Ontario Government to Introduce Capacity Limits for Large Venues

In an effort to reduce opportunities for close contact in high-risk indoor settings with large crowds and when face coverings/masks are not always worn, effective December 18, 2021 at 12:01 am Ontario intends to introduce a 50 per cent capacity limit to the following indoor areas of venues with a usual capacity of 1,000 or more:

  • facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, 
  • entertainment facilities such as concert venues, theatres and cinemas,
  • racing venues,
  • meeting and event spaces,
  • studio audiences in commercial film and television production;
  • museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions; casinos, 
  • bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and 
  • fair, rural exhibitions, and festivals. 
Ontario Accelerating Booster Dose Rollout

Starting December 20, 2021, individuals aged 18 and over will be eligible to schedule their booster dose appointment three months after a second dose. In addition, starting today, individuals aged 50 and over who have already booked their appointment at an interval of six months can call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to re-book for an earlier date at the three-month interval and can change their appointment through Ontario’s booking portal starting on Monday.



Province to Begin Holiday Testing Blitz

As part of the government’s enhanced testing strategy, starting today up to two million rapid tests will be provided free of charge at pop-up testing sites in high-traffic settings such as malls, retail settings, holiday markets, public libraries and transit hubs. The government will also make take-home rapid tests available at select LCBO stores, starting with the busiest stores this week and with more stores being added in the coming days.

Ontarians can visit Ontario.ca/holidaytesting to find out if pop-up rapid antigen screening sites will be available in their area. Locations and operating hours will be updated weekly, and no appointment will be required.

Ontario Cutting Wholesale Alcohol Prices to Support Restaurants and Bars

The government is supporting bars, restaurants and other businesses with a licence to operate a liquor consumption premises by cutting wholesale prices for the alcohol they purchase from the LCBO, saving these businesses an effective 20 per cent when compared to retail prices. This change will provide approximately $60 million in annual support to restaurants, bars and other businesses.

The government has also frozen the basic beer tax rates that were set to be indexed to inflation on March 1, 2022 to support beer and craft beer brewers to recover and grow, and to save consumers money. The beer basic tax rates are prescribed amounts of tax added to beer sold in Ontario. The rates adjust annually based on the Consumer Price Index. The government is freezing the beer tax rates until March 1, 2023.
Federal Government Advises Against Non-Essential Travel

The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, to avoid non-essential travel internationally. Many foreign governments are implementing strict travel restrictions due to spread of the Omicron variant and international transportation options may be limited. As a result, you may have difficulty returning to Canada, or may have to remain abroad for an indeterminate period.
Ontario Chamber Network Response

As we have said from the beginning, transparency and clear communication from the Government of Ontario are critical for confidence in public health measures during this time. Long-term planning that ties future restrictions to clear metrics is important to ensure businesses can plan ahead. Fears of the omicron variant will inevitably impact consumer confidence and reduce foot traffic to those small businesses who need our support the most right now.

Businesses have already suffered greatly over the last 21 months. Continued supports are needed particularly for those continuing to operate with capacity limits. Any public policies that inhibit tourism or consumer confidence should be met with proportionate support programs, loan forgiveness, and loan extensions to small business who are still struggling at this time.
ICYMI: Stay Safe Stay Open Webinar

Missed the Stay Safe webinar? Catch a replay to get information directly from the health, science and education community. In the face of rising COVID cases and news of a new variant, we want to ensure businesses have the information and tools necessary to ensure a safe space for consumers and employees.
CAPITAL Magazine Launch
Imagine Ottawa
Ottawa Board of Trade and gordongroup have launched the 15th edition of CAPITAL Magazine – Imagine Ottawa. This issue explores the opportunity we have to create a new vision for our Nation's Capital using the lessons we have learned to build forward better. Thank you to everyone who attended the launch event and all the CAPITAL Magazine project partners for making this important edition possible. 
LeBreton Flats Major Attractions
Request for Expressions of Interest

The National Capital Commission has launched a Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) on its website to seek proponents and ideas for two major attraction sites. They are looking for attractions that will amplify excitement and energy for one of Canada’s premier city-building initiatives: Building LeBreton.

 Submissions will be accepted until February 28, 2022. 

The major attractions are expected to be a regional and international draw for sports, entertainment, cultural and/or recreational purposes. The ultimate intent is to offer the land on a long-term ground lease to a proponent that would design, build, own and maintain the attraction/s facilities. These sites will become anchors for the surrounding development, which is planned as one of the most sustainable and inclusive communities in Canada.

Take Advantage of the #1 Group Insurance Plan
for Small Businesses

Business owners know how to navigate opportunities and risks and turn them into huge rewards. One thing that shouldn’t have to be put at risk is their health. Chambers Plan has an outstanding employee benefits package to keep the families of business owners safe and protected. 
Have you updated your account information?

Did you know your membership provides opportunities for your organization to market your business and attract new customers? Through the Member Directory on the OBOT website, you can share information with our community, the region and even internationally. Don't frustrate your customers - make sure everyone has access to complete, up-to-date information!
Our mission is to cultivate a thriving world class
business community.

And we need you! We recently hosted the President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber, Rocco Rossi, as our keynote at our AGM (please watch it!) He inspired us to launch "The Power of One" campaign. He shares a story of why policy matters to each and every one of us. We are approaching a time of immense opportunity to influence important change and your Board of Trade is at the ready. However, the voice of business is only as strong as its membership. So this is the ask!
Please invite one business in your network to be a member today. Invite them to have a say in the future of Ottawa. Send them this membership investment link. In return, we would like to thank you by offering you a 10% referral rebate. That's it. So simple. We want to grow our membership so that we can increase our impact and make Ottawa the best capital city in the world.
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