residents could apply for this refundable credit when they file their 2022 personal tax returns and benefit even if they do not owe any tax.
According to the government, an eligible accommodation expense would have to be:
- For a stay of less than a month at an eligible accommodation such as a hotel, motel, resort, lodge, bed-and-breakfast establishment, cottage or campground in Ontario
- For a stay between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of 2022
- Incurred for leisure purposes only
- Paid by the Ontario tax filer, their spouse or common-law partner, or their eligible child, as set out on a detailed receipt
- Not reimbursed to the tax filer, their spouse or common-law partner, or their eligible child, by any person, including by a friend or an employer
- Subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), as set out on a detailed receipt.
NOTO is looking for more information based on the following questions we've received:
- How should the invoices look for lodges? Will all of the costs need to be entirely broken down (food, accommodation, boat rental, etc. vs a standard all-inclusive package invoice)?
Once we receive any clarification on these questions, we will send an update to the industry.
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Industry Border Survey
We are re-sharing this survey in hopes in obtaining more responses to help us with future advocacy efforts. The Northern Ontario Border Working Group is advocating to remove the PCR test requirement for fully-vaccinated travellers as the US did when they reopened the border to fully-vaccinated Canadians.
In addition to this, we want to hear from operators about their guests experience with crossing the border to create further recommendations and remove road blocks for guests as we prepare for the 2022 season.
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TIAO Calls - Tuesday November 16th
Dear TIAO members,
This week we will be joined by special guest, Hassel Aviles, Executive Director at Not 9 to 5. Hassel will share resources and guidance to ensure workplace & mental health safety.
Not 9 to 5 is a non-profit global leader in mental health advocacy for the foodservice sector. Through practical education and meaningful community-building, they are reimagining the industry by breaking stigmas and fuelling hope. Their vision is a safe, supportive workplace for all in consideration of both physical and mental health.
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Update Call
Tue, Nov 16, 2021 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EST)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 699-744-485
COVID-19 Ontario Tourism Update Call
Tue, Nov 16, 2021 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EST)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 856-818-605
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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Public Health Sudbury Re-introduces COVID-19 Measures
Due to a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in the Sudbury district, the health unit, in consultation with Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, has re-issued COVID-19 measures under the Reopening Ontario Act. Public Health Sudbury & Districts is recording the highest rate of active cases among all of the province’s 34 health units
Instructions issued under the provincial Reopening Ontario Act require Greater Sudbury businesses and organizations to reinstate protections recently lifted by the province. These time-limited measures came into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, for Greater Sudbury only. They include reinstating capacity limits and related physical distancing requirements, strengthening masking requirements at organized public events held indoors and outdoors, and requiring proof of vaccination for anyone aged 12 and older actively participating in organized sports (not just coaches, officials, etc.).
For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200.
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Ontario Pausing the Lifting of Capacity Limits in Remaining Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required
These higher-risk settings include:
- food or drink establishments with dance facilities such as night clubs and wedding receptions in meeting/event spaces where there is dancing;
- strip clubs; and
- sex clubs and bathhouses.
The government and the Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to monitor the data for the next 28 days to determine when it is safe to lift capacity limits in these settings.
Ontarians are urged to remain vigilant and continue following public health and workplace safety measures in place and to get vaccinated if they have not done so already. Responses will continue to be tailored to local context, with the ultimate goal of limiting disruption to people and businesses across the province.
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REMINDER: NOTO AGM and Elections
NOTO AGM
The NOTO AGM will be taking place virtually again this year on Thursday, November 18th, from 1pm to 2pm (EST), as part of the Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week.
NOTO Board of Directors Election
Similarly to last year, NOTO members will be able to submit their votes electronically, by mail, or by fax for the NOTO Board of Directors election in advance of the NOTO AGM. As always, NOTO members will be permitted to run from the floor at the NOTO AGM. To run from the floor, you must have paid your 2021 NOTO membership, and be endorsed by two other operators. It is recommended that where possible you have the nomination form completed and sent directly to laurie@noto.net or by fax 705-472-0621 prior to or during the AGM to simplify this process. The nomination form can be found HERE.
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Tourism SkillsNet North
If you have hired staff after June 1st, 2021, you can 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!
Register your business and 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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