In Today's Update
- Message from our Executive Director
- The Great Canadian Getaway Giveaway - Applications, Information Webinar & FAQ
- Ontario Budget Highlights - Great News for our Sector!
- FAQs of the Week - Support Programs
- Early Bird Membership Pricing - Less Than A Week Remaining
- PHU's Moving to New Zones
- CBSA Notice to US Camp Owners
- Federal Program Update: CEBA, CRB Extension
- TIAO Call Next Tuesday and Survey
- TIAC Call to Action to Extend CEWS & HASCAP Survey
- Adapt 2020 Webinar: Tax Help For Small Businesses and Self-Employed Individuals
- Northern Ontario Tourism Training Week - Registration Now Open!
- Get Your Safe Travels Stamp
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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Message From Our Executive Director
Laurie Marcil
After much work and anticipation this with the 2021 Provincial budget was released. In it we see that some of our hard work has paid off but we have more to do. In this newsletter we have provided the highlights that directly impact tourism.
We are pleased to see that crown resource fees will be waived again for 2021 and that the Province has developed a new Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Grant that assist our sector. This new program is not set up to receive applications yet but we will notify our readers as soon as details become available.
Thank you all who participated and lent your voices last week by writing letters and using your social media feeds to call on the Federal Government to extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy. If you didn't have the chance last week to raise your voice, I encourage you to visit the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses website and use the resources on that site to craft your message. These programs are much needed tools in the tool box for this coming season. I know that the rent subsidy does not sound like it can help you because you don't pay rent, however, I encourage you to look into the program as it also covers property taxes, property insurance and interest on commercial mortgages during periods of lockdown. Here's the link: CERS
We will continue this week to press for these programs to continue until at least December 31, 2021 to help you through this year. We will also keep the pressure on to make more of the loans forgivable through the CEBA and the RRRF with longer payback terms. The Federal budget is expected to be announced mid April.
We set for another busy week full of meetings and opportunities to affect change.
Be well
Laurie
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Calling All Northern Ontario Lodges!
We continue to accept applications!
To help support Resource-Based Tourism operators, Fish 'N Canada has developed the Great Ontario Get-Away Give-Away contest in partnership with Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), Destination Ontario, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO), Sunset Country, Superior Country, Algoma Country, and Northeastern Ontario Tourism. Through this contest, we hope to increase awareness of the outdoor products that are offered in the North and encourage more domestic bookings at our lodges.
We continue to accept applications from Northern Ontario operators! 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!
We hope that you will consider putting your business forward!
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Join Us For an Information Session!
Tuesday April 6th, 2021 at 10:00 am EST
Join an information session with Fish 'N Canada, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario and Destination Northern Ontario to learn about the Great Ontario Giveaway Getaway and get answers to your questions.
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FAQ's About the Contest
Q. What is the deadline to submit an application?
A. There is no deadline however we encourage all operators to get in their applications ASAP! The contest will open to individuals on April 1st and the first draw (5 winning individuals and 5 randomly selected lodges) will occur at the end of the month. Participating operators will also be able to take advantage of all the free marketing and exposure through Fish'n Canada's platform as soon as the contest launches. Getting your application in early means you will maximize your exposure through this contest!
Q. Should we include HST in the price we submit with our application?
A. Yes! Please include HST and remember, all prices should be listed in $CAD.
Q. Why do we need to have a Safe Travels Stamp?
A. The Safe Travels Stamp is a world-wide recognized emblem to show that your tourism business has implemented health and safety protocols and that your business is a safe tourism destination. As this stamp becomes the standard around the globe, we want to make sure our industry doesn't get left behind.
Q. Will my Safe Travels Stamp application be denied if I'm still unsure if I will be able to open for the 2021 season?
Here is the clarification we received from TIAO: If an operator plans on opening this year, please have them submit an application. We know things are very fluid right now so the operator will not be penalized if they are unable to open this year. As long as they can show they are preparing for re-opening and implementing NOTO's and/or their local public health unit's protocols, they will be okay.
Q: Why do we need COVID-19 health and safety protocols and what protocols are deemed acceptable for this contest?
A. Under the current Government COVID-19 regulations, all businesses must have a "Safety Plan" which is basically a document or collection of documents which highlight the health and safety measures implemented in your business and your plan in the event someone was to fall ill at your business. NOTO's health and safety protocols cover all of these points and has been vetted by Government.
Q. The form didn't let me submit a 200 word story. Can I send it in a separate document?
A. Yes. We do apologize for this mistake. We acknowledge that the original form had a character limit that did not allow operators to submit a 200 word story. The NOTO staff have fixed this issue in the form which can be accessed using the "View Application" button above. If you have already submitted your application and wish to send in a longer story, please feel free to do so in a separate document. For qualifying lodges, these stories will be used on your business page on the contest website.
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Ontario Budget Highlights - Great News For Our Sector!
In this week's budget announcement, there was some good news for the Resource-Based Tourism Industry! The Government has listened to some of our requests and have made announcements that will help our sector. Please note these programs are not set up to receive applications yet. We will notify our readers as soon as the information on how to apply is available. In the budget, the following was announced
The New Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant:
This grant will provide one‑time payments of $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses. Eligible businesses will include:
- Hotels
- Motels
- Travel Agencies
- Amusement and Water Parks
- Hunting and Fishing Camps
- Recreational and Vacation Camps (e.g., children’s overnight summer camps)
Businesses must demonstrate they have experienced a minimum 20 per cent revenue decline and have less than 100 employees to qualify. More details will be made available soon. Please note: Any small businesses that received the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will not be eligible for this new grant.
Another Year of Relief from Certain Rents and Fees for Resource‑Based Tourism Businesses:
Eligible Commercial Outpost Camps and hunting and fishing outfitters would receive another year of relief from certain rents and fees. This relief will help with the recovery of the sector by supporting businesses that employ residents and contribute to local communities.
Ontario’s Tourism Recovery Program:
The Ontario Tourism Recovery Program is a new $100 million initiative for 2021–22 to help tourism operators, anchor businesses and attractions recover from the impacts of COVID‑19. This initiative will provide support by assisting with costs related to restructuring, safe reopening, recalibrated marketing activities and partnership development.
Additional Funding for NOHFC:
An additional $50 million over the next two years will be allocated to the NOHFC to support investments in infrastructure, culture, economic development and training. These new programs will help increase economic development and promote job creation in all regions of the North.
Ontario Travel Tax Credit:
The Government will provide Ontario residents with support of up to 20 per cent for eligible Ontario tourism expenses to encourage them to discover the province in 2021. The government has set aside $150 million and intends to introduce legislation for a tax credit to encourage residents to explore Ontario when public health experts advise that it is safe to travel.
Doubling the Ontario Small Business Support Grant:
Small businesses who have been determined as eligible recipients of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will automatically be entitled to a second payment in an amount equal to the first payment they received. They will not need to apply again to receive this additional funding.
Other notable announcements made include: Read more!
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FAQs of the Week - Support Programs
Q. Where can I find the application for the new Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Grant?
A. This is a new program that was announced when the budget was presented on Wednesday. Applications and the details will be made available soon. NOTO will let the industry know as soon as we get any information on this grant.
Q. Where do I apply to get the COVID-19 Protocols Grant from the CFDCs?
A. You must contact your local CFDC office to start your application. Eligible expenses may vary by district. To find your local CFDC office, please click here. Applications close March 31st!
Q. Can I apply to receive funding from both the CFDC and FedNor RRRF streams?
A. No, you can not apply to receive the RRRF through both FedNor and the CFDC. You must choose one stream.
Q. Can I apply to receive the RRRF through the CFDCs if I've received the CEBA loan?
You can't apply to receive RRRF funding through the CFDCs if you've received the CEBA loan, however, you can apply to receive RRRF funding through FedNor. You will need to disclose that you have received the loan and must be able to show that you need additional funds.
To view more details on the RRRF program, please click here. Contact your local FedNor representative or CFDC office for more information and to begin your application. The deadline to apply for the RRRF funding through the CFDCs is March 31st. FedNor will continue to accept applications until the Fund is fully allocated.
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Early Bird Membership Pricing
LESS THAN 1 WEEK REMAINING*
Join now or renew your membership to save and be entered for a chance to win the Early Bird Prize!
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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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PHUs Moving into New Colour Zones
Grey-Lockdown
- City of Hamilton Public Health Services
Red-Control
- Eastern Ontario Health Unit
In Northern Ontario, Sudbury and Thunder Bay remain in Lockdown, Northwestern Ontario and Timiskaming remain in Red, and North Bay Parry Sound, Porcupine and Algoma remain in the Yellow Zone.
The following was also announced:
- Effective Monday, March 29, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., changes to the Grey-Lockdown regulations will permit marinas and boating clubs to operate clubhouses or any restaurant, bar and other food or drink establishment for outdoor dining, subject to public health and workplace safety measures.
- Targeted enforcements are being applied, with an enhanced focus in public health regions identified in the Yellow-Protect, Orange-Restrict, Red-Control and Grey-Lockdown levels. This includes conducting field visits to check for compliance with the Reopening Ontario Act.
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The government is modifying the "emergency brake" which would allow the Chief Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the local medical officer of health, to order the immediate reimplementation of the previously lifted provincewide Shutdown measures if a public health region experiences a rapid acceleration in COVID-19 transmission or if its health system is at risk of becoming overwhelmed.
To view the official regulations for the Green, Yellow and Orange Zones, 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. 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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CBSA Notice to US Camp Owners
March 25, 2021
As the summer season approaches, we hope this letter helps provide you with current information that may assist you in your decision making and preparations with respect to opening and operating your camps/lodges for the 2021 season.
The COVID-19 pandemic has required an ever-evolving response from all levels of government and as such the information provided to you today is also likely to evolve in the coming days, weeks and months.
At this time, as the border restrictions continue to be revisited on a 30 day basis, camps/lodges will only be allowed to host Canadian guests.
Foreign Nationals who own a Canadian camp/lodge will continue be allowed to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt work permit at a port of entry, providing their business qualifies to open and their intent is to operate for the 2021 season.
If your camp/lodge typically hosts only US citizen guests, you will need to provide information regarding your business plan should the border restrictions continue to be extended throughout the 2021 season.
Upon being issued a work permit, you will be allowed to enter as an authorized worker, but will be required to follow all federal, provincial and regional regulations in place with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please see the following links for information:
To facilitate safe, effective and timely processing of your work permits we ask that you contact the Port of Entry where you normally cross and they will direct you as to any changes in the process.
Last season Fort Frances and Sault Ste Marie Ports of Entry implemented a pre-screening process for camp owner work permit issuance that proved safe and effective for both our clients and our officers. With that in mind, Fort Frances, Rainy River and Sault Ste Marie Ports of Entry plans to offer a similar process this year.
Telephone number for our Ports of Entry are as follows:
- Rainy River POE – 807-852-3341
- Fort Frances POE – 807-274-3655
- Pigeon River POE – 807-964-3000
- Sault Ste Marie POE – 705-941-3063
Lindsey Norris
Superintendent 16438, Operations Branch
Canada Border Services Agency / Government of Canada
Please Note: NOTO is continuing to look for exemptions for those operators who will be doing their
quarantine in remote locations where compliance with the quarantine requirements will be an issue.
We will keep you posted.
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Federal Support Program Update
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) deadline has been extended from March 31st to June 30th, 2021. This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for the additional $20,000.
The Canada Recovery Benefit has been extended from 26 weeks to 38 weeks and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit from 2 to 4 weeks.
- Workers claiming EI regular benefits can now access up to a maximum of 50 weeks for claims established between September 27, 2020 to September 25, 2021.
- Self-employed workers who have opted in to the EI program to access special benefits are now able to use a 2020 earnings threshold of $5,000, compared to the previous threshold of $7,555.
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TIAO Call - Tuesday March 30th
Next Tuesday's industry stakeholder calls will provide an in-depth look at the details of Wednesday's 2021 Provincial budget announcement. Please see the below details for the call.
COVID-19 Northern Ontario Tourism Industry Update:
Call Time: 11:30 AM EDT
United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679
United States: +1 (571) 317-3116
Access Code: 351-741-813
COVID-19 Tourism Industry Update Call:
Time: 1:00 PM EDT
United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073
United States: +1 (646) 749-3129
Access Code: 357-157-525
Thank you,
The TIAO team.
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REMINDER: TIAO Industry Survey
As we begin to enter the early stages of recovery and a slow reopening of the economy, we know that the catastrophic effects of COVID-19 mean our industry will require prolonged and targeted support to survive a period of adaptation and reduced and limited operations.
Help TIAO shape our message to government on what support you need to secure your business' future and to ensure the tourism industry bounces back stronger than ever. It's never been more important for our industry to be at the decision-making table with a clear and strong message.
Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey, compiled in cooperation with our partners at Navigator, and help us move forward together.
Please note that the survey will be open until 5pm (ET), March 29th, 2021.
Thank you for your participation.
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TIAC - CALL TO ACTION: Send a Letter to Your MP
As part of the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses, we urgently need to keep the pressure on Government to extend and expand its relief programs, specifically CEWS and CERS.
With the federal budget date announced for April 19th, meetings with MPs of all parties are ongoing as we call on the federal government for sector specific support to be included.
To complement and further our efforts, please get involved and show your support for the industry by sending a letter to your local MP at tourismcounts.ca. Simply enter your address, and send!
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TIAC's HASCAP Survey
Please take a moment to fill out a 5-minute survey if you plan on, or have, applied for the HASCAP program. TIAC continues discussions with government about potential improvements to the program.
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Free Tax Help for Small Businesses and
Self-Employed Individuals
April 27th, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST
Presented by: Canada Revenue Agency
Join us for a webinar with Liaison Officers from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to help you understand your tax obligations and more.
Topics include:
* General bookkeeping concepts and best practices
* Common tax errors explained
* How to use financial benchmarks for relevant industries
* More information on the CRA's services
Registration for this webinar will be capped at 20 participants, so don't wait to register!
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Help grow Northern Ontario's tourism industry by joining industry peers and colleagues in our shared pursuit of excellence and success.
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 then 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! We hope you will join us!
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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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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 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
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