The Province of Ontario released the COVID-19 Response Framework which includes targeted, incremental & responsive public health measures to help limit the spread of COVID-19 & to protect the health & safety of Ontarians, while avoiding broader closures.

As of November 23, 2020, Simcoe Muskoka is in the Orange - Restrict level classification. Learn more about the Orange - Restrict classification and how it might affect your business.  

CANADA EMERGENCY RENT SUBSIDY (CERS)

Visit the CERS website to determine eligibility, calculate your subsidy amount, and to submit an application.

Please visit www.lakeofbays.on.ca/covid19-business for a comprehensive list of resources. This page is updated on a regular basis. If you need assistance finding a specific program or have questions, please don't hesitate to email the Interim Economic Development Coordinator Leanne Fetterley.

Broadband access has been identified as a key priority for both residents and businesses by the District and the Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF).YOU CAN HELP! Test your internet speed to help build better access to broadband in Muskoka!

A survey conducted by the Muskoka Economic Recovery Task Force (MERTF) asked seasonal residents if their plans have changed for the upcoming winter months due to COVID-19. Results suggest they plan to spend more time in Muskoka during the week and weekends this winter. The survey was completed earlier this fall to help understand the impact of COVID-19 on typical seasonal occupancy levels and explore the potential local economic impacts. View the results of the survey by reading the District of Muskoka News Release.

Explorers' Edge is relaunching the Cottage Country Spirit Local Travel Package this winter.

Program: 2000 packages available with 5 x$10 vouchers included in each package.

Timeframe: Vouchers can be redeemed from December 7, 2020 through February 28, 2021.

Deadline: Businesses are asked to sign up by December 1, 2020.

To participate, please read the program details and email the contract to Erin Smit at erin@explorersedge.ca.

In the spring of 2020, the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association (HMATA) commissioned two surveys from the polling firm Pollara Inc. One survey was distributed to the general Ontario population and the other to a database of previous visitors to Huntsville. The purpose of these surveys was to learn about the travel intentions of Ontarians during the COVID-19 pandemic and to discover insights about the perceptions of the Town of Huntsville.

Visit the HMATA website to review the Huntsville Travel Intentions and Perceptions Survey Reports.

A reminder that the Township is hosting a photo contest celebrating life in Lake of Bays. The prizes are designed to support our local business community by allowing the winners to receive a gift card to a Lake of Bays business of their choice (1st place: $100; 2nd place: $50; 3rd place: $25). Voting is open until December 4 and winners will be announced December 8, 2020.

The Township of Lake of Bays amplified their business spotlight series in 2020 as a creative means to promote and support our local business community. Spotlights are featured on the Township’s Public Notice Board (Muskoka Region/Huntsville Forester Newspaper), municipal website, social media, and the Economic Development e-Newsletter.

If you would like your business to be featured, contact Leanne Fetterley at lfetterley@lakeofbays.on.ca or 705-635-2272 ext.235.

Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.

Housed in a quaint historic building overlooking the dam in Baysville, Miss Nelle’s is a great place for breakfast, lunch, or snacks. Browse through their antiques and works by local artists to find the perfect gift to treat yourself or someone special. In a hurry? Grab something to go from their take-home food items. Read the Business Spotlight to learn more.