In this challenging and constantly changing business environment, the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce want to support our Members by providing relevant and up-to-date information. This includes government announcements and support programs, resources, webinars, surveys, and other important updates.

This is a collaborative email to share information that applies to our Memberships at large, sent on behalf of the Grimsby Chamber, Lincoln Chamber, and West Lincoln Chamber.
Government of Ontario
Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and other health experts, is immediately declaring a third provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA).

Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government is issuing 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.

Measures for retail include, but are not limited to:
  • Hours of operation have been limited to between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Non-essential retailers permitted to continue operating for curbside pick-up and delivery only
  • Big box stores in-person shopping limited to essential items only, including groceries, pet care supplies, household cleaning supplies, pharmaceutical items, health care items, and personal care items
  • Permitting outdoor garden centres and plant nurseries, and indoor greenhouses that engage in sales to the public, to operate with a 25% capacity limit

Schools and child care will remain open for in-person care and learning in public health regions where it is permitted, with strict safety measures in place.

Health and safety inspectors and provincial offenses officers will increase inspections and enforcement at essential businesses in regional hot zones to continue protecting essential workers while on the job.
Ontario Small Business Support Grants - APPLICATION DEADLINE TODAY
On April 1, the Ontario Government extended the application deadline from March 31 to Wednesday, April 7 at 11:59 PM.

Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant provides them with funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Provincewide Shutdown.

Eligible businesses include the following:
  • Businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services, subject to the province-side shutdown effective at 12:01 AM on December 26, 2020.
  • Businesses that have less than 100 employees at the enterprise level
  • Businesses that have experienced a minimum of 20% revenue decline in April 2020 compared to April 2019

Learn more about the grant: http://ontario.ca/COVIDsupport
Vaccination Updates
Ontario Moving to Phase Two of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan
The Ontario government is moving into Phase Two of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, with a focus on reaching individuals in "hot spot" communities where COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted certain neighbourhoods. In addition, this phase will prioritize individuals with the highest-risk health conditions in April 2021.

The government will also extend booking for COVID-19 vaccination appointments to more age groups through its provincial booking system, for public health regions with highly impacted neighbourhoods, on Friday, April 9, 2021. Booking eligibility will be extended to include individuals aged 50 and over for COVID-19 vaccination appointments at mass immunization clinics in high-risk areas as identified by postal code, using the provincial booking system.
Niagara to Begin Vaccinating Frontline Child Care and Education Workers Over April Break
Beginning April 9, frontline staff in the following roles, who are unable to work from home, will be able to book a vaccine appointment:

  • Teachers and educators, including occasional supply teachers who are actively working in-person and/or who backfill teachers who are absent because of potential COVID-19 exposures
  • Early childhood educators, including those who provide coverage within either or both childcare and elementary school sectors.
  • Licensees, employees and students on educational placement working in licensed childcare centres
  • Licensed home childcare and in-home service providers
  • Custodial, cafeteria and administrative staff
  • Bus drivers and monitors
Vaccination Support Council

The Provincial Government is eager to get out all the rapid COVID tests that the Federal Government has supplied. Minister Fedeli has said this will be open to any business that applies for them. There will be a free eight-week period where employees can be tested several times a week.

Businesses can sign up for the government’s rapid testing program by contacting COVID19Testing@ontariohealth.ca or for the manufacturing sector contact TestingMEDJCT@ontario.ca.
Contact Your Local Chamber
Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director
Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director
West Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director
This email was sent by on behalf of the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce, which consists of the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. You have received this email because you subscribed to our newsletters; your email address will not be shared and will be used only for these updates.
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