COVID-19 Business Newsletter
February 14, 2022
COVID Restrictions Easing Thursday
Ontario will move to its next step of reopening and ease certain public health measures this Thursday, Feb. 17 -- four days earlier than expected, Premier Doug Ford announced today.

The government also plans to remove capacity limits and proof of vaccination requirements for all settings as of March 1st, if public health and health system indicators continue to improve.

Masking requirements will remain in place, and businesses and other settings may continue to require proof of vaccination if they choose.

As of this Thursday, the following will be permitted under the government's 3-step reopening process:

  • Social gathering limits of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors 
  • Organized public event limits of 50 people indoors, no limit outdoors 
  • Removing capacity limits where proof of vaccination is required, including:
  • Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments  
  • Recreational fitness facilities, including gyms; 
  • Cinemas; 
  • Meeting and event spaces, including conference centres or convention centres; 
  • Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and 
  • Indoor areas of settings that choose to opt-in to proof of vaccination requirements. 
  • Capacity limits in other indoor public settings, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, retail and shopping malls, will be maintained at, or increased to, the number of people who can maintain 2 metres of physical distance.

For more details, view the province's full news release.
Free Test Kits Available
COVID-19 test kits for the general public will be available in Walkerton at the Bruce County Public Library as of Wednesday, Feb. 16th. Local pharmacies are also distributing the free tests, but supplies are limited, so please call ahead for availability. Limit one per family.
$10K COVID Relief Grant Applications Open
The Ontario Small Business Relief Grant program, offering $10,000 to eligible businesses forced to close January 5th, is now accepting applications.

The application portal is open until March 11th for small businesses that did not apply, or were not eligible to receive the grant, in 2021. (Those who received it last year do not need to re-apply). Eligible businesses include:

  • Restaurants and bars
  • Fitness centres and gyms
  • Performing arts venues and cinemas
  • Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
  • Meeting or event spaces
  • Tour and guide services
  • Conference and convention centres
  • Driving instruction for individuals
  • Before- and after-school programs


For more information, call 1-855-216-3090 or visit Ontario Business Supports for COVID-19 Costs
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Need business assistance or further information about programs highlighted in this newsletter? Please contact Community Economic Development Coordinator Paulette Peirol at ppeirol@brockton.ca or call 519-881-2223 ext 131. The Brockton Municipal Office is open to the public, and staff are also available by email or phone. We are working diligently to serve the community and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. Updated information about the coronavirus is available on our website, at www.brockton.ca/COVID-19. 
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