In Today's Update
- Message from NOTO's Executive Director
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New Ontario COVID-19 Restrictions - Regulations Now Updated!
- Note for US Camp Owners
- Federal Budget - Quick Highlights
- Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week - Sessions and Registration - April 20-22
- MNRF Webinar About Moose Management Changes - April 30th
- TIAO Calls - Tuesday April 20
- GOGG Contest Update
- Introducing what3words
- 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 our Executive Director
Laurie Marcil
Hello Everyone:
We begin this week with a delayed update from last week on the new regulations for the latest Ontario shutdown and Stay At Home Orders. For the most part this is all too familiar. If we look back a year ago, we find ourselves in a very similar situation.
Lodges, resorts, and outpost camps are not being ordered to shut down and are not being restricted to guests that are essential workers or those in need of housing to self-isolate, HOWEVER, the stay at home order means people should not be travelling for non-essential reasons.
We have been asked a number of questions about bringing staff in and we see nothing in the regulations that would prevent staff at your locations to return to work and begin re-opening tasks for the season. You must however ensure that you are adhering to health and safety protocols for your staff. You can refer to NOTO's COVID-19 Page for helpful links to best practices, protocols and workplace health and safety resources.
We know that everyone is tired of changes and feeling anxious about the upcoming season opening. We will continue to try to help you find answers and supports. We are here with you and for you.
For our US camp owners, I know today's news from the CBSA is very discouraging and presents so much more uncertainty for those of you who have successfully book some domestic guests in May and June and are not sure of your ability to get to camp to prepare or welcome early guests. Please know that we are trying to get this overturned.
Today we also heard the highlights from the Federal budget. There is some positive news here and the Canadian Government has come out with a very aggressive budget they hope will help small businesses and the tourism sector specifically. I have highlighted some of the key pieces in this edition and as we get more details, we will share them with all of you.
I know this is a rough start to this week and I feel your pain. We will continue to work hard to get you through this and answer questions as best as we can.
Stay Strong,
Laurie
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Province-Wide Shutdown Update
Last Friday, the Government announced a new suite of restrictions that were meant to come into effect as of Saturday, April 17th, 2021. In order to best inform you, NOTO has been waiting until we've had the official updated regulations on hand. We do apologize for the delay and we hope that this will help clarify some of the questions you may have.
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. Anyone who is able to work from home should do so. The Government is strongly advising all individuals to avoid travel outside their respective public health regions at this time.
Stay-at-Home Order:
This order requires 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. To view the official Stay-at-Home regulations, please click here.
Gatherings:
- Indoor and outdoor gatherings are not allowed, except with members of the same household (the people you live with).
Short-term rentals (AirBnB style businesses):
- Every person who provides short term rental accommodation shall ensure that any rentals are only provided to individuals who are in need of housing.
- Does not apply with respect to hotels, motels, lodges, resorts and other shared rental accommodation.
Hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, cottages, resorts and other shared rental accommodation:
- Any indoor pools, communal steam rooms, saunas or whirlpools, indoor fitness centres, or other indoor recreational facilities that are part of the operation of these businesses, are closed.
- Must close all outdoor recreational amenities highlighted below.
Restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments:
- Take out, drive through, and delivery only (includes the sale of alcohol).
Seasonal campgrounds:
Campsites must be made available only for trailers and recreational vehicles that are:
- used by individuals who are in need of housing
- permitted to be there by the terms of a full season contract
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. Other areas of the campground must be closed to the general public and must only be opened for the purpose of preparing the campground for reopening.
Marinas:
Marinas can only offer the following services:
- Repairing or servicing boats or other watercraft.
- Placing boats or other watercraft in the water to be secured to a dock until the marina is open to the public.
- Any other services that may be required to (i) enable individuals to access their place of residence or their other property, (ii) support government operations or services, or (iii). support the transportation of items by commercial barges.
For greater certainty, the person who operates the marina shall not permit it to be used for recreational boating purposes.
Outdoor recreational amenities:
The following outdoor recreational amenities must be closed:
- All outdoor sports facilities and multi-use fields, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, frisbee golf locations, tennis, platform tennis, table tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, BMX parks, and skate parks and recreational areas containing outdoor fitness equipment.
- All outdoor picnic sites and picnic tables in park and recreational areas.
Outdoor playgrounds and outdoor play structures may be open, with physical distancing in place.
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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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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Note For US Camp Owners
One of our members shared the letter below with us today from Canada Border Services Agency. NOTO is following up with CBSA as well as the Public Health Agency of Canada to look for an exemption. We know that you will need time to do your 14-day quarantine and prepare your camps to open for guests.
It is our understanding that this decision was made based on Premier Ford's request of the Federal Government to assist in Ontario's efforts to contain the spread of the virus here in Ontario. We will make every effort to get this overturned as soon as possible.
NOTO Team
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Camp Owners,
The province of Ontario has implemented COVID restrictions including a Stay at Home Order. Due to the unknown nature of future Stay at Home orders or extension of the current order and in consultation with the CBSA COVID Taskforce and the Public Health Agency of Canada, it has been decided to cancel all Work Permit appointments at this time. The current stay at home order for Ontario is in effect until May 20, 2021. The immigration team in Fort Frances and Rainy River will be in touch with you regarding appointments at a later date when we have more information available regarding the closure.
We understand this is not news that you would like to hear, however, this unprecedented situation around the world is ever-changing.
As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we hope to speak to you in the near future.
Robert Donaldson
Border Services Officer
Canada Border Services Agency
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Federal Budget
Minister Freeland tabled the 2021 Federal Budget this afternoon. It is a very comprehensive document and we need more time to wade through it but here are some immediate highlights:
- Extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to September 25, 2021
- Introduction of the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program
- Extension of the Canadian Emergency Business Account to June 30, 2021
- Extension of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund and the Indigenous Business Initiative to June 30, 2021
- Extension of the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support to September 25, 2021
- $100 million to Destination Canada for marketing campaigns to help encourage visitors to discover the country
- Establish a $500 million Tourism Relief Fund to support investments by tourism businesses
Similarly to the Ontario Budget, NOTO will be sending a newsletter showcasing the tourism highlights announced in the budget along with additional details once we have more information.
TIAC will also be hosting a webinar about the budget announcements on Tuesday, April 20th from 1:30-2:30 EDT. You can register by clicking here.
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Registration is free to all industry partners, so you can focus on
operations, saving money, and staying safe!
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Tuesday, April 20, 2021
- Reinventing Tourism: Resilience, Adaptive Capacity, and Vulnerability
- Recreational Boating Industry Update
- Improve Your Online Marketing – Digital Success for Tourism Businesses and Organizations
- All About the Travel Industry Council of Ontario
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
- Building Consumer Confidence with the Safe Travels Stamp
- Beyond the Backyard – Enticing the Ontario Drive Market
- Experience Fishing Program
- Destination Bike - Welcoming Cyclists in Northern Ontario
Thursday, April 22, 2021
- “French It Up!” for the Quebec Market
- Ingredients of a Successful Touring Route
- Special Edition Northern Ontario Spark Program
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How do I register for each
Training Session?
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STEP 01
Open your registration confirmation email and download
our app to start building your schedule!
STEP 02
Register for each session individually.
Note: Clicking + Add to Schedule does not register you for the session.
STEP 03
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with a link.
STEP 04
Click the link to join the webinar at the specified time and date.
STEP 05
Enjoy your training session!
Joining on Mobile? Follow These Steps!
STEP 01
Download the EventMobi app from the iPhone or Android app store.
STEP 02
Launch the app and enter the unique event code
"Northern2021"
STEP 03
Access event information, network with other
attendees, build your schedule and more!
Don't have a phone? The app can also be found on the web using this URL:
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MNRF Webinar About Moose Management Changes
The session will be delivered via Adobe Connect on
Friday, April 30th, 2021 from 10 am – noon, EST.
Ontario is implementing the most significant changes to moose management since the early 1980’s to support moose populations while making tag allocation fairer and more consistent.
This session will provide an opportunity for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to outline and explain the recent changes to moose management, particularly those that affect outfitters. Following a presentation by MNRF, outfitters will have an opportunity to ask questions of Ministry staff.
To attend, please copy and paste the following link directly into either your Chrome or Edge browser on Friday April 30th shortly before 10am. Do not use Internet Explorer as your browser.
Adobe Connect enables you to view and listen to the session on your tablet, cell phone, laptop or computer. To ensure you have an enjoyable experience, we offer the following Best Practices for using Adobe Connect:
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Download and use the Adobe Connect Application for best results. For first time use, download here: http://www.adobe.com/go/ConnectShell11 (No administrative privileges are required) - If you already have the app, but it’s been a while since you’ve used it, you will need to update it. Click here to install the update (version 2021.2.18.64, posted 19-Feb-2021), or follow the instructions provided.
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If you do not wish to download the app and simply wish to join using a web browser, use either Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge NOT Internet Explorer. Just copy and paste the link above directly into one of these browsers.
- Join early to leave yourself sufficient time to work through any technical issues if needed. With the additional load on the internet due to Covid-19, connections are slower and take more time to update
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If you experience any technical difficulties ahead of time with the app, or connecting, please contact Mary Orpen at mary.orpen@ontario.ca
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TIAO Calls
Tuesday April 20, 2021
Dear TIAO members,
To accommodate the Northern training week schedule, we will be pushing the call to 12PM EST tomorrow. Please see the updated call details below.
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Industry Update Call Tourism Day @ QP Recap - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (EDT)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 395-496-845
COVID-19 Tourism Industry Update - Tourism Day @ QP Recap
Tue, Apr 20, 2021 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EDT)
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 251-097-269
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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GOGG Contest Update
We Continue to Accept Applications
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! Remember, these trips can be housekeeping or American plan, drive-to, fly-in, boat-in, or even houseboat adventures!
Participating operators will be able to take advantage of free marketing opportunities throughout the duration of the contest shortly!
We have received 53 applications so far:
- 48 applications have been approved
- 5 pending applications (*pending safe travels stamp)
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Introducing what3words
It’s not always easy to find where you need to be. Postcodes and street addresses often aren’t reliable and don’t exist at all for parks, trails and many rural locations. If it’s a building you’re looking for, the address may help you find the building, but it can’t tell you where a specific entrance is.
Now, three seemingly random words will solve this by guiding people to the precise 3 metre square of their meet-up. what3words is an easy way to identify precise locations. Every 3 metre square has been given a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. For example /// ///golf.repeated.stereos is the what3words address for Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario. Anyone can enter these three words into the free what3words app and tap ‘Navigate’ to get directions with their favourite navigation app.
Finding exactly where they need to be easily means members can arrive hassle-free and ready to enjoy their activity.
what3words and emergency services:
When every second counts, pinpointing the location of the incident is crucial. Some emergency services in our area accept what3words addresses and recommend downloading the free app to be prepared. With just 3 words, callers can communicate their exact location to the call handler, and first responders can navigate to that exact spot. You can find the list of emergency services using what3words here.
Click here to watch a video about this service and how it works.
If you’re interested to find out how what3words can help your business, please reach out to zolzaya@what3words.com
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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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