In Today's Update
- Message from NOTO's Executive Director
- Province Wide Shutdown FAQs
- Ontario Passes Budget Bill
- Ontario Introduces Paid Sick Leave
- MNRF Moose Management Webinar Now Available
- Some Clarification for Operators Who Wish to Suspend Their Canadian Air Carrier License For a Period of Time
- GOGG Contest Update: Congratulations to Our First Round of Winners!
- 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 Executive Director
Hello Everyone:
The last week of April was another week full of meetings and corresponding with both Federal and Provincial Governments seeking answers and pushing for more support.
It is amazing the things that change in a week and similarly the things that don't. I know everyone is scared, anxious and angry and that is a whole lot to try to get through. We are here with you and are working hard to try to reduce your burdens.
This week, in a meeting with the Federal Ministry of Health, we were able to confirm that for our US owners, they are willing to work with them regarding their compliance to the new quarantine and self testing requirements. See the article below for more details.
Other than that piece I don't have anything specific to share with you this week but the week ahead is packed with meetings that we are optimistic about. We will continue our work on advocating for:
- Extensions to financial support programs released in the Federal budget as well as making more of the existing loan programs forgivable
- The Federal Government to build a strong plan to re-open the border
- Allowing US camp owners across the border NOW
- Unused tourism allocations for bear and moose to be used over the next 3 to 5 years
As we continue t work on this very important task list, we hope to see reductions in our daily COVID case numbers in Ontario and Canada. We need to see that number below 1,000 cases /day here in Ontario in order to have this shutdown end on May 20th as we all hope it will.
I wish us all a week of positive news!
Be well,
Laurie
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Province-Wide Shutdown FAQs
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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If I choose to open my lodge to essential workers, do they each need to have their own separate cabin?
The clarification we received from Government is that essential workers do not necessarily need to each have their own individual accommodations. NOTO recommends that if you choose to house essential workers at this time, recommend that employees share accommodations with the crew they work closely with on a daily basis and continue to implement strict health and safety protocols in your establishment.
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If I choose to open my lodge for recreational guests, do they need to come from the same household?
The clarification we received is the following: Under the Stay-at-Home order, the regulations state that individuals are only to travel for essential purposes such as getting groceries or medical appointments. Travel outside of your respective health region is not permitted at this time. It is up to your guests to respect this regulation. If you do choose to operate your business regularly during this time, individuals will need to be from the same household in each cabin/cottage and you will need to comply with the regulations established for lodges.
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For seasonal campgrounds; do those with a seasonal permit need to stay for a full 14 days?
Under the current regulations, seasonal campgrounds can only be open to those with seasonal permits and those in need of housing during the emergency period. Only campsites with electricity, water services and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided. All recreational facilities in the campground and all other shared facilities in the campground, other than washrooms and showers, must be closed.
The clarification we received is the following: to comply with the stay-at-home order, individuals who are permitted to be on the campsite can only be there for under 24 hours (to do maintenance) or stay a minimum of 14 days for the same purpose. Seasonal campsites are treated as secondary residences for the purpose of the latest shutdown period/regulations.
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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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Ontario Passes Budget Bill
The Ontario Government has passed Bill 269, Protecting the People of Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2021 and enacted into law the next phase of the province's ongoing response to COVID-19.
Now that the budget has been approved, we have been advised that the details for the tourism supports that were announced will be released shortly.
NOTO will be keeping a watchful eye and let the industry know as soon as we receive any information.
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Ontario Introduces Paid Sick Leave
Earlier this week, Minister McNaughton introduced legislation that requires employers to provide employees with up to $200 of pay for up to three days if they are missing work because of COVID-19. This program will be retroactive to April 19, 2021 and effective until September 25, 2021, the date the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit will expire.
This bill was passed earlier this week. The government will partner with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to deliver the program and reimburse employers up to $200 per day for each employee.
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Some Reprieve For US Camp Owners on Quarantine Restrictions
This week in a meeting with Minister Patti Hajdu's staff we were able to confirm that they will now allow US camp owners to perform their self administered tests by phone if they are unable to do it by video. In addition they have made arrangements for Purolator unmanned drop boxes to be placed in more rural and remote settings and allow those in quarantine to leave their quarantine locations to delivery their test results to these drop boxes. Instructions will be provided by health officials during the self testing appointments.
We are pleased to see that our efforts have been successful and we will keep working to get these operators across the border as soon as possible.
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MNRF Moose Management Webinar
Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend MNRF's Moose Management Webinar on Wednesday. The recording of the webinar is now available. You can watch the recording by using the video link below.
We've also included a copy of the MNRF slide show. You can download the slides by clicking on the button below.
There were a few questions that were asked during this session that require follow-up from MNRF. As soon as we have that information on hand, we will include it in our newsletter.
In the meantime, if you have any additional questions based on the content provided, please feel free to contact Laurie ( laurie@noto.net).
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Some Clarification for Operators Who Wish to Suspend Their Canadian Air Carrier License For a Period of Time
We have been hearing from operators who are looking to suspend their Canadian Air Carrier Licence for a period of time. For those who are interested in proceeding with this matter, please read the following information shared with us from the Canadian Transportation Agency.
REQUESTING SUSPENSION OF LICENCE/S:
Licensees seeking to suspend their licenses should email the Agency with a brief request. The request should be addressed to: The Secretary, The Canadian Transportation Agency and sent by email to: LICENCE@otc-cta.gc.ca . Please include the licence number/s and the name of the licensee as it appears on the Agency issued licence. The request can be made by an individual who is legally authorized to act on behalf of the air carrier / licensee (i.e. the Owner, President etc.). If granted by the Agency, the suspension will be valid for a period of 12 months. The licensee can provide the insurance certificates and confirm validity of their AOC when requesting a reinstatement of their licence/s at any time during the period of suspension. If the licence/s are not reinstated or suspended further, they will be automatically cancelled as stipulated in the Agency Determination / Order;
REQUESTING A FURTHER SUSPENSION OF LICENCE/S:
Those air carriers whose licenses are already under a requested suspension and wish to continue with a further suspension of their licence/s, should also send in their request as above. Please include a brief reason as to why a further suspension is requested (example: financial reasons, pandemic etc.). If the Agency grants a further suspension, it would be valid for a period of 12 months. The licensee can provide the insurance certificates and confirm validity of their AOC when requesting a reinstatement of their licence/s at any time during the period of suspension. If the licence/s are not reinstated or suspended further, they will be automatically cancelled as stipulated in the Agency Determination / Order.
It is suggested that those air carriers intending on seeking a further suspension of their licence/s do not wait until the last minute / close to expiry of the previously issued Agency Order / Determination, but request it as soon as they are under suspension for the last 10 to 11 months. This is because one the Order / Determination deadline is crossed, the licence/s are automatically cancelled and cannot be reinstated or suspended further. An air carrier would then have to apply for a new licence if they intend to operate a publicly available air service.
REINSTATEMENT:
To request a reinstatement of your licence/s, please send an email requesting reinstatement making reference to the licence numbers and the legal name of the air carrier as it appears on their Agency issued licence. Include copies of valid certificates of insurance and endorsement with adequate liability insurance coverage and confirm that your AOC issued by Transport Canada is in good standing (i.e. not suspended or cancelled). Reinstatements are generally processed within a couple of business days subject to the licensee meeting with all the licensing requirements.
CANCELLATION OF LICENCE/S:
If a licence was already suspended by the Agency in the past 12 months and the licensee failed to reinstate the licence/s with the prescribed 12 month time frame, the licence/s would have been automatically cancelled as stipulated in the Agency Determination / Order.
NEW INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2021:
Please note that there is revision to the minimum liability insurance coverage requirements effective July 1, 2021. Please refer to the following link to the Air Transportation Regulations SOR/88-58: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-88-58/nifnev.html. When requesting reinstatement, ensure that you meet with these requirements.
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GOGG Contest Update
Congratulations to Our First Round of Winners!
The first round of winners have been announced!
A huge congratulations to the lucky participants and our first 5 winning lodges:
- Camp McIntosh
- Bear's Den Lodge
- Rainbow Point Lodge
- Mar Mac Lodge
- Sportman's Inn
We also have great news for all participating lodges! The outfitters page is now up and running!
If you don't see your lodge up there just yet, don't panic! Fish'n Canada is just finishing up some of the profiles and they will be added to the website shortly. You can view the outfitters page here: https://fishncanada.com/lodges-list/
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! The contest will run until August so it's never too late to join in on the action. Please remember, awarded trips can be fulfilled in 2021 OR 2022.
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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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