April 9, 2021
COVID-19 UPDATES & RESOURCES
PROVINCE-WIDE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER IN EFFECT
Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the Provincial government issued a province-wide Stay-at-Home order requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise , or for work that cannot be done remotely. Read the news release.

  • The stay-at-home order is in addition to the emergency brake shutdown measures implemented provincially on April 3, 2021. 

  • Please refer to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for guidance documents for businesses
LAKE OF BAYS BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

The Township continues to update business support programs and resources on our website as they are announced. Need help navigating the various programs and resources available?

Contact: Leanne Fetterley, Interim Economic Development Coordinator, lfetterley@lakeofbays.on.ca, 705-635-2272 ext. 235
SUPPORTING LAKE OF BAYS BUSINESSES
LAKE OF BAYS PASSPORT TO SPRING
What is it?
  • The Lake of Bays Passport to Spring is a digital shop local campaign which includes ten activities designed to increase awareness of businesses in Lake of Bays, provide free promotion on social media, and potentially drive sales.
  • The passport is virtual to reduce interactions and respect ongoing restrictions while providing a way to encourage people to shop local safely. 
  • Prizes are designed to support local businesses. Participants that complete items on the passport will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a gift certificate to a business of their choice in Lake of Bays. 1st prize: $250; 2nd prize: $100; 3rd prize: $50.
How can my business get involved?
  • Businesses will be tagged on the social media posts every week and are also promoted as part of each activity on the website.
  • If you want to be included, please email Leanne to see if your business fits one of the activities.

All businesses in Lake of Bays are invited to participate by sharing the posts and encouraging your customers to participate in the contest.

Contact: Leanne Fetterley, lfetterley@lakeofbays.on.ca
PATIO EXPANSION PROGRAM

Are you a licensed or non-licensed establishment that is interested in a temporary patio expansion (or creation of a temporary patio where one previously did not exist)? Apply now to ensure your establishment is ready when current restrictions are lifted.  

Did you know:
  • The Province of Ontario amended Regulation 719 under the Liquor Licence Act to prove flexibility for liquor sales licensees to temporarily extend their physical premises provided they have municipal approval and meet certain provincial criteria.
 
In Lake of Bays:
  • Council has taken this support a step further by authorizing the waiving of any COVID-19 related building permit fees to a maximum of $360 (equivalent to a $30,000 construction value) for licensed AND non-licensed establishments in the Township.
  • Temporary structures will be exempt from zoning regulations and site plan approval (subject to consultation with staff to ensure safety, accessibility and functionality of a site).
  • The provision will be in place for the remainder of 2021.
  • A temporary patio expansion request form must be submitted to municipal staff for approval, along with a detailed site plan and a copy of your liquor license.
  • Providing a speedy turnaround on all applications is a priority to support our local businesses.

Questions? Contact:
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
HUNTSVILLE VIRTUAL JOB FAIR

Join the 1-hour Virtual Job Fair to speak to job seekers about potential employment opportunities within your company.

To register: Please contact Barbara Bloomfield at the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce: 705-789-4771 or email barb@huntsvillelakeofbays.on.ca
MUSKOKA VIRTUAL JOB FAIR

The District of Muskoka, in partnership with the Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF) and the Muskoka Employment Partnership, will be hosting a virtual job fair on Thursday April 22, 2021 from 3-6 p.m. 

To register please visit: www.muskoka.on.ca/virtualjobfair
SUMMER COMPANY PROGRAM
Work for the best boss in the world this summer...YOU!

Summer Company is an Ontario government program for students from 15 to 29 years old. It provides hands-on business training, mentoring and financial support with awards up to $3,000 to help you get your own summer business up and running.

To learn more visit:
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
Introducing Muskoka Retreat & Wellness Clinic!

Whether you’re looking for a full day of pampering or treatment for an injury or chronic pain, Muskoka Retreat & Wellness Clinic has a full range of services to cater to your every need. Read the business spotlight to learn more.




Do you want your business to be featured? Contact Leanne to book your spotlight now!
Please feel free to share this information with anyone who may be interested.

Kind regards,

Leanne Fetterley

TOWNSHIP OF LAKE OF BAYS | Economic Development
Tel: 705-635-2272 ext.235 | Email Leanne