In Today's Update
- A Message from NOTO's President
- 2021 NOTO Membership Invoices
- Canada-US Border
- Interprovincial Borders
- Ontario Cabinet Shuffle
- TIAO Survey
- Need Staff? Tourism SkillsNet North Can Help
- TEN's Fast Track to Success Program
- Forestry Notices
- A Message from a NOTO Member
- REMINDERS: RRRF, ON Tourism & Travel Small Business Grant, GOGG
- 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 NOTO's President
Bob Garson, Garson's Fly-in Outposts
Hello Fellow Members,
It is the time of year we get back to work, even if it is at limited capacity. The future appears to be getting better as we are finally getting people vaccinated.
The pressure is still on the Government to get the border open and NOTO is doing everything possible to encourage the opening. It is also the time NOTO looks to its members and future members for support through membership.
We appreciate all who support us as we continue to lobby on your behalf. The hard work has produced some results but, we have a ways to go yet.
Thanks for your support!
NOTO President
Bob Garson
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2021 NOTO Membership Invoices
Dear valued NOTO members,
We understand that COVID-19 has created some very uncertain times within the resource-based tourism industry. We want you to know that we will continue working hard to advocate for additional financial support from Government as well as continue our information services to industry during these unprecedented times.
As an organization which operates solely on membership funds, your membership is important to us. If you have been a regular member of NOTO and have not renewed your membership yet, we will be sending you an invoice for your 2021 membership via email soon. We are committed to working with you to find a payment strategy that will best suit your needs. As a result we've done the following:
- Extended the Early Bird pricing for the remainder of the year.
- Extend the payment due date to August 31st, 2021.
- Committed to working with members on a case-by-case basis to extend the payment deadline further and develop a split payment or interval payment strategy.
- Allow members to change their membership level for 2021 without loss of benefits associated with their original levels.
We have come a long way, but there are still rough waters ahead. We've had several successes from advocating for financial supports, bridging gaps and issues in several support programs, getting lodges open as much as we can, and getting US camp owners into Canada. As all of these announcements proved, we are stronger together.
Please know that NOTO will continue advocating to ensure larger portions of the loans become forgivable, that the payback dates for the loans be pushed back, as well as continuing to press the Government for additional financial support and to get the Canada-US border open as soon as possible. As vaccination rates across the country continue to increase, it is time to kickstart the tourism economy.
We couldn't do the work we do without your continued support. Thank you to each and every one of you who take the time to answer surveys, share with us your stories, and who flag issues in programs, and for those of you who help push for change.
We urge you to help build our membership by talking with your industry colleagues and encouraging them to join NOTO. Membership details can be found at http://noto.ca/outfitter_membership
NOTO is proud to represent such a strong, unified industry! If you have any questions surrounding membership, please do not hesitate to contact Laurie (laurie@noto.net) or Kate (kate@noto.net). The NOTO staff is always glad to help!
Thank you all for your continued support!
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Canada-US Border Closure
The Canada-US border closure has been extended to July 21st. Both Minister Blair and Minister LeBlanc have stated that the Government will have more to say about the restrictions on June 21st. We hope that the Government will release their border reopening plan as soon as possible.
NOTO has been sharing the pilot project proposal developed through the Northern Ontario Border Working Group with Government. In this pilot project proposal, we demand that the Government permit fully vaccinated individuals to enter Canada without the need for quarantine. We need the travel restrictions to be significantly reduced so that we can save a portion of the 2021 season and help kickstart the economic recovery of the tourism industry in Ontario. We need Government to understand the urgency. Many operators can not survive another season without American tourists.
Keep the messages to Government Going!
There is an enormous amount of pressure being applied from concerned businesses, communities, industries and most importantly the tourism sectors across Canada to get the border open now and for Government to share their plan as soon as possible so that businesses can plan. We know how critical it is for you to know what is actually happening so that you can respond to your guests and plan for your business.
The work that TIAC has done with the Open The Border campaign has been strong and received a good amount of media and Government attention. NOTO has supported this campaign through letters and calls to MPs this week. We encourage all of you to once again write a letter to your local MP as part of this campaign to help elevate the message. Visit https://www.openuscanborder.ca/home to participate in this important initiative. |
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Interprovincial Borders
On Wednesday, the Quebec and Manitoba borders have reopened. There are no quarantine restrictions for individuals coming into Ontario from other provinces at this time.
However, we are aware that the Province of Manitoba requires all individuals (including Manitoba citizens) that enter the province to quarantine for 14 days. This may cause a loss of bookings from Manitoban guests, especially in Northwestern Ontario.
NOTO is looking into ways to communicate our concerns with this requirement. The quarantine requirement not only impacts Ontario lodge operators, but may also impact Manitoba lodge operators who take in guests from other provinces as well. Every province has an organization like NOTO. We will communicate with our Manitoban counterparts to see what we can do.
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Ontario Cabinet Shuffle
Premier Ford has announced a cabinet shuffle Friday afternoon. Here are some important changes to note for our sector:
- Dave Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South, becomes Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
- Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora-Rainy River, assumes a merged role as Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, as well as remains Minister of Indigenous Affairs. The Government believes that this new northern and economic focused ministry will enhance development potential and sustainability in the North.
NOTO would like to thank MPP Yurek (former Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks), and MPP Yakabuski (former Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry), for their continued support for our sector throughout this pandemic. Your work is greatly appreciated and has supported countless operators in a time where they needed it the most. NOTO looks forward to developing new relationships with MPP Piccini and continuing to work with Minister Rickford on important matters impacting the resource-based tourism industry.
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Do You Have Your COVID Protocols in Place? It is Regulation.
Before you open it is very important that you comply with all of the regulations listed in O.Reg 82/20 and have implemented enhanced health and safety protocols. Any business which is permitted to be open at this time must have their safety plan/protocols in place that can be made available if a health official or enforcement officer requests to see it.
A safety plan is essentially a document highlighting all your health and safety protocols, COVID-19 protocols, and your plan in the event that an employee or guests develops COVID-19 at your workplace.
Not sure where to start or what to do? Fear not, there are some great resources available to you. In fact, last year with the support of Destination Northern Ontario, NOTO developed a comprehensive COVID-19 best practices guide for the RBT sector business that you can pull from.
You may consult and implement NOTO's health and safety protocols to help you comply with all the health and safety requirements. This document covers all aspects of the resource-based tourism industry from road-based and fly-in operations to houseboats and campgrounds, and have been vetted by the Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). Simply pull the components that best suit your business model and build your own document. Reach out if you need help.
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Please Complete TIAO's Survey
Data collected will support advocacy efforts to show the continued need for Government support.
TIAO is conducting a survey to collect up-to-date information on the current challenges facing tourism business operations as the province reopens.
As Ontario reopens under Step 1 of the Roadmap to Reopen and prepares to move to Steps 2 and 3 this summer, it is necessary to gather information to demonstrate the tourism industry’s continued need for government support.
To have a chance at long-term economic recovery, continued government support is necessary. After fifteen months of closures, job losses, layoffs, revenue losses, and mounting debt, the tourism industry faces a long process of recovering and rebuilding. As the last industry to recover in Ontario, we need to ensure that reopening does not become a substitute for vital government aid.
The purpose of this survey is to understand what Ontario’s tourism businesses need to recover and rebuild. We seek your assistance in providing this high-level reporting so that we can advocate on your behalf.
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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Tourism SkillsNet North - Here to Help You Find/Train Staff
The Tourism SkillsNet North program will identify workforce labour gaps specific to northern Ontario, design responsive customized training to meet these specific needs, train employees and match them with available job opportunities within Northern Ontario's tourism sector.
The Ontario government is investing $1.25 million through Destination Northern Ontario to identify and train 300 employees and match them with a minimum of 150 employers within Northern Ontario's tourism sector, as tourism operators scale up for the year of the Ontario Staycation. Qualified employers whose businesses have been negatively impacted by the pandemic will be eligible for a 30 per cent wage subsidy up to $3,000 per employee.
Did you know you can use the Tourism SkillsNet North program to help fill your rehiring needs for 2021? If you have employees you’ve had to lay off or let go because of the pandemic and are going to be hiring back as COVID-19 restrictions lift, now is the time to act to ensure you qualify for these special subsidies. With access to 30% of wages, up to a maximum of $3,000 per employee available for qualifying employers, the time to act is now! Any employer can only qualify for up to two positions.
The process is easy - both you and each employee will fill out a quick form on Tourism SkillsNet North and make a note of your potential employee(s) so they can be matched by our team. We will then connect you with local employment organizations who can provide additional assistance, including potential access to other programs, training and subsidies.
Once approved, the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation will work with your incoming staff to give them up to two weeks of specialized, cost-free training, including WHMIS, SmartServe, First Aid, Service Excellent and specialized position training so when the time is right, your staff will arrive energized, empowered, fully trained and ready to go! Even if you get a late start to the season, or are having troubles finding the right employee, you may still be eligible to receive up to a 30% subsidy on hours worked.
To view more information about the program, please click on the button below.
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Tourism Excellence North's Fast Track to Success
Tourism Excellence North (TEN) is now seeking participants for late summer 2021, fall 2021 and winter 2022 intake periods.
Tourism Excellence North's (TEN) Fast Track to Success (FTS) is a one-on-one coaching program, delivered by a skilled consultant retained by Tourism Excellence North (TEN) - called a Training Specialist.
Working with owners and operators at their business during their operating season, over a 24- hour period, the Training Specialist provides practical and useful advice to improve the operation. The coaching opportunity includes a pre-visit survey, on-site visit by the Training Specialist, recommendations that 'can be implemented the next day' and two post-visit opportunities for support.
Delivered to more than 90 tourism businesses since 2016 and valued at over $3,500, there is a fee of $300 for the coaching session with the remainder supported thanks to investments from Tourism Northern Ontario and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. During their visit, the Training Specialists will participate in, stay in, or experience all operations while paying market rates.
What types of businesses are good candidates for the program?
The FTS program is beneficial for many types of operations, including:
- Operations that want to confirm they are 'on track'
- Operations that want help responding to shifting market needs/interests and prepare for the future
- Operations needing assistance with visitor experiences
- Operations wanting objective recommendations to strengthen their overall operation
- Operations under transition. FTS can provide objective advice for operations under transition or thinking about it (i.e. ownership, family succession, new markets/products).
How do I get involved? It's easy!
Questions?
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Forestry Notices
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 latest notices NOTO has received are listed below:
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Invitation to Participate: 2023-2033 FMP for Whiskey Jack Forest - Closes July 1st
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Review of Draft FMP: Kenora Forest - Closes July 5th
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Review of Draft FMP: Ottawa Valley Forest - Closes July 5th
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Review of Draft Forest Management Plan for Kenogami Forest 2021-2031 - Closes June 22nd
- Review of Amendment for Wabigoon Forest FMP - Closes June 30th
- Review of Amendment for Dryden Forest FMP - Closes July 2nd
- Review of Proposed Operation for Abitibi Forest FMP - Closes July 11th
To view the 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.
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A Message from a NOTO Member
Michelle Savoie, Voyageur Wilderness
Hi, Taanishi everyone,
I am so honoured to be 1 of the 4 Finalists (Winners) in the cross Canada Indigenous Share Your Roots Competition. By Sharing our Roots and stories we keep our knowledge and traditions alive - from one generation to the next. Sharing my beautiful Métis culture is uplifting and gives me hope for the future.
Congratulations to my fellow finalists and to all Indigenous peoples – keep sharing as we are all connected.
Maarsii/Thank you for your votes & continued support!
Michelle Savoie
Voyageur Wilderness
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FedNor RRRF Extension Ends This Month
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) for small businesses in Northern Ontario that have sustained COVID-related losses since April 1, 2020, or anticipate losses up until September 30, 2021, has been extended to June 30, 2021.
Applications will be received and processed until the Fund has been fully committed.
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Ontario Tourism & Travel Small Business Support Grant
The Ontario Tourism and Travel Small Business Support Grant is now available. The application portal will remain open until June 25th, 2021. This program will provide grants of $10,000-$20,000 to eligible businesses. Businesses can use this support grant in whatever way makes the most sense for their business.
We have heard from a number of operators that they received their grants over the last two weeks. This is great news!! We have also heard that the application process was simple and only took a very short time to complete once they had the documentation they needed. We are glad to hear of these positive experiences.
If you are having any difficulties or would like to share anything regarding the grant process, please reach out to us here at NOTO.
For more information and details on the grant and what information you will need for your application, please click here.
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Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway
Participating Operators: Take Advantage of the Advertising Opportunities!
Only a handful of participating operators have taken advantage of the free advertising opportunity on Fish'n Canada's website! In order to maximize your exposure through this contest, we highly encourage operators to take advantage of these opportunities! If you have any questions, e-mail kate@noto.net.
Want to Participate? There's Still Time!
Now that we have entered reopening Step 1, you may want to consider reaching out to the domestic market. If you haven't submitted an application yet, you can still do so. We've had over 50 of resource-based tourism businesses submit their packages for this program which highlight the great variety of unique experiences Northern Ontario has to offer! The contest will run until August so it's not too late to join in on the action. Please remember, awarded trips can be fulfilled in 2021 OR 2022.
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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!
If you were a member in 2019 and/or 2020 and have not yet renewed your membership, please note traditional invoices for membership will be sent out in June. This year they will be at the early bird rate.
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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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