In Today's Update
- Message from our Executive Director
- NOTO's Getting a New Website!
- Spring Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week
- Canada-US Border Closure and International Travel Restrictions Update
- Important Information for US Camp Owners
- Update on the Reopening Ontario Framework
- TIAO Call Next Week
- Transition of CITES Permit Applications to Environment and Climate Change Canada
- New Carp Fishing Regulations
- Canada United Grants - Up to $5000
- NEONT Strategic Plan Development - Input Requested
- Destination Ontario Presents Google My Business
- Forestry Notices
- 2021 Early Bird Membership Pricing Still Available
- Get Your Safe Travel Stamps
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:
|
|
Message From Our Executive Director
Laurie Marcil
We have been hard at it here at NOTO ensuring that we take advantage of every opportunity to bring issues and solutions for the Resource-based Tourism Industry to the forefront.
Over the last several weeks NOTO responded to the MHSTCI White Paper, the Provincial budget and the Federal budget consultations. We have reiterated all of the important needs of our sector to bring all of you successfully through this relentless pandemic. We have also continued discussions with MNRF and MECP regarding the 2021 crown resource fees. We hope to have an positive announcement soon.
As many of you have seen in the last few newsletters, we recently submitted a position paper on the use of herbicides in forestry as well as responded to Transport Canada's proposal to eliminate the rental boat safety checklist and changes to the Pleasure Craft Operator Competency regulations. We thank each and every one of you who answered our call to submit comments on those items. NOTO has heard that the feedback has been overwhelmingly against eliminating this tool and we are optimistic that we will see the proposal stopped.
Transport Canada is currently working on a report on "What We Heard" which will be posted on the Let's Talk Transportation website in the coming months. Due to the significant amount of feedback they received, the expected date for publication in Canada Gazette, Part I, has now been moved to Winter 2022.
As we continue our work to urge Government to plan for are-openng of the border as soon as possible I wanted to share information about an upcoming interview that may give us all some insight. This Sunday, February 28th, at 10am (EST) Rosemary Barton from CBC will be televising an exclusive interview with Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State regarding re-opening the US/Canada border. Here is a link we found regarding the meeting and Canada that took place on Friday and a sneak peek of the interview: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/1866267715588
In the coming days, weeks, months, Kate and I will continue to be here to ensure you have updates on information relevant to you and always welcome your feedback via email or by phone using the contact information listed above.
Be well,
Laurie
|
|
NOTO's Getting a New Website to Serve You Better!
We are very excited to announce that NOTO has secured funding to develop a new, modernized website!
We have heard your comments and suggestions and we are happy to announce that our new website will include:
- Online membership payment system
- Online store
- Members-only portal
- Modernized members listing & Preferred Supplier directory
- Online easy to use library with helpful resources
- and so much more!
In addition to becoming more user-friendly providing more value for your membership, this site will help to educate those who are not in the industry about the significant economic value that our sector brings to Ontario and Canada.
All we need now are some pictures! We encourage all NOTO members to participate!
We would love to have pictures of your lodges that include, accommodations, fishing and hunting, nature, shore lunches, anything that really identifies and showcases the amazing products the resource-based tourism industry has to offer! Many of the pictures we receive will be used on our new website.
Please send pictures to kate@noto.net for a chance to be featured on our new website! Please send all photos in JPEG or PNG format. Please do not resize or compress the photos in order to keep them at the highest resolution possible.
|
|
Join us virtually for our Northern Ontario Tourism
Spring Training Week!
Building on 80+ years of successful fall conferences for the outfitting sector, the Northern Ontario Tourism Summit was developed as a partnership event between Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) and Destination Northern Ontario (DNO) to bring together tourism businesses, organizations and suppliers as well as all levels of government at a single event to find solutions to challenges facing the industry. Last fall, we introduced a virtual training week in lieu of our traditional summit to engage with the industry across the North.
Destination Northern Ontario and Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario are pleased to bring you a free virtual Spring Training Week this April as we prepare for the reopening of Ontario. COVID-19 has created challenges for tourism businesses and operators around the province, now more than ever it is essential to be ready for re-opening, recovery and resiliency. Our three-day training week is set to provide resources, tools, action plans, strategies, and connections for both today and the future.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect with other tourism businesses, communities, build new partnerships, ask questions and get inspired for what's possible in 2021!
Registration opening soon! Stay tuned!
|
|
Canada-US Border Closure & International Travel Restrictions Update
The Canada-US Border will remain closed until March 21st, with possibility of extension. All non-essential travel will be turned away from all land border crossings, regardless if the individual has a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination at this time. CBSA and Minister Blair have also confirmed that all international travel restrictions (testing and quarantine requirements) will remain in place until April 31st, 2021, with possibility of extension. |
|
Important Information for US Camp Owners on Border Crossing
Similarly to last year, all operators are encouraged to apply for their work permits online prior to arriving at the border. Operators will need to book an appointment with the border crossing of their choice.
Before going to the border crossing, operators will need to have a sound quarantine plan, have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, and enter all relevant information using the ArriveCAN app.
Once you arrive at the border, an officer will screen you for COVID-19 and you will be expected to take another COVID-19 test upon arrival. An officer will then go through all the required documentation to ensure everything is in order. You will also be given a COVID-19 take-home test which you will need to take near the end of your quarantine period (Day 10). If you begin to show COVID-19 symptoms or have an unsuitable quarantine plan, you will be sent to a designated quarantine facility. Otherwise, you will be cleared to go to your place of quarantine.
Everyday during your quarantine period, you will be required to use the ArriveCAN app or call 1-833-641-0343 to check-in and to report symptoms daily.
CBSA has prepared a flow chart indicating which preparations camp owners need to consider prior to arrival at the border. You can access this by clicking on the button below.
If you would like to learn more about Canada's Travel restrictions or additional information on the ArriveCAN app, click here. |
|
Update on the Reopening Ontario Framework
Grey-Lockdown
- Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit; and
- Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
Red-Control
- Niagara Region Public Health.
Orange-Restrict
- Chatham-Kent Public Health;
- Middlesex-London Health Unit; and
- Southwestern Public Health.
Yellow-Protect
- Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit; and
- Huron Perth Public Health.
Green-Prevent
To view the full comprehensive list of the regulations and restrictions that will apply to each zone, please click here.
|
|
Please be advised that 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.
We are aware that some Chief Medical Officers of Health have issued class orders of their own in addition to the Provinces COVID-19 regulations and restrictions. For example, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health has issued a Section 22 Order which prohibits Restaurants and Accommodations from booking individuals from regions where the stay-at-home order continues to apply.
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.
|
|
|
TIAO Call Next Week
Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679
United States: +1 (571) 317-3116
Access Code: 774-779-237
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
|
|
Transition of Ontario CITES permitting to Environment and Climate Change Canada
Beginning on April 1st, 2021, MNRF will no longer issue CITES permits on behalf of the Federal Government. This is consistent with how CITES permits are issued for several other provinces in Ontario. A CITES permit may be required if you are taking a CITES-listed plant or animal, or their parts or derivatives out of the country. This includes:
- Wildlife specimens
- Exotic pets
- Hunting trophies (wolves, bears, otter, lynx)
American hunter leaving Canada with a freshly killed black bear they are legally harvested are exempt from CITES permitting requirements when returning to the US.
When you apply for a CITES permit, Environment and Climate Change Canada will aim to give you a decision within the following timelines:
- Hunting trophy export permit (21 days)
- All other CITES permits (35 days)
For more information please read the letter provided below. For additional information on CITES and Environment and Climate Change Canada, please click here.
|
|
Changes to Carp Regulations
In order to use more than one line, anglers must meet all of the following conditions:
- Anglers must use baits that are plant-based, or artificial corn
- When fishing from shore, each line being used can be no further than 2 metres (approximately 6 feet) from another line the angler is using
- When fishing from a vessel, all lines must be on board the vessel with the angler.
These conditions are intended to lower the risk of catching non-target species and reduce crowding at popular shore fishing locations.
With these new regulations, Ontario is set to attract large carp fishing events and attract anglers from all over the world. Once travel restrictions ease and global travel resumes, it is expected that the impact to tourism operators in the regions with carp fishing will be substantial. This announcement will create new opportunities to encourage travelers to come to these events, stay in Ontario for longer periods of time, and experience more of our superior angling products.
|
|
REMINDER - PPE Grants to Help You Get Ready for the Upcoming Season
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund is now open for a second round of applications. SMEs in any sector with less than 75 employees can receive up to $5000 to cover PPE costs related to enhanced health and safety measures or to adopt online technologies. To view more details on this program and its eligibility requirements, or to submit an application, please click here.
The Provincial Government has changed the eligibility criteria for this grant. Small businesses with 2-19 employees (previously 9), in all eligible sectors will be able to apply for up to $1000 in financial support to offset the costs of purchasing PPE as the province gradually reopens. Eligible sectors include:
- retail trade;
- accommodation and food services;
- repair and maintenance;
- personal and laundry services;
- gyms and yoga studios; and
- arts, entertainment, and recreation.
You can learn more about this grant, and other financial supports for small businesses offered by the Provincial Government by clicking here.
|
|
Northeastern Ontario's Strategic Plan Development
Industry Partners, Operators, Communities, & Local DMOs Input Requested
Northeastern Ontario Regional Tourism Organization Inc. (NeONT) is a not-for profit organization dedicated to promoting the region as a premier travel destination with the goal of increasing tourism revenue for our Partners, and the region as a whole. We nurture productive relationships with Partners and industry by listening to industry feedback and developing targeted marketing initiatives that speak to the region’s (RTO 13A) key travel markets.
NeONT is currently undertaking their strategic action planning process aimed at enhancing the organization, membership base and overall marketing efforts. The Three-Year Strategic Action Plan will serve as a roadmap to guide NeONT through sustainable growth while meeting industry needs and positioning the region as a premier travel destination.
We thank you for your time to complete the survey as your input is integral to the development of the project.
|
|
Destination Ontario presents Google My Business
Destination Ontario has announced it's next educational webinar: Google My Business. This free tourism-focused webinar will focus on how to optimize your digital presence.
The webinar will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 9:30am (EST).
"In an effort to support small- to mid-sized tourism businesses in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, Google will provide an overview of Google My Business and other tools that can help enhance your online presence (e.g. Test My Site, Google Ads, Google Trends). Google will also share the Google Guide for Small and Medium Businesses to help navigate through the readily available resources." - Google
What is Google My Business (GMB)?
It’s a free tool that allows you to promote your business profile and website on Google Search and Maps. With your GMB account, you can see and connect with your customers, post updates to your business profile, and see how customers are interacting with your business on Google.
Experts Donna Chang and Jenny Vincent, Google Account Managers, will provide operators with an introduction to GMB and follow with more in-depth use of tools to enhance your business’ profile and to optimize your digital presence with Google and to take full advantage of the following tools:
- Google My Business
- Mobile Site Speed
- Google Analytics
- Google Ads
- Googles Guide for Small Businesses
Click on the button below to register for this webinar!
|
|
Forestry Notices
It's once again that time of year where forestry activities are beginning to ramp up. NOTO would like to take this opportunity to remind operators of the importance of staying up-to-date on the forestry activities happening in your region. We encourage all operators to take some time to review Forest Management Plans (FMP) and to participate in the consultations to ensure your business values are respected in the development of an FMP.
The NOTO office has received the following consultation notices:
- Algonquin Forest - 2021-2031 Draft FMP Review (closes May 11th)
- Bancroft-Minden Forest - Review of Draft FMP (closes May 18th)
- Black Spruce Forest - 2021-2031 Approved FMP Inspection (closes March 31st)
- Dog River-Matawin Forest - 2021-2031 Approved FMP Inspection (closes April 1st)
- Dryden Forest - Approved FMP Inspection (closes March 31st)
- English River Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (bridges, water crossings) (closes March 31st)
- Gordon Cosens Forest - FMP Amendment (closes March 31st)
- Gordon Cosens Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (closes March 31st)
- Kenora Forest - 2022-2032 Review of Proposed Operations (closes Feb. 27th)
- Martel Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (closes March 31st)
- Mazinaw-Lanark Forest - Review of Draft FMP (closes May 18th)
- Northshore Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (closes March 31st)
- Spanish Forest - Annual Work Schedule Changes (add harvest blocks) (closes March 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - 2021-2031 Approved FMP Inspection (closes March, 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - 2021-2031 FMP amendment (closes March 31st)
- Trout Lake Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (add harvest block & water crossing) (closes March 31st)
- Whiskey Jack Forest - Annual Work Schedule Change (prescribed burn) (closes March 31st)
- Review of Spruce Budworm Pest management Program for Abitibi River, Gordon Cosens, Martel, Nipissing, Pineland, Romeo Malette, Spanish, Sudbury, Temagami and Timiskaming Forests (Closes March 1st)
To view these notices and to participate in the consultation, please click on the button below. To receive notices for your Forest Management Unit directly in your inbox, register an account on the MNRF's new forestry website by clicking the button below as well.
|
|
Early Bird Pricing Now Available!
Join now or renew your membership to save and be entered for a chance to win the Early Bird Prize!
-
Entry Level: $452.00
-
Bronze:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
-
Silver:
$734.50 NOW: $706.25
-
Basic:
$621.50 NOW: $593.25
-
Bronze:
$779.70 NOW: $734.50
-
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!
|
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
NOTO is a membership based organization that works hard to support the outdoor tourism industry through advocacy and information services. We do not receive Government funding for operating and rely on annual memberships from tourism businesses, organizations, product and service suppliers, and partners. For more information about membership with NOTO visit noto.ca
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
